Cabrinha Mantis 3.5m 2026
Reviews / Wings
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At A Glance
The 2026 Cabrinha Mantis arrives as a refined and thoughtfully engineered all-round wing aimed at riders who want versatility without sacrificing control. Structurally, the wing is built around a stiff Dacron inflatable leading edge paired with a drop-strut design that gives the Mantis a very stable airframe. The canopy uses high-quality Teijin D2 ripstop with a load-path panel layout designed to maintain shape under pressure while helping the wing feel predictable throughout the entire power range. Small stabilising battens support the trailing edge to reduce flutter and lock in the profile.
One of the biggest updates for 2026 is the move to the new Cabrinha Handlebar boom system, replacing the traditional dual-handle setup. The boom mounts cleanly to the strut and offers a rigid, direct connection to the wing. This not only improves precision and stability but also reduces weight. It’s a significant design shift for the Mantis and clearly points toward where Cabrinha see the future of wing control heading.
The wing retains its moderate aspect ratio and balanced dihedral, giving it a strong combination of drive, stability, and drift. It’s designed to deliver smooth low-end power for easy take-offs while maintaining a composed feel in stronger winds. Overall, the 2026 Mantis is clearly built as a polished do-it-all wing for freeride, waves, cruising, and tricks, with a modern control system that elevates its handling.
Sizes: 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6m
In The Air
Having spent some time using the new Mantis, the standout improvement is undoubtedly the boom. It feels fantastic in the hands—light, solid, and intuitive. Compared to standard handles, the boom offers noticeably more control because you can place your hands wherever you want and adjust your leverage instantly. Steering becomes smoother, power management becomes more predictable, and the whole wing feels more responsive. After a few sessions it’s hard to imagine going back to handles; the boom genuinely feels like the future of wing design, and it’s worth noting that many brands are now adopting it.
The rigid front handle is another great addition. When you flag the wing out, especially while surfing or riding downwind, that stiff front handle gives you far more stability and confidence. The wing tracks neatly behind you without twisting or wandering, making it much easier to stay focused on your line and the foil beneath your feet.
On the water, the Mantis has a very balanced feel. The low-end power is excellent—plenty to get you up on the foil early without ever feeling too grunty or overpowering. Once flying, the wing sits comfortably in the hands and delivers a smooth, even pull across the power range. It never feels twitchy or heavy. Instead, it carries a really fun, lively personality that works for everything from cruising around to wave riding to throw-around freestyle.
The range is really impressive on this wing. The Mantis will pump onto foil quickly when underpowered but can also hang on to some mega gusts without ever feeling too uncomfortable. We’ve had it out in a wide range of winds and have always been impressed.
The wing feels stable when powered yet drifts predictably when flagged out, which is exactly what you want for carving or playing on small waves. The improved control from the boom also helps during transitions; tacks and jibes feel cleaner and more precise because the wing responds immediately to subtle adjustments. Overall, the Mantis gives you a sense of confidence and control that makes sessions feel more relaxed and more enjoyable.
Overall
The 2026 Cabrinha Mantis is a genuinely strong evolution of the wing. The boom system is a major upgrade, bringing improved control, reduced weight, and an immediate feeling of precision that elevates every aspect of riding. It’s intuitive to use and makes the wing feel modern and responsive in a way that handle-based wings struggle to match.
The rigid front handle is another highlight, improving flagged-out stability and making downwind bump-hunting and wave riding noticeably easier. Add in a good range of usable low-end power, balanced handling, a versatile feel, and a big top end, and the Mantis becomes a wing that can suit a broad range of riders and conditions.
Whether you want to cruise, carve waves, explore tricks, or simply enjoy a comfortable all-round performance wing, the 2026 Mantis delivers. With the boom now part of the core design, it also feels like a wing that’s pointing firmly toward the next stage of wing-foiling development: cleaner, lighter, and more controlled.
If you’re looking for a dependable, fun, and well-rounded wing that feels better the more you push it, the new Mantis is a great choice, and for many riders, the boom alone will be enough to seal the deal.
For more information visit Cabrinha
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By Rou Chater
Rou Chater has been kitesurfing for over twenty years, paddleboarding for the last six years, and was there testing the first wingsurfer from Naish in Tarifa when it arrived on the continent. He is passionate about riding waves and exploring new places. As the publishing editor, he oversees everything at Tonic but also our sister magazines IKSURFMAG and IMB. He's been on the water since he was born and has never looked back, in the winter you'll find him chasing swells in the Caribbean and during the summer he can be found all over Europe at various SUP, Kitesurf and Mountain Bike events getting features for the magazines.
