The Naish Matador on land:
The Matador is designed to complement Naish's all-round model, the "Wing-Surfer". The aim of the concept is to offer maximum power even in light winds and to be able to ride a small wing as early as possible. In addition, the Naish Matador should offer maximum neutrality when riding swell or surf waves and fly weightlessly behind them.
Compared to the Wing-Surfer, the pressure point of the Matador is further forward and the diameter of the front tube has been visibly increased - this should ensure plenty of power. Although the outline of the Naish Matador is slightly more elongated and the wingspan is larger than that of the Wing-Surfer, the Matador is still one of the comparatively compact models on the market.
With a weight of 2.78 kilos, the 5.0 test wing, which is available in three sizes, is within the normal range. Small windows allow a quick look downwind, although the field of vision is quite limited. The transfer handles ("Y-handles") can also be removed if desired, and Naish relies on narrow and rather tightly tuned handles on the strut. These offer very direct contact with the wing, but also need to be gripped more precisely.
On our YouTube channel we present all the details of the Naish Matador in detail. Take a look!
On the water:
The inflation pressure specification for the Matador is 7-9 psi. However, even in the hands of heavy wingfoilers, the wing feels really tight when inflated to only 7-8 psi - certainly also a result of the thick front tube. We would recommend light wingfoilers (<75 kilos) to inflate the wing to only around 7 psi, especially in light winds, because it then feels a little more elastic and is easier to pump (tip: HERE for basic information on how the filling pressure influences the driving characteristics).
When pumping up, the Naish Matador benefits from its comparatively small wingspan, which means you can largely avoid annoying water contact with the wingtips. Even after take-off, the wing is noticeably powerful in the hand, pulls up well, but is somewhat limited in terms of its speed potential due to its profile. The narrow handles have advantages and disadvantages: On the one hand, you have to grip them very precisely and cannot compensate for minor pressure point movements (e.g. in gusts) by moving your hands sideways. On the other hand, contact with the wing is extremely direct and control impulses are transmitted without delay.
We definitely liked the Matador best in the waves, where it really comes into its own: It is light in the hand and floats as neutrally and unobtrusively behind you as your own shadow when riding swell or surf waves. With good power on the cross, you quickly regain the height you burnt while riding and can immediately look around for the next wave.
The WING conclusion on the Naish Matador:
The Matador scores as a powerful, neutral and very light-feeling wing, especially in waves and manoeuvres. For freeriding, the handles suit some surfers well and not others - which can result in uneven pull distribution. Jumps and freestyle tricks are of course possible, but compared to other wings, the Naish Matador lacks some speed potential. The Naish Wing-Surfer ( HERE is the clearly better all-rounder in the end. The Matador offers wave fans that little bit extra and harmonises noticeably better with typical "surf foils" (low & medium aspect ratio) than with fast foil types (high aspect ratio).
Neutrality and handling
Control in gusts; leash always "on tension"
Handles very narrow
An update of the Matador is expected in spring 2022 - this will be equipped with wider handles. As soon as the model is available, we will of course present it to you in detail.
