Slater Designs "FRK" Surfboard Review by Noel Salas EP.84
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
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In this review we meet up with Dan Mann at Fire Wire Head Quarters in Calrsbad, CA. Dan breaks down the FRK board attributes and he talks a bit about making a High Performance Short board for Kelly.
The FRK is ultra sensitive and excellent in the pocket. I prefer a medium fin with this board to keep the rail engaged through my turns and keep the tail loose and playful. One thing about the FRK that stands out to me is going vertical front side. This board is solid off the bottom and the round tail surprised me how easy it surfed in the pocket.
The FRK is a true HPSB and due to its sensitivity I recommend it for solid intermediate to pro level surfers. This board shines in 3-8’ surf and likes a wave with curve and power.
My Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160 lbs or 72.57 kg
Board DIMS:
Stock 5’9” x 18 3/8 x 2 3/8 Liters 25.6
Suggested Fins:
Futures AM1, R6 Beta 2.0, Legacy P6 Honeycomb
Hi Noel. I’m not typically much of a ‘commenter’ but to me you looked better on that board than I’ve seen you on any other board you’ve reviewed.
The best I've ever seen you surf frontside is in this video. You looked just like the GOAT going vertical.
No disrespect to this board or others he's reviewed, but, this guy is so smooth... He could make an ironing board look good!
I agree, wish a average Joe would do a board review with him. Like sode by side
My favourite review to date Noel.The interview with Dan is 10/10 ! Hope you review more of his boards. Know it’s not your style of board, but how fun would a Chumlee review be ! :)
Karl Jakobsson I tried the Chumlee... fast but does not turn.
Out of the high performance range I think this is the one you looked best on, you just looked comfortable and confident, board was responding very beautifully 🙏
Pablo Fernández Cheers
Noel, I don't know, but I think you look more like Kelly than any other surfer I've ever seen, in style, ergonomics, or what ever you call it, in the lines you draw, in the way you throw your arms around, through turns, the approach to the lip, and your overall stance. Of course I'm not supposed to give you that much credit, but it is amazing, on the talent you hold as a high performance surfer. Another thing that I find interesting is, you are so talented, that no matter which one of these brands or models that you ride, you always look fairly similar. The difference that I see is in how good the boards are. You seem to be approaching all of your manuevers in a similar way, but depending on the board, you look flappy and choppy or you smoothly annihilate the wave like Kelly. I'm a board designer and shaper of 60 years, and I know what I'm talking about. To me, your talent level, and steadfast desire to surf an extremely advanced style, enables someone like me to see the very fine aspects of what you are riding and how it either hampers your style, or allows it to flow. I don't know how old you are but you look somewhat older but in incredibly good shape. So this show really works. But I must say that it works for the state of the surfboard industry to a certain extent. Production has dictated the industry to this point, and so that is what the surfing world is stuck with. So with what it is stuck with, you are a great analyser, performing very well on consistently fun waves.
Thank you for the kind words and your honesty.
Excellent review Noel!! I appreciate the detail, and the commentary with Dan. I found very similar results, this board needs a good wave, has very good drive, and is relatively easy to get vertical. It is a sensitive board though due to the width and rails.
Just picked up a 6’0 FRK. Thanks for the review, it helped in my decision making!
p crowley 180 6’1
Great to get the shaper involved. Always nice to hear what they have to say about their boards.
Gordon Flash Agreed
Noel you’re the guy I’m looking forward the most for a Stab in the dark
Cheers... I enjoy watching the surfers Stab picks. They absolutely shred!!!
Any chance you have a FRK + review planned? Thanks for all of the great reviews. My last 4 boards have been purchased and enjoyed from your input! 🙏🏼
No sorry….
Aloha, round pin goes vertically easier than others I would say.
Ho Noel! Amazing review, I’ve just picked up a 6’0 30.7 ltr and I’m 178cm/76kg. I was undecided between 6’0 and 6’1 but Kelly suggest to take the one it feels a little bit smaller!
I’ll be off to indo in 5 days hope to try it in good waves. Hope I made the right decision ☺️
how did the volume feel to you? tkx
Great Review! Def something special happening with Firewire and epoxy tech these days. Wondering if you could do the Tomo Hydronaut and Hydroshort..?! Also loving the guest surfer reviews with additional footage, great seeing it from different points of view and styles on the same board. The Fireball review with Jason Shibata board comparison and footage was great! YEEW
Carl Poster Thanks for the feedback. I will be doing the Hydrashort when it comes out. Not sure about the Hydrnaut.
