On land:
The board stands out with a very wide tail and a fairly stretched outline. A sharp trailing edge has been installed under the tail, which should ensure a clean water release and effortless planing. The underwater hull has an above-average amount of V, i.e. an implied keel, which is intended to ensure that the board sets softly and comfortably in chop. The scope of delivery includes matching footstraps and numerous plug positions are installed on deck. Overall, however, the plugs are very far forward, so we always chose one of the rearmost positions during testing.Tip: You can find information on finding the right foil or loop position HERE .
At a measured 6.80 kilos, the weight is very reasonable. We also liked the carrying handle, which is suitably positioned and comfortably shaped. The official price of the Mistral Skywave 5'5 is 1399 euros. The 115 and 135 litre models are even a little cheaper with prices between 1199 and 1259 euros. In addition to the test, we also present the Mistral Skywave Wingboard in a video on our YouTube channel. Click in!
On the water:
Due to its length of 5'5 (165.1 cm), but above all due to the very wide rear, the Mistral Skywave has above-average tipping stability. When getting up and moving off, it feels more like a 105-litre class board. Before take-off, the old sailor's saying "length runs" also applies here, as the stretched board with its sharp trailing edge reaches the necessary take-off speed very well, allowing you to take to the air early without the need for pumping.
Once in the air, the wide tail offers excellent control over the foil. The wide and flat deck also has a positive effect in manoeuvres, especially if you don't yet feel confident when changing over after a tack or jibe. With the flat bottom curve and the longer overall length, we found the chop to be good, although not quite perfect, as the edge produces some drag at the front. Compared to other wingfoil boards in the 95-litre class, the Mistral concept also feels a little bigger when jumping, especially when rotating, the Skywave feels less compact and agile due to its greater length. Nevertheless, jumps and first freestyle tricks such as 360s are easily possible with the fairly light and stiff carbon board.
Mistral Skywave 5'5 - the conclusion:
The Mistral Skywave 5'5 feels slightly larger than a typical 95 and, thanks to its easy-going characteristics, scores particularly well with wingfoil climbers and ambitious freeriders who are looking for a board for effortless take-offs, foiled manoeuvres and first jumps. If you expect your 95-litre board to have a maximum compact feel and the best agility for freestyle tricks, you should look elsewhere or, if in doubt, choose a board one size smaller.
Planing; tipping stability; foil manoeuvres
Appears slightly larger
Plug positions
Also interesting:
