Mid Length for Beginners and Intermediates Thunderbolt Harley Ingleby HI MOE Surfboard Review
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- Опубліковано 22 тра 2023
- Someone once asked me what the best board was after the WaveStorm. Although there isn't a right answer to this, there is a better or best answer to this. The Firewire Harley Ingleby HI MOE mid length is a great option.
With three great options (7'2, 7'4, 8'0) it is big enough to float a beginner and get you into waves, stable and maneuverable enough for an intermediate learning technique, and has a really great ceiling and upper limit for advanced surfers as demonstrated by Harley himself. It is a great all around groveler and will put a smile on your face not matter what level you are at.
Surfer: 5'8" 145lbs
Surfboard: 7'2" x 22" x 2 13/16" @ 49.4L
Fins: NVS Rusty Quads (M)
Traction: FCS T3 in white
Leash: FCS 7'
Wetsuit: Volcom 4/3 Modulator
@firewiresurfboards @firewirejapan @firewirenetwork4054 @surfnvs @harleyingleby @rustyworldwide
#surfer #surf #surfing #surfboard #surfboards #surfboardreview #surfboardreviews #firewire #harelyingleby #firewiremoe #moe #surfermag #stab #surflesson #surflessons #surfergirl #asiansurfer #beginnersurflessons #beginnersurfer #learningtosurf #wavestorm #firewiresurfboards - Спорт
Thanks Thomye. Really appreciate your reviews. So relatable. Thank u
I appreciate real experimentation and analysis.
Too many board reviews are based on reading a glossy brochure or spending 2 hours in the water in 1-2ft slop that is little more than a pop up and a bit of trim
Nice review. I have never considered a proper mid-length until now.
I have a 7'4 Moe, a 7'2 Moe and a 7'0 Mid6 and I love all three! I bought two Moes so my daughter and I can both use one when we go out together.
Excellent thanks for your fin recommendation ! and you’re riding it like a short board kind of like what I do with it to !!! ☝🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻😎
Great review - thanks!
Excellent video as always! Throwing that 7’2” around high performance! Much appreciated. Would love to see you try Ben Skinner’s Skindog OVA and see what you think. Been intrigued in this board recently and also seems to be the same Thunderbolt Red construction.
Excellent! Thaks for the video!
Nice refined board 7’2 with the right volume I’m going 2 order one I watched Harley when I was in Coffs world class surfer.
Nice content🤙🏽
Looks great! I'm working on a 6'11" pre-shaped, mid-length blank that I'm hoping will be something like this😬
I think you're right, it's a great choice for people who are serious about learning to properly surf. I was surprised how easily the tail seems to let loose too. Good stuff. And I agree... I need something in the 6'6" range
I wonder what percentage of the market they are missing out on. I'm guessing they know best and maybe we are actually a very small segment. But oddly, almost everyone around me says, "if the mid6 or the moe was 6'6 or 6'8, they would get one". could be people talking out their butt though; but I know for a fact that I would get one.
@@ThomyeSurfs I'm 145 lbs myself and 6'6" - 6'8" starts to lose a lot of the positive midlength qualities. You lose a lot of the advantages like glide, speed, forgiveness, etc. 6'10" to 7'0" is about as small as I'd go for Mids and after years of trying to go smaller I can safely say that longer is better- no matter how light you are. Devon Howard talks about this extensively in one of his interviews about mids and I can wholeheartedly agree. As far as dimensions this is why I never buy FW as they are expensive and only offer fixed dims based off of avg height/weight combinations. For the money you could talk to any respected shaper and have exactly what you need built.
@@alang253 Good to know thanks. I have my Sunday and Seaside & Beyond which are both 6'8. I wonder how much different a 6'10 would go with no liter change. I like both of those.
Maybe a 6'10 version of the Moe but thinner just to shed some volume. that 50L marks is just too much for me personally. do you think height plays a factors since weight doesn't? Just curious if stance might impact that glide and feel.
@@ThomyeSurfs If I could humbly offer any critique it seems like you're trying to surf the board like a shortboard in the review, and your instinct is to strip volume/length to get maneuverability. FWIW my 6'10 is 42L but there are plenty of situations when I want to go up to 7'2" or my buddies 7'6" x 3" diamond tail with who knows how much volume. However my shaper did keep the width/thickness on my board but tuned the rails for my lighter weight. Volume is not a detriment to mid lengths like it is on a shortboard. Shortboards you want the most maneuverability while with mid's think more like a longboard you want more glide which counterintuitively leads to more maneuverability (or maybe more speed/forgiveness which leads to more opportunities). As far as height I don't think it matters as much- think of a 100lb petite female on a 10' longboard or Moe's surfing you will notice their stance is more narrow and body more upright and they move around the board freely. This is the slowing down everyone talks about. This is why I don't like short mid's because you end up in this grey area where it is not maneuverable or pumpable like shortboard, and doesn't have the glide like a mid, and to top it all off it feels short so your footwork remains static. For very advanced surfers they can get away with it like kookapinto on a 6'6" but if you look at his feet they are like fingers on a piano... anyway just my personal take on short mids, I could be wrong.
@@alang253 for sure I tend to want to surf everything like a shortboard since that is in my dns. what I do like about the Moe is that for someone like harley, I can see both styles (longboard and shortboard) in his surfing. I see his drop knee bottom turn and cutbacks but he still surfs it like a shortboard at times. I think that is what i'm looking to do myself at some point at a much more scaled down human level, not God level.
