Nova Mentor 7 Light

NOVA MENTOR 7 Light – what is a hybrid 2.5-liner?

• A hybrid 2.5- liner is not a combination of a 2 and 3-liner. The C-risers have no outer main lines. On the one hand, this brings a small aerodynamic advantage (less drag), but above all, this design allows for outstanding accelerated flying characteristics and control of pitch movement, so far only possible on two-liners. The MENTOR 7 Light feels more like a higher class glider. It is solid in the air - the faster it flies, the more solid it feels. This makes it the perfect tool for all those who want to fly really far in a relaxed way.

Nova Mentor 7 Light 

• High-end EN B – but with a relatively low aspect ratio for its class
• Like all other models in the series, the MENTOR 7 Light is a genuine XC machine. Due to the extremely effective C-steering and flat polar curve, more so than ever.
• Demands on the pilot
• As with all other MENTORS
• Nobody should be "scared" by the hybrid 2.5-liner concept.
• Many manoeuvres are more gentle than in previous models.
• Target group: Ambitious cross-country pilots, who want a very high degree of passive safety.
• Progressing pilots who want to improve - either in XC flying or (and this is new) to becoming a 2-liner pilot.

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.

What Remains The Same? 

• The low aspect ratio, the demands on the pilot and the target group are unchanged.
• 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.

Key Points

• New design: hybrid 2.5-liner
• The feeling of a 2-liner with very effective and smooth-running C-steering
• Excellent XC potential: the more an XC pilot accelerates, the more the MENTOR 7 Light responds
• Incredibly smooth flying - great on very thermic days
• Intelligent lightweight construction: practically no limitations on everyday suitability or handling on the ground; full NOVA guarantee

Miscellaneous

• Light first: due to the demand for hike & fly wings, we decided to launch the Light version first. It is yet to be determined when the standard version will be released.
• Wider weight range: 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 exploited to fly at a high average speed.
• Beware of weight comparisons: please do not blindly compare a NOVA size S with the same size of a different brand; instead, compare the canopy weight of the corresponding flying weight ranges.
• The MENTOR 7 Light will also be available in size L.
• B3 stall: instead of big ears, NOVA recommends the B3 stall as an effective descent technique. It can be held very well with little effort, does not flap and opens without any problems. To do this, symmetrically and quickly pull down the B3 lines (without taking a wrap of the brakes) by 40-50 cm and hold it. Additionally, it is advisable to accelerate by a minimum of 25%.
• No more easy packing: the hybrid 2.5-liner design only works with rods in the trailing edge. Therefore the wing is delivered with a Pack Roll.

New Features

Service and 3 Years Nova Warranty!!

Technology

Colours

Technical Data

Delivery contents

Paraglider, sticker, manual, medium-size windsock, self-adhesive repair tape, Pack Roll, speed-system cords and - new - a Concertina Bag Light (colour varies depending on size). Those who already have a suitable concertina bag can alternatively choose the standard backpack. The CITO fast packing bag is not available because it does not facilitate the recommended packing method of the glider.