Firewire Dominator 2 Review - Best Surfboard For Intermediate Surfers? 🏄‍♂️ | Stoked For Travel

[@StokedForTravel]

Incase you’re looking for something specific; 0:14 Intro 0:46 What's New? 2:02 Who's It For? 2:41 Wave Types 4:02 Dimensions 5:44 Fin Setups 6:51 Helium 2 7:57 One Issue 9:26 Final Thoughts 10:00 Useful Links

[@stevehills8580]

I’ve got the 5’6” and love I also have the glazer which is really fun. What’s the biggest surf you’ve had the DOM 2 in?

[@StokedForTravel]

@@stevehills8580 nice! I wasnt a huge fan of the Glazer myself, much prefer the D2. Size wise I've surfed it in about head and a half, runs so well with the quads!

[@stevehills8580]

@@StokedForTravel thanks! Only surfed it as a quad 1 time I’ll have to give it another go as a quad

[@StokedForTravel]

@@stevehills8580 for me the quad setup is my go to. Unless its chest or below, then I run it as a twinny with a trailer and its heaps of fun!

[@dvk518]

Thanks for the review Chris! The board I am about to buy! What fins exactly did you use when trying it in the quad setup? Cheers

[@denisepierce3136]

Wow I love the organization of this video with the time stamps, transitions, and key details in writing. Awesome editing

[@StokedForTravel]

Thanks heaps Denise! Do like to make it as easy and informative as possible 😊

[@simonecani9194]

Great review It gets to the point and provides all the info you need in just 10 mins 🤙👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@StokedForTravel]

Glad it helped out Simon 😊 are you grabbing one?

[@simonecani9194]

It's definitely on top of my whishlist. I m thinking about the 5'6@@StokedForTravel

[@adamharrington6888]

I am 6’4” and 230 lbs. I’m riding the stock 6’10 with a 3/4mm wetsuit and killing the lacked lineup. I’ve surf this in 2ft soft waves up to 12ft barreling peaks with steep faces and everything in between. I prefer the quads all around, but find the tri fins to hold a power hack a little better without sliding out. Definitely try the quads first and then hit the tri and decide for yourself. I hope you all enjoy this board as much as I am. This is now the only board I surf and hands down the funnest most well rounded board I’ve ever owned.

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked to hear you're loving it Adam! It's nuts how well it works in a huge variety of conditions - just spent a week at URBNSURF wavepool and it's all I surfed across all the wave options and loved it!

[@garrywinthorp8939]

How do you surf at that weight while the average surfer is 155 lbs

[@EuphoricCheese]

You‘re the only one mentioning the rail scuffing. Hands UP! When i got my first seaside in helium 2 , it was insanly bad after putting it in my boardbag a few times.Even at the bottom the first layer bio resin was kind of peeling off. In my opinion it’s not the color, it’s the bio resin.I returned it to FireWire. They said it‘s a production falt. Wondering if it‘s the same with helium one and we just don‘t see it. Bought a new one now and try to put it in a sock instead of a bag, was quiet a tight fit. How does your dominator look right now???

[@StokedForTravel]

Glad you appreciate the honesty and also glad to hear it's not just me that flagged that issue up! Interesting theory on the bio resin side of things, will have to look into that! I must say it didnt get heaps worse, but I've now sold the D2 and I'm riding the Mashup as my daily driver. Slight issue with scuffs but nowhere near as bad thankfully! Let me know how you get on with your replacement!

[@netaro1890]

Hey I’m looking at getting the dominator 2. I’m currently own the seaside 5’11 at 41 litres. My height is 182 cm and I was 97 kgs (213 lbs). Is the dominator 6’6 going to be too large for me? Or should I be going for the 6’4 size? Cheers

[@StokedForTravel]

A lot of the sizing is going to come down to your skill level and the waves you surf. If you mid to high level intermediate (which ideally you will be to get the most out of the board), on the D2 I'd be looking to drop down a bit to get the most performance, so I'd go 6'4 and give yourself some space to progress into and challenge yourself :)

[@MrMcdonaldsss]

Hey Chris quick Q? Are you sponsored in any way by firewire? Or do you buy all your boards and are just a huge fan of their boards?

