the sickest surf show on the internet, alway impatient for the next video. i have surfed a vader, though it was super undersized, about mid neck, after a very hard and steep take off it was the most agile board i have ever surfed, thanks to Jeremy for lending me his board. keep it up!!!

Been riding vanguards for a couple years now and was pleasantly surprised to stumble across this vid. Excellent review. I used to ride regular channel islands shortboards exclusively, usually around 6' give or take an inch. For the record, I'm 6'1" , 190 lbs, 37 years old (surfing since 15) and rode the PISS out of my board in all sorts of conditions, but mostly reefs and points, with an occasional beachie, always preferring a heavier wave when possible. These boards are amazing in that I have essentially abandoned my quiver of shortboards for one board that does it all (until you get into bigger waves (DOH) where more foam is needed to paddle in (for me a 6'8" and up)). They are extremely fast, extremely responsive, and all around FUN. Cons: the first generation of the firewire VG's did not have any stringer at all and I snapped the demo I was riding in the first 30 mins, in waves that I feel would not have even come close to snapping a regular poly stringer board. I later found out mine was the third one that week that snapped. I had the board put back together and beefed up and it still rode better than my other shortboards for another year and a half and finally broke it again on one of the biggest barrels I got all el nino winter, a worthy death. The other pitfall of the blunt nose is that you really have to either be mindful of stompin on the tail in airdrop take offs or try to avoid them, cause it will pearl. Try taking off sideways down the face instead of straight, works way better. Use the design to backdoor sections. I have since gotten the LFT generation and have not had a chance to put it through bigger stuff, but am confident it is at least a bit stronger than previous generations. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM MAKE A STRONGER VERSION OF THESE BOARDS. After having ridden my repaired VG for a year and a half with double 6 oz cloth wrap, I would venture to say that perhaps there is too much emphasis being place on preserving flex, and not enough on structural integrity.

Finally got a go on the Vanguard after seeing it on ShredShow! WOW what a board!! Can't wait to try out the Vadar as well!! Keep up the good work Chris and everyone at ShredShow!!

There is sooo much info in each of your videos gosh I love it! I'm kinda new to surfing but it usually makes some sense and helps me learn. Idk I appreciate your channel dude :)

I have demoed the Vanguard in both Huntington and Oceanside. I rode a 5'4" for both. In Huntington it was ultra crowded on the Northside with occasional wave breaking way on the outside and the usual channel in the middle. I was amazed at how easy it was for me to sit on the outside with Longboarders and get on the wave. The board was super fast but I definitely felt like the board needed a larger arch to turn. It was a thruster set up. In Oceanside the waves were chest to head high. There the board seemed to not get into the waves as well and I found it rather stiff again. It was a Firewire demo and I rode a spitfire and got into tons of waves with that and felt loose and really in tune with the waves. The guy who was doing the demo said to me when I got in that I won the contest on the spitfire. I really would like to try the Vader since it may be better at turns but keep the paddle speed as well. I am 5'4" tall and 145lbs so the web site would put me on a smaller board but the demo guy said I should use the 5'4" so I did. 26-28 liters seems to be my best volume in short wide boards.

Crazy in-depth tech stuff right here, amazingly interesting!

I had a 5'5 Vanguard and LOVED it. 28.8 Litres. I am 5'9, 170 lbs I got a VADER at 5'4 and 27.3 liters. The VADER is also great, but not as fast due to an increased tail rocker and a lil flip in the nose. Recently traded for a 5'5 Vanguard in LFT and back to having the time of my life. I would love to try a VADER in SAME volume as VANGUARD. With the decreased volume and increased rocker I found that it was only functional in very good waves whereas I can surf my Vanguard in just about any size and it goes like mad and turns like a model on the runway... Great Show Chris- Lets shred this nation

Great review, Chris! Very informative and interesting.

Great show Chris! Very informative

Love your vids, can't wait for more!!

