Slater Designs Sci-Fi 2.0 I-Bolic 2.0 Surfboard

Tomo says, "the Sci-Fi has been such a popular design and stood the test of time because of its functionality. It's such an easy board to ride. It gives the user an effortless sense of control and performance that you wouldn't get in a traditional shortboard."

A re-release of the classic Sci-Fi designed by Daniel 'Tomo' Thomson in collaboration with Kelly Slater, newly updated in I-Bolic Technology from Slater Designs.

Capturing the essence of Daniel's Modern Planing Hull innovations over the prior decade, the Sci-Fi 2.0 can handle and hold in significantly sized waves up to double overhead, but it still grovels with ease of speed in flat faced waves under waist high.

Much of the magic in the Sci-FI 2.0 comes from Daniel's innovative approach to tail design and concave configuration, as the Sci-Fi 2.0 combines his original Double Bat Tail concept and his Quad Inside Single Concave.

The result is a board that controls speed uncommonly well for how wide its tail is, making the Sci-Fi 2.0 in I-Bolic Technology a quiver enhancement to anyone's board rack.

Wave Type
One of Tomo's most popular designs because of its functionality, this board feels effortless in waves from waist high up to double overhead. It still grovels with easy of speed in flat faced waves under waist high, with control and performance you wouldn't get in a traditional shortboard. Recommended in 2-6' surf, skewing towards average to good conditions.

Board Features
A re-release of the classic Sci-Fi featuring Tomo's unmistakable Double Bat Tail concept with his Quad Inside Single Concave bottom for incredible lift and speed. And with an uncommonly wide tail, the Double Bat Tail controls speed beyond expectations.

I-Bolic 2.0 Core Technology

I-Bolic 2.0 is Firewire’s second-generation composite technology — designed to deliver maximum strength-to-weight performance, tuned controlled flex, and long-term durability. Unlike traditional PU boards that rely on a central wood stringer, I-Bolic 2.0 features a patented composite I-Beam stringer system combined with high-density parabolic rails, distributing flex energy throughout the entire structure. The result is a lively, responsive, and incredibly durable surfboard that maintains consistent performance session after session.

The I-Bolic blanks undergo 3 shaping stages:

1. CNC-cut EPS core
2. Deck cut I-Beam and deck installation
3. Rail and bottom cut
4. Final finish shaping

I-Bolic 2.0 Technology Core
At the heart of I-Bolic 2.0 is a 1.5 lb fused-cell EPS core, precision-milled and engineered through a combination of high-density foam and lightweight EPS that internally balances buoyancy with rebound response. Running through the center is the I-Beam stringer, constructed from GR-80 aerospace-grade high-density foam. This core beam is capped with 2.0 lb high-density EPS flanges on both the roof and floor — creating a true I-Beam geometry that controls both torsional flex and longitudinal stiffness.

Flanking the structure, 2.0 lb high-density EPS parabolic rail inserts provide progressive flex control and reinforcement through the turn radius, allowing the board to store and release energy efficiently. The deck skin is made from MPP (Modified Polypropylene) and is bonded to the top deck using a 2.5 oz e-glass, enhancing bond strength and durability while providing a smooth, consistent flex response across the surface. A 2 inch Engineered Carbon Fiber Inset Tape runs along the bottom deck rocker for longitudinal strength and durability.

All components are bonded through a vacuum-laminated sandwich process using Entropy Bio Resin, the same plant-based epoxy system used across all Firewire and Slater Designs boards, ensuring consistent flex integrity, lower VOC emissions, and superior environmental performance.

I-Bolic Technology Materials

• Core Foam: 1.5 lb Fused-cell EPS (lightweight + high-density blend)
• I-Beam Stringer: GR-80 aerospace high-density foam
• I-Beam Caps (Roof & Floor): 2.0 lb high-density EPS flange
• Parabolic Rail Inserts: 2.0 lb high-density EPS
• Deck Skin: MPP (Modified Polypropylene) bonded with 1.8 oz epoxy fiber cloth
• Top Deck Lamination: 1 x 4 oz fiberglass layer
• Bottom Deck Lamination: 2 x 4 oz fiberglass layers + 2" engineered carbon fiber inset tape
• Resin System: Entropy Bio Resin (plant-based epoxy)
• Outer Shell Finish: 2K UV Stability Spray Finish (keeps the board white longer and prevents yellowing)

Freshwater Performance & Buoyancy
EPS foam performs better in freshwater wave pools due to its higher relative gravity profile, which provides superior buoyancy. EPS/epoxy boards deliver approximately 2–3% more net flotation than PU boards of the same volume in freshwater, where reduced water density affects board lift.

Example estimates (freshwater, same volume):

• 30 L board: EPS +2.2% lift advantage (~0.6 kg)
• 35 L board: EPS +2.2% lift advantage (~0.7 kg)

I-Bolic 2.0 Technology Key Tech

• GR-80 Aerospace I-Beam Stringer: Central beam distributes flex and resists torsion.
• 2.0 lb HD EPS I-Beam Flanges: Enhance stiffness along top and bottom planes.
• 2.0 lb HD Parabolic Rails: Maintain rebound energy and flex control through turns.
• MPP Deck Skin + 1.8 oz Epoxy Fiber Layer: Maximizes bond strength and surface durability.
• 1 x 4 oz Top Deck Lamination / 2 x 4 oz Bottom Deck Lamination: Balanced flex and reinforced structure.
• 2" Engineered Carbon Fiber Inset Tape: Runs along the bottom deck rocker for longitudinal strength and durability.
• Entropy Bio Resin System: Used in all Firewire boards for high strength, durability, and sustainability.
• 2K UV Stability Spray Finish: Keeps the board white for longer and protects from UV degradation.

I-Bolic 2.0 Summary
I-Bolic 2.0 delivers a crisp, responsive feel — fast and energetic underfoot with exceptional control and strength. It combines the lightness of EPS with the precision and power of a structural composite, giving surfers that “connected yet alive” feeling unique to Firewire technologies.