SLATER DESIGNS Flat Earth Review - WOOLY TV #22 

Thanks mate! Would love to ride a few more of your boards as I really gelled with this one. Anyone making them in Oz for you? If not I would love to have a Skype call with you to order direct. Whats the best way to make contact?

Ha ha nice!

Thanks!

Thanks

It was a good time of the year when we did this review! Plenty of waves.

It was a good time of the year when we did this review! Plenty of waves.

It was!

You should!

Yeah they are super fun!

You will be pumped when yours lands.......so fun

I have been nudging up the volume of my boards and Im liking the extra foam. I picked up a couple of these and the 6'0" just felt really good under my arm so I went that one. Glad I did, worked really well and didn't feel over volumed at all.

Right up there as one of my favs the past 2 years.

Thanks mate Yes it was a really fun board Yeeeeeeeewwww Wooly

Hi mate, it surfed really well in overhead surf. If you got to around 3.30 in the clip and have a look at the one left in that surf and then the bigger waves in the 4th session you will see it handles pretty well on a couple of nice sized waves.

Yeah its a great board and it really suits my style of surfing, the extra volume was perfect. If you are riding the Rocket Wide at 6'3" 42L then the 6'4" 45L Flat earth should be fine. If you cant find one locally then just hit up the guys at Star and we can chase one down for you. shop@starsurf.com.au Foam is you friend......especially as our body age (unfortunately)

Both really different. Baron more a performance twin but still has the limitation of a twin where as the Flat Earth surfed like a standard shortboard thruster!

Hi mate Yeah I agree with you, I was pretty lucky with the waves when I rode this board. The little right that has the rocks all over the place doesn't have much power and it worked well out there but I was still finding my feet on it at that stage so I was a little wobbly! I did have another surf on it in a waist to chest high beach break, but I didn't have my trusty filmer Dylan, and it went really well. I didn't ride it in super small waves so sorry don't really know what the bottom end would be. Yeeeeeewwwww Wooly

Thanks mate! Much appreciated 🤙

We had a lot of laughs filming this one in the shop........

Everything! So many good boards at the moment.

Ha ha yeah Im not much of an air guy! I have just started to sneak a few more litres into most of my boards this year and Im stoked I have.

Hi mate I would suggest going up about 2-3L on whatever you are riding now. That made this board the same length as my 'normal' boards and a couple of litres more. This has been common with other people too. See if some of the stores near you have demos you can try first??

Much appreciated!

Yeah man exactly what i thought!! Ripping

Yeah it’s a weird one but it doesn’t feel like I’m riding a 36l board. Most of my ‘normal’ boards are 33-33.5L so it’s quite a bit more volume. I can say that everyone has gone up at least a couple of litres and one guy that did buy the same size as his normal board, sold it and came back to grab the next size up.

@@WoolyTV had my first surf on it! And you’re right. Fun! the twin speed is amazing

That could defiantly have helped and if think the tail shape and fin layout has a lot to do with it too! Sure is a great board.

So different to the Baron. This surfs way more like thruster. It went so good as a 2 + 1 I never tried it as a twin. I loved it the way it was

I got it and it worked really good with the 2+1 even at 2 feet overhead, but i tried it today only as a twin in chest to head size waves, and it was a blast! it´s a lot faster and still holds pretty well and turn on a dime. In love with this board! btw i´m using the FCS2 MR fins

Cheers mate, it went well Yeeeeewwww

Hi mate I have only just sold it and have the Great White to replace it. I would go up to 33L for sure. I rode that board at 36.1L and it felt perfect even though most of my boards are around 33 to 33.6L

Hi mate 87kg/190lb and 187cm/6'1" Im 47 but paddle like a 20 year old. Hope that helps you out! If you are in Oz the boys at Star Surf can help you out with a new board www.starsurf.com.au Yeeeewwwww Wooly

Thats not good to hear! I have been going up a couple of L in all my twins that I have been reviewing and Im liking it. I just picked the 6'0" up and it didn't feel too big under my arm so I went with it. Find a smaller mate to sell it to and get a bigger one :)

I'm sure these things will have good resale for a long time

It was actually in my shed....but I should have taken it up north. Will be back in the shop next week.

Hi mate, I never rode the Phoenix as a 2+1 only as a thruster

@@WoolyTV thanks for responding. 🤙🏻

@@joshtraceysurfing No worries

Hi mate. The Dom was better in the smaller stuff and the Flat Earth work really well above chest high. Very different boards to compare.

