MENTOR 5 light – the all-rounder

The MENTOR 5 light is the lightweight version of the MENTOR 5 – the master in its class. It weighs approximately 25 % less and can be packed much smaller than the standard version but it comes with all the advantages of the normal MENTOR 5. This makes it an all-rounder and offers you the freedom to undertake nearly every possible type of paragliding: cruising around local sites, paragliding holidays, hike & fly, vol-biv and ambitious cross-country flights.

Small packing volume – low weight. The MENTOR 5 light has all the advantages of its standard version but it weighs more than 25% less and is far more compact to pack. Other differences between the "normal" and the light version:

• The wing is easier to inflate and launch. Great for difficult alpine take-offs.
• Experienced pilots will sense slightly more feedback from the wing.
• Like all lightweight wings, the collapse and recovery characteristics are a little less dynamic.

Suitable for everyday flying – fully guaranteed. We deliberately do not construct our lightweight wings by pushing the limits of what is possible. Apart from the gallery lines, all lines are sheathed. They practically sort themselves. Launching is simple. The risers are not "Spaghetti-straps", but are conventional, aerodynamically slim risers with split A's. For years, our sensible compromise between durability and lightweight fabrics has proved itself reliable. Nova therefore provide their 3 year guarantee for the MENTOR 5 light too.

Real life performance – the benchmark. The MENTOR series has dominated the XC intermediate class for many years. All three of the longest FAI triangles flown on an EN B wing were completed on Mentor 3, 4 and 5s. The greatest of which is Berni Peßl's 300 km triangle. The MENTOR 5 light offers the same outstanding XC potential. The wing combines impressive performance, precise handling, excellent climb rate in thermals, as well as a high degree of passive safety for its classification (aspect ratio only 5.4). This impressive performance is easily accessible – even in strong thermals the wing ensures a relaxed and comfortable feeling in flight. A very important aspect for long XC-flights.

The all-rounder – one for all. The MENTOR 5 light is suitable for nearly all disciplines of paragliding. Every pilot values less weight and more compact equipment. This is even more important for hike & fly, when the gear has to be carried up the mountain. During hike & fly and vol-biv you will learn to appreciate the wing's simple launch characteristics. And if excellent glide performance in tricky conditions is required during vol-biv or cross-country flights, you will love the MENTOR 5 light.

The MENTOR 5 light experience

Demands

The MENTOR 5 light is a paraglider with impressive performance, which has – in the hands of an experienced pilot – very manageable handling and extreme flight behaviour. Yet, flying the MENTOR 5 light does require a certain level of skill and experience. Although certified as EN B, the MENTOR 5 light is not suitable for beginners or occasional pilots.

For queries about the suitability of the wing for you, Flybubble will be happy to assist!

Attributes

Everything you need to know about the MENTOR 5 light:

• Less weight, more compact, same performance: the flying characteristics and performance are practically identical to the MENTOR 5.
• The lightweight construction (mostly high quality 27-g/m2 Porcher cloth) enhances the improved launch characteristics – the canopy inflates faster and it climbs overhead easily. A big advantage in difficult take-off spots, which are common in alpine terrain.
• The perforated profile and diagonal ribs have been analysed and optimised for strength. The consequence is less weight with a very high degree of durability.
• Completely suitable for everyday use: the MENTOR 5 light is covered by all guarantees and warranties as all NOVA paragliders. More on Nova's guarantee.

Impressions

"For me the MENTOR 5 is a very good mixture of a torpedo and a butterfly. I also noticed that after an eleven hour flight I was still fit and not feeling too tired."
- Michael Müller (CH) flew a 292.88 km FAI triangle on his MENTOR 5 (XS) – at the time the Swiss FAI-record flight across ALL wing classifications!

Technology

Light as a feather and robust. Very light but still durable: Light weight NOVA wings weigh little but are still robust enough to withstand the hard conditions of the mountains. The profiles are made out of durable cloth, so that this highly-stressed component does not deform - like it can with ultra-light material. This means we are able to guarantee consistent flying characteristics.

Under pressure. NOVA Air Scoop is an optimised air intake, which increases the internal wing pressure. Nova's Air Scoop principle is similar to the ram-air inlet duct on a sports car: increased airflow produces higher pressure. Higher internal pressure in a paraglider means improved performance through increased structural stability and collapse resistance.

Flat profile nose. Anyone who tries to fold a piece of paper around a ball will notice that there are always creases. The nose profile of a paraglider is the same - the sail cloth has to adjust to both the profile and ballooning effect (cells are round, not straight). Double 3D Shaping uses additional seams to reduce creasing and therefore increases the performance of the wing.

Optimised cell widths. Smart Cells counteract the variable force distribution within the wing that are caused by the line attachments. In NOVA paragliders constructed using SmartCells, the cell widths have been adapted to the load - basically, intelligent cells. Wings with SmartCells fly more calmly, are more compact and glide better.

Comfort on the ground. All NOVA paragliders are made to be easy to use. For packing you can use a concertina bag, but it is not essential. Our extensive experience with rods has taught us that the packing method has little influence on the durability of the wing. Bent rods quickly spring back into their original shape.

Less is more. Our idea of a three-liner with a reduced amount of line length allows us to construct wings with very good performance and a high degree of passive safety. The way we have conceptualised the lines has made it possible to manufacture wings which are collapse resistant; but when they do collapse, the collapsed area is generally less extensive. This significantly improves the wing's extreme flight behaviour.

Technical Data

Materials

Leading edge:	Skytex 32 universal, 32g/m2
Top surface:	Skytex 27 classic II, 29g/m2
Lower surface:	Skytex 27 classic I, 27g/m2
Profile ribs (suspended):	Skytex 32 hard, 32g/m2
Profile ribs (unsuspended):	Skytex 27 hard, 27g/m2
Main lines:	Liros PPSL 191
Gallery lines:	Edelrid U8000 series
Brake lines:	DSL70 / PPSLS65
Risers:	Aramid 12mm

Speedbrake Riser

The NOVA Speedbrake Riser is the first three-liner riser which permits the glider to be accelerated as well as decelerated. It brings an end to pulling the C-lines, which killed performance.

We recommend the Speedbrake Riser for cross-country pilots. If you prefer relaxed recreational flying, hill soaring or frequent groundhandling we recommend the standard riser without the Speedbrake strap. 

This NOVA wing can be ordered with Speedbrake Risers for a reduced extra cost. This offer is only valid for new wing purchases which are not yet delivered to the customer. More about Speedbrake Riser.

Colours

Standard colours: Red; Lime

Custom Colours: Use Nova's colour configurator to customise your wing and sent Flybubble the colour codes for your choosen colours.

Scope of delivery

NOVA Rucksack. The wing and harness will determine the size of the rucksack. We are offering our high quality and comfortable to carry models in size S (110 litres), M (145 litres) and in L (165 litres).

NOVA windsock. So you know where the wind is coming from, we have added a NOVA windsock. With a length of approximately 80cm it is large enough for a take-off site.

Repair kit. Everyone hopes it will never happen: a hole or tear in the paraglider. We have included a minor damage repair kit in the right colour for such an eventuality.

Manual. We have enclosed a very detailed manual which contains everything you need to know about your flying equipment. Please study it before flying your gear for the first time.

NOVA SERVICE INFO & FAQS

Read Nova Paragliders service information and answers to frequently asked questions here.

Downloads

• Mentor 5 Light Manual