Aloha Chris! Ok, so I demoed a 5'4 Vader from a local shop on a free demo day they were having, and at first I almost wrote the thing off. I tried it on a couple of soft rights at a spot that had a couple people and wasn't really dialing in. Then paddled over to a bowlier peak that my friend was at and caught a left and my session took off. Incredible board. I was connecting turns and making sections that I didn't think I would make. Unreal session. Decided that day I needed to own one. The next thing was trying to figure out the right size to get. I'm 5'9 and 160-ish pounds. I tend to fluctuate between 155-165. I ride my normal shortboards around 24.4L, so jumping on that 5'4 at 27.3L was a big jump, and so began my quandary. To make a long story short, I researched it and couldn't really find anything definitive, so I emailed Daniel a couple of times and spoke to some people. Here's what I found out: Daniel recommends getting the board the same volume as your shortboards, or even a little less. A shop owner that rode one says he rode one the same volume, but could've gone a little less. The owner of the shop I was gonna buy from said his biggest complaint from people who got it was they wished they had gone shorter. And after all that, I didn't listen and got the 5'3 25.8L Vader. In the middle of what I normally ride and the demo. I figured it would still be fun and I could always just get a smaller one later. I've had a few sessions on it, but I haven't had a good day out with it to dial in yet. I have had some good waves here and there. I feel like it's way better in waves that have some push to them. I ride it with quads. I'm waiting for the next good swell to find a spot to really dial in on some rights, but forehand the board is pretty fun so far.

I have a Vanguard 5'3" and I'm about 5'7" and 155lbs. I just bought it a week ago, so I've only surfed it a few times, but so far I love it! It is noticeably much faster than anything I've ever ridden. Due to the speed, I beat a few close-out sections that I doubt I could have on my old board. The planing effect makes it feel like you're riding on top of the wave, instead of displacing water. I'm also very happy with how responsive and maneuverable it is. Super fun board, worth the buy.

So stoked for the review been looking forwarc to the vader Cheers :) :)

this was a real good review, cheers

Very cool tutorial, really want to try one of these!!

Thanx heaps for that. I'm 57 and on a 5'7. Dunno WTF 'g goin' on! Today I almost outran a closeout, piked a big air when I was doin' about Mac frigging 3, hit 3 or 4 wickedly quick off the lips which I smoked. And bombed a couple of take offs. Hints of greatness. Dropping a couple of kilos and working on arm strength with weights and yoga ... so was good to hear your comments which were pretty much what i'd concluded. Unique and interesting for sure. Gimme a few more sessions to get used to the SOB. Gr8 expectations.

LFT Vanguard at 5'6 on sub par waves up to chest high. Worked to well in most waves, easy to paddle and effortless glide. One of the most versatile boards I've ever ridden. Seriously can't understand why people hate on the tech the boards are made of. Worked great for me!

Such a gnarly long episode! Love your videos Chris. Have you seen the new FW RNF in Timbertek? That thing looks like so much fun. Keep it up!

I just had a Deja vu! ahah Again, great work! Keep it up! :)

Hey Hey -love your show! Ive got a Vanguard 6'0 Yep I'm 105kg and 6'4. Love it as my everyday board. great for crowded Christchurch (New Zealand) waves , But as soon as im on a decent wave, i feel i could go a lot shorter. so ive gone and brought a vader 5'10... haven't ridden it yet. Arrived today!

Alright so I just got a vanguard and am crazy about it. I'm about 5'8 and got it in a 5'6 and it rides perfectly. This size makes paddling a dream, and I could get into waves no problem with almost 30 liters of volume. This is probably the coolest board I will ever own and couldn't be happier

Hi there, really liking your show here! I would be totaly excited to see a review of a LibTech board, especially the Puddle Jumper shape by Matt Biolos that is about to come out.... Keep up the good work.

Love the show every week man! I was interested in seeing a review on the rusty bali single fin. I live in florida and i dont want to purchase the board and it not work well in florida surf. A review on this board would be killer!

I'm 5'8" 150lb and I ride a 5'3" Vanguard. Faster than my tradition thrusters for sure and with its small size it's easy to throw around. Love it! It does have some drawbacks being small it can be more work when there's a lot of current or tide. Really want to try a Vader or Evo after seeing this!

Hope to demo one this weekend down in Huntington.

Im 6'0 190lbs and i ride a 5'7 vanguard LFT. I mostly try and surf off volume anywhere from 32-35. I LOVE Riding it in waves 3-4+ and really livens up 5-6+. I used to ride all the firewire potato boards, and the vanguard is so much more fun, it its lighting fast on tuns and makes feel like a better surfer. If you can manage to understand the ride characteristics of this board, it will heavily reward you.

