Nova Mentor 5 (PAST MODEL)

Technical data - freeflight

¹ RTOW = Recommended take off weight.

Technical data - motor

¹ RTOW = Recommended take off weight.

² Motor certification with Nova motor risers.

Colours

Standard colours: Petrol; Lime; Red.

Custom colours: Choose your colours here then email us the NOVA colour code with your order.

XXS size, materials & colours

The MENTOR 5 XXS is made of lighter materials to improve its flying characteristics. As a result, its colours are different to the other sizes. Please use the MENTOR 5 XXS color configurator for special colors then email us the NOVA colour code with your order.

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.

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.

Speed system cords. With some harnesses, it is not possible to reach full speed with the speed bar. The additional speed system cords will allow you to adapt the length of travel.

Mentor 5 – flying beyond boundaries

More performance, precise handling and a reassuring feeling in the air: the MENTOR 5 is the logical progression of the master of its class. Its high performance is more accessible and usable for progressing pilots. The MENTOR 5 exceeds boundaries.

The Benchmark. For many years the MENTOR has been setting the standard for XC-intermediate wings. It combines impressive performance with a high degree of passive safety and it encourages you to exceed your boundaries. Using strength analysis optimisation and flow simulation, we have succeeded in elevating the MENTOR 5 to a new performance level.

Relaxed Sportiness. The MENTOR 5 shows a marked performance increase on its predecessor. A slightly reduced trim speed leads to reduced sink and comfortable brake pressure, while the top speed remains consistently high. The handling distinguishes itself with its agility and precision. This permits the wing to simply centre in the thermal and take every climb.

Simply intuitive. Pilots should concentrate on what gives them pleasure: the flying. A clever mixture of materials has made the wing lighter, more manageable and more durable. At the most important points, the MENTOR 5 has been fitted with sheathed lines. As a consequence, the lines basically sort themselves. Launching is simple. And in flight, the MENTOR 5 helps you to find the right line.

Requirements

The MENTOR 5 is a paraglider with impressive performance which has - in the hands of an experienced pilot - a very manageable handling and extreme flight behaviour. Flying the MENTOR 5 does require a degree of skill. Although certified as EN B, the MENTOR 5 is not suitable for beginners and occasional pilots.

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

Impressions

"I flew a 240km flat triangle with an average speed of 30 km/h with the MENTOR 5. Unbelievable! This is the best MENTOR ever. I love this wing!"

Rinaldo Vuerich
NOVA team pilot after test flights in Kenya

Technology

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.

More compact. The aspect ratio of a glider is not the only factor in passive safety, but still a very important one. A high aspect ratio favours cravats after asymmetric collapses, generally shortens brake travel and normally makes wings more difficult to fly. Nova's analytical tools permit us to build performance wings even with a low or moderate aspect ratio.

Light and durable. Paragliders in the Weight-optimised category are lighter than conventional paragliders - but offer the same mechanical stability and durability. These wings are lighter to carry, easier to launch and are therefore suitable for hike & fly. Weight-optimised is aimed at pilots who appreciate light weight without compromising on durability.

Materials

Motor

According to the DGAC (France), the MENTOR 5 will be registered for powered flight. The glider is suitable for both free flying and paramotoring. You can find the certification documents in the Downloads section. Especially for powered flight, we have developed a riser with two mounts. It is suitable for two different hook-in heights.

Nova service info & FAQ

Read Nova service info and answers to FAQ.

Downloads

Mentor 5 paraglider reviews

This wing is suited to pilots with some experience, those wanting to do cross country but at the same time wanting the wing to have maximum passive safety and ability to absorb variations in air currents. The aerofoil copes with a lot of turbulence because it is remarkably stable, but due to its rigidity it transfers some of the bumps to the pilot (as opposed to a more flexible wing that would absorb turbulence). It provides a steady turn, stable acceleration and is a fully-functional modern design optimized for gliding.

Overall, the Nova Mentor 5 is very similar to previous Mentors, with slightly less pitch energy and more smoothing that makes it feel like a low end wing while retaining good performance.

- Flybubble (full review)

Watch our accompanying video review of the Nova Mentor 5:

"Less Revolution but rather evolution: The Mentor 5 offers even more comfort and versatility. It’s an excellent cross-country wing that will carry its pilot over hundreds of kilometres – provided that the pilot does not make mistakes. We can confirm that the Mentor 5’s performance is more accessible than on the previous model. In its category (Skywalk Chili 4, Advance Iota, Niviuk ikuma, Gin Explorer…), this paraglider in semi-lightweight construction is a force to be reckoned with: powerful and suitable for hustle-free flights."

- Parapente Mag (download full review here (PDF, French))