first review from
AUSTRALIAN SURF MAT RIDER
It is the most significant change in the Krypt evolution to date.
You will see it is a significantly smaller mat than the standard MT5 in the comparison images.
The length is effectively the same but it is much thinner from deck to bottom with far smaller nose and rear profiles.
There is a visible difference in the height of the beams resulting in deep channels between the sections of the mat.The concave looks about the same but the outer sections are definitely a bit smaller.
The other main change is the way in which the deck material is manufactured. This has resulted in more of the weave of the cloth showing through giving the deck a canvas like look that feels to me like it is actually going to have more grip. So much so, that I was going to whack a bit of Sikaflex grip on but have now decided not to do so. I always wear a neoprene chest wetsuit or vest so I reckon I might get a way without it maybe only needing a little wax at the hips. The other thing is that it does indeed feel much less stiff and I think that will also help.
All in I am pretty excited to have got my filthy mitts on one of these and am really looking forward to getting a session on it.
I will let you know how it goes then.
Oh and I got a bamboo negative Ion enhancing Krypt t-shirt off MT also. Feels very comfy! You should get yourself one as it should make you feel like you have had a surf even if you haven't!
Plenty of difference between the previous SERIES V MT5 to the newer MT5-S
As Robin mentions in his post, the new mats have a reduced centre beam and is alot thinner , which is similar to the JT5 in thickness.
SCUMM TEAM RIDER Eric Bridges ( pictured above) visited Mark late last year and though he didn't get to test ride the new model, he was so impressed that it brought him down to his knees!
plenty of grip compared to the older versions
First Surf Report
from Australian Surf Mat Rider
Ok so firstly I am rapt that having inspected the new deck material yesterday that I chose not to grip it up with Sikaflex or to apply wax today. As it is brilliant, providing plenty of grip whilst allowing the rider to move around.
I was wearing a standard 3/2 Ripcurl Dawn Patrol with the neoprene chest insert. I reckon it would still be ok without the neoprene so perhaps just a rashy would work ok too.
So, terrific not to have to worry about Sikaflex or wax anymore on MT5s. On that point alone, I will be purchasing the latest standard model MT5.
Secondly, duck diving the MT5-S is a piece of piss as you would probably expect as there is far less mat to deal with. So getting out the back is easier and once you are there, cruising around the line up is just fine also. Whist there is less buoyancy, there is also less mat so I didn't feel like I was having to work significantly harder than I would have on a Standard MT5. With the new deck material, it felt very secure cruising around waiting for something to come through.
Thirdly, for the life of me I could not get the mat to trim in the shit I was surfing so I am really unable to comment extensively on how it rides until I get on a better quality wave. But I am not one to give up easily and always enjoying a challenge. So I can report that I was out there for an hour and a half trying every possible amount of air from barely any air at all to as much air in the mat as It could possibly hold and everything in-between. In the end I settled on a firm 90 degrees but In reality it is probably just too small a mat for me but could be sensational for a smaller rider. However, I am pleased to have it in the quiver as a lender, and, for the days it is jacking up and quick at the point. As I reckon it would work well for me when the bank there is throwing you in to the wave too quick for a standard MT5 and I am resorting to elbows and knees in the face trying to slow it down so as I can stay further up in the wave. I may get a chance to test that over the weekend.
2. Great having less mat under you for duck diving and generally getting around the line up.
3. So little mat to work with it is a challenge to get it to trim and probably best suited to lighter riders and days when the waves are jacking up. MT told me Stickney liked the mat and we know the sort of waves he likes to ride inside of! I will definitely be spending more time with this mat.
So, terrific not to have to worry about Sikaflex or wax anymore on MT5s. On that point alone, I will be purchasing the latest standard model MT5.
Secondly, duck diving the MT5-S is a piece of piss as you would probably expect as there is far less mat to deal with. So getting out the back is easier and once you are there, cruising around the line up is just fine also. Whist there is less buoyancy, there is also less mat so I didn't feel like I was having to work significantly harder than I would have on a Standard MT5. With the new deck material, it felt very secure cruising around waiting for something to come through.
Thirdly, for the life of me I could not get the mat to trim in the shit I was surfing so I am really unable to comment extensively on how it rides until I get on a better quality wave. But I am not one to give up easily and always enjoying a challenge. So I can report that I was out there for an hour and a half trying every possible amount of air from barely any air at all to as much air in the mat as It could possibly hold and everything in-between. In the end I settled on a firm 90 degrees but In reality it is probably just too small a mat for me but could be sensational for a smaller rider. However, I am pleased to have it in the quiver as a lender, and, for the days it is jacking up and quick at the point. As I reckon it would work well for me when the bank there is throwing you in to the wave too quick for a standard MT5 and I am resorting to elbows and knees in the face trying to slow it down so as I can stay further up in the wave. I may get a chance to test that over the weekend.
So to summarize:
1. The new deck material is brilliant. No wax or grip required anymore so I can highly recommend you consider getting the new standard model if not the S.2. Great having less mat under you for duck diving and generally getting around the line up.
3. So little mat to work with it is a challenge to get it to trim and probably best suited to lighter riders and days when the waves are jacking up. MT told me Stickney liked the mat and we know the sort of waves he likes to ride inside of! I will definitely be spending more time with this mat.
Many Thanks to
Australian Surf Mat Rider for the detailed report!
Australian Surf Mat Rider for the detailed report!