Im' 5'10 and bought my Vanguard as a 5'6. At that time my weight was 165lb... Now I'm 185 and it works just fine! Although I have to paddle with a little bit more effort, obviously... it's just the best board I've ridden. I prefer quads, but since this board it's so fast, I ride it as a thruster. Waiting for the EVO!

I want a Tomo so bad!!!!

Great video bros.

You should do a review on the new Lost/Libtech Puddle Jumper thing looks mental!

I surfed that board sized at my nose with the diamond tail with my am-2 tech flexes it was a very different fell under my feet responsive hard to get into waves at time really have to paddle it lol

I had the Vanguard about a year ago. I thought I would love it, but had a little frustration with it. I'm 6'3 195lbs and surf Newport/HB and usually ride around 27/28 litres of volume. My go to board now is a 5'10 x 19.5 epoxy quad similar to the Simon Anderson DK. I started with the 5'7 because it was on super sale used but almost new. It was wayyyy to floaty for me, so I traded with a guy for a 5'5 x 18 1/4. I had a little fun with it, but it too was still too floaty, even being my regular volume. I felt the vanguard was too stiff and wouldn't turn how I wanted to. It had speed down the line, but that's all it was good for (for me). It was the FST tech. It's like he says in the video, I would recommend going below your regular volume, do the extra work paddling, and really take advantage of the MPH design when you're on the wave. I think you could probably go about 1.5-2 litres below your normal volume and still paddle pretty easily but really be able to have fun on the wave. I'm hoping to get a vader, probably 5'5 or maybe even 5'4. I love the idea of these boards, I think I just need to find the right size.

Paradigm shifter for me as far as volume is concerned. I'm 5-8 135 riding a 5-3 26.4L Evo. My husband has a 5-5 29L Vader and a 5-6 30L Evo that I ride and they feel like step-ups compared to the Evo. In a PU non-MPH ride the 5-5 would've been more on my low end. Steady chasing that feeling...there's no turning back now. Keep the videos coming. Cheers.

Chris - reposting. Thank you for another great review. I was wondering what you think about this board for an intermediate surfer. I am surprised by the volume this one packs. At 6'0 it has the same volume of my Average Joe at a couple of inches shorter. Thx!

Can you compare the vanguard and the evo and which would would be better in what kind of surf

I'm 5'8" 180lbs and always rode boards around 5'7"-6'0". I had no idea what the volume of my old boards were. I wanted something that would paddle a little easier than my 5'7" fishtank but still rip as hard. I guessed the 5'5" vader would be perfect, but they only had a 5'6" in Hawaii. I didn't want to wait 6 weeks for a board so I just bought it. Best move ever! It's everything I wanted and more! I ride it with Komunity 2.1 thruster or F4 vector quad setup. The board is so fast that the thruster works fine. Turns on a dime! I probably could go smaller in volume but I'm getting older and lazy. Plus it holds well in 6-8 ft surf (Hawaiian scale). Best board I ever had! Can't wait for the next Tomo design to hit Hawaii!!!!

I tried the 5'7 and the 5'8 vanguard at camp shred this year, they were both really fun and fast but I preferred the 5'7. The shorter rail line made the board much looser.

I'm 6'1" 185, have several boards under 6ft, normal range for me is 27-30+ liters, and I'm looking at the 5'7" Vader based off liter comparison.

I'm new to surfing, but I feel like I would like this shape since I'm coming from skateboarding and snowboarding. Nose and tail having the same shape

I recently took an old board and hacked off the nose leaving it with a similar plan shape to both the Vader and Vanguard. Guess what... it works amazing! Don't get hung up on the traditional look, it's time to progress.

Going on a surf trip and was wondering if you guys ever do a board bag review? I saw a blog on the Smuggler Bag from Pro Lite and was interested in seeing something on that? It says it hides a board and I am curious how well it works?

got a sick 5.2 vader so sick rides so smooth

I ride a 5'4 vanguard, I could probably ride it 2inches shorter, but it's still really fun and wow it's fast. I used the firewire volume calculator to find out what size to get, finding the perfect size according to volume is so much easier than length, width and thickness.