I love certain aspects of Devon's but to be honest, I like February's style and Harley's style more cuz they mix in shortboarding into their overal surfing. I think that is what I ultimately want to do. Marry the two.
but I think you are right with your overall assessment. I did find that the moe even at 7'2 could perform like a shortboard at times. i think I had some decent shortboard type maneuvers. Now all i have to do is get the other half of the style. the mid-length longboard style.
I have 7’0 Moe ride as a quad. FUN board and fast and turns hard easily… Wave count winner!!! My short boards consists of 5’10 Cymatic & Rnf96..
I meant a 7’2..
Totally agree on options to downsize as I'd have bought one 6 months ago at 6'8....
Awesome maneuvers on this big board. I believe mid lengths are necessary for summer waves but I’m still trying to hold off as long as I can before I hop on mine 😂
LOL. yup. although I am now confused about which is actually the dark side, shortboards or longer boards. hmmm :)
Impressive to see how much float, projection and speed you get on the board. And still with a reasonable amount of manoeuvrability. I love the thunderbolt construction, too - currently spending a bit of time on the 7'0 Ova
I’ve been eyeing the Ova- you happy with it?
@@nduich yes. I previously had a 7'6 Outlier. The Ova works in most conditions - a good all-rounder. Catches most waves and handles bigger stuff good, too. I like the 4+1 box, too. Versatile, for sure
@@thestow35 ok- I have the 7’ Outlier 2+1 and it’s been my go to small wave board - it has tons of drive but the wide tail doesn’t seem ideal for bigger stuff- Ova seems like a one board quiver type thing- not that I want that- I already have too many boards I couldn’t part with.
Waiting patiently to see that new 6’4”Lovemachine Cheet…
@@nduich I loved the Outlier (7'6) but found I was riding it toooo much...and I was getting lazy, and my duck diving went out of practice. The 7'0 Ova is duck-divable, so works well for me. It doesn't have the silky-smoothness of the Outlier, but I still enjoy it
I’ve been eyeing the Ova for awhile. I need to pull the trigger and pick one up. I’m currently surfing another seaside and beyond. Before that I had a moe, Sunday, lost crowd killer and a greedy beaver
So fun we chat about this board when I was considering to scale down from my old foamie. Unironically, the reason why at the end I opted out for a Sweet Potato instead was the dimentions of the HI Moe.
I'm a small guy myself (5'7@68kg) and although this board is a piece of art, I didn't like the idea of transitioning from 8'0 to 7'2. So I agree that having something in the 6 feet + range would be great for small people. Please Harley, if you're reading this comment, show us some love and think about a 6'6 version of the MOE.
Great video as always,
Best!
Just bought the 8 footer (im 97kg) and you HAVE TO BE ON THE TAIL to surf it the way harley does. This board is INSANELY good and i have got an 8 footer vertical! My mates couldn't believe the way i was throwing this big board about. I have owned more boards than most as at one pint i was buying two a month. I surf in cronwall and cannot reccomend this board enough, its THAT good! It turns like a 6'4 (if your back foot is on the tail and over the fins) however you can also turn from the middle of the board. It truly is exceptional and one of those boards that defies logic, in terms of dims vs performance. I owned the mid six (7'0 and the 7'6) and those boards are GOOD WAVE boards. They EXCEL in good condiions but are NOT daily drivers (for cornwall) You need a good wave with push, for the mid 6 range.
I have the 8’ MOE and it’s easily top 5 as catches everything and offers decent maneuverability.
How tall are you though?
Got the 8'0" as my funboard / longboard / log / uber crowd killer. Needed something for those gutless and crowded days. I also needed
something for those bigger king tide days. Got the 7'0" Mid 6 for everything else.
excellent quiver if you ask me. :)
that looks so fun
Definitely was and hoping to get on the new mini version. :)
You surf a lot better on that board than others..... i have one myself {7'2" } and it falls nicely in between my shortboard and longboard, only one time i didn't rate it was when it was really hollow, it seems to love fatter sections, very easy board to surf.
agreed. super easy and fun.
Thanks for a helpful review.
Goofy footer rocks.🤙
awesome. I bought a outlier 7' 2+1 as a long board alternative
that board looks pretty sick too. so many options. I wonder if they make these boards smaller in scale in Asian countries, that is the version I need. LOL
I have the 8'0" it's my long board for knee high it's a fun board.
Great review Tom!!!! What tower at Bolsa are you surfing now?
Mid 6 review will be nice
Bro after watching you on the FRK 2.0 ....... There's no going back! Lol
Nice. Great wave at around Min 6:45.. the question I always make for smaller waves is: is it better a smaller, kind of egg, style board with volume (I use a CI Rocket Wide), or this new style mid lengths. I am still on option 1 ;)
I think both. I like the smaller uber grovelers too. but once in a while, the changeup is nice and makes you really think about things you don't otherwise. Like foot placement.
Some facts guys. The 7' HI Mid 6 (40 litres) is shorter than the 7'2" Moe but is tighter. To surf these boards radically you need your back foot way back right near the end of the tail, over the back fin/s. A skinny tail pad helps. Look where Harley's back foot is all the time. But, you can also ride these boards further up and get them speeding and turning nicely. They are fast. The Moe is a plank, not a mid. The Mid 6 is a mid, but is often too stiff unless you really throw yourself into it (and I'm saying that when I weigh 100kg). Note that as this vlogger stated, Harley is a big guy - that's why he can throw these boards around. The Thunderbolt tech is the best EPS and epoxy tech there is. It is very strong, but not completely unbreakable. Firewire needs to make shorter boards with this tech. These boards cost a mint, but you won't be damaging them very much (unless your leash breaks on a gnarly point). It's important to note that this vlogger Thomye is very small and light. If you are a normal sized bigger guy you won't be catching waves as easily as him. Not by a mile. Warning! Don't think you can buy these boards and start surfing them like Harley. They take a while to get used to.