Thanks for the response! Looking forward to the hydroshort!! 😳😎
Surf n Show Reviews - Will be great if you can review the Hydronaut. Thanks for a great show!
What length is everyone riding on this board? I'm 6'1" and 175lbs and would be using this as a travel board (Costa RIca, Puerto Rico, Indonesia). Thinking of getting a 6'2" based on the volume and size of waves this board would be used in, I generally ride 32-35L. Thanks in advance.
Hi Noel, just debating on whether to get a frk or a ci happy. Which do you prefer. I really do like the way the frk goes vertical. Also I have a gamma in lft. Does the frk feel much different to the gamma riding it? Love the show
Michael Pemberton FRK and Gamma go so good but they ride completely different. I feel like I surfed better on the FRK but the Gamma is easier to surf. I need more time on the Happy.. we are shooting for that review now. Every time we go surf the Happy it’s South wind. Bummer.... hard to tell how the board is going when it’s blown out all the time.
Oh my lord I thought it was Kelly at first. Not only do you have the same haircut and the same gumby jazz hands, but those hooks looked just like Kelly!! Will I look like Kelly too if I ride the FRK? Lol! Only you Noel, only you. 🤙🏾🙏🏻👍🏻
bushkey Absolutely... FRK guarantee Kelly Shredding. Ha
Dan Mann and Noel Salas? oh boy, this is gonna be good.
Lookin great on the FRK.
Man, I' m gonna broke and my kids will have to wait on college if I keep buying boards that you rip on
IzandEva Inmyheart Cheers
Hey Noel, I have another question for you if you have time to answer....If the waves were a little bigger, and you were more focused on drawn out turns rather than top to bottom surfing, do you think you would have enjoyed riding this board an inch longer at 5'10x18.5, almost like a semi step-up? Is it like the SKX where your back foot must be over the thruster, or do you think the sweet spot is a little more forgiving?
Jamby James yes
Thanks for posting for I just got a Sharp Eye disco with a Future fin set up and this review helps !
I think your style suits a longer rail line better than short stumpy boards
Jesse Urane Thanks... riding 5’2” - 5’9” boards my stance can get a bit narrow but this FRK worked out really well for me. Cheers
Thx u for the breakdown. Can’t wait for the No Brainer review...mahalo 🤙
What board will be in the war with FRK? Phantom or Ghost? And is it ultra sensitive with the sweet spot? I mean, you told us the ghost was a special board because it is a performance board that allows intermediate surfers to feel it not super dificult. How is the frk in this terms?
Xabier xabi FRK is difficult and Ghost is easy to surf. No Wars set up at this time. Sorry
@@surfnshowreviews7777 I was puting and example, but is in the range of the ghost I mean, or in the range o phantom??
Xabier xabi Not sure I understand your question... Phantom range 3-7’ surf, Ghost 5-10’ surf.
@@xabierxabi2199 pyzel shadow
This board was sick with the R6 vapor core this morning I put in the honeycomb AM2 it’s the first large fins that I’m testing let you know how it goes yeeewww
Would you choose this board or the baked potato if you were heading down to Mavericks or todos ?I was thinking the baked potato would help get into the waves early once it gets bigger.
I'm thinking Noel looks like he's surfing a board from the mid nineties on that FRK. In stark contrast, the few waves at the end on the No Brainer, look smooth and flowing in comparison.
How would you compare this board to the cymatic? They both look insane!
vito feremans Cymatic is a bit more user friendly and needs a little less wave. Both boards are epic... the FRK is a bit harder to surf.
Watch Noel surf the Cymatic and the FRK in the review clips. To me, the Cymatic looks fast and smooth while the FRK looks, um, ah,... not so fast nor smooth?
Noel is shredding so hard on this board.
Whoa! Would you look at that! Thanks for the review Noel ;)
Looking forward to the No Brainer review!
You look good on this board.but this board need bigger waves
Not feeling the FRK, even though they are in different categories I wonder how it compares to the SKX, can you ask magz too?
Miguel Marquina You can ask Mags on Insta... the FRK surfs vertical better compared to SKX but the SKX is faster.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 mind sharing his insta?
irbombardmnt @magnummartinez
Epic...Amped to see how the No Brainer goes..
Hi bro, would the FRK be more suited towards a power surfer? I'm in that category and am looking for something with a bit more bite..... Thanks in advance
Brendon Tichborne Yes it likes being on rail... it really likes a steep wave.
