Thinking about getting a cymatic, how does this compare to revo in terms of grovel/low end performance - are they similar? Does cymatic go slightly better in good waves, Revo slightly better in smaller/less powerful waves?
The Cymatic and Revo are somewhat similar (IMO). I think the Cymatic grovels better because it has a single concave (QISC) and in my experience single concave boards plane better than a vee bottom board in smaller conditions. So just as a matter of fact, from a hydrodynamic stand point, the Cymatic is a better board for smaller weaker waves.
On the upper end, Kelly has pushed the Cymatic in extremely large waves and looked like it worked very well. But Kelly is an elite surfer, so putting that aside, i'd say they both perform well but i'd prefer the Revo in better waves. The Vee (VQC) on the Revo is radical! You just barely lean on rail and the board just goes! In big mushy waves or hollow waves, the Revo is a lot of fun.