Firewire LFT Evo Surfboard 5ft 3 FCS II - White

Product Details
Board size is tricky, no hard and fast rule here, use your usual volume as a guide and ride it as short as you dare. Tomo boards work really well in LFT tech, heres the info the new Linear Flex Technology (LFT) replaces the Rapidfire internal carbon rods with an 18mm wide composite Springer HD Suspension System that runs from nose to tail and includes a top-deck sheet to improve compression resistance. This high density insert creates additional strength through the centre with increased flex through the tail. The EPS top sheet buffer above the HD Springer allows for some compression but without the raised ridge and cracking that can occur with traditional wooden stringer surfboards. LFT delivers plenty of 'TWANG' in and out of your turns and creates the fast-twitch flex response that gives the surfer the feedback and return desired. LFT at last brings the perfect blend of a brand-new traditional PU 'board feel' with the added durability of modern sandwich construction.
Boardshop is stoked to be a key partner for Firewire surfboards across Europe and beyond, we've been with them since the very start. Firewire surfboards are more durable than other surfboard manufacturing processes, and for 90% of surfers they will improve your surfing. Firewire is pushing the limits of applying new technology and innovation to surfboards design and always has an eye on the environmental impact of what they do, they truly are different to the other board companies out there. Firewire have come a long way since the early boards and the range of shapes and tech just gets better and better. A big chunk of the boards in the range are perfectly suited to the waves that 90% of us surf on a regular basis so if you haven't already give them a try. The staff here have surfed pretty much every board in the Firewire range at some time or another and we speak to surfers from all over the world and get their feedback on how the boards perform in all sorts of conditions so we're well placed to talk about all aspects of Firewire surfboards.
We're happy to consider trading in your old board against a new Firewire, so If you have any questions about this we'd be delighted to answer them and advise on any potential board choices or enquiries you might have, just drop us an email to info@boardshop.co.uk or call us on 0044 (0) 1243 674250.
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Overall Customer Rating
David Blackwell (reviewed 01/12/2018)
I cannot get over how quick this board was to catch the wave, and accelerate into the first turn. It’s like it has a flux capacitor stored somewhere in the bottom contours. It just lifted off so fast, catching the wave was ridiculously easy. At least three times I thought I’d missed the takeoff but the board refused to give up and just deposited me right back where I needed to be.
The board is super loose, but in no way sketchy or twitchy. It somehow felt both incredibly solid and skatey at the same time. It also handled late drops, it felt so stable - just plonking my front foot down was like hitting the accelerator pedal. It took 15 years off my snaps, put an inch on my biceps, restored my hairline and even made me better looking.
Sections schmections, the board whipped round crumbling mush and put me back in the pocket without me really even trying. It was laughably easy to surf. So I laughed, several times.
I once read an article in Surfer magazine, where the author talked about ‘the legions if the unjazzed’ (non surfers). Honestly, if you’ve not ridden an Evo you are at risk of being unjazzed. I have just been playing jazz flute like Ron Burgundy and this board made me feel so young that I may go and buy some Levi 501s and start listening to Neneh Cherry again.
Sick, sick board.
I’m 44, 5’10", 12st. I have a 5’9" Evo.
Bertrand (reviewed 16/08/2018)
The shopping experience was also one of a kind!. Great team, good advices, responsive… It's now my go to shop!
Lars Thorndahl (reviewed 29/01/2018)
Neil McNab (reviewed 30/12/2017)
Ricardo Alho (reviewed 27/12/2017)
Toby (reviewed 07/11/2017)
My go board between 3-6ft
Spent a while surfing it as a quad and liked it a lot but in my opinion it really needs a thruster setup to get it working top to bottom.
If your surfing dredging barrels all the time the quad it has to be but for most days three fins all the way.
I use the Firewire template fin.