Hey Noel, great review as always! Curious how you feel this board would work in steep barreling waves? All the comments about about how sensitive it is are holding me back some. Do you think it can be tightened up considerably with a proper fin combo? I'm looking for something between the SKX and Hydronaut. Thanks in advance, your reviews are very educating. If anyone else wants to chime in, that would be cool too.
Jamby James The SKX can handle bigger waves but I think the FRK will go good in 4-6’ hole waves. Beyond the 6’ surf I would go Hydronaut or Ghost.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks Noel!
Moral of the story: You gotta be bald to ride this board well. Kelly Noal Mags
I just wonder how Noel is able to surf so well with that huge bulge we saw in that last review...Gimme more of that!
How does this construction do in choppy waves / big waves with a little chop? Same traditional problems with epoxy?
Also what kind of fins would these like i have hallow carbon fins and john johns
@@Kimjongtrill I would not ride a EPS/Epoxy in choppy overhead waves at all. Too hard to control and keep the rail engaged. Fins… for overhead waves I like a Raked Template for more hold and drive through turns.
Does anyone have a view or experience with volume for this surfboard. I’m thinking about going for one in the lower range for my volume… wondering if it’ll work, or am I risking it?
Mate, love your shows, best out there.
Question, would you use it as a mini step up or even step up board? I am 6.1, 84kg, fit and surf often but looking for a board for the bigger days, point breaks and hollow fast beachies. All 5 foot and up. Thanks in advance.
Not sure I would ride a EPS/Epoxy for a step up In general. This board design can handle some waves though…. Maybe more like a mini step up. Nothing over 6-8’ surf
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thank you for your time to reply.
Yes this is very true and I completely forgot about that. A too light and flexi board is an disadvantage when waves get bigger or more serious. I have experienced this.
The other boards I was looking at is the Retro Ripper, Ghost and Raging Bull all around the 6.4 to 6.6 foot and try to keep them around 37 liters. PU. Any thoughts?
Thanks mate.
Hey Noel great review bro, Would you still prefer the neck beard 2, in the smaller good waves 2-4foot?
Brian Newport Yes.. NB2 is faster and easier to surf. FRK goes better in 3-8’ surf
Surf n Show Reviews thanks Noel ! Its cool how you are consistent. Reliable for me.
i want a frk but ive been buying too many boards lately...
jmlee84 Sell some old ones that sit. Keep that quiver fresh. Just saying
Terrible acoustics really annoying, but always love your reviews Noel! Could understand the other dude, mumbled too much. Board looked good under your feet on the bigger waves ! Still think a wider board has more flow nicer to watch. Trestles you & the neck B 2 , yehh lively fluid and radical
Hi Noel,
I have an SKX 6'5, Go Fish 6'1, Seaside 5'11 and i'm looking for an intermediate board for 2-4 foot beach break waves, with a short board conduct, No Brainer or Cymatic ? Thanks for your answer and review !
Sébastien EDON Cymatic
How come Kelly isn't riding it in comps
Michael Short Good question...
How do you like the P6/P8 fins in other boards? What's the best type of board or wave conditions for them in your opinion.
Thanks brother
Brandon Lane I love the P6 and P8 in most Boards. I love the quick Pivot.... best on boards with low rocker. Grovelers and Small Wave performance boards. I even like them in HPSB on peaky waves or beach breaks.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 if I'm 135lb and I can only afford one set should I go p4 small or size up to a p6 medium?
Brandon Lane Go P6...
@@surfnshowreviews7777Yes sir. Thanks coach Noel! I'm going to get them right now. And as always, I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you do for the community. You deserve a 30 foot thank you card made out of gold and diamonds....one that you can surf (obviously)
Hey Noel, What fcs fin would you recommend for 5-8ft wave faces? I was thinking the kolohe medium or filipes? really not sure what would translate from the futures
Jake Formosa I like the Kolohe fins best
Any of the earlier waves using those test fins? First few waves of the episode you looks so tentative of your back foot on the backside bottoms turns on larger waves. I couldn't tell if it was the fins or the board was chattering on the larger waves.
GeniusUnleashed My back foot was hurt a little.. tender so it was not the fins. Good eye though...
@@surfnshowreviews7777 haha, I try :)
I ride 5'8" scfi and js monsta box, just love the scfi. Wanted to get an board for bigger and better waves. Thinking frk or an mosnta 8? Any thoughts?
