Cabrinha Mantis Apex

The Mantis has been in the Cabrinha range since 2021, and the Apex version was first introduced a couple of years ago, being the lighter-weight, higher-performance model with enhanced tube material. For 2026 they are releasing a limited production run in three sizes: 4, 4.5 and 5.5m.

Build-wise this year sees Aluula intelligently utilized in the center section of the wing to solidify the strut and the all-important T junction where it connects to the leading edge, making up the first couple of segments towards the wingtips. This stiffens the most important structural areas of the wing, helping it maintain canopy tension under load and translate power efficiently. The elegant strut design is slightly curved towards you, allowing a very controlled and well-tailored canopy profile; it then takes quite an abrupt angle to meet flush with the trailing edge.

As the leading edge works out to the wingtips this then transitions into a lightweight HTD performance Dacron. Having a more flexible material in the wingtips give the Mantis a little suspension and smoother feel than a full Aluula wing in gustier conditions; it also allows a little reflex and butterfly effect when pumping onto the foil. The Aluula also allows for some lower tube diameters and increased efficiency.

In terms of fixtures and fittings, there’s plenty of bespoke and neat touches. The handle system for instance is quite unique with rubberized coating and small tactile bobbles on the inside of the grip. The bolt-on neutral handle is again made from strong, light rubberized plastic, and is comfortable in the hand and quite stiff, giving you an extra level of control over the wing to correct it if necessary when trailing; it also has a large black anti-rub pad behind it, giving your knuckles plenty of protection. It’s not often we mention the leash as a highlight in a product review, but the waist leash provided had a brilliant Velcro locking system which was comfortable and practical, with no hard features to clash with your board. Inflation is all at 8PSI and handled by two screw-in valves, saving weight over a single-point inflation system. These are neatly covered by two Velcro top hats.

Canopy tension is quite preloaded particularly in the front section of the profile, which looks super clean when you inflate. They’ve used the well proven Teijin D2 ripstop. Two small composite battens are present each side which make an effective job of eliminating flutter. Windows are present either side of the strut from a lightweight TPU, these bead water well and stay relatively clear, giving you some awareness of what’s downwind and ahead of you.

There’s a couple of options for interfacing with your Mantis, with threaded M6 inserts present for either an optional full-length boom or standard twin-handle system to be simply bolted on and off with a Torx tool. The inserts have large feet sewn onto the Aluula strut and there’s no play here, enhancing your level of control.

In the hands, the Mantis Apex feels light, playful and simple to use. It pulls forward eagerly, steams upwind, and is absolutely ghostlike when flagged, even in lighter onshore conditions where it sits flat and well behaved and you can pivot around it. Through more technical tacks and jibes, the lack of weight and ease of handling really shine and the handle interface doesn’t leave you fumbling for grip. The wing doesn’t flutter and send you off balance when running through a tack overpowered. The Aluula has been utilized very cleverly, extending the wind range and sweet spot and keeping that all-important canopy shape intact. The balance of power between your front and rear arm makes for a comfortable user experience, avoiding the tennis elbow.

In summary the Mantis Apex utilizes Aluula in exactly the right places, and is a massive positive step up from previous years’ offerings from Cabrinha. Its crisp power delivery, high stability when flagged, and ease of handling make for a performant and versatile freeride wing which will please a huge range of riders.