Firewire Surfboards Dominator 2.0 Squash Tail
The Firewire Dominator 2.0 Squash Tail is the board that earned a permanent spot in lineups worldwide, and the Dominator II is the cleaner, more capable evolution of that legacy. Firewire designer Rob Machado has called it a staple since the original Dominator launched in 2008, and the 2.0 update is exactly what that pedigree deserved: smarter design details that widen the wave range without sacrificing the playfulness that made the original famous.
Dominator 2 Outline and Tail Design
The most immediate change in the Dominator II is the tail shape. Where the original wore a round tail, the 2.0 moves to a squash tail. That change is deliberate and felt: the squash tail carries the smoothness in rail-to-rail transitions that made the round tail beloved, while adding a distinct release at the end of turns. The result is a board that flows like a classic Dominator through mid-turn but snaps with more authority off the tail. The rails have also been refined to read slightly more performance-oriented than the first generation, giving competent surfers better feedback at speed.
Firewire Dominator 2.0 Bottom Contours and Rocker
The concave configuration is a key reason the Dominator 2 surfboard handles such a wide window of surf. A single concave under the front foot generates lift and acceleration early in the ride. That concave then transitions into a subtle double-barrel channel before splitting into a mild V through the final inches of the tail. The V out the back complements the squash tail geometry, softening rail-to-rail pivots and giving the board a forgiving, flowing feel even when the surfer pushes into harder, more committed turns.
Wave Range: Where the Dominator Surfboard Excels
This is the board for days when the surf does not cooperate with a pure performance shortboard. The firewire dominator carries enough volume through a wide, full template to paddle into average beach-break and rolling point-surf with ease. It generates its own speed in weaker sections, holds its line through slower, mushy faces, and then rewards surfers who push through the top of the wave with genuine release thanks to those refined rails and the squash tail. On cleaner, more powerful surf it remains fully capable, tracking well through bigger carves and holding in steeper pockets better than a typical high-volume fun shape.
Who Is the Firewire Dominator 2 For?
The Dominator II sits squarely in the everyday quiver slot. It is the board intermediate surfers reach for when they want to progress their performance surfing without fighting the wave, and it is the board seasoned surfers pull out when conditions drop below their usual shortboard range. Heavier surfers and those surfing smaller waves at their home break will find the fuller outline and volume distribution generous in the best possible way. The board is unisex and scales well across a wide range of body types when sized correctly, so both lighter and heavier surfers can dial in the right fit using the size guide on this page.
Fin Setup
The Dominator 2.0 is set up as a thruster. The three-fin configuration delivers the drive and directional hold the board needs to track through longer, more powerful arcs, while still allowing the tail to break free when the surfer accelerates through a turn. The thruster setup is the natural choice for the wave range and skill range this board targets, keeping the feel familiar and accessible for a wide range of surfers. Check the variant selector on this page for construction options.
Construction Options
The Dominator 2.0 is offered in two distinct constructions, each delivering a different ride feel and weight. Use the variant selector on this page to choose the construction that matches your surfing style, local conditions, and preference for liveliness underfoot. Both constructions reflect Firewire's commitment to building boards with innovative materials that outlast traditional builds and respond differently from a standard polyurethane blank.
Questions about sizing, construction, or which Firewire model fits your surfing? Call or visit Island Water Sports at 954-427-4929. Our staff surfs South Florida every week and can help you match the right board to your wave and skill level.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Firewire Surfboards
- Model
- Dominator 2.0 (Dominator II)
- Tail Shape
- Squash Tail
- Fin Setup
- Thruster (3-fin)
- Bottom Contour
- Single concave to double-barrel to V out the tail
- Rocker
- Performance-friendly, suited to a wide range of conditions
- Category
- Shortboard
- Recommended Skill Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Wave Range
- Everyday beach break to moderate overhead surf
- Gender
- Unisex
Size & Dimensions
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6" | 19 3/4" | 2 5/16" | 28.0L |
| 5'7" | 19 7/8" | 2 3/8" | 29.4L |
| 5'8" | 20" | 2 3/8" | 30.1L |
| 5'9" | 20 1/8" | 2 7/16" | 31.5L |
| 5'10" | 20 1/4" | 2 1/2" | 33.0L |
| 5'11" | 20 3/8" | 2 1/2" | 33.9L |
| 6'0" | 20 1/2" | 2 1/2" | 34.9L |
| 6'1" | 20 5/8" | 2 9/16" | 36.0L |
| 6'2" | 20 3/4" | 2 5/8" | 37.8L |
| 6'4" | 21" | 2 3/4" | 40.9L |
| 6'6" | 21 1/4" | 2 7/8" | 44.4L |
| 6'8" | 21 3/4" | 3" | 48.6L |
| 6'10" | 22" | 3 1/4" | 54.5L |
Full manufacturer size chart. Sizes available to order are shown in the selector above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the Firewire Dominator 2 and the original Dominator?
- The Dominator II (2.0) updates the original with a squash tail in place of the round tail, slightly more refined and performance-oriented rails, and a revised tail concave that splits into a double-barrel channel and a V through the last few inches. These changes give the board more release off the tail while keeping the smooth, flowing feel the original was known for.
- Is the Firewire Dominator 2.0 good for beginners?
- The Dominator 2.0 is best suited to intermediate and advancing surfers who can already generate their own speed and link turns. Its fuller template and generous volume distribution make it very forgiving compared to a high-performance shortboard, but it is still a shortboard. A true beginner would be better served by a longer, more stable foam board before stepping into the Dominator 2.
- What wave types work best for the Dominator 2 surfboard?
- The Dominator 2.0 was designed to perform in an especially wide range of conditions. It shines in everyday beach break, mushy point surf, and waist-to-overhead waves where a pure performance shortboard would feel stiff or require constant pumping to generate speed. On cleaner, more powerful surf it holds its own, making it a genuine all-rounder for most surfers' home breaks.
- How do I choose the right size Dominator 2.0?
- Sizing depends on your weight, skill level, and the waves you surf most often. The full dimensions and volumes for every size are in the size chart on this page. As a general guide, surfers who want more paddle power and forgiveness in weaker surf should lean toward the higher-volume end of their range, while experienced surfers who want more performance in better waves can size down. Our team at Island Water Sports (954-427-4929) can help you dial in the right size for your build and home break.
- What fin setup does the Firewire Dominator 2.0 use?
- The Dominator 2.0 runs a thruster (three-fin) setup. The thruster configuration gives the board drive, hold, and directional stability through turns, complementing the squash tail's tendency to release at the end of arcs. Check the variant selector on this page for the specific fin box system included with each construction.
- What is the difference between the two construction options on the Dominator 2.0?
- The Dominator 2.0 is offered in two construction variants, each delivering a different flex pattern, weight, and underfoot feel. Use the variant selector on this page to compare and choose. Both are part of Firewire's performance construction lineup and use materials designed for longevity and responsive flex compared to traditional polyurethane builds.
- How does the Dominator 2.0 compare to the Dominator Pro?
- The Dominator Pro is a more performance-oriented version of the Dominator concept, with a narrower template and less volume aimed at surfers who have progressed beyond the everyday range and want more responsiveness in better-quality surf. The Dominator 2.0 prioritizes versatility and accessibility across a wider skill range and wave range, making it the better fit for most surfers looking for a dependable everyday board.