Mentor 7

Efficient en route. The 2.5-liner design of the MENTOR 7 combines performance and comfort in a unique way. Philipp Medicus, Head of R&D at NOVA explains: “The difference in design between the MENTOR 6 and 7 is greater than between the 2 and the 6. Through this innovative approach the performance has drastically increased, without raising the demands on the pilot. The result is a cross-country paraglider that allows you to go big distances safely and efficiently."

Designed for XC. The MENTOR 7 was built for cross-country flying. Fully accelerated, it cuts solidly through turbulent air masses, and the C-riser-controlcan be used to efficiently mitigate turbulence. The safe and calm feeling when flying allows the pilot to stay focused and concentrate on tactical decisions - even on long flights. Despite its high stability, if the MENTOR 7 has a collapse, the reaction is manageable even at top speed. All NOVA test pilots confirm that this wing, with its moderate aspect ratio of 5.5, is very pleasant to fly and additionally has even more top speed than the MENTOR 6. The ideal prerequisites for new XC records.

Pitch control like a 2-liner. For optimal ergonomics, the risers of the MENTOR 7 are equipped with height adjustable C-handles (HAC-Handles). The C-handles allow pitch control during accelerated flight, which was previously reserved for two-liners like our XENON. This means it is easy to compensate for turbulence and flying XC is far more efficient. Those with no previous experience of C-riser-control can take a relaxed approach to learning this new flight technology with the MENTOR 7 and gain a real performance advantage for themselves. Please note: how this C-riser-control works is explained in the FAQ below.

Elaborate design. In addition to the 2.5-liner concept, the MENTOR 7 is characterised by a complex inner life, 66 cells and additional rods in the rear are of the wing. These design features play a vital role in the outstanding performance of the paraglider. We have cast aside our Easy Packing concept in favour of the clear performance advantage. To protect the rods, the MENTOR 7 should be packed using a Pack Roll, or wrapped around the harness, in a cell pack sack such as our Concertina Bag Light.

The risers in practice. The most prominent feature on the MENTOR 7’s new Speedbrake Riser 2.0 are the HAC-Handles. Another striking feature is the "Baby-B" line, which acts as a moveable pulley on the B3 line. This means the riser is a little more complex, but it is still clearly laid out and easy to handle even when launching. Good to know when ground handling: you can kill the MENTOR 7 very efficiently using the C-lines. As there is no C3 line, what does not work so well are asymmetric corrections via the C-lines. For lateral directional corrections we therefore recommend using the brake. Please note: for more clarity during pre-flight preparation, a magnet holds the A and Baby-B risers together. For optimum launch behaviour, we recommend releasing the magnet and only holding the A-riser.

The MENTOR 7 (EN/LTF B) is a state-of-the-art "teacher" in the tradition of the MENTOR series (performance, smooth in flight, safety). It does not tend to overshoot during inflation and impresses with an extreme flight behaviour that is manageable for its class. The hybrid 2.5-liner is suitable for cross-country pilots who are experienced in handling EN B gliders, or who want to get the maximum out of a flight using the speed-bar and HAC handles. Anyone wishing to familiarise themselves with pitch control similar to the flying feeling of a two-liner, this is the wing to fly. It is important to understand that the hybrid construction partly influences ground handling and means, for example, that the use of the B3 stall is more efficient than classic big ears.

Hybrid design as a 2.5-liner. On the outer wing the MENTOR 7 Light is a two-liner, in the center a three-liner. This means this “2.5-liner” does not have a C3 line. The smart redistribution of the attachment points and a profile optimised for accelerated flying make the MENTOR 7 Light a comfortable and potentially record-breaking fast cross-country glider. At the same time, the safety and smoothness in flight remains typical of the MENTOR and accordingly the certification also resulted in EN B certification.

Speedbrake Riser 2.0 incl. HAC Handles. The MENTOR 7 Light has HAC handles (Height Adjustable C-Handles) on the newly revised riser. With these, pitch movements in accelerated flight can be compensated for in the best possible way. This means that on cross-country flights you to get from A to B even more efficiently - i.e. faster and with less sink. In addition, the C-riser-control is very comfortable and requires little effort.

Aerodynamics optimised for speed. The design of the MENTOR 7 Light focused on speed. The profile ensures a high degree of pitch stability even at low angles of attack. In numerous simulations, the ballooning as well as the stress distribution was refined to minimise the deformation of the glider when accelerated. The cell openings are designed so that the internal pressure remains ideal even in accelerated flight. The result is excellent glide performance with an exceptional level of stability.

NOVA test and team pilot Ferdinand Vogel won the Zillertal Battle 2022 with the MENTOR 7 Light. In this event, only wings with EN/LTF A or B certification are permitted. Top pilots compete under the current gliders, with differences in performance becoming particularly obvious.

Ferdi says about the wing: "I had a clear advantage when gliding fast in rough air. The outstanding performance of the MENTOR 7 Light allowed me to win both tasks. This glider will set new XC records."

See here for full results.