I'm 5'10 75kg and got the 5'4
It has quickly become my favourite board
Jez Browning (reviewed 17/10/2017)
marco (reviewed 05/09/2017)
Paul Barford (reviewed 08/08/2017)
Mike (reviewed 05/07/2017)
Mike (reviewed 05/07/2017)
Nigel (reviewed 28/01/2017)
Bought this. But normally ride much bigger boards....NOW THEN....I HEARD A BIT ABOUT DECK DENTING ETC...BUT IVE JUST DONE 2 WEEKS IN SRI LANKA SURFING IN NOWT BUT SHORTS 15.5 DTONE HEAVY ON MY KNEES. ETC JUST GOT BACK TO UK...NOT A SINGLE PRESSURE BUMP....It rode great...easy take offs...solid in the turns...full rail turns. Really responsive. No hype just really recomend. Id happily buy another.im happy with the build quality. Boom
Chris (reviewed 16/01/2017)
Lee B (reviewed 05/01/2017)
Board arrived in perfect order so thanks to your warehouse and despatch team. I'm sure it will be perfect when I get it wet. Will let you know in due course.
Thanks once again for the excellent service and advice
Lee
Lee B (reviewed 05/01/2017)
Board arrived in perfect order so thanks to your warehouse and despatch team. I'm sure it will be perfect when I get it wet. Will let you know in due course.
Thanks once again for the excellent service and advice
Lee
Sam pontin (reviewed 17/12/2016)
I've ridden it about a dozen times now and am yet to find any negatives.
It absolutely flies in typical weak British surf, though it does take a bit of getting used to when it's overhead.
Probably the most fun board I've ever owned.
Mike (reviewed 01/11/2016)
Tomo boards have been on my radar for a few years, finally bit the bullet.. wish I had done so sooner. It is incredible.
I'm 6 foot, 82KG, average surfer, normally ride a 6'4", went on the cautious side length wise and got the 5'8". In hindsight I should have gone shorter.
Have taken the board out for a fews sessions at points and reefs and have to say no other board is as much fun or does so much for my surfing.
If I had to there's only two things I could say that aren't good, but aren't bad either.
Duck diving:
If you're coming from a standard short board you may notice it's a bit different to duck dive. The wider nose doesn't dive as easily .. just takes a bit of getting used to, by the second session I wasn't noticing it.
Strong cross shores:
Surfed twice in strong cross shores (20-25 miles per hour) and the wind can catch the nose a bit when rotating through turns. Not really a problem, but if you're used to short boards you may notice it on very windy days.
Alright, the good stuff..
Speed:
Incredible. Nothing I've ever ridden comes even close. Nearly every session someone has commented on the speed. I've played with many fin set ups over the years and fast fins usually take away some level of control, like the board becomes a bit jittery under foot as if it can't handle the speed. The Evo is both insanely fast and totally in control at the same time but still reacts to subtle movements when you want it to go somewhere.
Take off:
The drops blew me away. When the board hits the transition it feels as if the entire board is being lifted completely above the water - a rush of speed follows!! Enjoy!
Turns:
Like a snowboard.. put it wherever you want. Shorter models must be ridiculous. Have not loaded any other board on a bottom turn the way I have this one.
Fins:
I bought Hayden Shapes Large Futures Quad rear fins to go with this board and used the Roberts Honeycomb Large thrusters I already own as front fins. This combo works well for me.
Length:
Only thing I'd suggest is don't be afraid to go short.. if I was buying this model again I would go for the 5'6".
Firewire LFT:
Had never ridden LFT before, feels good, and no pressure dings on the deck so far.
Waves:
This board is great in both good and average waves. In my experience so far 4 to 5 foot walls bring out the magic - the drops, the loaded bottom turns, the speed and control all come together to deliver the best surfing I've done.
Board bag:
Only mentioning this here so nobody gets caught out. When ordering this board I also ordered the Global System 10mm 5'10" shortboard bag. The 5'8" Evo fits this bag but it is VERY snug, my advice would be to get the 5'12" bag or go for a fish bag as they have a wider nose. I didn't go for a fish bag because I don't like the look of them. It was my first time buying anything Global System, they're good quality and would recommend.
