The Naish Mutant has recently become available in four sizes (88/98/110/125 litres) and is intended to bridge the gap between the wave segment and the Freerider Stratos close. With a length of 234 centimetres, the tested Mutant 98 is quite stretched, with a large 32 single fin in the tail. Alternatively, the board can also be ridden as a thruster. Thanks to the Torx screws, the straps are easy to mount, and if you use a 3-straps setup, you can double-bolt at the rear. There is an inside position and a freeride position further on the edge.
The Mutant is a genuine freemove board with a wide range.
Relaxed power jibes and free gliding position
With its stretched outline, the Mutant gets up to speed well, while the large single fin allows even less experienced riders to put pressure on the fin and get the board over the planing threshold quickly. When powered up, the Mutant offers a very pleasant planing position: on the one hand, it is free and sporty, as the nose dances over the water, and if you want, you can let the board fly over the chops at full speed. On the other hand, the shape also offers a lot of damping and is pleasant to use, which is a real trump card, especially in rough conditions.
The board also shows its best side in manoeuvres: the board pulls through wide and medium power jibes and classic moves with the necessary composure and good grip on the edge. Very tight "waveboard jibes" are noticeably less suited to the shape, here the board needs a lot of pressure and the strap position is not 100 per cent designed for this. Small turns and backside hooks in waist-high Baltic waves are no problem for the Mutant.
Surf summary of the Naish Mutant 98
The Mutant has steam and scores as a fast, sporty freemove board for heating and jumping, as well as for sporty jibes and classic freestyle moves. Control in strong winds is also impeccable. The suitability for surf can be improved somewhat with a thruster setup; however, if you expect lively turning behaviour and want to ride waves frontside, you should still go for the Global.
Technical data Naish Mutant
- Sizes 88/98/110/125 litres
- Lengths 226/234/238/240 cm
- Widths 60/63/65/68 cm
- Price 2399 Euro
- Info under naish.com
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.