Hi mate I really depends on what you are riding now? I went up around 2-3L compared to me high performance short board and I found it went really well. I have had the same feedback form a few guys that have purchased the board from the shop......seems everyone is going up just a couple of litres and its working well. Yeeeeewww

Hi mate Depends on how big you go and what fins you use. Use a large set of 2 + 1 and you will be able to ride it as an intermediate.

@@WoolyTV cheers for the response! If I'm 6'5, 95kg would the 6'2 work at 40L? I currently have a custom 6'6 43L and 6'0 45L Firewire Seaside. I like the shorter length of the 6' seaside but find it too wide and too much volume. My 6'6 I find a bit long because it has a lot of volume in the nose. So the 6'2 flat earth seems like a nice in-between but maybe the 6'4 at 45.8L would be alright since the volume will be further back than my 6'6 and not feel like a big step down in volume? Is it wrong to go down in volume too soon....?

Yeah I wasn't expecting that type of performance out of the Flat Earth! It really could be a daily driver....

@@WoolyTV seeing you riding a 6’0” makes me think I could’ve gone bigger. I’m on a 5’9” and it definitely goes well, but wondering now how the 5’10” or 5’11” would go.

I love hearing that it helped improve your surfing, that was the goal to make it as surfer friendly for all levels. Mahalo 🤙🏾

@@akilaaipa6698 where it specifically helped was in the transition between maneuvers. Because it turns so easily and holds its speed so well it sort of forced me to settle down a little bit and pick the right maneuvers for the section being offered. It added more fluidity to my surfing. I’ve watched video of myself riding the FE vs my standard shortboard and it’s interesting to see how on a standard shortboard I have to throw everything I have at turns in critical sections whereas on the FE I “feel” like I’m just cruising through those same turns yet on video I’m throwing more spray and transitioning faster. It’s a level of effortless that I will seek out in all my boards going forward. Cheers 🤙

Nice!

Same! I haven't touched my seaside or phantom since I picked this board up 3 months ago! It really is a fun and versatile board!

🤙🏾

@Craig Phillips craig - i own the 5.8 seaside @ 35.4 liters. the flat earth i purchased is the 6.0 @ 36 liters. the board rides like a 33 liter board its insane. you will love it! by the way i am 5.10 @ 190lbs for reference

​@SlickWillie still your favourite in 2024?

Hi mate 87kg and 187cm so around 190lb/6'1" and 47 years young - its in the description of every clip. I think we all get too bogged down with volumes and 'how many litres' these days. I believe that (at least) 50% off surfers ride boards too small for their height, weight, ability and fitness. I was one of them! I used to ride 29L and had in my head that that was the be all and end all for short board performance....... I couldn't have been further from the truth. I broke a board right before a surf comp and grabbed a 33L board off the shelf and dropped a 8.5 on the very first wave I caught on it! The thing was so fast, which allowed me to do bigger, more critical turns - full light bulb moment for me. Now I never ride anything under 33L and that is starting to feel too small. Since I have started doing board reviews its even opened my eye to riding larger volumes, anything up to 40L. The extra foam allows you to paddle into the wave earlier and faster, which then sets up a good swoop and then bottom turn. This is the foundation of being a good surfer. You are now travelling faster so you can easily turn the slightly larger board........just like you can turn a step up in larger surf. Hope that helps Wooly

@@WoolyTV Mate, good on ya! I was totally in the same boat, probably why I’m digging these reviews. Was riding under 30L forever and I have the same measurements as you. Couple years ago, got on some 33-34L equipment and my progression and fun exploded! But reading this I might have to break my rigidity on this range and go further up. More foam, more waves, more fun! Thanks for the eye opening insights and the sick reviews, cheers mate!

@@WoolyTV Cheers for sharing your experience. Ive been trying to go up in volume as I'm now 50 but every time I try I don't like the feel of the board. This board looks like a good opportunity to try again as the loosness of the twin might make it feel smaller.

I think that might be just a touch too much volume for me. But who knows! This would be a great board for Florida

@@WoolyTV You we’re absolutely right…this review stayed in my mind… I got the 6”0 36 liter today and scored some FL hurricane swell. It went so good!!! Thx again Yew 🌊

@@aquamegalodon45 that’s epic! Glad I can help 🤙

Also best ive seen you surf! Ripping.