[@StokedForTravel]

Hey there! Nope, in no way affiliated or sponsored by Firewire, buy them all myself (some new, some second hand) and just enjoy what they’re creating 😊🤙

[@MrMcdonaldsss]

Thanks Chris!@@StokedForTravel

[@StokedForTravel]

@@MrMcdonaldsss no worries!

[@longturn99]

Great review Chris. What board would you say paddles better Mashup or Dom 2??

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked you like it Syd! Tough call on that comparison, they’ve both got great paddle power to be honest! Maybe Mashup by the tiniest fraction!

[@arrenquezada6566]

Hey man, killer reviews! Love the detail and thoroughness - they've been helpful as I narrow down my options. I'm currently at the lower intermediate level and have been surfing a 7"0 (48L) comfortably. I'm looking for my next board that will help me continue to transition towards a shortboard and get the hang of turns, while providing the versatility to surf in knee-high to OH waves across conditions. So far, I've narrowed my choices to (1) the DHD Black Diamond, (2) Firewire Dominator 2.0 and (3) HS Hypto Krypto. Which of these would you most recommend?

[@StokedForTravel]

Hey Arren, stoked to hear the reviews have helped you out and you've got 3 solid choices there. Personally I'd say the D2 is going to be the best option for progressing your turns (as long as you don't overside it), and still has a really good wave range. The Mashup might also be worth adding into the mix as well

[@aaronhernandez9286]

Really enjoyed your review looking forward to the next one.

[@StokedForTravel]

Happy days! Hypto krypto twin review is now live 😊

[@dkilla01]

Love your reviews, they're are always solid, thanks for posting!!!!!!

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked you like them Miguel 😊🤙

[@markpaulwildfire]

Thanks for all the reviews! I'm 180cm and 75kg intermediate for Portugal waves(punchy beach breaks). What do you reckon 5'10 or the 5'11 size wise? Intermediate surfer going about 1-2 times per week. Waves between 1-2 meters generally

[@StokedForTravel]

I'd probably lean towards the 5'10 option, although it would depend slightly on the dims or what you're currently riding at the moment as well

[@markpaulwildfire]

Thanks so much for the response@@StokedForTravel!! Actually im riding an old dominator 1 5'10 34 liters of volume and im excited about the dom 2 given more performance. Also did you try surfing this in like head high to over head?

[@StokedForTravel]

@@markpaulwildfire ah nice, it'll be a good upgrade! Indeed I surfed it to about head juts overhead and in some punchier surf and it went really well :)

[@benemeraldmarkwell]

Like the video! How would you compare to the Pyzel Phantom XL? What’s your preference?

[@StokedForTravel]

I’ve checked out the Phantom XL but have to admit I haven’t ridden one yet. Based on the outline and dims I’d say the D2 is going to offer better performance - especially in bigger surf.

[@amif2006]

Hi Chris, which fins you use (just bought the 6.2 version )….

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked for you Ami! So I've gone through a few quad setups and to be honest they've all worked great. Currently using the Futures Alpha quad setup, but I'm eyeing up the new Rasta Quads as a replacement

[@marctorredemer5311]

Nice review! I just got one at 5,7 (29,4L) as I'm 72KG. What fcs2 fin model do you recommend as quad? And tri fin?

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked you like the review Marc, how you finding the board so far? My go to FCS2 set was the JS tri-fin, however I’ve not tested those on the Dominator. The obvious choice would be the Dan Mann fin, which were launched alongside the board; www.surffcs.com.au/products/fcs-ii-firewire-tri-fins Hope that helps and let me know which fins you decide on 🤙

[@Drohead20]

Great vid! Currently riding the seaside in 5”10. Trying to decide which size to get this board in. Really torn between 6”1 and 6”2. I’m the same size as you, and love volume.

