Been sup'ing a SMIK spitfire V3 8'4" 113L for the last 6-9 months and rate this shape. Previous to that my SUP board was an infinity blur V2 121L, loved it but was too big as I progressed, and couldn't get a replacement, then. Excited that infinity is now back in OZ as well.
Just added a SMIK spitfire 8'2" 107L to the original to progress down a size and to gain some more manoeuvrability and finer rails for barrels, and proper turns. Had it now for 2 mths or so.
Was hard work initially at 6ft and 100 kg, but persistence and dropping some kilos. The bigger board is great for soft fat waves, and the small one is great all-rounder for juicy waves. Always carry 2 sups and a short board in the wagon, unless the conditions call for windsurf kit as well.
Love the spitfires, great boards, well built, awesome shape. Just up graded the grip on the first one production one and ordered the smaller one without grip, whilst in WA. Sourced the same grip as was on my Infinity which I reckon is the best, but a personnel preference.
Big fan, great boards.
Hey mate, I've got the 8'2 and had it about a year. Wicked boards! how's the grip upgrade? I did find the factory grip a little hard and not natural feeling
The original grip chewed out real quick under my the balls of my feet. I sup a lot of points and river mouths, with heaps of chop, so just wear and tear. Went with the OAM sup grip. Awesome, grippy. Initial gives you a bit of a rash when prone paddling, but probably more to do my sensitive skin, but after that initial period, killer grip ever since. The grip was $220 ish from memory (infinity brand pad), just ordered online at OAM, - On A Mission, a US company, but has an OZ online store. Great tail pads for surf boards too. Quality 3M eva foam I think, but details on there site !! Prick of a job removing old grip though, glad wrap and thinners !!. A proper mess
Nice effort! Also solid riding 104l at 100kg! Must be pretty submerged at that volume?
Nice work mate. Yeah the Spitfire's look to be a sweet shape, especially for waves with some power.
Also a big fan of the OAM deck pads. I'll be putting one on my next performance board.
For grips, I would recommend the firewire / slater "bloom" ones.
Incredibly light, very soft touch, more grip than anything else, super thin (wax-like direct feel of the board).
Only drawback is that they are expensive, and only come in prone shortboard sizes.