See my reply above to Thomeye. In my opinion the Helium is better/stronger than the thunderbolt and I have owned a Japanese made thunderbolt board and since then the Chinese made Moe, Mid 6 and currently a 7' and 8' outlier all of which are made with their bottom tier thunderbolt red tech.
Took the words right out of my mouth. Had a Mid6 and 7'2 Moe but sold them about a month ago. Liked the Mid6 most of the time but couldn't get on with the Moe. It had far too much surface area and float for me (6ft/190lbs). Couldn't ride it like Harley does (surprise, surprise 😀) but would be perfect for beginners/low level intermediates. I've reverted back to a 6'0 shortboard and 9'0 HP longboard. For me it rings true that mid lengths are just that - without the advantages of a shortboard or a longboard. However, if I lived near a Rincon/Malibu I'd have a couple in my quiver.
Exact thing I experienced when I bought mine. I’m 5’7 155. I left my buddy who’s taller and weighs a lot more than me and he said the same thing about catching waves with it.
@@vestaxpdxd3kook
@@petewebb5149 I am really interested in the 7'0 Outlier but not the price tag for new. Also interested in the Moe and can find some used here in Florida. Which would you suggest?
Hi Thomye!! Your recent reviews have developed my curiosity on how a midlenght can improve my surf. Have you ever tested the Firewire Addvance? It has some years but can be found at very cheap prices now. The 6.8/22/3 53l. for me as intermediate 165lb sounds to much? Thanks boss!!
I have not reviewed it but I have surfed one. My brother used to have one, I can't remember what size though. I remember it being ok and surfing more like a big shortboard vs a mid length board. but I also do remember that it had somewhat of a flip in the nose (rocker) that made it not paddle as good as it should for the size. I could be remembering wrong though.
If memory serves, the board was made for Taj's dad who wanted a board for his age but could handle west Auz waves. I think it would be fine though. wish he still had it, I could then take it out and let you know for sure. :(
Great review! I'm an intermediate longboard and mid length board surfer trying to practice getting into faster hollow waves. Thinking of getting the 7'2" MOE. I'm 53 (168lbs) in good shape but only surf about 15-20 times a year currently (unfortunately). Heading down to Nicaragua to surf but the wave is fast, with a quick takeoff. Maybe this board would help me get into it sooner and have the speed to get down the line? Or am I way off here with this design? I just don't surf enough to get good on a short board at this time.
theoretically, yes, it can get you into waves sooner than a shortboard but you mentioned you are currently on longboards and other mids. The Moe is a great board but for paddle speed, it can't beat a 9' longboard. Having said that, what exactly is the issue? is it that you aren't catching the waves soon enough or is it that once you catch it, the waves is too punchy for a longboard?
The Moe is an all around funboard shape and can have good performance if you know how to surf it. but mostly, it is best for soft playful waves.
If you just want something shorter than a longboard, the MOE is good. If you want something that paddles better than a longboard, not sure there is an answer for that. if you want a board that fits a punchier wave, look at the Mid6. it has more nose rocker and is suited for better waves but, due to the nose rocker, it requires a bit more paddle effort.
When you headed to Nica? I am heading there in Nov myself for the first time. I'm super excited about it. :)
Hey i just bought the Gerry Lopez Squirty Fusion 6'6 (20.1 2.6 38l). Havent tried it yet but it sounds exactly like what you are looking for. I think that it would be a perfect mid lenght for a lightweight intermediate.
I'll look it up.
Hi Thomye, another great video and review. Thanks. Seeing a few comments about wanting shorter versions of these types of boards. Have you tried a Greedy Beaver and what are your thoughts? They have shorter variants in the sub 7' range.
I have not tried the GB. My buddy had a 6' version and didn't like it, he ended up selling it before I got to try it.
Cool thanks. GB seems like a shape with a lot of compromises as people have discussed in the comments around 'short' mid lengths. They pop up used every now and then but can't quite get over the line to try one.
@@mattsmith464 Same. I don't like the overly round nose. I would think it would catch. if it's a short mid, then it should have a slightly pulled in nose but I since I haven't tried it, not really sure.
Great review and amazing surfing. I’m 5’10” 150 pound low intermediate surfer who’s looking to connect the dots more rather than just cruising down the line. I’ve worked my way down to a 6’4” Greedy Beaver but I don’t enjoy having to be closer to the crowd and want something easier to catch waves slightly outside the peak of the waves. I think 7’2” Moe would be a great option for me but I see a couple of 7’4” used ones for a decent price in my area. I’m a little nervous about the extra length and volume. Any thoughts?
Although I loved the 7'2 and thought I did ok surfing it, it was rather big for me. I'm 5'8 and 145 wet so not the best choice now that the mini's are out. You are taller so that is an advantage to you over me on the 7'2. that does make a small difference, since your stance will be a tad wider. I don't think it's a bad choice but you will have to learn to really surf the tail on that thing if you want to progress. I'd say only get it if you want it to be a paddle machine with some degree of turnability. To really attack quick and fast progression, look at something else like the Sweet Potato 2 since you would be able to knock off an entire foot for the same volume. I think the 6' Sweet Potato 2 is 49L, that is almost the same as the Moe. It wont' paddle as well since the Moe has longer parallel rails, but the difference will be marginal. But in terms of turnability, massive difference. Hope that helps.