[@StokedForTravel]

stoked you enjoyed it Pedro! I'm loving the 6'1 option, however given the size you're riding the Seaside at the 6'2 would feel a bit more familiar. If you're looking for a bit more performance though the 6'1 comes highly recommended

[@schtisoo]

Puddle jumper hp or D2? The pjhp in 5'8 has a little more volume (33) than the D2 (30.1). I'm 5'5 and 155lbs. Lower end intermediate (bottom turn, down the line), want to learn cut backs. 2nd, so you have a comparison to the MR x Lost California twin?

[@StokedForTravel]

So both are going to be solid options, but if potential op for the D2 in a 5’9 or 5’10 for a bit of extra volume. Main difference is the wave range - PJHP taps out around head high in personal experience, but will hoover up waves, D2 you can push much further, but it is a slightly more advanced board. I’d leave the Cali Twin out of the mix on this decision - the other two are going to help you progress much easier 🤙

[@scotthardiman3469]

Got a Seaside for those smaller days and considering picking up a Dominator 2 to cover 3-6ft wave range. Do you think it’s a good board to have in your quiver alongside a seaside? I’m 5”10 and 73kg probably early intermediate, what size would you recommend? Cheers

[@StokedForTravel]

Hey Scott, they’re a pretty good combo, especially if you want something with a bit more top to bottom surfing in bigger conditions. What size Seaside are you riding at the moment?

[@scotthardiman3469]

@@StokedForTravel I’m currently riding a 5”9 seaside just trying to work out what size Dominator would be a good fit for me

[@StokedForTravel]

@@scotthardiman3469 If you're getting on fine with the Seaside at that sizing, I would say the 6'1 D2 would be a good fit. You're dropping down some volume, but in the long run that's really going to help you progress. If you do want a tad more foam, the 6'2 would be a good shout too

[@chrro466]

Good review. Concise and relevant. I had one of these in the oLd FST construction surfed it for 6 solid years before the deck delaminated. Wondering how this helium tech will stand up to time. I’m considering a seaside. But have heard they yellow and wear rapidly???

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked you found it helpful Chris! Sounds like the FST model was a solid investment! Helium is certainly hard wearing, but I have to say they do yellow unfortunately 😞 You won’t go wrong with the D2 or Seaside - but if you want more performance based turns I’d say the D2 is the best option, both heaps of fun though! 🤙

[@12ffoeg]

Awesome review!! What's its paddling ability like? Living on the east coast of New Zealand where the waves have no power to them, so need something that can still catch waves easy. The wide point looks pulled back compared to most small wave performance boards, so can it still offer good wave count in weak waves? (don't like to just up the volume to catch waves because I'm so light the extra volume hinders my turns, so need boards with good paddle ability in the design) Thanks

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked you like it Geoff! Board has really good paddle power actually - I was pleasantly surprised! The helium build gives it a bit of extra float too which will help and it’s a solid choice from waist/chest upwards 🤙

[@12ffoeg]

@@StokedForTravel thanks for the reply. keep up the good work. really helpful stuff

[@StokedForTravel]

@@12ffoeg always happy to help bro!

[@jonathanmartin4506]

Hey man what an amazing review! So much detail here, you've really covered all the bases. I been riding a Lost Quiver Killer past few years 5'11 31.5 Litres. I have been looking at getting a Dominator 2 for a while but seen so many different interpretations on how big or small you should go, some people saying lots of float and some saying maybe go a bit bigger. I'm pretty similar in height and weight to you is the 6'1 the one? I don't wanna get something too big and it be boggy in the turns but wanna be catching all the waves!

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked you like the review Jonathan! Personally I always overfoam my boards a bit and find the 36 litre mark works for me. If you’re comfortable on 31.5L I would probably say don’t go all the way to 36 but add a few extra in there as it’ll boost the small wave fun! Also keep in mind that as an epoxy it’ll feel a little more floaty! I hope that helps, let me know how you get on with it, such a fun board! 🤙

[@pedropacheco1404]

Great review! Thanks a lot. I wonder if does make sense to have the seaside and add this one to the quiver? I'm looking for a everyday board with a bit more of performance, something more for the winter waves in Portugal (normal waves, 3-5 ft up to a maximum of 7ft)?

