Pretty new to the sport, <20 sessions, live in a light wind area. I learned on a used Ozone Wasp V1 6.0 I picked d up on the cheap. I just sold it and am looking to upgrade. Everyone seems to love the F One Strike... I tried a buddies, nice wing, got up in light air which was definitely nice, but was not wild about the floppy handles. I am considering a Duotone Unit V2 6.0 and a Cabrinha Mantis V2 6.0 as my light wind wing. I tried a Mantis 5.0 and loved the handles- md jibes, pumping up feel effortless, but I tried it in over 20 kts. Sure I can't go wrong with either, but any thoughts on characteristics, = and - of the Unit vs Mantis before I splurge would be much appreciated.
ps: Hooked- loving this sport- thanks in advance for comments!
How about the slick slc. Released after the unit so more development done. Strut material much better than Dacron but still robust.
Full boom better than handles. (I think)
Hey Steven- thanks for the suggestion. I've never tried a boom- definitely open to it but was thinking the Unit was more suited than the Slick to surf/ down winding which are what I'm looking to do winging.
If you've tried something and liked it, that's a good bet to go with it... the Mantis v2 is a good wing (although i haven't used it, others that i ride with really like it). I have a unit dlab 6.5 and a regular 4m - really good handling once on foil, handles are great, but the valve system sucks. Also got a Wasp v2 5m which is my all-around favorite wing. The Units fly better and the Wasp doesn't seem to do anything better, but it's just really good at everything. It would be awesome if the Wasps had a hard handle.
I think it is for a big part personal prefferences.
I tried lots of wings including the D-lab and Unit but got myself after trying most wings a set of 6+5+4m Cabrinha Mantis V2.
the Unit is more direct, stiffer feeling and that has it benefits, but I prefer the slightly more comfortable Mantis feel because the handles and profile do give a bit more as the rather stiff Unit.
The 6m 6m Mantis V2 has a bit wider wingspan but is very grunty. It is not my favourite, because of the wingspan but to be honest, I got that with every 6m and it is for sure a big upgrade over the Slick 6m V1 I used to have before.
The only thing I miss on the Mantis is a dumb valve or a 2th tube. Just one valve takes a bit longer/help to deflate.
I have Mantis v1 3.1 and 4m, V2 5 and 6m. I really recommend Mantis on a unique point. I've tried loads (!!!) Of wings and owned several brands. The Mantis is great but it's stand out pont is whatever coating they put on it. It literally doesn't get wet! So it's light to start with and barely adds weight when it gets hammered into the sea. My PPC used to get really heavy when wet. Small point but when learning the weight is really important in a big wing.
All really good feedback- thanks! Am kinda leaning towards the V2 Mantis having tried the 5.0