Shipping:
Good folks to deal with, everything was shipped within a day.
Would I recommend this board?
Without hesitation. This is the best board I've ever surfed.
Nell (reviewed 06/10/2016)
First try on chest to head high clean surf in Port Louis Guadeloupe, and I can tell there is no lie about this board... Fast, smooth, stable and reactive, it gives me some more flow!
Just make sure you don't take it too big:
mine is 5'3 (27.4L), it paddles and floats like my 5'10 hellfire (29.4L), catches the waves just as easily, and feels like bigger would'not be better. (I'm 6'1 - 165lbs)
Rob Nichols (reviewed 29/09/2016)
Klaver (reviewed 21/08/2016)
But before I'll go into more detail I first want to state how great the guys of boardshop have been with their service. Seriously guys, being dutch I'm not really familiair with the British dictionary but I'm pretty sure that if I were to look up 'Service' there would be a picture of Ian giving the thumbs up ;-) Something went wrong with the delivery and the way you solved it was second to none and made me an even bigger fan.
OK, the way the surfs. I live in Holland and surf crappy, wind chop waves (and still love it) but I was really in doubt about buying the evo and even more so because I bought it 5,5 (30,5L) where I normally buy boards around 33 liters. The board feels really stable and easy to paddle even in small waves but what I loved most is the way it surfs. From the moment you get up it feels like the wave your riding stays open longer than on your other boards and has way more canvas to work with. In other words the board is really fast but stable at the same time. For me this translates to the bizar sensation of going really fast but feeling like you've got enough time to choose your next section or turn.
All in all. absolutely love it!
Matt (reviewed 19/07/2016)
matt kerrigan (reviewed 14/07/2016)
So thanks again and have an awesome surf. Hopefully get my evo wet this weekend!
Cheers
Matt
Loic (reviewed 05/07/2016)
Blair (reviewed 28/06/2016)
Evo surfed it once so far... Does every thing it says on the tin.. Too easy !
Russ (reviewed 20/06/2016)
Brett Harzo (reviewed 12/05/2016)
Dai (reviewed 17/04/2016)
Steve (reviewed 08/04/2016)
I found that my normal volume for a wide short board was spot on.
Boardshop customer care was excellent as I went for a 5'4" at 30 litres and realised it was to big,I hadn't ridden it and called them up,no problem,they swapped it for a 5'3".
Buy your boards from these guys,they know their stuff and after sales is the best.
Andrew Gibson (reviewed 26/03/2016)
Liam Gibson (reviewed 22/03/2016)
And once up and riding you don't have to think about generating speed . You feel like you have speed to do anything .
Defiantly fastest board ridden in waves with no power but Also it still feels like it can handle bigger and better waves , as still feels high performance.
simon reeveson (reviewed 24/02/2016)
Pier (reviewed 09/12/2015)
I think I need some Time to understand this Board .
Now I want to try it in bigger surf .
Obrigado
ed woolner (reviewed 06/11/2015)
First wave was crazy, crap surf but I came off the bottom on my backhand smacked the lip, slid round a bit and literally straightlined dumbfounded!
Bogged a rail on a few turns, put too much into them, mainly I think because I am not used to so much speed – all in all 10 out of 10 though. I am converted
zac chandler (reviewed 17/09/2015)
jakob h (reviewed 17/09/2015)
Carlo (reviewed 05/08/2015)
In the surf paddling is easy, the wide nose means you have to adapt a bit, duck dives are no problem, the extra bit of nose width doesn't cause problems. You get easy and early into waves. Even steep drops are no problem. The board feels very predictable/stable under your feet and at high speeds its easy to turn in a remarkable tight arc.
I'll have to see how it behaves in a bit more junky surf, for now we've just had clean surf but I reckon it will handle it well. This might just be the one board quiver.
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