Had one demo session on this board, and knew it was the board I wanted to buy. Rode it on a 4ft punchy beach break here in Aus, and the thing felt super fast and responsive (magic). I demoed it in a 5'8, but decided to buy it in a 5'9 for extra length. Can't wait to surf it again.
Thanks Noel, another great review... What are your thoughts about how this compares to the Cymatic? It seems like there's a lot of overlap in terms of performance and wave suitability...
Noel, I have been surfing the Sci Fi 2.0 for 3-4 weeks now, and love it as my daily driver How do you think the Sci Fi 2.0 would handle bigger, hollower surf? Head-high to double overhead etc I am wondering if the Sci Fi 2.0 will be able to handle the winter surf, or if I should add something more HPSB to my quiver eg Gamma or Ghost
Chad Atkinson The Scifi 2 can handle the bigger surf if you don’t mind riding EPS in double overhead. I think the SciFi 2 will go better than the Gamma but if I had to choose out of the 3 boards you mentioned for double overhead waves then I choose the Ghost
Great review thanks!.. looking at getting this to replace a Spintek OG Flyer (5,10) thinking this would be better in more and bigger conditions? I loved the sci fi 1 and the hydroshort. Cheers.
David Almeida as a daily driver / HPSB I would choose the Cymatic. If I were surfing a hollow wave or bigger surf then I would choose the the SciFi 2.0. It has more rocker so it will offer more hold in bigger surf compared to Cymatic.
Good question, would like to know too for everyday surf. from a design perspective looks like the 2.0 would be faster and easier to surf , geared towards smaller surf BUT sometimes you get surprised, monstabox has such a good reputation to be ridden in everything
Hi Noel, I just had another look at your Cymatic review. On the Cymatic you looked quicker and it looked less effort to manoeuvre than the Sci-Fi 2.0. Did you feel that way?
Leigh Wilson Yup... Cymatic is my Favorite board in the Slater Designs line up. Quick rail to rail and epic in the pocket with very little effort. Cheers
Yo Noel! I’m currently surfing a 5’8 neck beard 2 28.6l. I’m 5’9 and 175lbs think this board may be a little big but am looking at buying a board for bigger waves... what size and model would you recommend? I’m intermediate level but getting better all time due to surfing every spare moment I get 🤙🏄♂️
cal searson Liters on your NB2 sound about right.. that should be on the low side for your weight and skill level. Maybe change up your fins a little. If the board is feeling sluggish from turn to turn then try a more pivotal fin. That NB2 is mental in 1-4’ surf... for 4-8’ surf I recommend a HPSB like SciFi 2.0, Driver 2.0, Fever. These HPSB have more rocker and offer better traction when the waves get fast and powerful.
Surf n Show Reviews thanks dude appreciate the info, just one other thing... would you typically increase/decrease volume from everyday driver to hpsb? Or pretty much keep volume the same?? Again thanks for the info. Legend! 🤙
Aloha Noel! I have the OG Sci-Fi @ 5'9'' 29L and it goes great at my local in 2-4 sloppy summer conditions with its wider tail, but also maintains performance in the wintertime when it's overhead. It's now time to replace that board and I'm between sizes with the updated 2.0 version being that it has a pulled in tail. Would you recommend maintaining a 5' 9'', which is now 30L (I'm leaning towards this) or move down to a 5'8'' and keep the 29L? Your input is always spot on, I look forward to hearing from you. Mahalo
The 2.0 is good… but the wider OG Carries a bit more speed. If this is for the same waves you are describing you might want to go 5’9”. How much do you weigh?
Hey Noel! What daily driver/hpsb board would you recommend on average conditions for Southern California if surfing at places like trestles or t-street? I recently saw your review on the pyzalien 2 and I’m super interested in it but what about other similar models like the og flyer, driver 2.0?
Question for you Noel. I ride a 6'4 Rocket Wide in smaller surf and also have a 6'4 Cymatic. Looking to fill the gap in-between to my next board up which is the 6'8 Houdini. I'm thinking 6'6 Swordfish or 6'4 Sci-Fi 2.0. Any suggestions? Thank you
Aloha Noel, Love your RU-vid channel. By far the best surfboard review channel out there!! So I just got the Sci-Fi 2.0 and from my first surf it feels awesome. In your review you tested Future Fins. What would you recommend in the FCS 2 fins. I rode the Fannings and it felt great. Just ordered the new H 4 so will see how that feels.