From now on, you will quit whatever other jobs you have and only surf and provide surfboard reviews until the day you die. This is non negotiable. Great content, keep pumping it out.
wish i could. maybe soon though. my 2nd kid will be off to college soon and provided i don't have to pay for weddings, maybe i can just surf. :)
Great video as always! Since you’ve been testing a few MLs, in your opinion so far, what are the ones that help refine technique when doing cutbacks and other not so critical maneuvers? It sounds like you were more excited about the ability to push more the Seaside and Beyond than this one (it’s completely sold out in my area though)
Also, any chance you drive a white rav4? I saw someone that looks just like you in the La Jolla area last week
cuz of the tail on the S&B, the cutbacks weren't rounded but they were easier. My brother had a touch time with that board, he is intermediate. So for technique , I would say the Moe is a better overall board. Having said that, the S&B that I had was a 6'8 and 38L which is what I would want this board to be. I think Ideally, if the Moe was a 6'6 and 40L, it would be much better option than the S&B for overall generic surfing. cuz it would be much more user friendly. I think I surfed this pretty well even though it was likely way too big for me.
I can't make a direct comparison only cuz the size and liter difference is much too big.
@@ThomyeSurfs thank you! I am heavier so I am in that range where most MLs work and have similar size/volume.
Looking forward to see the mid6 review!
I'd be interested in a comparison (your opinion) between the Sunday and the Moe. You already have all the content.
I can probably do that. main difference is fin set up and width. I'll put it on paper and see if how it looks. Thanks for the idea/input.
I am looking for a new board that's easier to paddle and a versatile board for small 2-3 ft to head high. This is one of the mid-lengths I am looking at. I like the way it easily catches waves. I am 70 years young 180lbs and 5'10". Thinking of the 7'-4" or the 8'-0" Was the video a beach break? Looks Like HB...but I am guessing. Thx great review.
Yes, it is a beach break. It's pretty close to Huntington. It's basically the next beach up. 😊
Best Seller 🤙
Moe mini coming too 🙃
Thanks for the great reviews! Since you have had both the Seaside and Beyond and the Moe, which do you like better. I have always ridden shortboards and grovelers and ride mostly weaker beach breaks (Florida)
There is quite a bit of volume difference between the ones I've ridden, I think 12L to be exact (6'8 S&B vs the 7'2 Moe). I think though if you got the S&B at 7'4 and compared that to the Moe at 7'4, it would only end up being a 3L different so we'll start there. The round tail of the moe will make for an easier smother turn, in smaller waves, it will be harder to do that since there isn't much face to work with. But if you surfed the tail, the Moe would be much friendlier based on design. Both would go relatively fast down the line and work similarly in small waves.
On larger waves, the moe will be smoother thru turns while the S&B will have a big pivot point. if you watch my S&B review and watch my cutbacks, you will see that the board almost falls into the turn. hard to explain. On a bigger wave, I would pick the S&B but it's only because of the size difference of the ones I tested. If the moe came in a 6'8 and was 38L, I might like that better. it would be more well rounded (literally and figuratively). :)
The last comparison I will make is the tech. if you want a board that last longer, I would say go Moe. it won't yellow like the S&B and wont' pressure as easily. they are about the same in weight, the Thunderbolt is super light and super durable.
Hope this helps, Cheers brotha.
Looking for something to help with crowds and getting in earlier.
@@paulpittman362 One thing I remember, although I had the 6'8, my brother had the 7'. He didn't like it, said it was hard to catch waves. I found that odd but I don't discount it, maybe there was something with the distribution of foam. Moe might be the safer route at least the 7'2 that I tested. Not sure about the other sizes.
@@ThomyeSurfs Wow! Thanks for taking the time for such a detailed reply! Yes, since I am 6'2" and 205lb, I would probably be looking at a 7'2" or 7"4" Moe or a 7"4' SS&B. From what you are saying, it seems like you would lean a little towards the Moe if boards were comparable in size/volume, right?
@@paulpittman362 yes, for small waves, for sure. user friendly but you do have to surf the tail. this is also true of the S&B.
I have the 7’0 mid6, I’m 6’2” 190lbs. I consider myself intermediate to advanced. My go to short board is a 6’2” hypto. I ride my mid6 typically when the waves are good. I would myself probably go with a 7’2 moe. I definitely think for you smaller guys a 6’6” or 6’8” would go good. Chili makes a nice ML in that range. Great video
How do you like the mid6? It looks like a fun compromise between traditional mid length and regular short board. I've had fun on the Skin Dog Ova which definitely catches waves and gets going pretty well, but seems to have more volume up front compared to mid 6.
@@chucks222 it’s definitely a more performance oriented ML. I love it though. So fast with the channels and HI quad fins. I typically ride when the waves are on the better side.
I think the Mid6 is next. I had a sub reach out to me and offer to loan me his. I may take him up on his offer.
Be awesome to see your review of the Mid6 and as jason said the chilli midstrength is another board id love to see in your hands. Great video 👏
Would like to see your review of the mid6, as i am a smaller guy at 145 lbs
which one you think paddles better and would work better as a longboard alternative, moe or sunday at same size ?
depends on what you mean my same size. At the same liters, you would have to compare the 6'8 Sunday vs the 7'2 Moe. Comparing those two, the Moe definitely will paddle easier for these reasons: longer rail line and slightly wider. In terms of surfing, the 6'8 is smaller so easier to control and surf but the fin configuration of the Moe makes it a much more user friendly board (overall).
if you are comparing them by length, then the Sunday both boards at 7'2, the sunday then has more volume, much more.
I've started learning on a Gerry Lopez, kind a bulky, wobbly, you think this would be more stabile for me, I'm 6'0 170lbs
which Jerry Lopez board specifically? length, width, and volume?
Great review. I’m 6’1 158lb intermediate
What size moe you recommend?