Go both!

Hi mate, I surfed it in some stuff overhead and it went great.

Hi mate. There is always personal preference coming into play but for me I liked the Flat Earth better.

@@WoolyTV what board has a better top end? The sci-fi 2.0 or the flat earth?

@@stevehills5753 hi mate. I only surfed both those boards in waves a little overhead so I never pushed them into larger surf. Both the board reviews showed the bigger surfs I had on them.

@@WoolyTV thanks!

Thanks mate, yes it def suited me.

@@WoolyTV just picked mine up…. I’ve heard from a few people that it actually rides well in the barrel… hoping to test that out soon

@@stevehills5753 have fun!

Ha I just saw that!

@@WoolyTV just bought myself one if these. This video contributed to the decision. Been watching your vids since the start, and honestly think this is the best you’ve looked in any of the reviews thus far.

I only had a few of surfs on it but after the clip was completed I surfed it a few more times and I don't feel like the tail skipped out. The hip in the outline and the small rounded square tail actually hold very well, especially for a twin fin.

Hi mate, Yes its a really fun board. Pretty different to the JS Bullseye. Did you have a look at my Bullseye review? Check out that one and you can see the way it surfed and what volume I was on compared to the Flat Earth. All I can say is that the little bit of extra volume in the Flat Earth did not hinder the performance. Good luck with your new board Yeeeeeewwwwwww Wooly

Thanks Wooly

Ha ha yes! But really its a 2 + 1. It wouldn't work with a standard thruster set as the fins would be way too clustered.

Per Akila, it’s designed as a twin fin, but guys can run it as a 2+1 if they’re transitioning from riding thrusters mostly. The trailer acts a bit like training wheels to help make the transition. Eventually try running it as a true twin. It doesn’t hinder its performance. Quite the contrary actually.

@@trestlesrocks Im liking my trainer wheels!

@@WoolyTV it shows in the footage! Great surfing 🤙

No idea why thats on sale! We still sell them at full price as they are one of our better selling boards!

Having a few crew ask for this one so I will have to get one ordered!

Unfortunately I had had a few things keeping me out of the water the past couple of months!

No deck dents on that board at all. Holds up very well.

Not on the cards in the near future but Im seeing a lot more around so it may have to be done.

Hi mate, yeah I think you could put that one in the cover for an G land trip. The 'other' waves a Gland it would be perfect! Plus it would be fun on the smaller days. Saying that I surfed it in overhead surf and it worked absolutely fine! I could see it spicing up the small-medium days! Where are you living Adam? US? We still cant travel so there wont be many Aussie in Gland this season! Cheers Wooly

@@WoolyTV Yeah, that's tuff. I live in Hawaii. Keep reading hints that Bali will be opening in June. Even if it doesn't I was given another option to get there that involves a special visa for US $850 going through Jakarta. Thinking positive. Gonna make it happen. Now I am going to have to look at your other reviews see what else I might be enticed to make! Aloha Bra!

@@adamescobar7427 Yeah do it! Sounds like its pretty easy for US citizens to get there......another mate from Cali is heading over there next month. Have fun! It will be nice and quiet up there without the Aussies in the line up and the bar!

@@WoolyTV I will definitely do everything I can to get there but part of the allure is hanging with all you Aussies and your sense of humor. I think it must be because I'm an Aussie heart! Cheers Mate!

I've watched 6 of your reviews so far, Phoenix, Monstas, JS X17's, Black Baron etc. It appeared to me the Flat Earth suited you best. You looked smoother, linked big turns without any glitches between them, and held the rail in a longer arc and exited turn with speed.

Hi mate. For me personally I preferred the Flat Earth.

@@WoolyTV have you tried it with the keel fins yet? Has the fin configuration make you round out your turns more ?

@@dkilla01 Hi mate, I only ended up using the MR 2 +1. I found I was really happy with the combo and didn't change the fins after the review

Yeah it was a very fun board Yeeeewwwww

It feels great but some performance boards I prefer to ride a tad less volume.

T1 in Futures is supposedly similar to the MR in FCS. Akila has a Futures twin set that would probably work as well. I think I read that he recommends an upright twin, so NOT a keel fin.

Yep agree!

