Windsurf MagazineCABRINHA MANTIS V2 (WINDOWLESS) 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

The Mantis is a real powerhouse of a wing, its firm handles providing plenty of direct feedback. A forward-facing delivery and real on-off capabilities give it masses of range and user-appeal.

THEY SAY

“The original Mantis set a benchmark with regards to leading edge rigidity, and this year it has been even further refined, culminating in an ultra-rigid frame and also refined profile. Combined with a pretensioned canopy, this gives a crisp high performing product that maintains its performance through a wider range of conditions.”

WE SAY

The Mantis is Cabrinha’s crossover/freeride wing, entering its second year of production for 2022 with a new V2 design. Tested here in its windowless format, it is also available in all sizes with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) windows (for an extra £10.00), for visibility and safety. Sitting alongside the unique Crosswing (tested last year and now in its third iteration), with its split central strut, the Mantis has gone through a number of refinements, intended for increased range and performance. With a larger wingspan, it has a medium to high aspect ratio, its wingtips’ segmented shape more swept back, with the aim to assist water deflection whilst getting going. Cabrinha state that they’ve increased the dihedral shape of the Mantis’s leading edge, yet it remains relatively shallow compared to others on test here. There are two ‘Widespan’ handles along the boom strut and the Mantis also sports harness-line fixings either side of the handles. An inflation pressure of 7.5 PSI is recommended, with the Sprint valve on the inside of the leading-edge strut incorporating a neat little cord for connecting the pump’s safety leash during inflation. High tenacity Dacron is utilised in the struts, with Kevlar patches sewn onto vulnerable areas on the outside of the wing tips, whilst Nano Tech ripstop makes up the canopy, with reinforcement patches along the leech to reduce flutter. It’s a clean straightforward looking wing and comes with an elasticated leash and excellent rollable dry-bag.

With easily one of the biggest wingspans in the test group, it’s not surprising that on the water this translates to plenty of bottom end grunt for the Mantis. Flying effortlessly, it has a forward-facing centre of effort, lifting the wing high above the rider’s head and providing plenty of energy and pull to capitalise on in lighter conditions. You can adopt a passive riding style and let the Mantis do the work, or alternatively put the effort in and it responds beautifully to a positive pumping method to get the most out of the lightest airs. Just a word of warning: start high on your pump’s scooping cycle to account for the large wingspan! Once lifted and going, the Mantis settles into a comfortable position, the handles providing plenty of feel and connection at all times. They really are a class-leading design and found particular favour with the experienced riders in the team, who demand more instantaneous power and response. In flat water conditions the power of the Mantis certainly inspires you to start racing your peers, and whilst the forward drive of the wing is always there, be careful not to let the wing drop. There were a few reports that the extra speed seemed to suck the lower wing tip under the leeward rail of the board, even catching the water’s surface. Taking the Mantis out in rolling swell and waves, it provides the power to enjoy the conditions earlier and for longer than most, such is its power and range. It goes neutral easily and parks beautifully, the stiff padded neutral handle on the front giving the control to govern the wing’s pitch and flight throughout. In transition, the Mantis depowers instantly and flies high above the head, providing the time to complete the manoeuvre, before the power can be re-engaged to punch out of the turn. The wrist leash is of good quality, albeit does have a tendency to stick to the Velcro teeth on the wrist cuff mid-transition, dramatically reducing its length at the most inopportune moment…