tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83485900682633710562024-03-11T05:22:33.688+02:00Dust of the universeThis blog is dedicated to testing the most recent paragliders and flying gear.Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.comBlogger343125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-67278445572590031172024-03-09T13:03:00.004+02:002024-03-09T13:03:23.035+02:00UP Meru 2 SM<p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBMelCK72NffzXhYHZaoAs6QXqrQrRoWQjhajKFUM6KFb08Pg2bnPYhPXDASBE-aQypnw8wFnXzg2IJMPJccCWGixKY0pqn6UxsvGr78jr3XKQ4qx2Nsx00jmDcrJ4QbynrJwFdSvCdzDa38juuPpmHoMbXX0T0DLGa54_xhbKarO44h6Eh2zT6w3rh4z/s4480/Screenshot%202024-02-08%20at%204.34.01%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBMelCK72NffzXhYHZaoAs6QXqrQrRoWQjhajKFUM6KFb08Pg2bnPYhPXDASBE-aQypnw8wFnXzg2IJMPJccCWGixKY0pqn6UxsvGr78jr3XKQ4qx2Nsx00jmDcrJ4QbynrJwFdSvCdzDa38juuPpmHoMbXX0T0DLGa54_xhbKarO44h6Eh2zT6w3rh4z/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-08%20at%204.34.01%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><span class="postbody" style="background-color: black; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">UP Meru 2. SM<br /><br />I already flew the first 2 liner Meru 1. In summary, a gentle and accessible glider for the D category, with nice handling.<br />Here comes the new Meru 2 EN-D 2 liner, for 2023/24.<br />The glider is built with long rods on the upper and lower surfaces. The finish details are nice. You can see all the details and materials over here: <a href="https://www.up-paragliders.com/en/products/paragliders/meru-2" target="_blank">https://www.up-paragliders.com/en/products/paragliders/meru-2</a><br />The Meru 2 can be launched easily without any wind, as it inflates easily and rises smoothly without any hard points. On stronger windy days, I found it easy to inflate and it shows a homogenous compact behavior even on the ground.<br /><br />Flying the Meru 2 :<br />At 97...98 all up, for the SM size from 88-101, the Meru 2 has a short brake travel for moderate air and thermals. I could easily and with only 5 cm guide the Meru 2 in moderate thermals. The pressure in those first 10 cm is on the moderate side. In stronger air a little more brake is needed to keep the Meru 2 overhead, probably 20..25…is sufficient in most conditions. After the 10 cm gap, the first contact with the trailing edge +10 cm to steer the glider has a moderate pressure as I wrote. The next 10…15 cm are quite firm in pressure and possibly a bit hard only in turbulent and choppy air, like between inversions or sharp thermal edges that you will lower your brakes to keep it inflated.<br /><br />In moderate air, at 98 I found that the Meru 2 is a comfortable glider to fly for the 2-liner D category. The overall movements reminded me of the 2 liner C category. The Tango-X moves in itself much more, the Meru 2 is a stiff glider in construction.<br />In strong air and edgy thermals, the Meru 2 with a 7 aspect ratio needs good pilot control as this EN-D class requires. But the overall movements are still quite slower than on the Zeno 2 for example.<br />I felt that in strong air, the best is to fly the Meru 2 at max weight. 100/101, as the pilot would have more response of turn inside a small core from the glider.<br /><br />The Meru 2 can be considered a fairly agile glider. Not as agile as the Trango-X! Or an XC Racer 2. Different concepts of agility.<br />At 98, when applying brakes, the turn inside a thermal is smoothly initiated, and probably slightly slower to close a 360 inside a thermal than a Zeno 2 or Trango-X for example. The Zeno 2 is more nervous and can be steered more aggressively inside a thermal. The Meru 2 felt more calm in turns. In good generous, XC conditions flying it at 100/101, is ideal.