I’m a bigger guy, 6’0” 200+lbs and I’m riding the FE as a 5’9” 31.8 liters and as a true twin using Akila’s fins for fun pockety surf and swapping in a Christensen Twin from Captain Fins in surf that’s a bit more down the line. Similar fins, the Christensen’s have a bit more area and a bit less cant than the Akila’s so they tighten the board up a bit without adding a trailer. Both fins go unreal in the board if you’re looking for a true twin set up. Adding the T1 trailer to the Akila twins also goes really well. Board feels like a skateboard with loose trucks and grippy wheels. The front fin placement being moved closer to the tail is what makes this board hold more like a thruster.

@@trestlesrocks Thanks for the info Mike. Much appreciated. Unfortunately I don't get to play too much with fins unless I keep the board in my personal quiver. Most of the reviews I surf the board 4-6 times and then they end up in my shop as a demo/loan board (I need to quit coaching and working in the shop to be 100% board reviewer ha ha) Im keeping the Flat Earth for a little longer as I feel like I can get it more dialled in if i played with the fins.

@@WoolyTV you’re ripping on it already. Seeing you on the 6’0” is making me think I should’ve gotten bigger than the 5’9”. Bigger than 5’9” felt huge under arm when I was checking them out in the store, and the 5’9” goes great, but I’m now seeing that the design is so lively you can go way higher volume and not kill the sensitivity.

I was on the 6’0” 36L and I’m just under 90kg. That’s about 2-3L more than my ‘normal’ volume. So if you normally ride around 41-42L I would say yes.

@@WoolyTV great thanx!

I find it going up in smaller increments when you first start to increase the foam.....so start with the 27.1L

Hi mate, Did you end up buying one? If not I would look at one 2 - 3L more than your 'normal' board!

@@WoolyTV After giving my new board a try and regardless of all my concerns with higher volume I would say Wow. I used the board with 2+1 fins in 3-5ft surf, it was so easy to control the board despite its volume. The board is super maneuverable and versatile. I wouldn’t be afraid to take it even in 5’11. LFT technology makes it super light, PU boards would be much massive and heavier at the same volume.

Mandurah, Western Australia www.starsurf.com.au/

Im not sure how it would have worked as a quad with the flyer/outline in the tail??

The one we live on?

@@WoolyTV show me some evidence for the ‘ball Earth’ you think we live on?

@@uksurfer2505 I think Im better at sticking to surfboard reviews but Im sure if you use google you can find what you are after.

@@WoolyTV I don’t blame you for your ignorance and I do realise that your poor sense of mockery of the truth is not your fault. But I do hold you to account for your distinct lack of ability to see the depth of your deception in these, very obvious, times of obvious deception. Please do not mock the true earth as we are not all part of the false narrative you live in. Start asking some critical questions about the world you are taught and shown.

@@uksurfer2505 Love a good conspiracy theorist..... you keep up the great work.

Both! :) Just last week I rode both those boards on the same day, same conditions and the surf very differently.

@@WoolyTV dang it! You’re spending my money again. I’ll absolutely be getting both. Love the reviews, chief. Funny, insightful and ripping. Keep up the good work.

@@waikikiwilly13 Thanks! If you are in Australia then the guys at Star can help you out with boards - 08 95354500

@@WoolyTV if I’m ever there my man. I’m in Venice, Ca

@@waikikiwilly13 Ah sweet! I went there on my way back to LAX after being up at Lemoore in the pool. Great spot to hang out! Plenty of characters wandering around the beach

Ha ha! Well the board did go well!

Goes pretty damn good!

Yeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww

Sorry you are missing my attempt at comedy. I never threw a shakka until I started the RU-vid channel and do it as a compete piss-take. But if you don’t approve, maybe just close your eyes during that part of the videos (or don’t watch them at all?). The Flat Earth was filmed in average waves where I live. Should I travel to find shit waves? The Flat Earth is definitely not a board to ride in shit waves so that’s why I’m showing it in the waves here. Great idea to go into more detail with the rocker, bottom contours and outline details but I have chosen to do that on purpose due to most people that watch board reviews don’t understand a lot of the details so I like to keep it very simple. Can I go to that detail? Yes, I have shaped over 100 boards (all very average) and have worked in board factories and surf shops since I was a kid but I’m happy with the versions of the reviews I’m doing, at this stage. As always, thanks for your views and input Yeewwwwwwwwww 🤙🤙🤙

Maybee stick to watching Noel Mr Mr if you love seeing the ruler pulled out 😂

Hi mate, All my details are in the notes under the clip but Im 6'1" and approx 87kg