[@StokedForTravel]

I’d say it’ll sit really nicely alongside the Seaside - two very different sticks and the D2 certainly ticks your boxes for an everyday performance board. I’ve since tried it with a twinny and trailer too, which is now my go to setup when it’s up to shoulder high 🤙

[@krishtayable]

I love this board but wish i bought a 5’7 as im only 152cms and 46kgs ( but weak paddler) .. i have a 5’9 but finding it too wide for me and too much volume

[@StokedForTravel]

Oh no! it does certainly pack quite a bit of volume up front so sizing it correctly will make a big difference to how it turns

[@brandoncuts82]

Sounds good I know most board shapers say these same things about there special designs but the truth is when I get it on the water and I know when I know

[@StokedForTravel]

for sure, it's all about how the board feels under your feet for your style and wave choice. The D2 certainly fits what I need!

[@joshstevensdesign5506]

Great review, super useful :)

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked it helped you out 🤙

[@alessandroremoscolagagliar298]

hi, I was thinking about the D2 in version 6.2, I'm 6.1 for 84kg intermediate level, currently I use a 7.0 md6 HI 40lt and a Simons Anderson face dancer 6.5 36lt, most of my surf is a beach break with many closeouts and less often reefpoint, I wanted to lower the size of the board and increase the performance a little, alternatively I thought of the Sunday by Machado 6.0 a little simpler perhaps, which board would you recommend? are sunday and D2 rockers suitable for very closeout waves? I surf the Canary Islands, thank you

[@StokedForTravel]

Personally I'd say the Sunday isn't going to be the right option. The D2 is going to be a solid choice, but I'm also in the process of reviewing the new Firewire Mashup as well, and honestly I think that would be even better than the D2! If you do go for the D2 I would probably drop the size a little more - the 6'1 would be a solid fit

[@alessandroremoscolagagliar298]

thanks for the answer, I agree with you, I tried the Sunday 7.0 for some time, clearly another board than the 6.0, but in my beachbreak it had the problem of getting stuck many times when the conditions were not perfect and during the takes off a little more vertical as in closeouts for example. Thanks for letting me know about the mashup, I will wait for your review to see if it can be a better alternative to D2, when will you do it? thank you

[@StokedForTravel]

@@alessandroremoscolagagliar298 yeah the Sunday is certainly better suited to more mellow waves! Blog review will hopefully be live in the next few days, video I'm aiming for next week :) looks like a solid board for anything up to head high though

[@alessandroremoscolagagliar298]

hello, I read the Mashup review and it looks like a great board, in small to medium waves even better than the D2, but in my case, surfing a lot of waves not too big, but quick and closeout often, you think the mashup could be the same a better choice or perhaps the D2 remains the best choice? I guess that's not an easy answer 😅 thanks bye!

[@StokedForTravel]

@@alessandroremoscolagagliar298hmmmmm tough call! If it's under head high and not super hollow, I'd go with the Mashup. Absolutely loving it! Written review is now live by the way: www.stokedfortravel.com/review-firewire-mashup/

[@maryannfaithful]

just came across this video as I try and decide. I'm an intermediate currently at a mid length 6'6" 40L board, aiming for better duck diving and turns. Worried about dropping too much foam. i'm only 61 kg- will the 6'1 be too much of a change? I should be riding smaller but I'm old and slow🤭. Teetering between the 6'1 and 6'2"

[@StokedForTravel]

I'd say if you're really looking to improve the performance and duck dive ability of a board then the 6'1 would be a solid choice. Sure it'll be a bit of an learning curve, but at 61kg that should be more than enough board underneath you. Would also be worth looking at the new Mini Moe from Thunderbolt as well in a 6'6 :)

[@SamuT79]

Hello!! Thanks for your videos!! Can you tell me the differences riding D2 on a quad or 2+1 (twin fins + trailer)? Example wave range, maniobrability (I Guess 2+1 is looser than a quad), generate speed..... Your opinión in general. What is your opinión? THANKS

[@StokedForTravel]

For me the 2+1 option is my go to in smaller waves, up to about head high and makes the board alot more lively and loose. For puncher waves or bigger conditions the quad set is epic for speed and control. I like swapping between both to be honest!

