I (90kg) got the 5m Matador LT and 5.5 MK4 to test in various conditions (from marginal up to 30 knots - i know way too much for that size but it happened with both wings) and still can't decide which one to keep as i like both. Regarding wind range the MK4 is outstanding - also compared to all other brands I have tested (and i have tested all the major brands). In the top end of the wind range this wing is still easy on both hands. The new handles are also a bonus with thick wintergloves and is was the first time that i could ride 2 hours in winter without a harness. Bottom end is better than with the S26 and is now in the same league as the "same size other good wings" on the market.
And here shines the Matador LT 5m with at least the same bottom end or slightly more but less size and weight. The handlinhg feels even more like a 4m. The lift during jumps in powered conditions is insane and if you change your technique a little (positioning of the wing) you can also have a good top end and easy arms.
But for perfectly balanced top end grab the MK4

Shlogger said..
Thanks for the straight forward feedback. I have the 6 and 5 Mat LT's...which I'm really fond of, especially in the surf. There are better freestyle wings for spin tricks, put the parking and power of the Mat LT's is off the scale. Think I'll wait for the MK4 LT's for my smaller sizes. ;). Just curious, did you ever use that added back handle on the MK4 for jumps?

What's the weight of the Matatador LT 6m?

IanInca said..

Shlogger said..
Thanks for the straight forward feedback. I have the 6 and 5 Mat LT's...which I'm really fond of, especially in the surf. There are better freestyle wings for spin tricks, put the parking and power of the Mat LT's is off the scale. Think I'll wait for the MK4 LT's for my smaller sizes. ;). Just curious, did you ever use that added back handle on the MK4 for jumps?

What's the weight of the Matatador LT 6m?

I'll weigh it this week

Shlogger said..

IanInca said..

Shlogger said..
Thanks for the straight forward feedback. I have the 6 and 5 Mat LT's...which I'm really fond of, especially in the surf. There are better freestyle wings for spin tricks, put the parking and power of the Mat LT's is off the scale. Think I'll wait for the MK4 LT's for my smaller sizes. ;). Just curious, did you ever use that added back handle on the MK4 for jumps?

What's the weight of the Matatador LT 6m?

I'll weigh it this week

Matador LT 6M - 6.6 lbs/2.72kg
Matador LT 5M - 5.8 lbs/2.63kg
Mantis 2 4M, no windows - 5.0 lbs/2.27kg

I listed pounds as well because I couldn't help but notice the 0.8 lb symmetry as you go down a sq meter per wing. Weights are approximate.

Shlogger said..

tintifax said..

Shlogger said..
Thanks for the straight forward feedback. I have the 6 and 5 Mat LT's...which I'm really fond of, especially in the surf. There are better freestyle wings for spin tricks, put the parking and power of the Mat LT's is off the scale. Think I'll wait for the MK4 LT's for my smaller sizes. ;). Just curious, did you ever use that added back handle on the MK4 for jumps?

If you wouldn't have reminded me i would have forgotten what the 4. handle was intended for.............i will try the next time but from my feeling i doubt that it would give me more height - the balance just feels right. It is only in the lower wind range that i pull really hard on the back hand to dampen the landing on straight jumps.

Was curious as it's in there promo?

Yes, that promo text i had already forgotten when i was on the water with the MK4. But now i am at least as curious as you ;-)
In all other sizes i have the VAYU (2 piece boom) where i just could slide back before the jump wherever i want - so i will try the next time whatever size. I could imagine that with really high wind you'll get more hangtime?

I've got a 4m Matador and a 6m Matador LT. I find the technique required to get going a bit different to the 7.5m Mk 4. Hard to explain, but I think the angle of the wing needs to be changed a bit to get the canopy full. Once flying, they are very easy to handle.

crashflow said..
Hey there on that 7.5m Mk 4 - what is the wind range?

I used my new 7.5m MK4 wing today and it was awesome.. It was only 4-8 knots with the odd 10 knot gust.. Not a whitecap in sight and lots of holes of absolutely nothing.. but the big 7.5 has sooooo much grunt it got my 100kg body up and flying.. No problem ..

crashflow said..
Wow that's amazing what foil were you on?

The foil was the big Naish HA2140.. It's very fast for a big foil with no draggie feel.. and I used my new bigger 140L Hover board that I recently bought to try SUP surf foiling.. I'll post a vid from yesterday soon.