Thanks
intermediate, I would you can go with either the 7'2 or 7'3. they are only 3L apart. in fact, with your height, the ceiling for performance and growing into the board is better on the 7'2. I'm guessing at your height to weight, you are fit. so don't be afraid of the smaller version. you will grow into it.
Thanks
I've had the 7'4 Moe for two years now and love it. I tried the Hi fins bit found them way to big Medium Proformer FCS quad setup is great! I'm 50years old 6"3 92kgs and back issues. When I surf I feel like a froother
I'm glad you commented about the large fins. I suspected as much. I think someone like Harley with his size, weight, and skill can push them around but I have always thought bigger boards need smaller fins. there is so much rail in the water that it already acts like an extra fin.
@@ThomyeSurfs yes but with his Hi4 longboard his quads or thruster setup is amazing
Yeeeew 🤙
Great review man! I already have 2 mids, CI mid 7’0 and seaside and beyond 6’8. Do you think a moe will be redundant in my quiver? I was thinking of getting a 7’2 or 7’4 to be my longboard alternative for blackies. Thanks!
Totally different boards in my opinion. 6'8 S&B id 38L, the ci-mid is a v bottom 1+2. Great for trimming and classic surfing, the Moe is 50L and fins and shape is better for day to day surfing. If you need an excuse, or someone to back you up, I 100% think you should get it. 😊
@@ThomyeSurfs haha yes thanks for backing me up 😁
@@ThomyeSurfs moe or the 7’ CJ outlier?
@@MarkFeng I would say Moe. Here's why. the 7' outlier looks great but to your question yesterday, would it be redundant, I feel like the 7' OL is now overlapping quite a bit with the CI Mid. Same fins setup and I"ll guess the same bottom. The only big difference is volume to height and the outline. the CI has a leaner meaner outline. but it does overlap more.
Having said that, if you need the extra volume for more summer time fun, then it is ok too. That board is super flat and will go fast in small waves but might be harder to turn proper. Fin Pivots like CJ does, almost longboard/mid length style.
@@ThomyeSurfs that’s spot on man… I think I might trade in the CI mid, I rarely surf point breaks/good waves. Have you tried any Album boards before? I saw a dark arts vesper 6’10 that is a 50 liters quad fish, all carbon. looks so mean. haha
Hey ThomYe, I surf 6’2 Stamps to a 6’6 EC TwinPin. You’ve seen me surf with my son lately. I’m 5’9 180, I was thinking I wanted the Moe in 7’4 but came across 8’0. I don’t want the 8’0 to be too much board to move around. What do you think?
yeah, i'd wait for a 7'4. the liters might be good on the 8' but having almost 2' of board in front of you makes the swing weight much more than it needs to be. what's the liters on the ec? BTW, today was terrible right? I am bringing my 6'8 tomorrow. :(
BTW, I mean to ask you for you contact info the other day but ended up catching a nice wave in. haha, anyways, you on Instagram? if so, DM me. That way I can get your contact info. also, need to get Sean's info.
@@ThomyeSurfs EC liter estimate is 44L. It’s the twin I ride most at Bolsa- kinda my Bolsa groveler I guess. It normally comes in single fin in Glide O Rama and Free Ride but in a Twin. Which now Ci Mid Twin resembles. Today was shite. Just wanted my son to get some paddle. Tomorrow I’m bringing the EC TwinPin & 7’6 CJ Nelson Outlier. But 730am.
@@richardsteedly your Outlier and the 7'4 Moe will be very similar in paddle power and catching wave. The major difference will be the surfing since the Outlier is a single. The Moe will be much more user friendly for modern surfing. I think it will be easier to set the rail and pull off maneuvers for sure. 8' is too long and a jump in liters.
I did noticed they also had a Outlier 1+2 setup. that one is interesting cuz it is 7' but 57L. that would paddle much better and likely catch waves a tad easier. I surfed my 6'8 sunday as a 1+2, 7" center with sidebites and that felt a lot like a thruster.
that might be a good option too if you are also looking for better grovel.
I'm 5'9", 175lbs, based in SoCal, beginner/intermediate trying to improve off a wavestorm and this surfboard sounds perfect. What size would you recommend?
depends on how strong your paddle is. Also, it helps if you are good at positioning and timing the take off.
I'd say don't risk it and go with the 7'4 or 8'. Odd that they don't have something in between like a 7'8. The 8' will give you the same length as the Wavestorm but you do lose 25% of your volume. You go from 88 down to 61. Having said that, it's still a lot for you weight.
the 7'4 will bring you down the 52L, another 10L. but in my opinion. a person should challenge themselves and force progression. things like timing and positioning will get better.
Even the 7'2 would be fine in all honesty. for your weight that is more than enough but since you are coming off a wavestorm, it will just feel much smaller than it is. Think progression and challenge yourself.
@@ThomyeSurfs I'm reassured you said the 7'2" would likely be OK. Since I don't have much experience with this, I was basing the sizing on prior comments and was worried that it wouldn't be enough for my weight. I am definitely approaching this with a learner's mindset and want something that will bring me to the next level. I saw a deal on a used 7'2" on craigslist and jumped on it. Took it out yesterday and it definitely feels like a jump from the wavestorm but I'm excited to grow into it. Thanks for the advice!
I bought a Seaside a year ago based upon your videos and I use it in everything big and small. Love it in Oside, Cottons and Creek. What I now also need is something for 1-3' days at San Onofre. My Seaside doesn't quite do it in those very fat slow waves and I really don't want to long board. I'm thinking this HI MOE may do the trick. What do you think? I'm about your height/weight but a few years older. I wonder if a 7'4" would give me even more ability to take off further out with the logs. But still be able to hopefully duck dive. Thanks for any advice.
at our weight, any of the Moe's would in essence be a longboard. I think you could easily compete with the LB's on the outside. :) but having said that, if there is another guy at our weight on a 9', he may win :(. LOL
@@ThomyeSurfs Thank you. MOE it is. Firewire should give you a kickback at this point.