Brett Weeks FRK
dan said..''its key to where your foot is"'... this was in relation to you not getting the rail to engage..
so if they moved the fins up 5mm would that mean you could turn the board with your back foot being a couple of inches futher up the board?.. mmm because my back foot is always over the side fins or in-between the front and thruster fin
No it won’t help, because the fins would be too high from the tail and the board will not work well at all
Great video Noel! When will you review the no-brainer?
Diego Chavez Working on that review now... waves are pumping so riding the CI Happy on overhead days and the No Brainer on smaller days. Working on both reviews at the same time. No idea on release date yet...
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Looking forward to it! Thanks for the response man, I love your videos and value your opinion a lot.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 no brainer vs rocket wide please.
Traction Software That would be fun... the manufacturers are not feeling Surfboard Wars to be honest with you. Maybe in the future... sorry. For now we will just stick with board reviews.
@@surfnshowreviews7777What a lot of youtuber's do in those situations is say all the positives then leave it the viewer to decide, then you're not offending or been biased to anyone.
Hello, i am a beginner intermediate transitioning from a foam long board. I am currently riding a 5”11 board looking if there’s a board that will suit me a little better. I am 5’7 115 pounds and I am riding waves from 2-6 foot. I have been looking at the phantom, Uber driver, fever, sampler, rocket wide and a few more. What board do you think would be user friendly enough that could progress my surfing in the conditions I mentioned? Thanks!
Bol Bol Phantom Or Rocket Wide.... maybe look at the Ultra Joe or some of the Fire Wire boards that are a bit wider and more user friendly too.
Thanks what volume would you recommend for me?
And also would the sampler be very user friendly for small waves?
Bol Bol Ultra Joe... keep your liters up so you can catch a lot of waves and a wider board will also make it more stable. Maybe 35-37 liters
Thanks for the input but I thought that volume would be to high. I can pop up easily on my short board and do simple turns like cut backs bottom and top turns. Would that change your thought on the amount of liters? I was thinking of something around 26-27
Having a tough time finding the right size . I’m 6’0 155 -160 would the 5’10 be to short?
Nathan Beane Not really... 5’10 is good if your used to surfing HPSB that are a couple inches shorter than u are. I prefer my HPSB 2” shorter than me.
Hey Noel- My liters for the FRK are stuck right between the 5'10 and 5'11, any suggestion? Thx you!
How tall are you? How much do you weigh? What’s the volume you like on your current HPSB?
@@surfnshowreviews7777 5'9 172lbs Inter/Adv around 27.5L Thx you!
@@peterlambert4122 The 5’10” coming in at 27L will float like 27.5L due to eps/epoxy being more topical. I think 27L is a bit on the low side for you but some guys like their boards ultra sensitive…. As long as you are a strong paddler. The 5’11” will go pretty good but it might be to long and hard to sink the rail quickly with the extra foam. If I sere you I would consider finding a used one, or choose a different HPSB that hit your range a little better.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Noel- Huge Thx You!
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Help me! I´m 6 feet, 160lbs, shoes 9 (27cm), and I was aiming to get a FRK 5'11 for +overhead waves. Is it a mistake those 29 liters? The width of 18 3/4 on a 5'11 is very good for me, but not so sure about the extra thickness. would it suck? Kelly has showed on a post that he went for the 5'10, so the board is actually bigger than him. Noel surfs a 5'9 on chest high waves and pool waves. Would Noel surf 8ft waves with a longer FRK? In theory, the math tells me to go for the 5'10, 27 liters. But I´ve been surfing these days with a Flat Earth 5'8, 30.4 Liters, and It´s awesome. But need a alternative steb up-ish HPSB.
Yeah Different boards create different sensations. Theres a threshold between, lets call, a good and bad board. If the board of the moment sits in that threshold I would safely say, given time, it will create many good sensations and thats what its all about. So, go out and try new equipment based on a bit of research, insist a bit and It will render many treasurable recollections. That has been my take on it for a long time. Tried many different boards, very different, most of them had real spark. Some of them were pretty meh.
still don't understand how shapers shape a board for front footed and back footed surfers.. do they move fin cluster further up the board or something for front footed?
MegaMr28 I think that is an excellent question.... I will be looking to ask some shapers that question. Hang tight
@@surfnshowreviews7777 there has to be more involved then moving wide point front or back from centre. i know tom carroll liked his vin cluster closer/ tighter. when I surf my back foot is never over the back tri fin when turning. anyway keep up the good work noel..
That style-rides great!!!!!!!
Hello Noel Salas. How much weight this board and others slater designs EPS?
Thiago Bona The LFT EPS boards I’ve weighed come in around 5 pounds with a traction pad.