Great review, the comparation with the sci-fi 1 is wowwww. For a guy that is 6’2 and 180 lbs there are no stock dims. FireWire would start makeing more options in this tipe of boards, like in gamma model.
Height doesn't matter at all, it's all about volume. Just because you're 6'2 doesn't mean you can't ride a 5'8. Find the right volume for your weight and go from there.
Hi Noel, Thanks for another great review! A bit disappointed not to see a comparison to the Cymatic. I layed them side by side at my local shop and to me it looked as if the SciFi 2 is just a Cymatic with a pointy nose. The rockers looked the same to me. To the naked eye at least. What do you think? Did FW tell you how the two differ? BTW. I now own a Cymatic, haven,t had it in the water yet however. Looking fwd to it though! Your review was helpful in choosing that board, so thanks.
I recieved a new cymatic 5'5" yesterday and surfed it today in solid 3-4ft. Setup as Noel recommends, performers with reactor quad rears. Goes fast, holds well and turns on a dime. Amazing so far. I also have a 5'5" Omni and you can notice the difference in the way they surf. Both are good.
Hi noah. I had the OG SCI Fi in 5 9 which I loved. I tried the 5 10 it was very different I didn't like it. For the 2.0 I see you say you can go up a size so would i get the 5 9 in the 2.0 also? Ie ordinarily it would be 5 8 as you ride it one inch shorter but going up one means back to the 5 9. Hope this makes sense.
been planning on the original for a while but...oh no, another board to complicate my decision! curious as to how low you think i should go...been riding a 34.5L 6' SC Pumpkin Seed for 10 years (no joke) and due for an upgrade! i'm 6'1" 170 and still improving at age 38. i'd like to get a bit more radical but still be able to catch and rip small waves. what would you go with if you were me? PS i rode a 5'11" Activator for several years and loved that in good waves. ps your reviews are the best.
J Quest Liters I recommend the Liters below for a surfer your weight. For all other weights please use this formula for Guidance. Take your weight in pounds and divide by 6. This guys weight is 170 lb... so divide that by 6 = (28.33L) Now look at my adjustments according to skill levels. Each level has a range... adjust according to how responsive you want your board to be and how hard you want work paddling etc. If you are not sure what your skill level is then error on the higher Volume wise according to your skill level. Expert Level = 27-28.5 Advanced = 29-30 Intermediate = 31-33 Beginner/Intermediate = 34-35
Hi Noel, thanks for the review ! I currently surf the 5'7 sci fi OG and i love it. I wanna go on 2.0 now but not sure between 5'6 or 5'7.... (I'm 1m77, 71kg, level intermédiate/advanced). What do you suggest ? I know that 5'6 would be ok but 5'7 volume seems to be helpful.. thanks ;)
@@louisalexandre4589 My liter range for you at different skill levels for your weight look like this. Pro/Expert = 25-27L Advanced 27-29L Intermediate = 30-32L Pick the 2.0 that best fits your liter range. If like a little more rail line then get the longer one if it’s in your liter range.
I currently surf a Channel Islands 6’2 sampler with 37.5 L, I’m 6’0 and 180lbs for a break like Huntington would you recommend the sci fi 2.0 at 6’2 with 38.8L or 6’1 with 37.1L or should I get a glazer at 5’11 with 37l, I’d say I’m about at a intermediate- beginner skill level,leaning more towards intermediate
Hey 👋 Noel, how have you been? Good 🤞 I hope. Quick question for you, if you could have any board on the FireWire stock list, which would it be? Why? Cymatic?
Hi Noel! What is your opinion between the No Brainer and the Sci fi 2.0? I´m an intermediate surfer and I surf 2-6 foot waves in the middle of mushy and hollow. What do you think could be better for me, knowing that I have a JS Monsta 8 at 5'9 24,9L? Thanks
Francisco Borges SciFi 2.0 will go better.... the NB is a Groveler best in 1-2’ mushy waves. Have a look at the Cymatic... epic board. The SciFi 2.0 is a HPSB and you already have a Monsta 8.... try something a little different.