@@ThomyeSurfs Actually one last question, promise 😅. All things being equal (volume), which board (MOE vs Sunday) do you think get's into soft waves the easiest? Thanks again.
@@mmcbride1 Moe for 2 reason. at about the 48L mark, so comparing the 6'8 Sunday to the 7'2 Moe although the Moe has 2 L more, the Moe has two distinct advantages:
1) width. it is wider and basic hydrodynamic principles, it will plane easier with less energy.
2) length. based on a slightly more complicated hydrodynamic principle, the longer rail line does allow for a fraction more paddle speed. it is a 6" difference so not sure how much more.
One unseen advantage that doesn't have to do with any principle is that with a longer board, it is much easier to get tail lift on entry. When catching wave, as the wave tries to over pass you, it often flattens out your board. On a longer board, where your legs aren't hanging over the tail, the tail will lift/float with the wave which then angles your board making catching the waves so much easier.
Beginner struggle cuz once they pearl/nosedive, they often lay too far back on their board to avoid it happening again. positioning further back then fight the tail lift. Any ways, the 6" of extra tail for someone my height, 5'8", helps a lot.
Having said all that, all this is marginal. I'm talking 5% but 5% depending on the surfer.
@@mmcbride1 no, it would taint my thought process. I want to be as honest as possible. If you do buy, you can mention me cuz what I would like from shapers is first opportunity vs hookups. Maybe even a demo that way if I don't like it, I can skip it.
I once got a free soft top from this manufacturer and after riding it, I didn't really like it. I never did a review of it but then felt really bad about having accepted it. I realized in that moment, not worth it if I want to keep reviewing boards. I'm currently trying to get the distributer for the Moe mini and Mid6 mini to sell me boards like they do a shop. first opportunity and priced like a shop so i can be honest with it. Technically, I am a business since youtube pays me in pennies (LOL)...
Cheer brotha, good luck. hope you enjoy the board as much as I did.
How would you compare this to the Sunday? Great review!
they are a little different. this one has a wider rounded tail so running it as a quad seemed to be the best. The Sunday now, only comes in a twin so it is more of a twin pin. Also, this is 1" wider, it is more user friendly and an all around type board. The Sunday can grovel as good but won't feel as stable. I would say if you are an intermediate surfer, go with the Moe. If you are an advanced surfer, the Sunday might be more fun just for the unique feel that it offers as a twin and if you are lucky enough to have the US box, it is also great as a single.
Looking forward to the mini moe review! ;)@@ThomyeSurfs
I am an advanced surfer coming from 40 years of high performance short boards. And this board compared to all other mid lengths I have tried is the most high performance board out there (you have to surf it off the back foot on the tail and surf it like a short board). You do have to move your feet like if you are trying to get thru flat section , but this board will throw spray off the top and do round house cut backs better than any mid length. I feel like beginner surfers will tend to surf it standing too far forward and in that positions its the WORST turning board out there. Most mid lengths has a sweet spot in the middle , but this one is farther back.
Have you tried the Mid6? I haven't yet but everyone tells me that is even better for performance. Hoping to get one soon or test one soon. Hopefully this summer. Cheers, thanks for the input.
What are the other mid length boards you had tried?
@@stanshieh Firewire Sunday 6'8", Firewire Seaxe 7'6, Channel Islands CI Mid 6'10, Firewire Mid6 7'0, Chili Midstrength (can't remember the length). Not too many since I'm a shortboarder but hoping to try out some others now that I sort of get how to surf it. used to hate longer boards cuz I'd always want to surf it like a short board but now understand the flow.
@@ThomyeSurfsI am super interested in the JS Big Baron! If you can get your hands on one that would be a great review. They make them smaller as well.
@@paulpittman362 I'll definitely keep my eyes open.
Harley is a big man hence he probably didn't think to make it shorter. Good general rule for a more performance midlength is 1ft longer than your height.
agreed. heard he was 6'3. which is why I have been begging for them to make the mid6 in a 6'8. :) no such luck though.
I don't like flat spots in rocker. And that's especially true for a mid length or longer. You may get that squirt of acceleration, but you loose the forgiveness to save yourself on late drops and closeouts, just as demonstrated. Best board after a WaveStorm? I'll say a Takayama Egg.
The flat spot isn't planky though. There is curve to it but not significant hense why it catches waves so easily. A bit more curve than the Sunday from the looks of it.
Would you choose the 7'4 Moe over a 7'4 Seaside and Beyond?
yes I would take the moe at that length over the S&B. The reason for me, I'm 5'8 and 145. Anything over the height of 6'8 seems to get really hard to handle, most likely because I'm heavy front footed. The longer the board gets, the more weight and rail I'm having to pull through the water.
At the longer lengths, performance is pretty much out the door for me so I'm then more concerned about grovel and control. The straight rails of the S&B makes the board way bigger than it is and the rounded pin of the Moe makes it shorter. So both at 7'4, the Moe will be easier to control.
Also, the fin setup is more user friendly on the Moe. Having said that I did only try the Machado keels with the S&B. It is possible that it was those fins that made the board seem tighter or added to that perception. Anyways, I love my 6'8 S&B but I remember riding my brothers 7'0 and it was hard for me. Seemed an order of magnitudes harder than the 6'8.
But having said that, I'll take my 6'8 S&B over the 7'2 Moe.