I own a 5.6´ vanguard. I sized it according to the site and it has worked amazingly for me. My height is 173cm and weight is 65kg. It paddles nicely as its in my high range of volume and it shreds all size waves. I have it set with FCS2 small performance thruster and its worked really well in 2ft to 8 ft waves. I switched the fins to FCS2 medium accelerators and when surfing the same 7 - 8 ft waves it began to speed shake as the velocity being generated was clearly too much for the shape to handle and had to consistently shake of speed. I have surfed it all over Rio de Janeiro, brazil and Ecuador and it takes the chop with some difficulty when paddling but once plaining it feels like your on a skateboard. With the small fins I have no problems carving really tight turns and the easy speed the shape of the board generates helps me get out of any maneuver or drop into really tight barrels.I did have a guy drop in on a wave once and fixing the FST rail is a pain. But other than that I believe its a really fast nimble board and with a very wide wave tolerance. From steep barrels to wide 8ft waves it works in a very precise fashion. And the ability to use a really small board where you usually would bring a bigger size board to help you paddle in is an amazing feeling once you are on the wave and can really carve in any direction and chose any line.

Oy!! Hit up that crazy FireWire cornice please! I know it rides well on good surf but does it perform good on mushy crap surf considering its wide tail?

Hey Chris, just wondering what your height and weight are? If it's not too personal a question! haha. LOVE the show by the way. Keep up the good work!

hello. i' d like to hear more about the channel island semi pro. cheers

I have a buddy who has a vanguard that is pretty oversized for him, but he says it goes like the dickens, but I tend to ride shorter boards and size down.

review the aloha magic mushroom slx that is such a sick board

I got a small question for you. I just got the tomo Vader and I am having problems with my leash. The small rope which is attached to the leash plug has the perfect length for the railsaver touching the tail. Nethertheless the tail already broke two times because of the leash pulling hard on the board. I am using a regular leash from fcs so the problem isn't the thickness of the railsaver. Do you have any suggestions what I could do to prevent from the tail breaking over and over again? Should I maybe use a different leash or something? Or is it just simply a problem I need to live with because the tail is so super wide? cheers Ricardo

When are you going to compare the Evo to these boards? I was going to get a Vador and everyone told me to just get the Evo. And I'm 5'9" 150lbs but am afraid to go as small as 5'5'' but there's a big volume jump to the 5'6". What do you think?

Vader Question! Why are there different Vaders? I have a 5'2" I bought off a guy and it has the graphite (?) center diamond on the deck and bottom that doesn't appear to be available commercially. Super fun board, but just slightly low volume for me (I'm 5'10" ish 155 lbs). I probably should have a 5'3". I'm wondering how the FST flex will differ from the flex I get with this graphite diamond version. By the way, the graphite diamond version looks so much more bad ass-was it too expensive to make commercially? Or can I actually order another one if I know the secret handshake? On the issue of flex, the stiffness of my Vader is somewhere between a regular shortboard and a Hypto Krypto (which is super soft). The Hypto doesn't like mush-it feels like the softer flex is pushing water with a flatter wave face (it needs wave curve to come alive), while the slightly firmer Vader zips right over the mush. However, in bowly conditions I prefer the Hypto because it seems to "fit" anywhere I put it. In those conditions the Vader is a little more "edgy" (makes sense, right?).

Hi, im a kitesurfer 85 kg on twin tip and i want a vader to learn strapless, can you help me withe size? Also which tech to choose? Lft or fst?

I've got a 5'3 vader an it goes like nothing I've ridden before. Im about 68kg. Super responsive an turns on a dime. I've surfed it in clean point breaks, big an messy point breaks an bowly beachies an had fun every time. Haven't had it too long so still getting the feel for it but when you find the sweet spot on it you can feel it almost lift an gliding. I surf it as a thruster with the shapers am-1. Volume is hidden really well in it too. Definitely recommend it. Tomos on to something here for sure

hi im 5,6 and i weigh 52 kg what size would you recommend in the vader ?

Hey! Im looking for a new board that could suit the medium sized beachies, but can still hold when we get a bit more swell. I was riding a 5"3 DHD Project 15 Next Gen until it snapped the other day, and i'm thinking about trying the SUPERbrand Toy in a 5"4, or possibly even a 5"6? I have a SUPERbrand Unit as well to use when the waves are small and mushy. Do you have any suggestions? I am about 164cm (5"4) and weigh 53kg (116.8lbs), and my surfing ability is on the upper end of intermediate to advanced. Thanks, Noah

I usually ride 30 liters and I'm comfortable at that size how do you think riding this vadar at 28 liters feel like. Is it epoxy construction ?

