The Firewire TJ Pro Mid: Blurring the Lines Between Longboard Flow and Mid-Length Performance
📑 Table of Contents
- TJ Pro Mid Introduction
- The Evolution: From TJ Pro Longboard to Mid-Length Magic
- Design Philosophy: Longboard DNA in a More Responsive Package
- Volcanic I-Bolic Construction: Performance Meets Durability
- Bottom Contour and Rocker Profile
- Rail Design: The Key to Performance
- Versatile Fin Setup: Customize Your Ride
- Who Should Ride the TJ Pro Mid
- Wave Size and Conditions
- Size Range and Selection Guide
- Real-World Performance
- Conclusion: The Mid-Length Revolution
- FAQs
TJ Pro Mid Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of surfboard design, finding the perfect balance between paddle power, stability, and performance can feel like chasing an endless wave. For longboarders looking to downsize without sacrificing feel, or shortboarders seeking more glide and flow, the search for that ideal “in-between” board often leads to compromise.
Enter the Firewire TJ Pro Mid – a collaborative masterpiece from three-time world longboard champion Taylor Jensen and renowned shaper Dan Mann. This board might just end your quest for the perfect mid-length.
Born from the DNA of the highly successful TJ Pro longboard model, the TJ Pro Mid isn’t merely a scaled-down version. Instead, it’s a purpose-built evolution that opens new doors for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re navigating crowded lineups, teaching the groms, or looking to inject versatility into your quiver, this board brings something unique to the lineup.
The Evolution: From TJ Pro Longboard to Mid-Length Magic
The Firewire TJ Pro Mid Longboard earned its place as a top-selling model for good reason—it delivers performance in a wide range of conditions. According to Taylor Jensen, the TJ Pro Mid began with a straightforward idea: “Hit it with a shrink ray gun, drop it down a couple notches, and let’s see how it fits.”
This wasn’t just about making a smaller board. It was about solving real-world problems. Jensen noted, “The problem that you come to with having a nine-foot board is it just doesn't fit in the pocket as much.”
As a father watching his kids learn to surf, he also wanted a board that would let them experience longboard flow—without the size challenges of a full log. “My kids love it. They won't ride anything else now,” Jensen shared.
Dan Mann and Jensen took years to refine the design. Jensen revealed, “I've had like a variation of it sort of that Dan made me three or four years ago. We just hadn’t ever perfected it and just weren’t quite ready to release it yet.”
Today’s TJ Pro Mid represents the culmination of this patient design journey.
Design Philosophy: Longboard DNA in a More Responsive Package
What makes the Firewire TJ Pro Mid truly unique is its origin story. Unlike other mid-lengths, which are often stretched-out shortboards, this one draws from longboard roots. As Dan Mann puts it:
“The shape is definitely on the longboard side down into the mid-length world versus like the Boss Up which is more from the shortboard world.”
This longboard-to-mid-length transition results in:
- Enhanced stability, rooted in its longboard base.
- Superior paddle power to catch waves earlier.
- Performance rails that still allow hard, engaged turns.
- A pendulum-like nose, offering speed and balance during nose rides.
The outline features a pulled-in pintail for control, while the wider nose keeps the board trim and quick. You get the smooth glide of a longboard but can push hard into turns when conditions call for it.
I-Bolic Construction with
Volcanic Lamination: Performance Meets Durability
The TJ Pro Mid is built using Firewire’s Volcanic I-Bolic construction, blending their I-Bolic tech with sustainable basalt fiber.
Key benefits include:
- Lightweight feel with impressive responsiveness.
- Exceptional durability—Jensen noted barely any dents even after extensive use.
- Long-term performance retention, unlike PU boards which get “noodly” over time.
- Eco-friendliness, as basalt is a natural volcanic material.
Dan Mann explained this clearly: “Traditional PU longboards would break down with little micro fractures. This construction either eliminates or postpones it for a really long time.”
For intermediate to advanced surfers who demand longevity, this board stands strong over time.
Bottom Contour and Rocker Profile
This board retains the proven bottom contour from the TJ Pro longboard: “Concave all the way through and then splits into a V with a little double barrel through the fins,” explained Mann.
The rocker profile is relatively flat at the tail, enhancing speed and flow through flatter sections. Jensen added: “That flatter tail rocker helps it skate through sections and accommodates really shitty waves too.”
Perfect for South Shore surfers facing everything from pristine peelers to sectiony breaks.
Rail Design: The Key to Performance
The rail profile is crucial to the board’s versatility. Jensen emphasized it’s a:
“More foiled-out performance rail.”
