86kg learning gybe and looking at 5m Naish Matador LT to fill the gap between Ensis Score 6.2m and Hyde 4m and replace Naish wingsurfer S26 5.3m. Friends ride Ensis Score 4.6m and PPC 4.8m and get up in light winds ahead of wing surfer 5.3m, so a comparison with those is relatable.
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86kg learning gybe and looking at 5m Naish Matador LT to fill the gap between Ensis Score 6.2m and Hyde 4m and replace Naish wingsurfer S26 5.3m. Friends ride Ensis Score 4.6m and PPC 4.8m and get up in light winds ahead od wing surfer 5.3m, so a comparison with those is relatable.
When I was learning to windsurf, getting a quiver of sails of same brand and model made a huge difference to my progress. I suspect it's the same with wingfoiling.
EDIT: do you really need an in-between wing? IMO, 2m gap is alright in those sizes.
The 6.2m to 4m jump would be Ok if winds were steady but there are enough days where wind is inbetween, and importantly a bit up and down, so will spend some time straining on 6.2m or struggling on 4m whereas 5m should be good - a luxury maybe. A lighter friend was hanging onto his CWC 6m longer than he wished as wind was uncertain until stepping down to 4.2m
You'll find the Matador LT quite a step up from the S26. Handles are awesome, goes upwind easily and just parks when flagged in waves.
It's powerful, very much like the FOne Strike, but different COE's.
You'll notice on the beach it doesn't like to sit upside down like most wings. Turn it right side up and it won't jump on beach. That's Naish's little secret for it driving forward and parking so well. Draft is forward.
It's inflation is 7-9, it really shines at 8.5-9. At first I found tacks difficult as the wing would angle down rather than stay neutral, slide your forward hand all the way forward in front handle and it goes away.
After feedback I got the Matador 5m. Bottom end is awesome. As expected (as no wing does everything) top end is limited, best angle into wind is narrow, though going more overhead helps. Still learning to gybe.
I would not go for a Matador.... Top end and handling in waves is disappointing.
