Just thought I would let all know I ordered an 83 V3 from Scotty at Smik via WSS boards at Manly, I came off a Sunova Speeed and also test rode the latest Fanatic Pro Wave at 85, much preferred the Smik Spitty...slightly more forgiving when you need it, unless your a pro.
Amazing Stability paddling around the zone & over white water, capable in both small mush, head high and over, manoeuvrable in the pocket & holds speed post manoeuvres & surfs from the middle really well. A true balanced feel making it a true all-rounder with a definite loose performance edge when pushed a little.
As with all manufacturers you order, unless its a very commonly used model, its not easy getting a demo in your size, aussie made boards like the smik are about 1/3 the wait time. The Spitfire V3 has been refined a fair bit and includes the belly channel as well, which I believe is the key difference/benefit between previous versions, SUP's by nature improve alot with a belly channel, more lift, speed and release when you need it. Hence why Starboard have incorporated it, yet there board is ridiculously more expensive and wait times as mentioned. You can always contact Scotty at Smik, his quite hands on in many aspects, once again Aussie service, feedback and talent with more personalised service and support.
Hi.
Just thought I'd add my 2 cents. I have been SUPing for about 2-3 years and an average prone before that.
I had been riding a 10ft cheap Evoke and and 8'8 JP wide - 140ltrs. The waves in my area are fairly weak points and I weigh about 105kg so need some foam.
2 weeks ago I got a 9'5 Spitfire V3 for my birthday. All l I can say is I love it. It's very stable at rest. It takes a steep drop well and I have found it surfs really well from the middle and responds well with only small foot pressure changes. The speed it picks up is great and I can get around sections I normally wouldn't make. It surfs heaps smaller than its length. Far more responsive than than the JP at 8'8.
Super impressed and can't get out on it enough. My partner has an 8'3 v2 which she loves as well which convinced me to get one. I just wish I was 20 kg lighter.
Scotty was a legend to deal with. Definitely worth a run.
That new v3 does look like an incredible shape. It looks like the tail is a touch more pulled in and narrow than the previous v2 model?
Hey Brett. Late response to this thread. Thanks for your thoughts very useful for me.
I am a SMIK fan for a few reasons. I am similar weight height and age to yourself.
For my intermediate surf sup level the capability of these boards is really accessible. I have an 8'0 Hipster and an 8'5 Short Mac. Really enjoy both boards,on different conditions. Both have good stability which for me surfing on the Northern beaches in Sydney and surfing in often choppy conditions and beach breaks allow me to have fun long sessions without getting knackered if the boards too twitchy and takes more focus to balance on which makes it more tiring.
The Short Mac - no longer available - is such a fun board on smaller days, choppy or glassy, with great glide and stand on the tail and you can still really throw it around. But it also handles the bigger sets.
The Hipster is a f'n revelation for me so much fun in conditions from small to mid sized. Even in small mush it's a lot of fun - though you have to work hard paddling on to the wave.
I am am about to get a Spitfire 7'10. I expect it will carry more speed, still be easy to throw around and snap turns on but also it's stability will gift you longer sessions scoring waves not battling to stay upright.
Best part is all are shaped by an Aussie company. Scotty keep up the good work.
I own a HipTwin 8'4", a Short Mac 8'8", and a 9'2" HipTwin MiniMal. All were customs as I am a fussy old Fahrte.
Scotty is really awesome to work with on customs and very responsive.
Am working on another, but it's top secret. No jinx!
Cheers Biggie
Nice. I had thought of a HipMal but don't often feel the need to go bigger than the ShortMac. How does it surf, as expected?
Cool quiver.
Works awesome. One foot to DOH. Turns great from the tail and noserides well. I believe the HipTwin MiniMal became a favorite of many SMIK riders.
Hey Lizardman,
I have both the 8'6" and the 8'8" Smik Spitfire. I am 88kgs and 62yo. Have been surfing since I was a 7yo. I love both boards but find the 6'6" is best suited to clean glassy conditions as it is narrower and has a much smaller sweet spot than the 8'8". Although you are lighter than me, from what you describe, I suggest the 8'8" would be the better choice. I live in Pt Lonsdale so if you want to catch the ferry over and have a paddle on both, let me know.