FireWire Evo KiteSurfBoard

[windtzu]

I read through all the forums, talked to the shops that sell FireWire...Which to buy, Vader or Evo?

There seems like no “best” answer. Like all gear it depends on the conditions and what I’m looking to do with it.
I weigh in at 160 lbs / @ 70kg, ride strapless in everything from small to med waves (often mushy)to free riding open ocean swells or chop,flat water, whatever I can get out in. looking to replace my 013 5’6 Airush Cypher - light air to 20 plus.

Closeouts on all fw’s. I’ll go with the Evo 5’1. I’m guessing it may get big for freeriding in higher winds but sounds cool in the ample waves with a smaller rig.

Then I thought of pairing the Evo with another and replacing my 2010 Naish 5’7 Global (good in high winds). Anyone’s thoughts on either the smaller Vader 4’11 or Vanguard 5’? My friend “bigger guy” briefly tried the 4’11” Vd and thought it a squirrel for his taste. The vanguard is selling on close out at an attractive price in any case. It may be good choice. Can anyone comment on the 5’ in terms of manuveabilty-turning compared to the larger sizes? Possibly a good high-higher wind board for my weight.

Thanks!

[topmick]

Imo, it's hard to beat one of those old Globals for a high wind board.
In the FW range I think the Vader has most rocker so that would be my pick for high wind.

[Bushflyr]

Then I thought of pairing the Evo with another and replacing my 2010 Naish 5’7 Global (good in high winds). Anyone’s thoughts on either the smaller Vader 4’11 or Vanguard 5’? My friend “bigger guy” briefly tried the 4’11” Vd and thought it a squirrel for his taste. The vanguard is selling on close out at an attractive price in any case. It may be good choice. Can anyone comment on the 5’ in terms of manuveabilty-turning compared to the larger sizes? Possibly a good high-higher wind board for my weight.

What TM said. I really love my Global when the waves get big and the winds are cranking. Definitely don't replace it with a Tomo. A 4'11 vd is WAY too small for a big guy, I think. ~200lbs you'd want to be on a 5'1" and any heavier you'd want to step up to a 5'3".

At 195 my 5'10" Global and a 5'4" VD I feel is pretty much the ideal Tomo/Global quiver. JMO.

[windtzu]

I’m 160lbs but that said I’ll keep the global for now, see how I like the mph FireWire - Evo 5’1
Thanks guys for the feedback.

[unbob]

Can anyone offer comments or feedback re the following recommended Evo sizes? Unfortunately, I don't remember where I obtained this info and so don't have the link - sorry 'bout that. I'm shopping for a new Evo and can't decide on the proper size for me (80kg/176lbs). Thx!

Firewire Evo Size Chart

4'10 x 17.75" x 2" 20L - best for kiters < 160 lbs.

5'1 x 18.5" x 2.25" 24.5L - best for kiters 150-190 lbs.

5'3 x 19" x 2.375" 27.4L - best for kiters > 180 lbs.

[purdyd]

I'm your weight and have the 4' 10". I also have a 5' 6" slingshot celeritas.

So I ride the evo when it is powered up. If you only want one board, I'd lean toward the 5' 1" at your weight.

[unbob]

Here's a thought: If 100-120lb women can ride the 4'10" with no problem - I sure as hell should be A-OK on the 5'1" at 175lbs!!

Does that make sense - or am I missing something??

[purdyd]

Here's a thought: If 100-120lb women can ride the 4'10" with no problem - I sure as hell should be A-OK on the 5'1" at 175lbs!!

Does that make sense - or am I missing something??

You can ride either. If you ride really powered up, get the smaller one. If you ride normally get the 5' 1" and if you are looking for a board to ride when it is really light or like to ride under powered, get the big one.

Like I said, I am your weight and ride the 4' 10" but I take it out when it is powered

Still, it planes up very quickly. i would add about 6" to compare it with a normal surfboard

I am not sure if you are thinking the 5' 1" might be too big or too small, but if you are only using one board, it is probably the right size for you.

[topmick]

I'm 72kg & ride the 5'3 Evo & just use a smaller kite.

[unbob]

You can ride either. If you ride really powered up, get the smaller one. If you ride normally get the 5' 1" and if you are looking for a board to ride when it is really light or like to ride under powered, get the big one.

Like I said, I am your weight and ride the 4' 10" but I take it out when it is powered

Still, it planes up very quickly. i would add about 6" to compare it with a normal surfboard

I am not sure if you are thinking the 5' 1" might be too big or too small, but if you are only using one board, it is probably the right size for you.

Much thanks for your input! I was concerned the 4'10" might be too small - and the 5'1"too big.

I want to ride with a smaller kite and increase my time on the water when the wind is light - so the 5'1" seems my best choice. It would be cool to be out on my 10M Neo in 12kn wind while others are on 12+m kites! Also want one board that will work reasonably well in 12-25kn wind in chop and <6' swell/waves.