Hi I was wondering if anyone has any experience/ thoughts/ reviews on this wing.

It is a collaboration between Sup legends SIC Maui and Core kiteboarding. Essentially I think it is designed on Maui and built using Cores kite experience,materials and German engineering.

Looks like a good a surf/ all rounder. Light and stiff frame (That's what they all say) no windows which I like. From what I understand core kites are known for their quality and use some very good materials.

Thoughts?

The 6.0 I saw had an incredible HA with a super wide wingspan, when compared to my S25 Naish 6.0.

I've seen one at my local spot, it was also a bigger wing at least 6m. The guy was up and flying well in lite winds. Didn't know it was codeveloped with Core kites. Makes sense based on the colors. Yep bet its a good one. Core kites are top knotch.

Looks good quality for what I've seen, but they are all black, which I don't like. It's like foiling under a dark cloud.

Thanks for the replies! I am certainly tempted by the German engineering and fancy materials from the core kites.

I blew up my 5m Smik and am now looking for something with a bit tougher construction. The 3 front runners are Cabrinha Mantis (no windows), PPC or SIC Raptor.

It's gotta be a 5m (ish) and will be my biggest wing so would like a bit of low end. I also have a 3.5m smik.

Thoughts?

I thought the raptor felt pretty heavy in my hands. Noticeably heavier than the mantis. It didn't flag as well either. I also like the mantis handles better.

That being said, it was easier to move from one side of the window to the other when gybing underpowered. My theory is that it the raptor has more dihedral which helps in this respect. Not as much of an issue when powered.

haven't tried any of the other wings you mentioned

Interesting comparisons and THANK YOU.. does the a mantis have 2 independent inflate valves or just one with the connecting hose?
Anyone have any experience with the cabrinha X3 compared to the mantis please?
Looking to pick up a slightly used Raptor but trying to get a little info on the Cabs first... While we're at it. ?Anyone try the REEDIN wing yet?

Select to expand quote

kyrojoe said..
Interesting comparisons and THANK YOU.. does the a mantis have 2 independent inflate valves or just one with the connecting hose?
Anyone have any experience with the cabrinha X3 compared to the mantis please?
Looking to pick up a slightly used Raptor but trying to get a little info on the Cabs first... While we're at it. ?Anyone try the REEDIN wing yet?

Mantis has only one inflate/dump valve. It does make deflating a bit more cumbersome, but its no issue once you figure out that you need to dump the strut before the leading edge.

I have used the x2 (not x3) and the Mantis. x3 definitely has more grunt, but isn't as nimble as the mantis and doesn't flag as well as the mantis. I found it rode very powered and didn't have a lot of power modulation (which I find is a key characteristic of the the Mantis). The double strut on the x2 and x3 is kind of gimmicky and has a very unique indirect feel that I didn't really like. Its hard to characterize and you kind of need to try it.

You seem to be very focused on build quality and from everything I have seen, Cabrinha and Sic both offer a very high end build quality.

Having ridden all three, The Mantis is the best all around wing for my style of riding - but that doesn't mean its right for everyone..

Select to expand quote

kyrojoe said..
Interesting comparisons and THANK YOU.. does the a mantis have 2 independent inflate valves or just one with the connecting hose?
Anyone have any experience with the cabrinha X3 compared to the mantis please?
Looking to pick up a slightly used Raptor but trying to get a little info on the Cabs first... While we're at it. ?Anyone try the REEDIN wing yet?

Mantis has only one inflate/dump valve. It does make deflating a bit more cumbersome, but its no issue once you figure out that you need to dump the strut before the leading edge.

I have used the x2 (not x3) and the Mantis. x3 definitely has more grunt, but isn't as nimble as the mantis and doesn't flag as well as the mantis. I found it rode very powered and didn't have a lot of power modulation (which I find is a key characteristic of the the Mantis). The double strut on the x2 and x3 is kind of gimmicky and has a very unique indirect feel that I didn't really like. Its hard to characterize and you kind of need to try it.

You seem to be very focused on build quality and from everything I have seen, Cabrinha and Sic both offer a very high end build quality.

Having ridden all three, The Mantis is the best all around wing for my style of riding - but that doesn't mean its right for everyone..

Thanx for the in depth answer.. So remind us one other detail please.. Does the cab mantis use the "quick flow" spring valve like the Fone? I'm starting to get all the attributes confused between so many brands.

Does anyone have direct experience with the Raptor in the past year? Cost of a 7M is about half of an F1 right now and while I don't expect the SIC to be on par with F1 it may get me flying on those light days that my 5.5 won't work.