[@SamuT79]

@@StokedForTravel I Will try 2+1 further on. Right now I am riding my new Spitfire (similar to D2) and I m going to learn as quad to have a bit more of Drive or stability....and further I Will try the 2+1 and see how it goes as you said in smaller conditions. THANKS and hello from Spain

[@xavimartinez8009]

@@SamuT79 probaste con 2+1?? Yo unas feather fins i me va fatal. Sin control

[@SamuT79]

@@xavimartinez8009 probastes tipo twin fin o 2+1? Yo solo probé quad....pero pocas veces... Lo que es quad me gustaría tambien probarlas con quillas más pequeñas para olas pequeñas...

[@xavimartinez8009]

@@SamuT79 2+1 es la configuración que tenía en la astro pop y era simplemente brutal. Probé en la dominator2 y es incontrolable. Con una 2+1 de feather fins. Ahora me dejaran probar unas deflow.....me han dicho que las de futures le van bien. A ver si encontramos las que le vayan bien. 2+1 personalmente me encanta

[@DarkWillg21]

Would you recommend this or a Pyzel Phantom to sit above a groveller?

[@StokedForTravel]

The Phantom was actually another board that I considered - but I’m super stoked I went with the Dominator 2. For me the Helium build is ideal 🤙

[@StokedForTravel]

@Ted Anthony Young indeed a tough one! Apart from the issues with the rails I don't have any regrets about the Dominator 2 though and it's been heaps of fun!

[@daviddraper8732]

I'm deciding between those two as well! Anyone else ridden both?

[@StokedForTravel]

@@daviddraper8732 let me know which you decide!

[@daviddraper8732]

@@StokedForTravel Will do!

[@jose2x784]

Hi great review! what quad fin template are you using?

[@StokedForTravel]

stoked you enjoyed it! I've used a few quad templates in it (unfortunately managed to damage a few fins!) currently using the Futures Alpha F8 in the front with the Futures H2 quad rears in the back. Seems to go really well with most templates!

[@jose2x784]

@@StokedForTravel thank you 👍

[@jose2x784]

@@StokedForTravel Did you mean HS quad? I couldn't find H2 on Futures website. btw, if your Alpha fins weren't damaged, would you still use the whole set ? or there is a reason to change to rear ones?

[@StokedForTravel]

@@jose2x784 sorry just double checked this and I'm currently using the QD 4" rears. I was using another set of quad fronts (which got damaged on the rocks at Lennox!) so just have the Alpha thruster set for the sides - but the standard Alpha Quad set would work a treat too I reckon. The Rasta Quad set looks like it might be my next choice though!

[@jose2x784]

@@StokedForTravel thanks!

[@lukeroman2445]

fantastic job on review and organization. one key thing living in a spot with 9/10 days onshore wind slop waves. please cover if board performs in choppy sloppy contiditon.. I am guessing since it's a single to double it should do well(not sure how the helium construction does in chop tho thinking it might be bouncy?).. but if you can surf on those sloppy days it would be good input to get.

[@StokedForTravel]

good question Luke! To be honest I haven't used it in haps of onshore slop (been pretty lucky with swell since I got it!) but what I would say is the Helium tech is pretty light, so as you've rightly pointed out that might not be ideal for your local conditions and it can be a bit "chattery" in bumpy conditions. Might be worth trying to borrow any board in Helium and seeing how it feels before you drop the dollar!

[@AnonYmous-vu1lw]

My experiance is its such a stiff board it likes smooth face. Surfed some overhead windy chunk this morn and found very little forgiveness in a bit of lump.

