Best Freeride Wing 2026 (UK): Mantis V6 vs FireFly III vs Fly IV (with Duotone Unit + North Nova)

Q: What’s the best “one-wing quiver” size for the UK?

For many UK freeride sessions, a 5.0–5.5m is the most versatile. Heavier riders or lighter-wind locations often benefit from 6.0–7.0m, and windier days commonly suit 3.5–4.5m. Board volume and foil size can shift this.

Q: Mantis V6 vs FireFly III: which is better for gusty UK conditions?

If you want the safest freeride daily driver feel, start with Mantis V6. If you want smooth, forgiving power delivery and strong value, FireFly III is an excellent choice. Most riders prefer the wing that feels calmer in gusts and reduces fatigue.

Q: Is Fly IV a good upgrade for experienced freeride riders?

Yes. If you want a more direct performance-freeride feel with strong efficiency and speed, the Fly IV is a logical step up from a purely easy freeride wing.

Q: Should I size for the lulls or the gusts in the UK?

In gusty UK wind, many riders size so they can stay comfortable when powered. Control improves take-off timing, reduces fatigue and makes sessions more repeatable. If you size only for lulls, you may struggle in gusts.

Quick answer (most UK freeride riders): If you want one wing that works in gusts, chop and mixed conditions, start with the Cabrinha Mantis V6 2026 or the NeilPryde FireFly III 2026.

In short:

Best all-round UK freeride “daily driver”: Cabrinha Mantis V6 2026
Best value + easy handling: NeilPryde FireFly III 2026
Performance freeride / faster feel: NeilPryde Fly IV 2026
Premium freeride upgrade: Cabrinha Mantis Apex 2026
Mainstream alternatives (reference): Duotone Unit 2026 / North Nova 2025

Start with the ranges: Cabrinha 2026 Wings • NeilPryde 2026 Wings • All Wings. For all brand hubs, see Product Ranges. Want sizing advice? Contact us.

Transparency: We sell Cabrinha and NeilPryde. We don’t sell Duotone or North, so competitor links go to their official pages for reference.

How we picked (UK-focused): We prioritised wings positioned by their brands for freeride / all-round use, then filtered for what matters most in UK sessions: stable handling in gusts, efficient pumping for take-off, and broad everyday usability. Competitor notes are summarised from the brands’ own product pages, while our “best picks” focus on models we stock and support so you can get sizing help and availability quickly.

What “freeride wing” means in the UK

A UK freeride wing is the wing you can use for most sessions: gusty wind, lulls, chop, and messy water. It should feel stable when the wind turns on/off, be easy to pump for take-off, go upwind without drama, and reduce arm fatigue so you can ride longer. That’s why the best freeride wing is usually the most balanced wing - not the most extreme.

UK Freeride Buyer Checklist (use this before you choose)

Gust stability: does it stay calm when wind switches on/off?
Pumping efficiency: can you pop up quickly in lulls without overworking?
Upwind comfort: can you hold angle without fighting the wing?
Fatigue: do your arms/shoulders survive 60–90 mins?
Most-used size: can you pick one “main” size that covers your local wind?

Top freeride wings we recommend (and stock)

Cabrinha Mantis V6 2026

Balanced freeride wing for UK conditions: predictable power, confidence-inspiring handling, reliable in gusts.

Shop Mantis V6

NeilPryde FireFly III 2026

Best-value freeride choice: smooth power, forgiving feel, ideal for progression and everyday sessions.

Shop FireFly III

NeilPryde Fly IV 2026

Performance freeride: more direct, faster feel with strong efficiency for upwind/downwind angles.

Shop Fly IV

Cabrinha Mantis Apex 2026

Premium freeride upgrade for riders who want sharper response and a higher-end feel.

Shop Mantis Apex

Main competitor alternatives (reference only)

These competitors are included because many UK buyers cross-shop them before deciding. We don’t sell them, but here’s what the brands position them for, so you can compare fairly.

Duotone Unit 2026 (reference)

Direct handling: positioned for direct and intuitive on/off power development.
Balanced freeride: positioned as extremely balanced across courses and wind speeds.
Drift stability: positioned with improved drift stability and steering on the wave.
Freeride intent: positioned for comfort/efficiency and learn/progress within the lineup.

View official Unit 2026 page

North Nova 2025 (reference)

All-round focus: positioned as balanced, easy-to-use with a wide wind range and intuitive handling.
Upwind + transitions: commonly positioned for effortless upwind and easy gybes/tacks/transitions.
Stable trailering: positioned for stable trailering when riding swell.
System note: designed around North’s boom/handle ecosystem depending on model/version.

View official Nova 2025 page

Comparison table (UK buying focus)

Decision	Pick	Why it wins	If not, choose…
One wing for most UK sessions	Mantis V6	Balanced handling + predictable power in mixed conditions.	FireFly III
Best value & easiest freeride handling	FireFly III	Smooth delivery + forgiving control (great progression wing).	Mantis V6
Performance freeride	Fly IV	More direct feel + efficiency for stronger angles and speed.	Mantis Apex
Cross-shopping mainstream alternatives	Mantis V6	If you want in-stock options + UK support and sizing help.	Duotone Unit / North Nova

Mobile tip: swipe left/right to view all columns.

UK wing size guidance (freeride)

Most UK freeride sessions: many riders live on a 5.0–5.5m as the “main wing”.
Lighter wind / bigger riders: consider 6.0–7.0m for earlier take-off and easier cruising.
Windier days: a 3.5–4.5m keeps control and reduces fatigue.
Your foil matters: bigger front wings and higher-volume boards usually let you size down.

Want a fast recommendation? Send your weight, typical wind range, board volume and foil front wing size via Contact.

Shop next steps

Shop Mantis V6 Shop FireFly III Shop Fly IV Browse Cabrinha 2026 Wings Browse NeilPryde 2026 Wings Ask for sizing advice

FAQ

What’s the best “one-wing quiver” size for the UK?

For many UK freeride sessions, a 5.0–5.5m is the most versatile. Heavier riders or lighter-wind locations often benefit from 6.0–7.0m, and windier days commonly suit 3.5–4.5m. Board volume and foil size can shift this.

Mantis V6 vs FireFly III: which is better for gusty UK conditions?

If you want the safest freeride “daily driver” feel, start with Mantis V6. If you want smooth, forgiving power delivery and strong value, FireFly III is an excellent choice. Most riders end up happiest on the wing that feels calmer in gusts and reduces fatigue.

Is Fly IV a good upgrade for experienced freeride riders?

Yes — if you want a more direct, performance-freeride feel with strong efficiency and speed, the Fly IV is a logical step up from a purely “easy freeride” wing.

Should I size for the lulls or the gusts in the UK?

In gusty UK wind, many riders size so they can stay comfortable when powered. Control improves take-off timing, reduces fatigue and makes sessions more repeatable. If you size only for lulls, you may struggle in gusts.