2.5-liner | 66 cells | Aspect ratio: 5.5 | Weight: from 3,65 kg - size XXS (EN/LTF B)

MENTOR 7 Light – Hybrid 2.5-liner

The MENTOR 7 Light is characterised by its completely new design as a "hybrid 2.5-liner" and carries the genes of the XENON. Thanks to the drastically increased performance, its cross-country potential sets new standards in the EN B class. With its intelligent lightweight design, we are meeting the great demand for light, durable XC gliders.

The best possible combination. This performance optimised 2.5-liner flies more comfortably than many 3-liners. How come? 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. Absolutely everything is new. Only the pilot group and its potential as an XC machine are the same.” This means the MENTOR 7 Light will appeal to all cross-country pilots who would like to achieve their distances within the B class and who want a state-of-the-art “teacher” at their side.

Intelligent lightweight construction. Among other things, the MENTOR 7 Light owes its outstanding performance to the 66 cells and its complex inner construction. In order to live up to the name "Light", the wing features high-quality, durable lightweight materials. Ideal for ambitious cross-country flights and every conceivable hike & fly adventure.

Optimised XC potential. The strength of the MENTOR 7 Light lies in its “actually usable performance”. Fully accelerated, it cuts solidly through unstable air masses, and the C-steering can be used to efficiently mitigate turbulence. Performance, smooth flying and safety are the hallmarks of a genuine MENTOR. The MENTOR 7 Light also impresses with its manageable extreme flight behaviour. For example, accelerated collapses are even more gentle than on the previous model. 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 breaking personal records.

Perfect pitch (control). The MENTOR 7 Light has Height Adjustable C-Handles (known as HAC handles) on the risers, that allow pitch control in accelerated flight, which was previously limited to two-liners such as the XENON. This means it is easy to compensate for turbulence and flying XC is far more efficient. Those with no previous experience of C-steering can take a relaxed approach to learning this new flight technology with the MENTOR 7 Light and gain a real performance advantage for themselves. Please note: how this C-steering works is explained below.

Elaborate design. Like our XENON, its "little brother", the MENTOR 7 Light does not work without rods. Therefore, we say goodbye to our "Easy Packing" principle in favour of a clear performance advantage. This basically just means that we recommend you don't stuff the MENTOR 7 Light into the pack sack crumpled up, but rather folded up and packed with the help of the enclosed pack roll. A little effort is worth it, as this means the rods remain in shape, the lines are tidier and it saves time during the preparation before the next flight. Please note: when buying the MENTOR 7 Light, you can decide between the Concertina Bag Light or a rucksack.

Multi-talented risers. The most prominent feature on the MENTOR 7 Light’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 Light very effectively 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.

Pilot target group

The MENTOR 7 Light (EN/LTF B) is a state-of-the-art "teacher" in the tradition of the MENTOR series (performance, smooth in flight, safety), which does not tend to overshoot during inflation and impresses with an extreme flight behaviour that is manageable for its class. As a hybrid 2.5-liner, it 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. So if you want to familiarise yourself 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 effective than classic big ears.

New features

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-steering 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.

Video

Ferdi Vogel wins the Zillertal Battle 2022

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.

Review - Thermik Magazin

Thermik Magazine has published a detailed test report in its issue 3/23. Courtesy of Thermik - thank you!

"Everything about the Mentor 7 Light is designed for the highest possible XC potential and stability. This is where I see the target group: if you are looking for a thoroughbred XC mile-eater with which you can be blown into vicious lees, which you can also accelerate mercilessly in moving air and on which you can rely when the wind blows hard, then you can eye up this wing. In this respect, it is made for brave ridge riders and leeside thermal crankers of the Alps. Conversely, anyone who flies in thermally weak areas, like in the flatlands, has to figure out exactly whether their "seat-of-the-pants feel" is sensitive enough to know when to pull their lines. The Mentor 7 Light is more of a jet than a sailplane."

Full review in German
Short summary in English

Review - Parapente Mag

The French Magazine Parapente Mag has published a detailed review of the MENTOR 7 Light in their issue 204. With kind permission of Parapente Mag. Thanks guys!

"This evolution of the line-concept offers many advantages. I am betting on a generalization of the concept on our future leisure wings. Learning to fly on incidence, through this wing with moderate aspect ratio, allows a smooth migration to even more efficient wings. A wing of this style clearly demonstrates its performance potential (already flights of more than 250 km...) while maintaining a relaxed feel. This is one of the wings that will lead to a series of wings that are more powerful, more accessible and more solid at the same time. I loved to fly the first bubbles of the morning with precision, to pull the thermals with a turn that can be screwed in easily, to be hit with laughter. This kind of wing will delight a large public eager for pleasure and good performance that can be easily achieved."

Check out the Review here

Review - Cross Country

Cross Country Magazine have published a detailed review of the MENTOR 7 Light in their issue 233. With kind permission of Cross Country magazine. Thanks guys!

"The Mentor 7 Light earned our trust over many flights in difficult conditions. Being so easy to fly, it saves the pilot a lot of energy, making long XC flights less exhausting and thus safer. The technology sounds impressive and during a first demo flight you might be intimidated. But it is really a benign high-B glider, especially for the performance it provides on full bar. A big plus is the handling: it has all the advantages of easier handling of a lighter wing, but none of the disadvantages such as a delicate build or jumpy behaviour. Nova have announced a full-fat version will arrive later. The only difference will be heavier, abrasion-resistant fabric for use on less forgiving launches than grassy hills. Other than that, we really don't know what one could possibly want different in a full-fat Mentor 7."