How does this board works in mushy waves?

Hey Chris how do we win the thrusters and the shirt? Of for next time how can I win?

SHRED SHOWWWWWWW! I love your videos!!! You guys ROCK! Question... when are you going to do a review of the Evo? I just picked up a Vader a while ago (the video really helped out in the decision making) and I'm getting ready to place an order for an EVO!!! But I would like to get a little insight from the #ShredShow about the Evo! Thanks again for doing what you do... :)

Hey Chris, sort of off topic here, since it doesn't pertain to the Vanguard or Vader, but any chance you could review Wisdom boards? As you probably know it's a local shaper from Encinitas, and since it's a small company, there's not much by way of reviews on their boards.

Got a 5'3 Evo it feels like skating

Hi guys...i'm 68kg/150lbs inter/advan level..average fitness...what a size is the best for me for the tomo evo? has been surf 5,9 28.4liter shortboard but a big struggle when paddling due to lack of surfing...sorry for bad english..thanks!

Got a vader a month ago. One of the best boards I have ever had. I only wish to have the money for a smaller one. I am : 185cm 90k = board 5'10.

Hey shred show love your videos. Wanted to ask for some advice. I'm a a mature surfer in New York City. We don't really have big waves often and I wanted to know if you can recommend a board that might help me become a better short boarder?

I know nothing about boards and I want this :P

I'm 6'5 and 225lbs with a 5mm wetsuit on. The Firewire volume calculator says my ideal volume for good waves is 42 to 47L. (I think that is too high but I have been increasing volume the last two years). There is a note to take 10% off of that for Tomo boards putting my volume in a range of 38 to 42L. My everyday board is a Weirdo Ripper at 37.5L. I am debating between the 5'10" at 37.6L and the 5'11" at 39.5L. I am leaning towards the 5'11" because I am worrying about pearling and being very tall I think my feet may land off the back while standing up!

Own a Vanguard, demoed a Vader. Sized both as short as possible. Vader is best all around versus the VG. Snappier, more drive, and more neutral feeling. What's not to like?

It would be awesome ifvu could share some clips of you riding these board instead of all pros... Just my opinion love the show

Which board would be best for good barrelling waves? Vader, Vanguard or evo? im guessing vg? or something more normal shape?

Dear Shred nation, if what I m chasing is a more resistant board, which I would not have to repair that often, should I go for lft or FST?

tomo develop first the Vader then was the Vanguard, but he commercial first with Firewire, because was a success, then appear the vader in the stores

I am 5'10 and 140 lbs. When I demoed the Vader I rode it in a 5'4 and a 5'2. If I used one word to describe this board it would be "fast"

for a great combo with the drive of a thruster and the speed of the quad..put smaller fins on the front and double foiled larger fins in the back…the problem is they dont make a set up that way so you have to use two middle fins from your thruster sets….try it….the smaller little fins can break free on hard turn making the board even more maneuverable…yet the larger middle fins keep the board hauling ass….

I'm 6'2 and 90kg, any suggestions for what size I should get this board in? I would class myslef as an intermediate surfer, do a lot of kiting and SUP so know what to do on a wave, but I find getting a shortboard out the back and absolute mission. Cheers guys

I have a Vanguard in a 5'8. It was a demo therefore cheap. Would have gone smaller if I was paying full price. I really love it and find it replaces the concept of a fish for me. I have more traditional 6'1 by 18. Im 82kg and find i can almost get on the wave where the mals are paddling on. More waves thanks to the paddle speed and board speed. I can take off and plane through fat sections, rocket through fast sections and hook decent turns. It feels like riding a skateboard on a wave to me. Highly recommend these boards for the average surfer in the average surf. There are very few days i have to take out my traditional high performance short board.

I weight 150, and i ride a 5'2 Vanguard. that thing just awesome. I can ripe it on most of the condition.