@@ThomyeSurfs Great reply. Great reply. I'm 6'2"/185 lbs and have a SSB in Thunderbolt, which I love. I was considering getting the Moe in an 8ft version because it's easier to travel with on many airlines compared to a 9ft or longer longboard. The reason I asked for the comparison is that there's no direct comparison online between these two boards, although individual reviews praise both as great boards. Your insights are appreciated. FYI, I am based in NZ :)
@@MichealQTodd I love NZ btw, place is beautiful. I got to spend a week in Raglan years ago. The only bad part was there wasn't much surf. There was surf on the day I flew in and on the day I flew out, aside from that, it was 1ft. the entire week. Still fun at the beach breaks near by. Definitely need to go back at some point.
@@ThomyeSurfs You'll want to check out Shipwreck Bay next time you're back. Also, NZ is so narrow that if the surf's not happening on one coast, you can just drive across to the other side of the country in a couple of hours.....Dont forget your SSB that's all you'll need!
I see HI surf a lot, he could surf a door & make it look good. Door sales would go through the roof the next day.
agreed. LOL somehow he can push around big boards like they are little chips. I will say though, watching his technique on these bigger boards makes me want to learn to surf bigger boards. Although I would love if there were smaller in between mids for little guys like me. at 145lbs, super hard to push around foam at times and being super heavy front footed, it is even harder to set that back rail on longer boards.
@@ThomyeSurfs try the mid 6 if you get an opportunity. It's an absolute weapon!
@@Hydrnaught I agree ua-cam.com/video/-LnjBBRY0YA/v-deo.html
did you try mid6 tommy~!
not yet. definitely want to.
Can u get a non fireturd version?
I think that will depend on what boards I can borrow. I've tried CI but the never return my emails. Also, none of my close friends ride CI. One good think is a close friend of mine loves lost boards and he recently moved up in Volume so I may be able to borrow some of those soon. I do have some Aipa reviews coming, Duke is a really cool guy and their shop responds to all my emails. I also had a buddy offer up his Dark Twin for review so that was fortuitous. Anyways, I will most definitely my best to look at other boards but given that I don't have the budget, I have to review boards that I have access to. The Moe was something my buddy wanted to I bought knowing that he take it off my hands. Reviewed it and then passed it on. Nothing out of pocket for me other than a traction pad. :) But I will try.
@@ThomyeSurfs thanks Thomye! Appreciate all of your reviews and the effort you put into them! 🤙🍺
If you look very closely at the Thunderbolt red sticker on the bottom of the tail you'll see in very, very fine print that the board is manufactured in China. If you are like me I assumed since they were made under the banner of Firewire they would be made in their Thai factory. For a board made in China the thunderbolt red boards (don't know about the other colours) they are grossly over priced despite their level of tech.
that's good to know. wonder if they will move the production at some point. I was also thinking what it would be like if they made it in helium instead.
@@ThomyeSurfs I've ridden quite a few Helium boards and after cleaning the wax off when selling them I've haven't seen any heel dents at all. I'm 88kgs and heavy footed. Cleaning wax off the thunderbolt boards I can see lots of small pressure dents from both feet. Much like one used to see on the old Firewire FST decks. Would welcome them in Helium. Won't be buying any more over priced Chinese made Firewires.
@@ThomyeSurfs as i know ,they will produce more board by thunderbolt .
Hey tom. Nice review on the board. I was originally doing my research on the sunday firewire 7’4. Then surfshop recommended maybe getting the skin dog ova or the moe. I do have a dedicated longboard a bing 9’6. I was looking to get a lighter board thats easier to surf on small days. At 5’7 175lbs, do you think the 7’4 would be enough float or should i get the 8ft? Thank you so much
without knowing much else, I would think that 53L (the 7'4) would be fine. I would think that the 8 might feel a lot like a longboard so it might be redundant with the 9'6. smaller and easier but still similar. At your height, your stance is likely similar to mine. I think the 7'4 is the best option. Again, not knowing much else, it's hard to say.
@@ThomyeSurfs thank you for your input. I appreciate it. Have a good one
Thomye if you were stepping down from a board like this to a shortboard, what kinds of boards and dims would you go down to?
a lot depends on height and weight. something that doesn't get mentioned much is where a surfer stands on a surfboard. buying a shortboard but oversized sometimes isn't a good thing because if the board was designed for someone that is 6'2 and the buyer is a short heavy person, then the rocker of the board might work against the surfer.
Anyways, if it were me at 5'8 and 145 lbs, I would be looking at one of two boards. And sorry my recommendation is limited but my exposure to different boards is limited to my own budget.
I'd go with a Super Groveler such as a Firewire Seaside or the Hydra. They are user friendly to say the least. You can oversize them without too much negative repercussions. Also, if you are progressing quickly, something like the dominator 2 oversize's rather well. When oversized, the boards wide point goes from behind your front feet to in front. Although this isn't a good thing for advanced level surfers that drive with their back foot, it is actually good for intermediate surfers that pull and push with their front feet. Granted, there is always a limit, you don't want to oversize way too much. then negative effects occur.
I would not recommend an uber groveler if your waves are decent at times. you can always go back to your Moe type board when it gets small or crappy.
Anyways, hope that helps.
@@ThomyeSurfs You're the man! Thank you for posting such great content. Noel Salas moved out of CA, maybe you can replace him
@@DavidS1er LOL, yeah, he moved out but he is still at it. Besides, I think the is good to show equipment in good to better waves and I sort of fill the void of surfing similar boards in weak to everyday waves, that's not lowers. LOL I like his content so it would suck to lose him, hopefully I'm supplementing at a reasonable level. :) thanks for the support.