Drew Reynado Nope.... The Cymatic is better and these two boards have to much overlap on wave height. I suggest keeping your Cymatic and get something fun to shred like the Seaside or Fishbeard
That's good to know that those peregrine apex fins are K2.1/WCT template clones. I feel like those 2 fin sets are hard to find. But wernt the K2.1/WCT always honeycomb fins? And you said the peregrine's were fiberglass?
Zenfire Trading Yes the NVS Peregrine’s are fiberglass with epoxy resin. The quality of NVS is epic and I like their Apex Series more compared to Honeycomb. Better consistency and more predictable but a bit heavier.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 I know you did an NVS video but it mostly focused on the C-drive fin. I think there is potential for a video about the apex series for a lot of us because of the construction and unique approach to foiling/reducing drag. Been stalking your reviews picking up bits and pieces about your thoughts on apex. I even have the peregrines and love them but I'd like to know what you think about the stiffness for smaller/mushier waves that we typically get in So Cal. Especially since I'm 140 lbs these fins seem to defy your traditional recommendation for a flexy speed generating fin...
Alan Galura I’ve been loving my NVS fins in Apex construction in small surf even though they offer little to no flex. I am getting that twang or pop out of my EPS boards and enjoying the consistency and predictability of the Fiberglass Apex construction in my turns.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Gotcha thanks for the reply. My boards are all PU so that pop will have to come from me... The apex series has so much 'clarity' while all my honeycombs feel muddy in comparison now.
You continue to provide valuable information and education for our community. Thanks for another excellent review. I’m really glad you decided to do the tutorials. Keep the awesome productions coming & we’re impatiently waiting for your tutorials ....LOL.
Hi quick question, I know you have already answered a lot about cymatic v sci fi 2 but I have a 5’7 evo and 6’3 ghost and looking for something between that is a kind of daily driver between those 2 boards. I surfed a 5’8 cymatic and found it too small for my ability...so I’m wondering between a 5’9 cymatic and sci fi 2 for that 4/5 ft good surf that best compliments those other boards?
Chris You can always refer to our website and see what boards made my Favorites list. The Cymatic is a Favorite of mine and the SciFi 2.0 is not. The SciFi 2.0 changes are most definitely an upgrade from the OG SciFi for more HPSB surfing. However the Cymatic is faster and still out performs the SciFi 2.0 in my opinion.
Chris For where I surf I still like the Cymatic better. The changes in the SciFi 2.0 are definitely an upgrade from the OG SciFi from my perspective. Making it 1” shorter and the changes in the tail give it the HPSB edge in good waves for sure.
Was it tough to put this in the HPSB category vs daily driver? I'm trying to choose between a used pyzel phantom and used SF 2.0. I dont really go out if its bigger than 6 feet. I feel like based on your reviews, the phantom might be a better choice given smaller waves and a smaller quiver?
with the tail/rocker changes, my impression is a Cymatic with a pointy nose. Would've liked a direct comparison between those two and any difference in how they surf.
Erik Burkett The SciFi 2.0 has more tail rocker compared to the Cymatic. With that being said the Cymatic needs less of a wave to go good as it carries more speed. The SciFi 2.0 Is legit HPSB and due to it having more rocker... I would say it makes the Cymatic more of a Daily Driver if I wanted them both in my quiver.
Cheers Noel! Epic review bro. I’ve been riding the sci fi 1 for a while at 5’9 from here in New Zealand to Bali and it works for me in 2-6 foot but mostly using it in 3-4foot. Originally I bought a 5’10 but that 1 inch made it feel like a boat. I’m keen as heck on a sci fi 2.0 at 5’9 but unsure if that will emulate that original 5’10 feel on the sci fi 1. After that same fluid, easy duck dive and speedy feel but love the idea of volume purely for paddle ease. Thoughts?? Pretty intermediate surfer and I’ll be using it from beach breaks to the odd point break. 173cm - 74/75kgs
Surf n Show Reviews thanks for the above reply. Seeing as the sci fi 1 (5’9) was 29.2L and the sci fi 2 comes in at 30.4L was wondering what your thoughts were. Just noticed you mentioned that you preferred the 5’6 in both 1.0 and 2.0 - any major difference in feel?
It needs a bit of a wave to go good due to having more rocker. I feel like I have to work harder to generate speed compared to the first SciFi. The SciFi 2 goes good but I like HPSB’s that offer quick get up and go speed.
