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Firewire Vader

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Galeltic
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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby Galeltic » Fri Jan 15, 2016 11:20 pm

TomW wrote:I have not ridden a vanguard, Vader or Evo from Tomo. But I made a copy of an Evo, and I ride shitty chop and wind waves up to 2 m. It's great board. I have 2011 Celeritas, 200 sessions, and Spacepickel, 60 sessions Evo copy, 60 sessions, wayyyyyy better.

Thing is, what's wrong withvthem Duke? Or you just experimental?
pink u used as it mean u are gay ? :jump:
dont forget what it mean happy ? :naughty: :nono: :jump:

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby WMFG » Sat Jan 16, 2016 10:55 pm

Good comparison of the Vader and Vanguard (featuring some nice WMFG Traction I might add) here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pbhzs0 ... e=youtu.be

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby windtzu » Sun Jan 17, 2016 5:42 pm

WMFG wrote:Good comparison of the Vader and Vanguard (featuring some nice WMFG Traction I might add) here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pbhzs0 ... e=youtu.be

Matt seems to riding both boards a bigger than what most recommend for kiting.

In the video he said the VG goes upwind better and is smoother in chop than the Vader.
This is relative to the VG, but not having rode either board how does the Vader compare to a traditional kite surfboard? ... Like a (2010) Naish Global, an (2013) Airush Cypher, North Whip (pre Vanguard copy).

I'm considering either the VG or the Vader, but without a demo choosing between a model and size feels like throwing darts at a board -

I'm 160 lbs / 72 kg

Vanguard 5'2 or 5'0
Vader 5'1 or 4'10 (Here from some the 5'1 can be big? for someone my weight)

I'm finding a way to demo at least one model. This makes the most sense.

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby felixp » Sun Jan 17, 2016 6:30 pm

Hello windtzu
It comes down to personal preference on how you like your boards to feel.
Lot of guys make the mistake of riding them over size.
I weigh 160# and would ride a 5'2 VG or a 5'1 Vader.
Would not go any bigger. As I find it gets to much when it gets windy.
You could even go down to a 5'0 VG if you live in a windy location.

Matt gave a good explanation of the 2 boards how ever it looks like he likes to feel a little more volume under his feet. I tend to ride a volume that I can get the most performance out of for my weight.

Regards
Felix.

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby knotwindy » Sun Jan 17, 2016 6:31 pm

hey,
I am 75 kg so pretty close. Rode the Vader 5'1" and it felt big to me as well. Took the 4'10" out and it is magic. Turns faster than I could believe at any speed and almost any shape turn. Great board for my size. The Vanguard i rode was a 5'2" and it was a bit big as well. The 5'0" was better for me unless I was going to be in a lot of lighter wind, the the bigger 5'2" Vanguard would be my choice. I have ridden them both with quad and thrusters and much prefer the thrusters slightly smaller than what I would use on a surfboard. The Vanguard is faster and handles chop better to me as well and jumps better, probably because of the speed. If you have snow skied, the Vanguard is more like a GS ski and the Vader would be the slalom ski. More turns faster but less speed control, IMO.

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby mede » Mon Jan 18, 2016 7:14 am

I'm 166lb wet. The VG is perfect in 5.2 for me :thumb:

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby WMFG » Thu Jan 28, 2016 5:43 am

Some more very good info Vader vs Vanguard here and a pretty firm commitment to all in on modern planing hulls for kitesurfing in this interview from The Kiteboarder Magazine:

http://www.thekiteboarder.com/2015/12/2 ... -firewire/

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby robclaisse » Thu Jan 28, 2016 4:03 pm

For the heavier riders out there, I'm 100kg/220lb, 198cm/6'6" and I ride a 5'3" Vader - I was recommend this size by Felix and I think its about right. I haven't used it in really strong winds but with a 10m in lighter winds it seems to give me a lot of acceleration and drive on a wave.

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby Bushflyr » Thu Jan 28, 2016 7:55 pm

windtzu wrote:Matt seems to riding both boards a bigger than what most recommend for kiting.

In the video he said the VG goes upwind better and is smoother in chop than the Vader.
This is relative to the VG, but not having rode either board how does the Vader compare to a traditional kite surfboard? ... Like a (2010) Naish Global, an (2013) Airush Cypher, North Whip (pre Vanguard copy).
Interesting that he also gets the sizing backwards from what FW and Tomo recommend. They recommend riding the VD 1" smaller than you would on the VG.

You can search for my posts on the VG vs Global, I've typed it a ton.
I'm considering either the VG or the Vader, but without a demo choosing between a model and size feels like throwing darts at a board -

I'm 160 lbs / 72 kg

Vanguard 5'2 or 5'0
Vader 5'1 or 4'10 (Here from some the 5'1 can be big? for someone my weight)

I'm finding a way to demo at least one model. This makes the most sense.
For your weight, if you have high winds go with the smaller option above, lightish wind the larger. If you have good steep/hollow waves VD. Mushier waves, VG.

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Re: Firewire Vader

Postby Da Yoda » Thu Jan 28, 2016 9:13 pm

Bushflyr wrote:Interesting that he also gets the sizing backwards from what FW and Tomo recommend. They recommend riding the VD 1" smaller than you would on the VG.
You're right!!! The volume on the VG 5'2 vs VD 5'1 is identical, hence downsizing, but as Felix said it comes down to personal preference. Obviously Matt prefers more volume on the VD.

Update: For 2016, Firewire has updated their website...
http://shop.firewiresurfboards.com/coll ... kiteboards
It's not clear, but it looks like 1" size options are now available.
Last edited by Da Yoda on Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:00 pm, edited 5 times in total.


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