[@derekbugden-brown23]

Compared to the spitfire how has the dominator 2.0 improved?

[@StokedForTravel]

So I haven’t actually surfed the original Spitfire, but based on the outline and reviews I’ve read, the D2 will have a better wave range in the smaller side of things

[@jasons5390]

How does this board compare to the hypto krypto? I know you're not the biggest fan of the hypto

[@StokedForTravel]

Personally I much prefer the D2 over the Hypto - it paddles just as well but has a lot more manoeuvrability and versatility in my opinion. Great daily driver and the Helium tech is super solid. There's also the Firewire Mashup due to launch in Feb which is worth checking out: www.stokedfortravel.com/firewire-mashup-leak/

[@jasons5390]

@@StokedForTravel Thanks for the input, how would you say the D2 goes in smaller waves? Headed to Mexico in March, it'll likely be somewhat small, guy has a Dominator and or D2 I can rent.

[@StokedForTravel]

@@jasons5390 anything waist high and above it goes really well - I'd set it up as a quad if it is a bit smaller :)

[@mateoOC]

Hey man can you duck dive this board easily in regards to your weight and volume ratio?

[@StokedForTravel]

Hey Mateo! Yeah I have no worries duck diving it 😊

[@mateoOC]

@@StokedForTravel cool thanks a lot!!

[@StokedForTravel]

@@mateoOC no worries!

[@davidhowardkiwisurfer3997]

Hi have you tried the Firewire Hydroshort? If so how does this compare to that?

[@StokedForTravel]

Can’t say I have yet unfortunately David

[@davidhowardkiwisurfer3997]

@@StokedForTravel No worries man, I bought a secondhand Hydroshort and it may be a few litres to light, especially with the waves we usually get here. I will keep looking. Awesome channel!!

[@StokedForTravel]

@@davidhowardkiwisurfer3997 fair play! From what I can tell from the board dims and outline the D2 looks slightly higher volume and a bit more forgiving

[@kdenbeaches808]

This or seaside as a one board quiver?

[@StokedForTravel]

Ooooo that’s a tough one! Personally I feel like the Dominator 2 is a bit more versatile but the Seaside is heaps of fun as well!

[@rodbarrett1581]

Just when I do all my research and am ready to pull the trigger on a new board I see another really good board review that I never even knew about that totally ruins everything. . Now I'm back to square one. It doesn't help that many boards are very similar and offer the same possibilities. Now to mull this board over for the next week.

[@StokedForTravel]

Hahahaha sorry Rod! Which boards are you considering at the moment and where do you want them to fit in your quiver?

[@rodbarrett1581]

@@StokedForTravel I am building a new quiver. I need a daily go to, a groveler , and a step up for the 2 days a year it's good. I pretty much have the grovel board but searching for that beauty that I can take out in waistt to head high but can still hang when the swell starts building mid session. Surf mostly san diego crap. After 9 a.m it's usually windy and has a lot of chop. Certain beach breaks I surf can be punchy and slabby with steep air drops when the tides change. Something forgiving yet has ability to turn and deliver performance on 6hoserare days where I am surfing really good. Looking at rocket v3, dhd black diamond( your suggestion) and a neck beard in spine tech. Cheers!

[@StokedForTravel]

@@rodbarrett1581 personally I think the Dominator 2 is going to tick all those boxes for you. It's my go to for a huge variety of conditions and can certainly handle the bigger, suckier stuff as much as it can the chest high swell too. Twinny with a trailer really loosens it up in smaller, cleaner conditions and the quad setup is my go to for anything outside that 🤙

[@rodbarrett1581]

@@StokedForTravel I will go look at one if I can find one. Thanks for the suggestion. Cheers.

[@nursecuenca]

I only have money for 1 surfboard. It's between el tomo fish or dominator 2.0. Which would you recommend. I surf Huntington Beach California. Thanks. Enjoy your videos

[@StokedForTravel]

Cards on the table - I've not surfed the Tomo Fish, but have a few friends who really enjoy it. My bias stick with the D2 though as it's just been so much fun in a huge variety of conditions!