Hi Noel, I’m using the sci-fi 5’7 26.3L do you think would be better to ride the sci-fi 2.0 5’6 26L? I also bought the Cymatic 5’4 and I’m loving the board, thank you 🙏🏼
Hey Noel!! I love the work you do and I encourage you to continue doing these reviews for the surfing community. I know that the review came out a while ago but I would like you to help me. I doubt between 5.9 30.6L or 5.10 32.2L. I usually go with a cabianca 5.11 31L and I weigh 165 pounds and my level is intermediate. I don't know whether to adjust the volume with the 5.9 or gain rail length with the 5.10 and lose performance. Hope you could read it. Best regards
@@kilima1500 the 5’9” might feel to short and twitchy compared to your 5’11”. If your surfing mostly punchy hollow Beachies then go 5’10. It might feel a little more buoyant but you need to get into hollow waves quicker to set your rail and pick your line. I am concerned the 5’9” will get you in a bit late and hard for you to set your rail.
Another solid review Noel! This board looks fun! I’m thinking about getting this board in the 5,6 at 26L (my size and weight are similar to yours, my skill level maybe slightly above intermediate) in the new I-Bolic technology. I want to take it to the Mentawais this summer, but not entirely sure if this board can handle the 6-7 foot surf there? (The other board I take is the Dominator 2). It supposed to be made for better, more hollow waves but I’m more concerned that 5,6 might be too small for any surf above 6 foot (maybe with a large slightly raked fin template?). Do you agree with this? But besides this trip I mostly surf 3-5 foot beach breaks. So I am thinking to get this board or the inferno FT.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 The FT seems to be impossible to get in C1Carbon at the moment (in Europe), I would only be able to get my hands on one end of summer. Would you say that the inferno 72 in C1Carbon would be a good alternative for the FT or would the Sci-Fi 2.0 or FRK+ in I-Bolic be a better alternative. Looking for a board to compliment my Dominator 2, something I can surf in 3-7ft when the waves get a bit better/steeper.
Bought one today Noel. Looking forward to getting to know the board! Your review helped me make the decision. I had been looking at some other boards - CI Rocket 9, Cymatic - but felt like this was the next board for me to help progress my surfing
Really happy with it so far Have taken it out in 4-6ft+ beachbreak light offshore winds with heavy drops and quick rides 2-3ft pointbreak onshore winds with heaps of chop 3-4ft pointbreak offshore winds with peeling waves This board handled those variety of conditions well Plenty of paddle power and float. Good speed down the line and able to handle decent drops I’m only an intermediate surfer so I am hoping this is a board that I can grow with and develop
i catch most waves 2-5 on a 8ft soft top. Picked up this board in 6'6, at 45.8 L, while im 6'1. 185lbs, what are some of the differences i should be aware of? Going to have to duck dive for first time
Surf n Show Reviews so if Im gonna be in crumby 2-3 Malibu surf today, where waves have little power, my takeoff should be much later, and shouldn’t have to worry nose dive if keep back foot weight since shorter board and more rocker. Taking backup soft top. This is a step down until my 6’2 hydra is repaired- which is a better everyday board than this one. This seems to more appropriate for giver waves- 5-8, likes you said. Don’t need reply just thinking out loud here
I want to get a new board but im stuck on which to get. So far my list of choices are Driver 2.0, Fever, HT2 Sharp eye, Pyzel shadow, Pyzalien, Sci fi 2.0 or the pyzel ghost as a step up. I mostly surf waves from 3-8 but every once an a while I will get a day thats 8+. What would you recommend. I live on oahu btw.
This made me want to buy the one ASAP. I’ve been on the Mayhem train and as much as I love Lost boards the price of the sci-fi 2.0 is to unbeatable. Also can’t wait for the new series of vids that look like to be carver surfskate training.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 what characteristics do you like more in the Cymatic versus the Sci Fi 2.0 ? Wish I could find a SciFi 2.0 in Portugal to test before deciding to size up in the Cymatic versus purchasing a Sci Fi 2.0. I know the Cymatic and love it, just need more volume.
