We recently brought you the test of the new Naish model called "Wingsurfer Matador". HERE presented on the website. It is therefore all the more surprising that an update, the "Matador LT", was launched in the shops just a short time later. We tested what the changes are and how they affect the water.
The Naish Matador LT on land:
The Matador LT resembles its sister model 1:1 in terms of profile and outline. With a thick front tube and a full profile at the front, it is optimised for maximum power in light winds and neutral drifting in the waves. The Naish Matador LT has dispensed with the window and transfer handles, saving almost 350 grams of weight compared to the Matador. The most striking change, however, is the grip system. Instead of five narrow handles on the centre strut, the Matador LT now only has three, but these have been designed wider to allow the hands to move sideways.
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On the water:
The changes to the Naish Matador LT have an immediate effect. As expected, the Wing essentially rides like the Matador, but the adapted grip system in particular makes it much more suitable for freeriding. Regardless of body size and weight, everyone will find a suitable grip position for relaxed and evenly distributed wings.
As the handles are sewn on quite tightly, you also have very direct contact with the wing and control impulses are passed on without delay. The Matador LT is easy to pump and has a very stable airflow, resulting in very controllable flight behaviour. However, due to the thick front tube, the speed potential of the wing is somewhat limited and the deep profile is also reflected in increased drag during foil manoeuvres into the wind (e.g. turning).
The Wing handles classic freeride manoeuvres such as jibes, tacks and foiled 360s with ease, even though it is not light as a feather in manoeuvres and especially in freestyle rotations, but rather powerful in the hand. On the other hand, the LT has particular strengths on the wave: the Matador was already very strong here, but the Matador LT goes one better thanks to its slightly reduced weight and scores with excellent neutrality and hardly any life of its own.
Naish Matador LT - the conclusion:
With the revised handle position, one of our main criticisms has been addressed and rectified. The wing is now not only suitable for riding swell or surf waves, but also for relaxed freeriding. Ideally, the Naish Matador LT should be combined with typical cruiser foils with a low or medium aspect ratio, rather than with fast and thinly profiled high aspect foils. The Wingsurfer model ( HERE The Matador LT covers the areas of freeride, wave and freestyle in a more balanced way, but the Matador LT offers wingsurfers who want to hit the waves regularly that little bit extra.
Powerful freerider; Neutrality; Direct handles
Leash always slightly under tension
No window