Why this matters:
- Knifes through the water with precision.
- Allows deep rail-to-rail turning.
- Balances the wide, eggy outline for a harmonious feel.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the rail design meets you where you are.
Versatile Fin Setup: Customize Your Ride
The board has a five-fin setup that works well with:
- Quad – Jensen’s pick for good surf
- 2+1 – Classic control and flow
- Single – Loose and cruisy
- Twin – Playful and skatey
Dan Mann placed the fins further forward, which:
- Shifts the pivot point forward.
- Creates a larger sweet spot.
- Increases drive and speed, even with smaller fins.
Who Should Ride the TJ Pro Mid
This board suits:
- Longboarders downsizing
- Surfers with limited storage
- One-board quiver seekers
- Advanced surfers chasing feel
Dan Mann called it: “A silent killer... very good all-around car board to have in your car at all times.”
Wave Size and Conditions
The TJ Pro Mid performs across:
- Small waves: Eggy outline + flat rocker = speed.
- Medium waves: Excels with glide and maneuverability.
- Bigger surf: Handles point breaks, especially with smaller fins.
“In smaller surf… I can flow and connect sections and fly on the thing,” Jensen says.
Size Range and Selection Guide
| Size | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| 7'2" | Smaller surfers or max maneuverability |
| 7'4" | Versatile pick for average-size surfers |
| 7'8" | Taller riders or more paddle power |
| 8'0" | Closest to longboard feel with control |
Jensen’s wife (6'0") rides the 7'8". His youngest rides the 7'2".
Real-World Performance
The board delivers hybrid magic. Dan Mann remarked: “It definitely looks like he’s ripping a longboard ridiculously more than he’s ripping on a shortboard.”
It connects dots, draws longboard lines, and launches off sections. “It’s just like a little rocket ship that I can just fly and skate and connect dots and like so much fun,” said Jensen.
The Mid-Length Revolution
If you're searching for a surfboard that bridges the gap between performance and fun. This Firewire TJ Pro Mid review is exactly what you need. Additionally, designed by Dan Mann in collaboration with longboarding icon Taylor Jensen, the TJ Pro Mid is more than just a shrunken longboard. It's a thoughtfully crafted mid-length board built to suit surfers across all levels and wave conditions. In this post, we’ll explore everything from its design story and construction to fin setups and who it’s perfect for.
It’s safe to say this board is more than a new shape—it’s a reinvention. Designed through collaboration and crafted with premium materials. Adaptable for any surfer, the TJ Pro Mid checks all the boxes. Whether you're catching your first green wave or hunting down long walls on a point break, it brings longboard elegance and shortboard agility into one rideable package.
Ready for something that adapts to your surfing—not the other way around? The Firewire TJ Pro Mid might just be your next go-to board.
GET YOUR TJ PRO MID HERE
FAQs
How does the TJ Pro Mid compare to other mid-length boards?
It comes from longboard DNA, offering more glide and paddle power.
What fin setup is recommended for different conditions?
Quad for powerful surf, 2+1 for classic feel, single or twin for playful sessions.
Can beginners ride the TJ Pro Mid?
Absolutely. It offers stability and ease while supporting progression.
How does the Volcanic I-Bolic construction affect performance?
The board remains light and durable, preserving feel over time.
What size TJ Pro Mid should I choose?
Choose based on height, skill, and wave type. See size guide above.
Is the Firewire TJ Pro Mid good for beginners?
Yes. It offers plenty of volume and stability, making it easier for new surfers to catch waves and maintain balance.
How does the TJ Pro Mid compare to traditional mid-length boards?
Unlike most mid-lengths with shortboard DNA, the TJ Pro Mid has longboard roots, offering more glide and paddle ease.
What is Volcanic I-Bolic tech?
It’s Firewire’s unique construction using basalt fibers for strength and durability, designed to enhance board life and performance.
Which fin setup is best for performance surfing?
The quad setup provides the most grip and drive, ideal for fast, steep waves.
Can the TJ Pro Mid handle overhead waves?
Yes, especially with the right fin setup. It’s been tested at 6–8 foot point breaks and performs exceptionally well.
Is it suitable for smaller surf?
Absolutely. The board's flatter rocker and wider nose allow it to catch and glide through weak, slow waves effortlessly.
Read More 📖
Taylor Jensen’s TJ Pro—The Preferred Board of a Three-Time World Champ
GETTING TO KNOW DANN MANN - The Mind Behind Many Of The Surfboards You’ve Ridden