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Anyone have an idea how these boards compare to each other?

FireWire Vanguard
Slingshot Angry Swallow
Naish Skater
North Whip

Also the OR Duke, which is a different shape.

I ride a vanguard, and haven't seen anyone riding any of the other boards

Only other MPH I have ridden is the Slingshot trex in the thruster setup. The Trex is considerably heavier compared to the vanguard and rides a lot more like a twin tip. I also found that the rail engagement was pretty mushy.

I own a Vanguard and its closest cousin is the North Whip imo.
The Whip feels stiff through the chop vs the Vanguard, but has a similar feel when carving. It's also a heavier board due to the strap inserts and added reinforcement, but if you need straps, then this is a real good contender.

The Naish Skater is more like a skimboard/mutant since it's a thinner construction, so I have a hard time putting this board into this category for comparison.

The 2016 Angry Swallow is a better rendition of the mph board imo, but the rocker line looks closer to the Vader now. The older AS and T-Rex were more of a "chop top" surfboard vs an mph design.

I wouldn't classify the Duke as a mph board, but I've heard it's a fun ride. With only one size at 25.3L, it makes this board limited for many (i.e. anything over 23L is too big for me).

I think the hype and availability of Firewire/Tomo boards here in the US is why you see so few of the other brands. Most of those who are buying the Tomo boards are riding strapless, so out of all of the brands available today, Tomo's boards are the only dedicated mph boards without strap inserts in a kite worthy construction.

Good analysis Yoda,thx

NONE of those have near the same bottom contours as actual Tomo MPH boards, which is a key element of the MPH design. Get either a vanguard or evo, it's not worth dropping $$$$ on a board that is a subpar copy.

Is the Tomo Evo kite board version available?
And, Vader vs Vanguard??

I have an Ocean Rodeo Duke you are welcome to try sometime. Its def not a wave board but its a good fun board.

Rakky wrote:Is the Tomo Evo kite board version available?
And, Vader vs Vanguard??

Sorry I meant either the Vader or Vanguard. The evo should be coming out soon

When I got my vanguard I contacted NSI and had them make me a custom full deck pad with inserts in it. I'm still trying to conquer strapless but if I really feel the need for strap(s) at least the option is there.

Fun board so far, even under my incompetent feet.