Test: CABRINHA MANTIS

General informations:

The Mantis is available with and without a window in sizes 2, 2.5, 3.1, 4, 5 and 6.2. Cabrinha praises the Mantis as a wing for the wave, while their second model (Crosswing) is supposed to cover the freeride area. The Mantis has already made a name for itself in the "Wing Foil Race" scene and is often the first choice, especially in San Francisco, where races take place regularly. So apparently he should be fast too? In the last few months I have been driving the Vayu-VVing (see long-term test) with permanently integrated poles, which I really like and that's why I was very excited about the mini-boom system from the Mantis, which I now have in 5m (version with window).

On land:

Inflated with the recommended 7 psi, the result is a very stiff frame up to the wing tips - some brands can't even do that with over 10 psi. The fabric tension is also extremely high. Therefore, the wing suggests already in the garden that it will be very easy to pump. The profile is rather flat and has the thickest point further away from the front tube, which suggests that this wing prefers to start actively and probably also explains the top speed. The window actually feels smoother than the PVC windows of various "First Generation" wings and should be insensitive and not brittle even at lower temperatures. To be on the safe side, the bag was built in such a way that the wing only needs to be folded once in the middle, so that the windows are not kinked.

the elongated handles are stiff and have a comfortable diameter

On the water:

Contrary to the suggestion of the flat profile, one notices a pleasant basic pull, which also makes it easier for beginners to drive off. Normal pumping is very effective and the wing offers a surprising special, which I have not noticed with any wing that has been tested so far: the pumping with only the back hand (as especially windsurfers know it) is extremely effective, so that I can increase the board speed well without running the risk of stalling a small, fast foil too early with “leg pumps”. And this technique is also much more energy-saving. The handles allow comfortable handling as I am used to from the Vayu, but there is no handle position in the middle that would allow one-handed driving. If the wind picks up and the first choice would be a 4, it is still easy to go without increased effort. The "Mini Booms", together with the stiff profile, allow impeccable wing guidance even when tacking in the uppermost wind range. The Mantis also reaches a high speed in the lower wind range, assuming a appropriate foil, and thus creates the conditions for high jumps, which are also supported with the help of the stiff construction. However, I cannot brake the landing approach as I am used to from some wings.

Nobody is perfect:

Now to the points that I didn't like so much: as I wrote in the last sentence, I couldn't make the landings as smoothly as I would like when doing high jumps. This is probably due to the flat profile, which in turn obviously enables the remaining good properties - you just can't have everything in life. Maybe it's just my "technique". The “One Pump” solution with only one hose delays the dismantling and may not be up-to-date. An additional drain valve or a second hose is now a common solution offered by competitors.

the Mantis has enough power to pull another two persons ;-)

Conclusio:

That is an easy one: whether beginner or advanced, whether wave, freestyle or race - I think everyone will have fun with this wing. For me personally, the “Mini Booms” from Mantis are among the best solutions for handles. If you don't have to be among the fastest when dismantling, you should consider this wing.

Tester: Roman, Level: Intermediate, Height: 186 cm, Weight: 90 kg