Firewire Greedy Beaver Midlength — full deck view

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Firewire
Firewire · Midlength

Firewire Greedy Beaver Review

8.0/ 10 Aggregate score
8.0
Aggregated from 1 scored source
Average price$1,190Range $1,125–$1,255 across 2 retailersSee sources

The Firewire Greedy Beaver is a crossover midlength with a compressed longboard outline and a rounded pin tail. Firewire describe it as having "a real shortboard feel with a compressed longboard outline", and that contradiction is the whole point of the board.

View on Firewire
Quick specs
Type
Crossover midlength
Construction
Helium core with Volcanic lamination
Core
Stringerless EPS with Paulownia and Balsa rail flex control
Bottom contour
Single to double concave
Tail shape
Rounded pin
Rails
Beveled, reducing overall thickness

Firewire's own description sets expectations well: "Put it on rail while engaging the single to double concave, step on the rounded pin and it surfs like a shortboard in the pocket. Or take advantage of the single to double concave and large planing surface to trim effortlessly over dead sections."

The build is Helium core with Volcanic lamination — a stringerless EPS core with Paulownia and Balsa rail flex control, wrapped in basalt rather than carbon. Firewire rate Volcanic as their most durable lamination.

Pros & cons
  • Wave count is far higher than a shortboard for the same effort
  • Surfs off the tail rather than trimming like a mini-mal
  • Volcanic lamination is one of Firewire's more durable builds
  • Wide size range, from 37.5 L up to 52.1 L
  • Premium price at $1,125–$1,255
  • Not a replacement for a performance shortboard in good surf
  • Stock availability is intermittent

How it surfs

Surfd's reviewers rated it 4.0 out of 5 and spent most of the review pushing back on the shape's mini-mal reputation. Their tester rode a 6'2" at 40.9 L despite usually preferring sub-30-litre boards, and reported catching more waves than on a Sci-Fi or comparable shortboard.

Their conclusion is the useful one for buyers: the Greedy Beaver is best understood as a padded-out shortboard, not a shrunken longboard. It rewards riders who surf off the back foot and want a higher wave count in average conditions, rather than those looking for classic midlength trim.

Volume & sizing chart

Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.

SizeVolumeRider weightBest for
6'0" x 20 1/2" x 2 1/2"37.5 L65–75 kgIntermediate+
6'2" x 20 3/4" x 2 5/8"40.9 L72–82 kgIntermediate
6'4" x 21" x 2 11/16"43.6 L78–88 kgIntermediate
6'6" x 21 1/4" x 2 3/4"46.4 L85–95 kgImprover
6'8" x 21 1/2" x 2 13/16"49.1 L92–102 kgImprover
6'10" x 21 3/4" x 2 7/8"52.1 L100 kg +Improver

How it compares

BoardBest atWave rangeAggregate score
Firewire Greedy BeaverCrossover midlengthAnkle to head-high8.0
Channel Islands CI MidPerformance midlengthKnee to overhead9.2
Harley Ingleby Mid 6Glide-focused midlengthKnee to head-high9.2
…Lost Crowd KillerHigh-volume wave catcherAnkle to shoulder-high9.0

Recommended fin setups

  • Firewire Velox thruster setFirewire's own performance template, sized for higher-volume boards.
  • FCS II Performer (Large)Neutral all-round set that keeps the Greedy Beaver loose off the tail.
  • Machado 2 + 1Adds glide and trim when the board is being surfed as a midlength.

Verdict

A wave-count machine that surfs tighter than its outline suggests. Worth the money if your local is soft and crowded; less so if you already have a good groveler.

Aggregate score: 8.0 / 10
Aggregated from 2 independent sources — see full list below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Aggregate score
8.0/ 10
8.0
2 sources
SourceScoreSummary
Surfd — hands-on review
8.0
4.0 / 5
"The Firewire Greedy Beaver is a versatile all-round surfboard that excels in a range of surf conditions."
Firewire Surfboards — product pageNo numeric score"The Greedy Beaver has a real shortboard feel with a compressed longboard outline, a true crossover board with midlength retro glide and shortboard maneuverability."

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price
$1,190
$1,125–$1,255 · 2 retailers
RetailerPricevs. average
Firewire (6'0" Volcanic)$1,125-$65Visit
Firewire (6'2" and up, Volcanic)$1,255+$65Visit

Frequently asked questions

Is the Firewire Greedy Beaver a beginner board?+

It works for improvers because of the volume, but Firewire and Surfd both frame it as a crossover for intermediates. The beveled rails and rounded pin reward a rider who can surf off the back foot.

What size Greedy Beaver should I buy?+

Firewire stock it from 6'0" at 37.5 L to 6'10" at 52.1 L. A 78 kg intermediate usually lands on the 6'2" (40.9 L) or 6'4" (43.6 L).

How much does the Greedy Beaver cost?+

Firewire list the 6'0" Volcanic at $1,125 and the 6'2" through 6'10" at $1,255 on their US site.

Greedy Beaver vs CI Mid — what is the difference?+

The CI Mid is a true performance midlength built around trim and glide. The Greedy Beaver is a compressed shortboard outline with midlength volume, so it turns tighter off the tail but glides less through flat sections.

What is Volcanic lamination?+

Firewire's basalt-fibre lamination, offered as a sustainable alternative to carbon. Firewire rate it as their most durable construction with elevated response.