<br /></span></span><p></p><p><span class="postbody" style="background-color: black; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5TP_VFz-ZGBU6eVrKIT6Jb_koZfw84oXQbN-939gBUPggKl_4fB8BPQQxf6Y3HSeLyAj2fn3vq_DGQ1qdEo-GgYiz_Vpq5OiNBD_yuH4TG38MAUC0p1iRyguk6PWb4wcEw6jdDuEIEeWJU3f4_zosxuEuS5TF8DYws9FAuiDtoJodTSowENKO0pDwdyT/s4480/Screenshot%202024-03-09%20at%2012.42.57%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5TP_VFz-ZGBU6eVrKIT6Jb_koZfw84oXQbN-939gBUPggKl_4fB8BPQQxf6Y3HSeLyAj2fn3vq_DGQ1qdEo-GgYiz_Vpq5OiNBD_yuH4TG38MAUC0p1iRyguk6PWb4wcEw6jdDuEIEeWJU3f4_zosxuEuS5TF8DYws9FAuiDtoJodTSowENKO0pDwdyT/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-09%20at%2012.42.57%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></span></a></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><span class="postbody" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />I didn’t feel or see any yaw movements under the Meru 2. The structure is like a monobloc with calmer movements than Zeno 2. Saying that in strong air, it requires around 35 % more active piloting than a 2 liner C-class glider like Artik/R or Trango-X for example.<br /></span><span class="postbody" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCefIWdMslrXJwjEYCVkuSFKri7VnszWxsW5z_8dgPJFwh6IvQFRNZ3WwDy8bwyQi80NeHrHXVwEN4bJKtO16X6bndiOgvg4jxorkGXzOfNNDYtpRjSyFGiMZK_-pASJygiUN25Sg6Ev7uFlM0rRfbrT0bNVaTYSrx2_h_8wk3tlShlta7OdN9g-eY04-/s4480/Screenshot%202024-03-09%20at%2012.37.12%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCefIWdMslrXJwjEYCVkuSFKri7VnszWxsW5z_8dgPJFwh6IvQFRNZ3WwDy8bwyQi80NeHrHXVwEN4bJKtO16X6bndiOgvg4jxorkGXzOfNNDYtpRjSyFGiMZK_-pASJygiUN25Sg6Ev7uFlM0rRfbrT0bNVaTYSrx2_h_8wk3tlShlta7OdN9g-eY04-/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-09%20at%2012.37.12%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I flew in the company of a Zeno 2 MS at 96 as I was on the Meru 2 at 96.5 all up. In very weak thermals less than 0.5 m/s, both seem close inside that weak climb. In stronger cores above 2 m/s also seems very efficient with a good climb.<br />I will hopefully update my 2 liner Comparison for details.<br /><br />Gliding next to the Zeno 2 at trim speed and 55 km/h was also equal for both! The Meru 2 showed me a very nice glide and didn’t lose height compared to the Zeno 2.<br />Stepping on the second bar has a moderate foot pressure and I could reach a top speed of 21 km/h over trim on the Meru 2 at 98 all up taken at 1000 ASL.<br />Even when pulleys are overlapping, the Meru 2 structure felt solid, and there weren’t any roll movements.<br />Ears with outer B’s are easy to induce. Wingovers build nicely with high energy!<br /><br />Conclusion:<br />The Meru 2 has a different feel from the Meru 1 while having the same comfort underneath. I felt it is better to load it when conditions are strong probably to get that snappy turn and feel. In moderate conditions, flying it at 98 is ok.<br />The glide at the speed bar seems very good with a stiff solid feel from the glider. I could prefer softer brakes and a quicker turn radius, but as I mentioned on good days, a loaded Meru 2 is an efficient gliding machine to go far or to win comps.<br /><br /><br />Cheers,<br />Ziad</span><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-wPs_8lD_aA4pDtYZ8L6Ru0Hpt2WmVvpAkpX1-lIu8ygIY3f1amqeNDTnYLssl_FCGUXdJZt_xhJAWXqhOCCkplIBJYlbcSC0lBUJKYNdNTi7kqwe6K37e8-UQkgBMzmI3-Bfr0HSRLL0SJkNR_nAI81pLv94W2tWkAXAhmUgdVDfViylDOJu_YtmsBk/s3567/DSC03529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2577" data-original-width="3567" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-wPs_8lD_aA4pDtYZ8L6Ru0Hpt2WmVvpAkpX1-lIu8ygIY3f1amqeNDTnYLssl_FCGUXdJZt_xhJAWXqhOCCkplIBJYlbcSC0lBUJKYNdNTi7kqwe6K37e8-UQkgBMzmI3-Bfr0HSRLL0SJkNR_nAI81pLv94W2tWkAXAhmUgdVDfViylDOJu_YtmsBk/s320/DSC03529.