We’ve been watching this one with bated breath and wide eyes for a while.
The Firewire Dominator Pro isn’t just a fresh label slapped on a classic shape. It’s a true step forward. Faster, lighter and way more refined than its predecessors.
If you’re eyeing a board that rides between everyday driver and performance shorty, this could be the one.
At Natural Necessity Surf Shop Gerringong, we’ve surfed it, sold it and seen how it performs across the East Coast and beyond. Here’s what we think...
Overview of the Firewire Dominator Pro
The Dominator Pro is Firewire’s updated take on the Dominator 2.0.
It pulls DNA from the original Dominator and Spitfire series while trimming the fat. The outline’s sleeker, the tail’s tighter and the rails have more bite. In short, the much-loved Dominator series has been given a Ferrari upgrade.
Designed by Dan Mann, it’s aimed at surfers who already have a few boards under their belt.
If you’ve outgrown your first hybrid or groveller and want something with more performance… you’re in the right place.
Design Features & Technology
Helium core construction
The Dominator Pro is built using Firewire’s Helium technology. This is an ultralight EPS core with high-density deck skins and parabolic wood rails. What does that mean when you're in the water though?
Flex, feedback and speed without the bulk. The board feels electric underfoot in a range of conditions but still holds its line when things get steeper.
Outline, rocker and concave
The overall outline has been tightened up. The nose is more pulled in, the tail is narrower and the rails are tuned for better hold.
Rocker is moderate, giving you speed down the line and control off the bottom. It’s got a deep single concave under the front foot that transitions into a double barrel through the fins and finishes with vee out the tail.
Translation: it’s built to generate speed and release easily.
Fin setups and flexibility
It’s a 5-fin setup so you can run it as a thruster or quad. We found the quad option ideal for fast, punchy waves... tons of down-the-line speed.
But… if you like more pivot and hold, a thruster’s the go. The fin versatility is a win. It changes the whole feel of the ride and gives you options. And don't we love having options!
In-Water Performance
Speed, response and flex
Newsflash: this board moves. Even in flatter sections, it keeps momentum. That Helium flex gives it a springy, skate-like feel but without losing control. You’ll feel it most when coming off the bottom and through wraps. The Dominator Pro just wants to go, go, go.
Ideal wave range
We surfed it in waist-high beachies, chest-high reef and overhead points. Sweet spot? Shoulder to head high with some push. It handles everyday waves fine but really wakes up when there’s a bit of curve in the face.
If you’re chasing punchy beach breaks or lined-up reef, it’ll shine. Probably a great East Coast travel board for autumn and spring. But you can probably ride it year-round if you've got the magic touch.
Real surfer feedback
A few of our team riders found it takes a session or two to figure out the balance point. Ride too far forward and it flattens out. But once you’re in the sweet spot, the board lights up.
Backhand, forehand, tight arcs or big sweeping carves… it responds to whatever you throw at it. And while we weren't throwing Italo-sized punts, we still gave it a red-hot crack.
Pros and Cons of the Dominator Pro
Pros
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Super versatile across almost all conditions
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Generates speed easily without being twitchy
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Built tough with Helium tech but still feels light
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Flex and shape feel responsive without being too pro... despite the name
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Works great in quad or thruster setup
Cons
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Not ideal for total beginners
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In weak surf it can feel slightly sluggish
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Requires some front foot adjustment if you’re used to flatter boards
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Needs a bit of juice to really come alive
Who Is It Best For?
This is a board for intermediate to advanced surfers who want more performance without going full shortboard.
If you’ve been riding a Dominator 2.0, Hypto Krypto or something chunkier and want to start drawing cleaner lines… Firewire Surfboards has the upgrade. Best for beach breaks, points and everyday waves with some shape.
It won’t grovel in ankle-high slop, but it’s super fun from waist to overhead. It’s the kind of board that makes your surf better just by being under your feet.
Final Verdict
So… is the Dominator Pro worth it?
For the right surfer, absolutely.
It takes everything that made the Dominator 2.0 fun and sharpens it. The Firewire Dominator Pro is lighter, quicker and more refined. It’s not the board for lazy sessions in mush, but if you want something that pushes your surfing (without demanding perfection), it’s a weapon.
We’ve tested it in real conditions here at Werri and it’s been a standout. You know you're onto a winner when people ask you what you're riding.
From fast beach breaks to heavier reef setups and hollow surf, the Dominator Pro has held its own (and its rail line). Highly recommended for surfers ready to progress and ride tighter, cleaner lines!
Shop the Firewire Dominator Pro now at Natural Necessity Surf Shop Gerringong, online or in-store. Chat with our team, check out the rails, feel the flex and grab one before the next swell hits. Please. We want to see you rip on this.