[@shaunjej1855]

Not sure whether to go this or the Glazer.

[@StokedForTravel]

I’ve actually been testing out the Glazer over the last week and I definitely prefer the Dominator 2 - it’s a much more versatile board and handles a larger range of conditions 🤙

[@shaunjej1855]

@@StokedForTravel Nice one. Sound advice. Now the only issue is trying to get one!

[@StokedForTravel]

@@shaunjej1855 yeah I hear they're in short supply at the moment! I know Oz has another shipment coming in this week though

[@4ndrewthe]

What are your thoughts on lib tech?

[@StokedForTravel]

Really solid construction and one of the more environmentally friendly options too. only issue is limited availability in stock and board models unfortunately! Well worth it if you can find the board you want though! 🤙

[@4ndrewthe]

@@StokedForTravel appreciate the reply, thanks.

[@StokedForTravel]

@@4ndrewthe no worries!

[@kai_surfs7701]

It's so disappointing that people miss out on the hydroshort because of the nose shape :(

[@StokedForTravel]

Yeah it’s an interesting looking board hey? I’m guessing you recommend it?

[@dkilla01]

can you review the firewire sci fi 2.0?

[@StokedForTravel]

It’s on my to do list Miguel 😊

[@Dill_doh]

How is tube riding?

[@StokedForTravel]

Can certainly handle some punchier, hollower conditions - so I wouldn't think twice about pulling in on it!

[@kilian502]

Can you do a video with a comparison of the puddle jumper hp vs. dominator 2?

[@StokedForTravel]

Good idea! But incase you want that info early - main difference is the wave range. HP really only feels solid up to head high whilst the D2 goes much bigger. D2 overall is more performance based abs versatile, but the HP is a super fun grovellor board for sure!

[@stanshieh]

Has anyone tried dhd black diamond ?How is it compare to D2?

[@StokedForTravel]

Personally I wasn’t a huge fan of the Black Diamond and I definitely prefer the feel and performance of the D2 🤙

[@stanshieh]

I noticed no one put good words about dhd bd but I I can't get a D2 from my dealers here. So I wonder what's wrong with dhd bd? They look so similar.

[@StokedForTravel]

@@stanshieh where are you based Stanley? You can potentially order from Firewire online. Personally I just didn't like the way it felt and it didn't paddle very well. Also for me I much prefer the release of a squash tail over a rounded pintail too. They might look slightly similar, but they surf very differently.

[@abroadonaboard]

Those rails definitely look navy! 👀

[@StokedForTravel]

Yup, definitely not black! 🤣

[@Ordinary-Dad-MTB]

@@StokedForTravel yep, just gone mine and they’re navy too in the right light.. thanks for the review, it helped my purchase.

[@StokedForTravel]

@@Ordinary-Dad-MTB good to hear it's not just mine!haha! Stoked the review helped you out - enjoy it!

[@jaydondevaux9892]

That boards looks like I would be a pain to fix a ding. Especially on the rails

[@StokedForTravel]

I had to fix a couple dings on one of my older Firewires and it's certainly best left to a pro shaper! But you're right, the coloured rails aren't going to be an easy match up

[@jaydondevaux9892]

@@StokedForTravel Thanks for the response. When you live on a small Caribbean island like I do there are no professional shapers to fix your dings.😅 love your channel by the way, new subscriber here!🤙

[@StokedForTravel]

@@jaydondevaux9892 awwww savage! Still, it might be a good business opportunity for you 😜 Glad you liked the channel! Which island are you on by the way?

[@jaydondevaux9892]

@@StokedForTravel I’m from St.Lucia🇱🇨. I love repairing and working on boards. In fact I have some supplies on the way. Again limited supplies available here due to the lack of demand. Seriously considering a little business out of it.