The English PDF can be downloaded here.

Technology

Technical data

    XXS XS S M L
Number of cells   66
Projected span m 8,65 9,10 9,54 9,96 10,37
Projected area 17,90 19,80 21,77 23,72 25,70
Projected aspect ratio   4,18
Flat span m 10,78 11,34 11,89 12,41 12,92
Flat area 21,12 23,36 25,69 27,99 30,33
Flat aspect ratio   5,50
Line diameter mm 0,4 / 0,5 / 0,7 / 0,8 / 0,9 / 0,95 / 1,2
Line length m 6,47 6,81 7,14 7,45 7,76
Max. chord m 2,47 2,60 2,72 2,84 2,96
Weight kg 3,65 3,90 4,15 4,40 4,65
Certified take off weight kg 68-85 70-95 80-105 90-115 100-130
Recommended take off weight kg 70-80 80-90 90-100 100-110 110-125
Certification (EN/LTF)   B B B B B

Materials

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Service

Scope of delivery

FAQ

The so-called HAC handles (Height Adjustable C-Handles) are mounted on the C-risers. These permit a more efficient pitch control, usually only possible on two-liners. The effort required to apply them is so minimal, that even after a long flight they never cause fatigue. In accelerated flight, the HAC handles can be used to increase the angle of attack more quickly and sensitively than would be possible by releasing the speed bar. Additionally, asymmetrical corrections are possible, e.g. for a change of direction. In the end, the C-riser-control means it is possible to fly faster, more efficiently and in a more relaxed manner. At trim speed, if the HAC handles are pulled down about 20 cm, a stall occurs, but the pilot will know this in advance through pulsating feedback on the handles. Well before the stall, performance is noticeably reduced. It is therefore not advisable to permanently slow down the MENTOR 7 Light below trim speed.

Instructions for adjusting the height of the HAC-Handles: remove both caps from the carbon tube, loosen the screw connection, position the HAC handle at the desired height, close the screw connection and replace the caps.

No. You can even remove the HAC-Handles. The C-riser-control is an additional option to compensate for pitching movements of the glider - especially in accelerated flight. When used correctly, they ensure efficient flight in turbulent air.

Instead of pulling down the outermost A-lines (like you do when applying big ears), the B3 lines are pulled down quickly and symmetrically about 40-50 cm to induce the B3 stall. As a result the outer wing folds to the rear. The brake handle remains in the hand without a wrap. The maneuver is stable and there is no flapping of the collapsed wing sections. The pressure to hold the B3 stall is minimal. To return to normal flight, release the B3 lines symmetrically. The wing will open without delay. Before applying B3-stall, we recommend accelerating the wing at least 25% and keeping the speedbar pushed until the wing is returned to normal flight.
By the way, as with big ears, the middle of the wing does not deform during the B3 stall. Therefore, the wing remains in forward flight.

The B3 stall offers more stability with a higher sink rate. Classic big ears also work, but are less comfortable due to the non-split A-risers.

No, the MENTOR 7 (Light) remains true to the principle of all paragliders in the MENTOR series, which means they are positioned at the top of the EN B class. The MENTOR 7 (Light) incorporates a great deal of design knowledge gained from the construction of the XENON (EN/LTF D) - but with the clear objective that the demands on the pilot are no higher than those of the MENTOR 6. The hybrid 2.5-liner design alone does not increase the demand; the reaction to collapses is even somewhat milder than before. The MENTOR 7 (Light)’s aspect ratio of 5.5, which is moderate in the high-end EN B classification, helps to ensure that the demands on the pilot are not too high. Please note: we recommend checking the manual to learn more about the typical characteristics of 2-liners (C-riser-control, ground handling, descent techniques).

The MENTOR 7 (Light) has a large speed-range and therefore long speed-bar travel. Depending on the size of the glider, and especially on the harness, it may not be possible to use the full speed-bar travel, as the Brummel hooks are "blocked" by the pulley of the harness before the full speed-bar travel is reached. There are several possibilities for optimisation: one option is to convert the speed system using speed-bar beads. The conversion kit (Speed System Cords) is included in the scope of delivery and instructions can be found in the manual. Alternatively, the harness can be attached without a Brummel hook by means of a clove hitch/lark’s foot or the harness and paraglider can be connected with a continuous cord. However, the latter will only work for pilots who do not disconnect their harness from their wing. If help is required during the conversion, our local NOVA dealer will be happy to assist. You can see our world-wide network of partners here: www.nova.eu/en/try-buy

We recommend folding the MENTOR 7 (Light) cell to cell and then placing the NOVA Pack Roll in the crease near the leading edge. The idea behind the Pack Roll is that this crease will be less pronounced, which protects the rods. Our Concertina Bag Light is perfect for the job and facilitates a smaller packing volume.

The MENTOR 7 Light climbs well even when flown at the higher end of the weight range. Therefore, after intensive flight tests, we have extended our usual weight ranges for sizes XXS, XS, S and M upwards by 5 kg. On epic days, this can be used to fly a high average speed.

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