How does this compare to something like the pyzel ghost or shadow. The outlines look similar to me
Paul John Balderston The Ghost is easier to surf.The Shadow is more like the Gamma
Great review!!!
Looks like a miss to me. Board for advanced surfers in really good waves. Lack of versatility in a crowded line up of good boards. He's knocked it out with shapes like the Dominator and Potato boards.
Mike H I agree... but this a model for Kelly and his world. Most surfers now days don’t want to ride a HPSB any more.
this one looks good
Looks like an old school pro-board. If the board/tail is more narrow than usual, smaller fins work better.
Noel pleaaaaaaaaaase do a review on the Tomo Evo, super interested on what your thoughts are and more so on fin selection!!!!!
Noel do one wit the no brainer I see it the back behind mann
dasright1905 Watch the full review... I talk about it and yes we’re doing a review on it.
My bad noel looking forward to it I really enjoy your show man
Try getting cleaned up when it's big with a LFT. Duck diving is a bastard & you WILL cop it in the head. They're ok the LFTs, but PU is superior for me.
Sick! What dimensions was Mags riding - 5'9"?
Stefan Raghavan Mags was riding a Stock 5’6”
Can you recommend size for 6’2 200pds ?
Scott S81818181 34-36 liters
Noel/Surf n Show....anyone know what "FRK" actually stands for ?
What size would recommend Im 5’10 150lb intermediate, 5’10’or 5’9?
silva2782 Maybe 27-28 liters.. sound about right?
What about the gamma should I go with 5’8 or 5’9?
silva2782 What liters are you used to on your HPSB’s?
Surf n Show Reviews Im always between 27 - 28L
silva2782 You can purchase the Gamma or FRK in the 27-28 liter range and be stoked. I like the Gamma better... and I would go with the wider shorter dims.
ripping ! 🔥
this board looks hard for slater to ride I think it holding him back
I agree.. Kelly looks better on ci Pu boards
@@MrB1019 nick looks the same as Kelly the board is holding him back Dan a amazing shaper still
paul Cooper This Board needs a good wave... I think Kelly looks good on it sometimes. Kelly looked insane on Akila Aipa’s at Keramas
@@surfnshowreviews7777 he did look good on the other board in bali you totally right I love you reviews you have the best job
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Totally agree!
Hi Noel
For 4-6ft+ hollowed waves, which would you recommend - FRK or Pyzel Shadow?
(Intermediate surfer)
Chad Atkinson Shadow
is this board easy paddle???
Vincent Liu It paddles ok for a HPSB.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks
Ive got a FRK ibolic goes absolutely epic and paddles amazing
@@tezf6883 hi. wich size and weight are you? board dims? Xrs
For ONCE you and I rode the same fins.
18:51!!
Noel ripping the shit out of it!
😎🤙🏾
The initial part with Dann was so comercial, not good for me. Apart of that it seemed to be for very advanced surfers.
Ed Souto Bummer it felt that way for you... I had a good time with Dan on the interview.
Watching Slater at lowers has been done we need a different rider
FRK or GHOST Noel?
Rory Guthrie FRK for a HPSB and Ghost for mini step up
Thanks a lot Noel, love the reviews 🙌🏼
Interesting
Won’t ever buy another FW board again now that I found out they are all made in Thailand. Not to mention I will never purchase a board from Dan Mann as when I asked him about this he became snarky. I have a lot of respect for Dans father but have zero respect for him. Support your local shapers.
Swell Chaser Sorry to hear that bro... life’s too short be happy.
Surf n Show Reviews I agree. But I also don’t like being treated like a POS when I just asked a simple question. None of this is directed at you and my complaint wasn’t with you but rather with FireWire and Dan. I absolutely love your show and I value your opinion on all things surfing.
Swell Chaser Stoked you like our show. Dan is super mellow maybe he was having a rough day.... no excuses just stay positive and have fun. Yewwww
Yeah man. Have a great day brother. 🤙🏼
SurfGymSkaterdude It would go good in PU
This guy has horrible style
Your kidding right? Noel's quality!
No dude trust me this guy is a kook with horrible style
@@SenneffRules he is great.u r blaind
You definitely can’t surf
How does it paddle in general? Is there any difficulty catching waves? And how does it paddle compared to the gamma?
captainkoz It paddles so so. Gamma is easier to surf and paddles a little better.
Thanks for the info brother...I’m stoked on the show man...I’m very thankful we have people, such as yourself, who give such an in-depth review. Hell of a job, keep it up brother!