How it surfs
The bat tail is doing something specific. Cutting the tail block short with a squared, notched outline keeps planing area under your back foot — fish-like drive — while shortening the effective rail line, so it pivots like a much smaller board. That is why the Sci-Fi works in waist-high surf and still feels controlled overhead.
The trade-off is feel. Tomo geometry is unfamiliar: the board is short, wide and thick relative to what you would normally ride, and the first session usually goes badly if you size it off length. Match volume to your usual board and go 3–5 inches shorter.
At $995 USD it is priced at the top of the production market, which is the main thing reviewers push back on — not the design.
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.
| Size | Volume | Rider weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6" | 26.0 L | 58–66 kg | Advanced |
| 5'8" | 29.0 L | 65–74 kg | Intermediate+ |
| 5'10" | 32.2 L | 72–82 kg | Intermediate |
| 6'0" | 35.4 L | 80–89 kg | Intermediate |
| 6'2" | 38.9 L | 88–96 kg | Intermediate |
| 6'6" | 45.8 L | 98+ kg | Improver |
How it compares
| Board | Best at | Wave range | Aggregate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewire Sci-Fi 2.0 | Bat-tail performance shortboard | Waist to overhead | 9.1 |
| Firewire Dominator 2.0 | Everyday hybrid | Waist to overhead | 9.1 |
| Firewire Mashup | Groveler hybrid | Knee to head-high | 8.9 |
| Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto | Hybrid all-rounder | Waist to overhead | 9.3 |
Recommended fin setups
- Futures Endorfins KS1 — The house recommendation Firewire bundles with the board.
- FCS II Carver — Adds drive and hold if you ride it in more powerful surf.
- FCS II Performer — Looser, more forgiving option for weaker beach breaks.
Verdict
Firewire's own product page confirms the $995 USD price, the I-Bolic 2.0 build and the full 26.0–45.8 L size run, and three verified video reviews cover how it surfs. A distinctive, genuinely fast design — priced at the top of the market.