[@mrmr314]

Mann's no-rocker boards don't really go. They're okay in certain conditions. They don't really paddle faster or get into waves easier. And if you're taking steep late drops or doing section turns you want some rocker. You are 6' but only 80kg? That's light for a normal Australian adult male (although you seem to be English?). Anyway your reviews are superior to everyone else except Noel Salas from SoCal. Some of the other board reviews in KZbin are a total waste of time. Personally I'd like to see the Mashup's widest point brought back below half way, keeping the Mashup's rocker. The Dominator II is too flat throughout, but its widest point is in a better position than the Mashup. MANN ARE YOU LISTENING?

[@StokedForTravel]

I disagree - I've found both the D2 and Mashup paddle heaps well and are also pretty forgiving in mushier stuff. The Mashup certainly taps out a lot earlier than the D2, but for me at least the D2 went great in bigger punchier stuff too, Mashup certainly wasn't designed for bigger stuff though! The new FRK+ might also be worth checking out if you want more performance though. Glad you like the reviews and indeed Noel is a legend with his - surfs so good!

[@nicoschindele887]

Test (Comment lost?)

[@StokedForTravel]

Hey Nico - can’t see a previous comment from you 😞 keen to hear what you had to say!

[@nicoschindele887]

Hey Chris! Thanks for the great review. I was hoping my comment would come back some miraculous way but it didnt... So here we go again: I was actually about to buy a Firewire Greedy Beaver (6´2), Aloha Fun Division Small (6´4) or Maluku Flying Frog (6´4) as I do own a 6´ Fish ( thesurfboardwarehouse.co.nz/collections/surfboards/products/flying-fish-clear-skin-funboard ) which I like for the volume it has but I find it a little too short. I´m from Germany and mostly surf the Atlantic Ocean, but only once a year for like 6 weeks which might explain my weak paddeling skills (the fact that I´m quite lazy back home might subsidize that haha). I´m 6´2 at 78kgs and my skill level is intermediate, being bit of a sissy - overhead is the maximum, and searching for a board in between the fish mentioned earlier and the 7´4 Minimal I bought from Munro back in Byron. The fish I have is at 42.5l the max volume I am able to duckdive but still ease to paddle so I thought I might go for sth a little lower than that but also some bit longer. 6´4 is the maximum length I can easily take on flights. A 2+1 setup will ask me more to do the right motion for the turn I want to do and as I want to improve my surfing I thought that might be the right way. I surfed a couple thruster and quad fishes and all em were super turnative which felt like I might not be doing turns properly. And now, after being quite shure I´m doing the right thing, you come over and show me that there´s hybrid boards (except the hypto which in 6´4 is probably only a mutant version of the intended size made for marketing purposes) that have also have the volume and size I´m searching for - which made me quite insecure again :D Sooo... Which of the mentioned boards would you choose in my case - or might I really better go with sth like the Dominator? Wouldn´t the 6´4 Dominator be hard to control as it´s way above the size I needed if I was a good paddler? So many questions, so much confusion... Thanks in advance mate!

[@StokedForTravel]

@@nicoschindele887 Hey Nico! Tough decision hey? Personally out of all the boards you've mentioned I'd say the Greedy Beaver would be a pretty solid option as it's essentially a shorterned longboard and is heaps of fun to ride. Chuck a quad setup in it and it's really fast and lively! The other options like Puddle Jumper HP, Phoenix and Dominator 2 - if you simply go for the bigger sizes you wont necessarily retain the same performance and feel as those style of boards aren't meant to be ridden at the bigger sizes unless you're a bigger guy - if that makes sense? I'd opt for the Greedy Beaver for now, work on your paddle power and then downsize once your skills suit a short, more performance board. I hope that all helps! 🤙

[@bonsummers2657]

Surf it.

[@StokedForTravel]

Super fun board for sure and I’ve enjoyed heaps of sessions on it over the last few years 🤙

[@tezf6883]

Footage of you on the white noiz please?

[@tezf6883]

You said White noiz is silky smooth surf it, footage please and ill be the judge of that.