I see the Hellfire now comes as 5'10" has anyone here demoed it?

How about a 6 or 6'2" Hellfire for the bigger guys. Would be nice to able to surf with it as well. Also, any way to trim some of the weight? They still feel too heavy.

One thing to keep in mind with Firewire boards vs. traditional surfboards is they have a number shapes with lots of volume that are designed to be ridden shorter (much shorter in some cases) than your standard surfboard. For instance the Hellfire's are considered a "performance hybrid" and the conversation should turn more towards volume than length. Example, I used to never surf anything smaller than a 6'0" tri through years of competing at the pro/am level. However the 5'6" Hellfire has enough volume to easily allow me to paddle it in overhead surf. It's a big shift in how you think about boards and what you want to use them for. But once you know your number in terms of volume it opens up new doors for boards regardless of length. The general rule for the kite specific line that works for most but still depends on skill level is:

Under 185lbs/81kg
5'6" Hellfire 24.5l (light wind/everyday board)
5'8" KDM dominator 31l (light wind)
5'11" KP1 ~23.2l (high performance)
6'2" KFE 28.5l (larger surf)

Over 185lbs/81kg
5'8" KDM dominator 31l (everyday board)
5'10" KHF Hellfire 29.4l (light wind/everyday board)
5'11" KP1 ~23.2l (high wind)
6'0" KQF 28.5l (light wind/everday board)
6'2" KFE 28.5l (high wind/everyday board)

And all of these models except for the KP1 and KFE give you the flexibility of a 5 fin box setup allowing you to configure the board as a quad or a tri. This adds another variable as typically quads will go upwind better, are faster down the line and tri's will turn tighter in the pocket but may require a tad more kite. At the end of the day you have a lot of options even within the kite lineup which are constructed extremely well for kite use. Or you can delve into the myriad of options on the surf specific lineup of boards they offer but be realistic with expecations on longevity of the board if you are jumping or really hard on the boards. The FST build holds up a little better than rapifire for kiting on.

Hope this helps...

I am 168 pounds and just got the Hellfire 5'6" and have ridden it twice--first time on my 12m with about 11-15 mph and then on my 9m in 16 - 20 mph. I also just tried the 5'11" Hellfire. I ride strappless.

I am extremely stoked on the 5'6" and will be using it as my everyday board. (Prior to riding it, it looked more like a step-up board for 9m and higher winds, but found that it is quite floaty for its size and can ride it in almost anything. I road it as a 4 fin and found it to go up wind exceptionally well--more so than my other four fin boards.

The thing turns on a dime. I kite in OC and San Diego, where it is generally straight on shore so if want to hit the lip, you come in on the wave going upwind and have to then turn 180 degrees to go downwind and then hit the lip. This is where a tri fin usually shines, but I found that even on the four fin setup the thing turned amazing.

I'm also stoked on the Future Fin systems. I have broken my share of FCS boxes (both of their box styles)--and not running into the sand or reef. The future boxes also don't pickup the seaweed like the FCS fins.

I'm going to get the 5'11 hellfire for light days and probably the KP1 for really good surf. The things are also bullet proof. I don't even get any pressure or heal dents--and don't always come down all nice.

5'8'' spitfire!

All of them. Firewire custom makes surfboards every day. Tell me why I can't push a button and get one of their surf shapes laid up with extra glass. I don't even need strap inserts...

TooMuchEpoxy,

Good question. That is a valid point we can bring up...but realistically probably won't happen for a while....but worth exploring as that would be the ultimate!

Carlsbadkiter is referencing the 5'10" Hellfire...for clarification.

IBLocalSurfer,

Weight is not too heavy. They may feel 'heavier' under your arms, but until you ride them, you will not be able to give a positive review. The added weight is not even noticeable when you are powered and actually helps with choppy conditions. It goes top to bottom with ease and surfs insane.

To all,

The 5'10" Hellfire is a crossover hybrid. A lot of folks mention the Spitfire...well the Hellfire has roots from the Spitfire and is a step up in performance and shape. If you liked the Spitfire, you will like the HELLFIRE....the name comes from the Dominator and Spitfire...

The 5'10" works well in a variety of conditions. It is awesome for bigger guys and works insane in light conditions. In my honest opinion, the 510 Hellfire is a better ride for light conditions then even the Dominator, so take that into consideration. I am 220 lbs and this is my primary board. I have gotten about 5-10 hours of riding on it and I am blown away by everything from the performance to the ease of upwind (as a quad setup) in lighter conditions. I to live in the Southern Cal region where I depend on specific equipment because I am not blessed with 7M-9M conditions constantly.

Now what is interesting is that the 5'6" Hellfire works closely with the 5'10". I usually ride the 5'6" in 18 mph+ with no problem. The shape of the Hellfire and volume as noted above by SCkitesurf plays a huge role in today's shape. Length is almost irrelevant if the volume is there between the glass. With that, it is opening up the doors to better shapes.

If you haven't decided on a Firewire board, I urge you to try the 5'6" or 5'10" Hellfire. They are incredible shapes and perform insane in the surf. If you are pushing the 200 lb mark, don't be afraid to jump 4" in length and added volume for the 5'10"!

I'm a vintage (read old) Mako King rider looking to switch to a true surfboard. At 190lbs, would the Hellfire be a good choice and what size would be appropriate? Winds and surf I'd care to ride in are between 18-30mph and up to 6' Hawaiian.

Thanks

Kupono, the 5'10" Hellfire would be a good move. It will feel a lot different than you Mako, but should be a solid platform to work from as you transition to a directional.

I just ran across a FireWire Flexfire FST 5'10. The guy was having it fixed so his kid could trade it in on another board. I snagged it on the spot. Great price and beautiful looking board. I am 5'10 160lbs and will use it in clean surf in Puerto Rico. I started strapless last season and have been riding a Resin 8 Sam Egan 6'1. Wanted to go a bit smaller. Anyone kited this model?