@@MichaelJDay The Cymatic offers high performance surfing in the pocket quicker. No need for the extra length in the SciFi 2.9 with the pointed nose… Cymatic is way better in my book. The SciFi 2.0 is average at best
Thanks for the great reviews. I am usually surfing 32 l like a lot the 32.5L range, but was wondering if I shall hit the 5'11 all the way to 33.8 L, which would be too much usually. But looking at the dims it s not too wide, just a bit hesitant if it would not be too beefy and stick to the 5'10 with 32.2L which is the clothet to my favorite range. I must say that I have a step up that hits 33+L and that for grovelers I rather be over 33 as well(for mediocre conditions). right now having fun on my neckBEard 1 at 32.5L. What would you recommend ?
Tough call… the 5’11” at 33.8L will float more like 34.3L due to eps/epoxy construction. The 5’10” sounds more like it at 32.2L floating more like 32.7L. I would hate for the FE at 5’11” be to big for you. The 5’10” will go good with Twin + Trailer and a bit hypersensitive purely as a Twin. I suggest a good size Twin Fin template to shred it without a stabilizer fin. Check out my HP Twins here…. www.shopsurfnshow.com/collections/all/products/twin-fins-hp-twins
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you for the quick reply! I have not mentioned that I ve been surfing only epoxy boards for years, because I would damage Pu boards in 2/3 months. So 32.7 l is on an epoxy board. Yes the fins seem sick I ve been watching your videos testing, I’ ll grab them for sure. I guess I will go for the 5’10, actually I have been surfing the SF 1.0 at 29.9 L for a year but was missing some foam, so the 32.2L seems like a good guess.🙏
I thought this was Slater surfing at first... thought, "wow - he's slowing down in his old age"... then I see its not Slater. Lowers does make everything better.
The sessions’ were on point with these boards my friend. I bought two more. .. I wanted two with the FCS Fin box systems and one with the Futures Fin box, to see if there was much of a difference. Your video sold me on these boards.Teaching my wife to surf now here at New Smyrna inlet. Great stuff Noel!!!Thanks for the great videos.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 as usual you’re the best ! For me beginner-intermediate 160lbs 6’2 31-33 liters sounds good? (Should I replace my RW with this one ?) Thank you for any additional help!
Great review, as always! Would you suggest this board for a low intermediate level, to be used in glassy conditions ( let's say Bali, Maldives....) head to slightly overhead conditions? At the moment I use Hypto Krypto 6.2 38,4 lt for those conditions, and I feel good. I was thinking about the Sci Fi 6.2 at 38,9 lt. I'm 6.2, 200lbs. Thanks in advance! Alex
Thank you Noel. What do you suggest regarding fins? At the moment my futures fin quiver is Blacksticks 5 fins Large and F-series eight thruster. Thanks again
Hi Noel, curious if you had to choose only one board as your favourite out of NB2 (Spinetec) or Cymatic (LFT)? And what kind of waves do you routinely surf (size, quality, shape etc.) Thanks in advance :)
@@surfnshowreviews7777 great, thanks for that! I'm a taller surfer (6'1, 80kg) and noticed the Slater designs are very short relative to my usual volume (29 litres) where as the NB2 allows for custom sizing so I'm leaning more towards the NB2. Cheers.
Tom David P2 is a 1board quiver/ Daily Driver... this SciFi 2.0 is a HPSB so it will offer more performance in the pocket due to more rocker and narrower tail
Hey Noel, great review as always, how would you compare performance wise, the Sci-Fi 2.0 to the Cymatic? Also any plans on doing a review on the El Tomo Fish?
loved my sci fi 1.0 until it got rail cancer - late entries, fast as hell, too fast, needed to be pulled in and rockered - looks like they fixed that, bat tail is a bit weird and harder to fix. would be a great board with a squash tail.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 all good it's 2.2 pounds equals a kilo (great review) But all my surfboards are hand shaped by Sam Egan not machined shaped so litres do not come into the equation for me "I just can't concur" - I go by measurements in a surfboard not litres. And Yes Kelly Slater is the greatest of all time.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 I'm old school I prefer a hand shaped surfboard over a machined it will be a sad day when Sam Egan steps down he's like 77yo already.
What board do you prefer between Sci fi 2 or Dominator 2? I had the Sci fi 1 in 5,9" 29L and I love it, I had the dominator 1 5'6 28 L and was not enough performance and I had to sell... But now the new version I thought that can be moe performance and may be with more range of sizes waves... Thanks for your support!!!