Step up Question. I would say im an advanced surfer living out on Kauai where there is plenty of powerful surf. I have been riding a vanguard for a couple years now. love it. I'm 5'10", 190. I ride the a 5'6" vanguard. I also ride a shred sled for bigger more hollow waves and a lost pintail for my step up. so when I have been on my vanguard a lot I its hard to feel right on a more normal board for the first session or so. is anyone riding a board for bigger waves that is similar to this? Maybe a cornice or something?

Motorboat Too board review?

All my friends paddle out faster to the lineup then me but I go faster while on the wave for sure sacrifice for reward

LFT is for sponsored pros. sure the flex is cool (if you know how to feel it) but the torque that waves can give (if you bail) make the LFT tech buckle in a twisted non-parallel way, around that dense foam. personal experience. the foam stringer tech needs some work.... Also dont oversize on these boards or 1 you cant duck dive 2 they will be way too wide to get the widepoint under and your front foot and 3 you will be pearling the sharp front corners on your drop... probably just dont buy one unless your pretty skilled and dont consider oversized boards anymore... all that said buy the fst. its still light and fragile, but is fun as all hell. Maybe get a Nano if your intermediate, its a suuuper fun board thats somwhere between standard shortboard and this.

Evo please

What I've taken from the VG is that it will allow you to get to places on the wave that no other board I've ridden does. I'm talking about high performance waves with power & steepness. It flies!

I got the Vanguard 5'8 19" 2 1/2" LFT 2 years ago. Im 174cm & 84kg, my first session was glassy Jbay and loved the board, snapped it on my second surf though! was so guttered but got it fixed. I love that board super fast and snappy. clears sections like a beast! Ive surfed it in different conditions and it goes really well everywhere except for when its choppy, then its just terrible! It goes like a dream on glassy long powerful waves. You can put that board anywhere on the wave and it just sticks! ive only ever surfed it as a quad with the futures F4 (futuresfins.com/en-us/f4-1140-116-40-detail) they quite small and the board has loads of release. I would def get the Vader!

I've recently found these boards to be insanely unexplainably awesome!!! Im 6'3 tall and weigh 75 kg's / 160 lb and i took my friends 5'2 Vanguard out on a really small day after not getting anything right on a 5'8(was a wider board than normal and faired well usually in small conditions) and was amazed to find that i was able to surf this board like a BOSS. it felt super fast and and like i could catch any size wave on it. It just caught anything. the only prob i had was paddling coz my knees were almost off the end of the board. other than that i rate you could surf those boards in almost any size as long as you can paddle comfortably. am now getting a 5'5 vader for the length and can't wait !!!!

"Can't" remember the thickness. And by the way, don't stop...

london almida (12) from kauai has been riding daniel's 4'8 TOMO vanguard for almost 2 years now and LOVES it: facebook.com/video.php?v=10206387664870851 we talked with daniel regarding size as we originally bought him a 5'1 and it was too much board but the 4'8 is perfect as his standard shortboard is 5'1 or 5'2 with a step up at 5'4 (SUNSET BEACH oahu) etc. he has dealt with issues regarding people's opinion of what they think the board is (as they've never ridden it) but continues to LOVE it and his surfing (see video posted) reflects the compatibility of him and his TOMO. we are excited that kelly slater has joined tom curren etc in LOVING this board and breaking free the opinion that boards have to looks a certain way in order to be useful in accelerating someone's surfing ability/experience. london says that his TOMO VANGUARD feels really smooth and accelerates down the line unlike any other board (his shapers are all the industries best!) shorter is definitely better! a larger fin (than usually used) makes up for the board's smaller size (london likes to ride MED JJ FLORENCE in his board). aloha!

Hook a brotha up, would love a vader! Sick show, you got my sub!

just watched this.. surpassed bs again..

You should review wetsuits

please review the rusty t-dwart

Demo , few inches shorter then I am tall . Fast , loose and interesting

I would buy a helium construction Vader.

Sorry to say but volume means nothing

Seriously man you gotta stop. Every time I watch your videos I start to get ideas for a new board I want to build........... Hmm maybe that's a good thing. But I already have a board similar to one of these that I made with a blunt nose and a double Dimond tail. It's 5'4" 19" and I can remember the thickness but I know it is 30 Ltrs. Well suited to the waves around here. On queenslands Sunshine Coast.

hello. i' d like to hear more about the channel island semi pro. cheers