In a recent interview with Brendan Healy, Sales Manager for Cabrinha, the spotlight was on the release of the 2026 Cabrinha Mantis Apex wing, a limited-edition performance-focused wing featuring selective Aluula integration. Brendan, who has been with Cabrinha for over eight years, emphasized the brand’s collaborative, flat-structured team culture, where everyone from customer service to leadership contributes to product development. This inclusivity is reflected in the hands-on, responsive relationships Cabrinha maintains with retailers and customers alike.
The Mantis Apex marks Cabrinha’s first Aluula wing, following a multi-year development process and extensive testing of different Aluula configurations. Instead of going fully Aluula—something that can make wings too stiff and unresponsive in lighter wind—Cabrinha opted for a hybrid build: full Aluula in the strut, and Aluula used only in the central third of the leading edge. The rest of the wing utilizes traditional Dacron. This blend optimizes stiffness and power transfer while keeping the wingtips responsive and improving overall handling and twist in varying wind conditions. Importantly, this smart material strategy also keeps the retail price lower than many fully Aluula competitors, with the 4m priced at $1,679, the 4.5m at $1,779, and the 5.5m at $1,939.
Cabrinha limited the Apex release to only three sizes—4m, 4.5m, and 5.5m—based on extensive input from lead designer Brodie Sutherland, who tested a wide range from 2m to 6m. The final selection was made to maximize performance while minimizing complexity and risk for this inaugural Aluula launch. The 4.5m, in particular, was highlighted as a "sleeper" favorite, offering ample power in a more compact, easier-to-handle form factor. Brendan suggested that most riders could step down a half size from their usual wing and still get the same, if not better, performance due to the added stiffness from the Aluula construction.
The Mantis Apex ships with rigid handles pre-installed, but also supports Cabrinha’s optional Handlebar boom, which mounts easily with just two screws. Brendan noted that while the wing was originally designed for handles, the boom increases stiffness even further, giving riders additional performance benefits, particularly in freestyle and surf applications. The rigid front handle (introduced in 2023) was also discussed—Brendan praised it for significantly improving control, both for advanced riders in waves and for newer riders needing more stability during water starts or when carrying gear on land.
Notably, Cabrinha opted not to include the Sprint inflation system in the Mantis Apex. The wing features independent chambers for the strut and leading edge, allowing riders to fine-tune PSI for each and making the system more failure-resistant and versatile. Brendan explained that this change was driven by feedback from both retailers and riders who prefer independent chambers for convenience, safety, and packability.
Another new feature for 2026 is the introduction of fiberglass mini battens in the trailing edge, replacing the softer batten materials from previous years. These battens help clean up the canopy profile, improving aerodynamic efficiency without adding noticeable weight.
The Mantis Apex is designed as a high-performance all-rounder, best suited for intermediate to advanced riders who want to push their skills in freeride, surf, and light wind conditions. Its direct power delivery, stiffness, and control make it a go-to for those looking for top-tier performance in a relatively lightweight and well-balanced package. Brendan described the Mantis as the “Switchblade of wings”—a flagship model in Cabrinha’s growing four-wing lineup, which now includes the original Mantis, Vision, AER, and Mantis Apex.
The Apex release is part of a two-product drop from Cabrinha. While details on the second product are still under wraps, Brendan teased that it will be a hydrofoil-related product, developed in partnership with a well-known designer, and is expected to debut in mid-September—likely in time for the King of the Great Lakes (KOGL) event.
In closing, Brendan expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic reception the Mantis Apex has already received. He reiterated Cabrinha’s commitment to remaining nimble, responsive, and tuned in to the evolving needs of riders. The Apex’s limited run of just about 100 units for the U.S. offers riders a chance to be among the first to experience this new generation of Cabrinha performance winging.
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