The Cabrinha Mantis Wing on land:
The new Mantis model is available in a total of six sizes from 2.0 to 6.2 square metres. We tested the Mantis with 5.0 square metres and windows, but the Wing is also available without windows - which, depending on the size, saves around 200 to 350 grams in weight and around 50 euros at the shop counter. Compared to the Cabrinha Crosswing, the profile of the Mantis has been designed to be slightly flatter, which should benefit neutrality when drifting in the waves, and the outline is also slightly more elongated.
The modified handles offer very direct contact with the wing, allow "blind" gripping and offer sufficient lateral freedom to always choose the right grip position. Keyword "blind": The built-in window is made of very flexible material and allows a good view down to the water surface, at least in a narrow strip. The rest of the equipment looks high quality overall, with Kevlar patches effectively protecting the seams. In our opinion, additional abrasion protection would only have been useful on the wingtips to allow them to be used on a skateboard without hesitation. The Mantis was initially supplied without a leash, but this has since been changed.
As always, the most important features & details of the Cabrinha Mantis can be found in the clip on our YouTube channel. Take a look!
This is how the Cabrinha Mantis rides on the water:
The Mantis Wing is very light in the hand even when bobbing. However, due to the slightly higher aspect ratio (more elongated wing shape) compared to the Crosswing, the wingtips tend to drag a little more when starting off in the water. If you start passively, i.e. without pumping, the Mantis takes a little longer to reach take-off speed. Even though there are definitely more powerful wings on the market when starting passively, you can still get good low-end power out of the Mantis Wing with active pumping, as the Cabrinha Wing loads up quickly and effectively. Inflated to the recommended 7 psi, the Mantis feels absolutely firm and direct even in the hands of heavy riders (>90 kilos). Our tip: Very light riders (<70 kilos) can even inflate the wing a little softer (6-6.5 psi), especially in light winds, and then get a little more elasticity for more effective inflation.
Do you need tips on how the inflation pressure of the wing affects the handling characteristics? Then click HERE.
On the straights, the fairly flat profile ensures good top speed and contact with the wing is extremely direct in all situations. In manoeuvres, the Mantis is very neutral and can be brought into a neutral position with minimal effort, e.g. when turning. Rotations such as 360s are very easy thanks to the low weight, only when landing do the wingtips come into contact with the water a little more quickly than with more compact models such as the Naish Wingsurfer or the Duotone Slickis the case. The stiff handles allow the steering impulses to be transmitted without noticeable delays and even if the wing requires minor corrections in strong gusts, the pressure point remains stable between the hands. The Mantis is absolutely outstanding on the wave, where it can fully utilise its strengths and floats along without any life of its own and with perfect neutrality.
Conclusion:
The Cabrinha Mantis sets the standard in terms of neutrality on the wave and is perfect for wingsurfers with some previous experience who are looking for a light and neutral wing for endless rides. The Mantis is not bad as a powerful freeride motor for gusty quarry ponds and complete wing beginners - but it's not the perfect choice either.
Neutrality, handling in manoeuvres
Spread quite large for small surfers