Mine is so fast , with a quad set up ! Its very loose
Im160lbs… can I duck dive this?
I don't think so but I could be wrong. with perfect technique it may be possible. the smallest one is 7'2 at 49L. I'm 145 and my duck dive limit is 40L. Granted, on a 40L board, i could not get out on a consistent or big day. I'm barely sinking 40L.Effective duck diving is probably closer to 33L. If there are breaks in wave consistence, then the trade off is that the board paddles faster so you can make more ground but you also lose ground every time you duck dive.
Anyways, mathematically speaking, if my limit is 40, then yours will be 44L. The way I see it though, if you look at a lineup and see long boarders in it, then you can make it out. you just have to make all your progress in between sets and look for channels or rips.
Has anyone tried to steal your solo cam? Seems risky.
I used to be a bit worried but I surf at a state beach. I figured if anyone is in there at the beach, they are either surfers (regulars) or beach goers and not guys trying to steel things. I'm certain there are on occasion, I heard of cars getting broken into.
I'll usually post up next to someone that is beach goer and ask them to watch. otherwise, most people that frequent the beach, know it belongs to me so I'm certain if someone walked up to it and started messing with it, they would get questioned. I don't go to beaches where there is a lot of turnover. I like HB, long walk to water, I like Bolsa, state paid parking. But to be honest, I think most people are honest.
Also, if anyone knows anything about the soloshot, they would know that it required the matching tag to work. Also the serial is attached to my user account so even if it disappeared, it would become worthless to whoever ended up with it. Maybe even find its way back home.
@@ThomyeSurfs Do you think it has improved your surfing?
@@rctrix9063 100% agreed. the two biggest improvements in my lifetime has been early when I bought a camcorder and had mom record 3 or 4 sessions spaced out about 1 month apart and more recently after getting the Soloshot. I personally think it is equally as important as surfing. cuz if you don't, you may never learn correctly. One will get better by surfing more but you may look terrible doing it. Surfing style is like dancing, I like many might not have rhythm so sitting there throwing my arms up or twisting could result is some terrible technique and style. Which I think go sort of hand in hand.
Hey Thomye,,love all your content,,I was wondering what tower in Bolsa you surf /film your videos?.
@@raygunndb I bounce around. Haitley there's only two spots not balsa because of the sandbars. I think you can guess which two, either the south end or the north end.
Are you a tech bro?
what do you mean by tech? Like what I do for a living?
The board looks too wide. Also it would be interesting to see it as a 2+1.
This size seems too big for you …
I prefer your surfing with the Sunday 6’8…
Smoothier 😉
Yes, for me at 145 and 5'8, this board would go much better around the 6'8 mark and 40L. :) I did ride it again in 1' waves where I wasn't trying to do maneuvers. Just cruising and it made for some insanely long rides.
Thomye, I bought the Moe 7'2 based on your review. I went on Firewire's webpage and let them know:
"Dear Firewire, I am a big fan of your products. I recently purchased the HI Moe based on Thomyesurf's Moe review. I am an intermediate surfer from SoCal. I appreciate that Thomyesurf (his youtube handle) reviewed the Moe on the same break that I surfed -- this give me an idea how the board will handle. Thomyesurf's review swayed me to buy the Moe. I hope you could collaborate with him more to showcase your boards."
I hope this helps.
that's sick. thanks, appreciate it. don't forget to let us know how the Moe goes for you.
@@ThomyeSurfs , it's pretty easy to catch waves with but hard to duck dive. I find it challenging to turn. I have Large Performer fins. I figure that at 170 lbs, the large fins should be fine. I am not sure if it's my foot placement or the fins size that is affecting the turn. I was using medium size fins on my short board.
Issac Herrera from FW reached back out. He gave you some props and said he'll reach out to you.
@@Parallel7th are you running it as a quad or thruster? I was using small/medium fins. With a board this big and so much of the back rail in the water, it almost acts like an extra fin so I don't think Large fins are necessary. I could be wrong though. Until I try it, I won't know for sure.
Foot placement is key on a board this long. Which is why running it as a quad will be important. as a quad, You won't have to step back as far. Just get your feet over the back fins. I would also recommend a pivot fin in the rear if possible so it doesn't push the pivot point further back.
I ran a set of NVS Rusty quads in Medium. However, that medium is more like a small. At least it seems smaller to me than an FCS or Futures Medium set.
and definitely hard to duck dive. I'm 145 lbs and that board at 50L was near impossible for me. I tried though and it improved my big board duck diving technique. but I can't sink it.
@@ThomyeSurfs I am running as a quad. I have a medium quad set but have been holding out on putting them on until test it out on different break.
So far I've tested at Cotton (3-5ft), Bolsa (1-2), HBSB (3-5). As you pointed out, super easy to paddle and get into waves. I had some trouble at HBSB with the steeper waves. Overall super happy with the purchase.
@@Parallel7th dang, Cottons. that would be so amazing on a mid. I just got on a mid6 and that is pretty good too. doesn't paddle as well but that's to be expected at 10L less. Also heavy nose rocker so it pushes water but once you are up, that thing goes. you give up a lot of grovel but definitely gain performance in turns.
😂egg
yup, definite classic egg outline. very modern foil, rails and bottom. super easy fun board. Just rode it this past weekend in 6" conditions. Micro, saved me from having to surf the wavestorm. LOL
ㅤㅤㅤ
always appreciated Fox. Thanks for supporting the channel. 🤙
@@ThomyeSurfs My pleasure mate, thanks for the great content.
I had a 7’2 moe. Pretty cool board. Think I sold it for a Crowd Killer.
Looks like you're surfing HB.
Just north. I think it is still the city of HB