Krypt MT5 revisited

As I am still without a Neumatic, long story, yes, yes, one day I might, I thought it was time to take my first generation MT5 out for a session as I have not ridden it for sometime. It is a smaller mat, like the 4GF Standard, so a wave with a bit of size and punch is a good thing. I mention Neumatic because the MT5 also has a thin deck and is a little less for giving to ride compared to the nylon canvas deck 4GFs and suits a rider with some degree of experience.
My previous experience with the mat indicated that the deck is a little slippery so I whacked a good coating of wax on it before I headed out. I have spent a fair bit of time on this mat in the past and after much experimentation had established how much inflation it required so I breathed my breath in to it until I could bend it to fairly stiff 90 degrees. Into the water I go, a little around the bay where there is a good size swell coming through, and the first thing I noticed is how it feels like a bigger mat than it actually is even though it is very close to a 4GF Standard in size. I think this is because of the very square corners particularly at the back.

Now I know you are saying well it looks bigger than the Standard in the image to the left so obviously it is going to feel bigger but check the next image out and you can only just see a corner of the MT5 sticking out from underneath the Standard on top of it.
The wax I have applied on the deck provides a near perfect balance between grip and manoeuvrability. I know Mark has improved level of grip on the the deck of the 2nd generation MT5 shown in the first image above.
I had forgotten what a slippery little mat the MT5 is to paddle around on as it just flies through   the water very easily and with the great support around
the hip area provided by those square rear corners results in a most pleasant waiting around for a wave experience.
Although the valve is a pain in the arse to get the air out of the mat at the end of the session it is excellent for adjusting the amount of air in the mat during the session without having to get off the mat to do so. Just blow in to it while you are lying on the mat or use the deflator attachment to let it out. It also addresses the accidental magic towel effect that often occurs on a 4GF when the plug gets knocked out and one finds oneself on an rapidly accelerating and deflating mat!
I have previously named the MT5 the Ferrari of the mat world and I still think this tag applies as it is super fast, has plenty of grip to hang in to the face and with the inbuilt rocker carves hard when required.
Now that I have a year of mat riding experience I am much more able to appreciate it and have to conclude that I really like it. If you have some mat riding experience and get the chance, do take an MT5 out for a session and see what you think. I know I'm gonna be taking mine out again when the waves have a bit of punch.