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><table border="0" cellspacing="4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; width: 100%;"><tbody></tbody></table>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-57870796614997868822024-03-07T19:51:00.002+02:002024-03-09T13:08:44.826+02:00Niviuk Drifter 2 size M<p><span face="-apple-system-font" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOKIKKr0WU1xQw7h21VS-6Y7YrKVYzKRbb9B2R8XPyImvWrOSpNp6uKffrPue0aReZP3lkaBDWOgGrNFCkIBgBLV3KoAl-qspxWRSqG6rjXCfEIBHWShZXa2upFLOEpu-gvszTi65RBw6ZFPsdS6a7cO0JNGw6uvysBNFLL6KXNaxYb6uOto83ngliEEMI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOKIKKr0WU1xQw7h21VS-6Y7YrKVYzKRbb9B2R8XPyImvWrOSpNp6uKffrPue0aReZP3lkaBDWOgGrNFCkIBgBLV3KoAl-qspxWRSqG6rjXCfEIBHWShZXa2upFLOEpu-gvszTi65RBw6ZFPsdS6a7cO0JNGw6uvysBNFLL6KXNaxYb6uOto83ngliEEMI=w400-h225" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">And finally, it was released, and I received the latest full-on competition harness from Niviuk. The Drifter 2.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The first contact with the harness showed me ‘impeccable’ construction details! I have flown and seen many harnesses in the past, and I can firmly confirm that the finishing details on Drifter 2 are excellent! matching the top-end brands out there. You know me very well from my writing when I'm excited about a product! The feeling is similar to discovering the latest 2024 F1 cars…RB20…SF-24...W15… etc…</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I’m a fan of good quality products! And this Drifter 2 built quality is the top you can find. (Pls see attached a few ‘close-up pictures’) </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This era of paragliding performance has slightly shifted momentarily more toward aerodynamic harnesses. The appearance of the Ozone Submarine, and later the Gin Race 5 paved the path for that direction.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I already test-flew the Submarine, which has an inflatable outside shell and is considered to provide less drag resulting in more gliding performance.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Niviuk has adopted a different approach but in the same direction. Like the excellent Genie Race 4, which offered a sleek performance pod, but an open harness on the chest area, the Niviuk Drifter 2 is a conventional but ‘hybrid’ harness that has the best of both worlds. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Hybrid harness explanation:</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">A zipper that runs from your feet directly to the cockpit, and another with the same and continuous direction toward your neck providing a straight streamlined shape like the one on the Submarine. The difference is that the pod remains a conventional neoprene pod ( not inflatable)</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilTOoPWHpvSK9_ATW28xlbX0JpG3ReiWzgn5Md7Pat1phWyXbS0dn592sctDmypYVwQVtfQBTFI-xNxp3qBslDcD95idyVNx-UXQvf2jDYXzreCbkhIaC3XxEzKTqn7vo2Z_TR2l52SzdX12Nu6FsXU0FFeUbHOR1gJk5VZP1HtIEcs9v2JpHNfkOGrLdp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilTOoPWHpvSK9_ATW28xlbX0JpG3ReiWzgn5Md7Pat1phWyXbS0dn592sctDmypYVwQVtfQBTFI-xNxp3qBslDcD95idyVNx-UXQvf2jDYXzreCbkhIaC3XxEzKTqn7vo2Z_TR2l52SzdX12Nu6FsXU0FFeUbHOR1gJk5VZP1HtIEcs9v2JpHNfkOGrLdp" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This released video by Niviuk shows exactly the details: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTZzAyCxd8E">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTZzAyCxd8E</a></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The DRIFTER 2 is equipped with two cockpits. A small one that lets your instruments/power bank appear through the plastic window. Another lower bigger compartment ( see pic) for your ballast, instruments..etc…</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This cockpit is big enough for a + 10 L of water ballast.<br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Installing a regular vario with an E-Ink Screen without a backlight is difficult to see. Anything with a light background like phone apps, or Oudie N, etc…is very clear, just because under the sunlight the shade produced by the outer shell, over the cockpit prevents any light in, you only see very clearly in plain sunlight, the lighted instruments inside. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Inserting my hands makes it very easy to adjust the instruments. The neck collar of the neoprene is quite large with no pressure on the neck. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Taking off while ready is easy in the upright position without any neck pressure point. Getting inside the pod is a non-event, and of course, pulling the zipper closes and opens the pod rapidly. <br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I never encountered a problem with the zipper so far. When landing your foot can alone open the zipper with probably a slight pull of 10 cm on the zipper rope. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYMyNVKpIvxHQlX7lqslT_5csaCdMmEEtkXZal1cfz4SDvHOtWj4zjxA7gaktNig7lNsJ_KBHzE6KWgIDsaUujMForEXWPuhKxILkgZBlRFNxiPL2BtPjNlO4X9C3kXcNjSjI0Z54rNCnZvFtvg3ox2rJ4ItxJGcjDZN3R8k1RyqYHGfTGVOg608qrw5X/s4000/20240306_202830.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYMyNVKpIvxHQlX7lqslT_5csaCdMmEEtkXZal1cfz4SDvHOtWj4zjxA7gaktNig7lNsJ_KBHzE6KWgIDsaUujMForEXWPuhKxILkgZBlRFNxiPL2BtPjNlO4X9C3kXcNjSjI0Z54rNCnZvFtvg3ox2rJ4ItxJGcjDZN3R8k1RyqYHGfTGVOg608qrw5X/s320/20240306_202830.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Kiting while standing up with the DRIFTER 2 is surprisingly very straightforward without any pressure on your back neck. It feels like a normal harness! Taking off is smooth, and getting into the pod is very quick. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">When you are ready, pulling a bit on the right zipper line closes the pod. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">There are no outside pockets left and right, probably for lesser drag. But it would be nice to have one at least, just because everything is sealed and you have to open the pod to access the lower compartment. Probably installing a smaller outside pocket would be nice. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In the air, inserting your hands to adjust the Vario, or phone easily. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Now for the seating position/comfort/<wbr></wbr>weightshifting.<br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Before adjusting your harness, please install the two rescues, drinking water, and the stuff you put in the moderate-width rear compartment when you are flying just because you need to reset your center of gravity while adjusting it to achieve a flawless and efficient line when gliding. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The foot pad holds an extension to be removed on taste and body size, of 5 cm thickness with 4 pcs ( see pic). For my height of 1.81 cm, I removed all the foot pads and reached a perfect sitting position without any pressure from the neoprene that covered my shoulders. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYnj_P3jTpTnc-dfrSHkNXYzLXw22nFDez8rwlzaNGgH92Jy6_GjhDeHkF3UYcfMZSmZmkA1Nt8Co8dna6amR2MruamCstHlPLUHC3ddkDW8z_b-jV184Ci-nD-fxhYPJ3sqVeMXjGP8HQ0XLZ7yjUwqmWNWmjq6MJq-gcqkcBL2NZtENAzW9Z-mg3J26D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYnj_P3jTpTnc-dfrSHkNXYzLXw22nFDez8rwlzaNGgH92Jy6_GjhDeHkF3UYcfMZSmZmkA1Nt8Co8dna6amR2MruamCstHlPLUHC3ddkDW8z_b-jV184Ci-nD-fxhYPJ3sqVeMXjGP8HQ0XLZ7yjUwqmWNWmjq6MJq-gcqkcBL2NZtENAzW9Z-mg3J26D" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">When pulling the left and right upper side straps which are easy to use even in flying, for adjusting your back inclination, and to stay streamlined with the air without<br /><br /><br /><br /> positioning the rear fairing higher to reach that ultimate position, your sitting will be slightly reclined. On the Arrow L, the max layback position is still 3-4 cm forward than on the Drifter 2 perfectly streamlined position. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">It is very logical for a high-end competition harness to give you that reclined position if the pilot is aiming for less drag. Of course, a ‘slighter' upright position would be most welcomed. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The reclined seating position is quite comfortable for the body. There are no pressure points whatsoever! Comfortable to sit in. It is exactly like laying down on your favorite sofa in winter time, watching ‘dustoftheuniverse channel’ ;-) but the tea holder is missing! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The legs are surely naturally supported. The seat plate of the DRIFTER 2 M however is a bit large for my size of 75 kg.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">A gap of 3 cm on each side. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The seat plate of the Arrow Large is one centimeter less from each side than the seat plate of the Drifter 2 M size. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX11ToU-KcbCYqwTwjHqtxKvFYNBqy9jyNY8GvMYg8Q9_geC0EjWNVvFz-rg8g8MG4CoWm6Z1qxbbbpgv7Z8h7dCowS1ppALYpODpZXXWrwLRkzCDOKZZ0WX6C8bK-AWSe9zFnaIIvljSXlFNlCBCnGeAeF5dLgrtlKzAsqMTvs_czGnsY9EFkxlspnB4X/s4000/20240306_202809.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX11ToU-KcbCYqwTwjHqtxKvFYNBqy9jyNY8GvMYg8Q9_geC0EjWNVvFz-rg8g8MG4CoWm6Z1qxbbbpgv7Z8h7dCowS1ppALYpODpZXXWrwLRkzCDOKZZ0WX6C8bK-AWSe9zFnaIIvljSXlFNlCBCnGeAeF5dLgrtlKzAsqMTvs_czGnsY9EFkxlspnB4X/s320/20240306_202809.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I tried to install a smaller plate, or even without a seat board which Niviuk doesn’t recommend, but as the DRIFTER 2 is constructed like an F1 car, I couldn’t sink in, because there’s also the ballast pocket underneath the seat which is also reinforced to be stiff when holding the water ballast. Everything is surgically designed! :-) </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">There are two positions left and right for the anti-G which are easily reachable in the air. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The DRIFTER 2 has little adjustment straps and it is really easy to adjust. The roll movements under the DRIFTER 2 with the main strap at 50 cm are quite comfortable. It is very close to the Arrow L roll movements. The weight shift is well coordinated and after flying the Arrow L, I didn’t quite find any big differences in roll and weight shift besides my reclined position. Overall it is quite a balanced harness to fly with high-end gliders. Stable enough to be comfortable on long flying hours. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Pushing on the speed bar is another nice experience. The big aluminum pulleys hold a stop system, and help you maintain the pressure while holding the speed bar for a time. On the Arrow, for example, my feet always have more pressure during long glides. The pulleys on the DRIFTER 2 have a stop-back spinning system that allows less foot pressure while stepping on the speed bar. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Asymmetric speed bar steps are installed for a smoother and more balanced pull between the left and right risers. Like I said, I felt like driving an F1 car. :-) </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi1ONpiUm9LpBn0sIQbHaS_CvYwkquM1rd3hsiec10_3kg4B55qQ-3doNWl4uFe3hmEIVQUUrSBzIhqN8Y9Q3wVGQKOGbS91G6Zm6RrO_vcEIio6upXeZ0yQLe7Ua_D8j2RxN2rW4w1ksOQzvQyVQ7HTH0IVjnsqagyvRI06z_ZLllK_W23ZETxZlF3ke/s4000/20240306_202518.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi1ONpiUm9LpBn0sIQbHaS_CvYwkquM1rd3hsiec10_3kg4B55qQ-3doNWl4uFe3hmEIVQUUrSBzIhqN8Y9Q3wVGQKOGbS91G6Zm6RrO_vcEIio6upXeZ0yQLe7Ua_D8j2RxN2rW4w1ksOQzvQyVQ7HTH0IVjnsqagyvRI06z_ZLllK_W23ZETxZlF3ke/s320/20240306_202518.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Even in a reclined position, the pressure when pulling on the speed bar doesn’t put pressure on your shoulders. The pressure is homogeneously distributed on your back. It was smooth to keep the speed bar. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The back fairing doesn't flutter at all and stays in pressure with a very narrow shape. <br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The DRIFTER 2 has a new 5.5 cm origami back protection <a href="https://niviuk.com/en/orikami">https://niviuk.com/en/orikami</a>. It is the first small protection after the Koroid that acts differently as Niviuk stated. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">It is indeed a small protection, and I would personally prefer having a larger one…But maybe I’m still old-fashioned and not used to this new technology… I just really hope that its efficiency surpasses the claims. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MDiv4EDFX2a28HJEQrWFlipjSDoZ-ML8UaLca1upNwNkZ-1DQeqYoOM_ATW8c2zNK9CAGA5kraShwV8pEw1WQNn3U1WmqEDTepbW9F0uy-NeE7_CzvRn9_2fPLn-qvsQVwU9BmkiD3zoknadJos2iTuFPXNYN8LKekfJ_WUwwmbvPhj_a7ka_5oCjVCi/s4000/20240306_202638.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MDiv4EDFX2a28HJEQrWFlipjSDoZ-ML8UaLca1upNwNkZ-1DQeqYoOM_ATW8c2zNK9CAGA5kraShwV8pEw1WQNn3U1WmqEDTepbW9F0uy-NeE7_CzvRn9_2fPLn-qvsQVwU9BmkiD3zoknadJos2iTuFPXNYN8LKekfJ_WUwwmbvPhj_a7ka_5oCjVCi/s320/20240306_202638.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Conclusion: </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The DRIFTER 2 is for sure a very beautiful-looking competition harness equipped to the last detail. Pilots' eyes on take-off and landing were wide open and commented frequently about that beautiful shape. Comfortable for the back and also in roll movements. The construction is excellent! felt very robust and with those materials it could last very long! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">When flying it, a ‘psychological’ feeling of performance will be on the menu.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The air over my face was less perceived than usual as my head was near the outer shell. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Landing and getting outside the pod is quite easy and feels exactly like a normal pod. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">For XC and competition pilots, the race is on… :-) </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-82076596526691061852024-02-22T22:55:00.006+02:002024-02-22T22:55:36.709+02:00Zoom X2C size 95<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3r3dfvk0L9QeMhJPMDNZ1GkqewmQ7KVrrG67hvkwMDkqrl-O-dXu1_o9_a9ugan4Doe7nGhtuCItUAtgxhuGDbWqDk0CyA547ae3s4ejUHlPvKLL-2TvsGluXIl-tuN24IUw_QPJxZUalBVAcyi1Vp3u1FrLzuC3YHhqs_lLybGh9GJ-sbq9yfz65yGV/s4480/Screenshot%202024-02-22%20at%2010.48.54%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3r3dfvk0L9QeMhJPMDNZ1GkqewmQ7KVrrG67hvkwMDkqrl-O-dXu1_o9_a9ugan4Doe7nGhtuCItUAtgxhuGDbWqDk0CyA547ae3s4ejUHlPvKLL-2TvsGluXIl-tuN24IUw_QPJxZUalBVAcyi1Vp3u1FrLzuC3YHhqs_lLybGh9GJ-sbq9yfz65yGV/w400-h225/Screenshot%202024-02-22%20at%2010.48.54%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br />Zoom paragliders is a new brand, <a href="https://www.zoom-paragliders.com/en/" target="_blank">https://www.zoom-paragliders.com/en/</a> created in the Papesh GMBH group and designed by Alex Hollwarth, who began his journey at Skywalk and delivered in that time fine creations among the Cayenne 5 which was a really fine glider to fly. The first released glider from the manufacturer is the Zoom X2C which is a 2-liner C class glider. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF-FI83Aiw2U9__d_lEX5vDDk_t1CRWx-qxiPUuL9odHnfRRCE0xV_zYWQ5c3xB8CN9ebw30qHe22zKecB8REvyRxeontSGm3x8g7fUUe_O_PG3xWToj0LmlekaI3_Cw6oiAlM-Fp6ZK_qgSX0wqrzBeSwUX2jhc6MJMgFbFbhV1-MMnipMyh7MrTrYIy/s4480/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF-FI83Aiw2U9__d_lEX5vDDk_t1CRWx-qxiPUuL9odHnfRRCE0xV_zYWQ5c3xB8CN9ebw30qHe22zKecB8REvyRxeontSGm3x8g7fUUe_O_PG3xWToj0LmlekaI3_Cw6oiAlM-Fp6ZK_qgSX0wqrzBeSwUX2jhc6MJMgFbFbhV1-MMnipMyh7MrTrYIy/s320/2.png" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://www.zoom-paragliders.com/en/products/x2c" target="_blank">https://www.zoom-paragliders.com/en/products/x2c</a><br />I have flown the Zoom XC2 95, from 92 to 95 all up,<br />At first, the launching is straightforward, as the Zoom inflates easily even without any wind and no hard point. In stronger wind, it is fast in the second half of the rise, but also very responsive to your brake input to keep it swiftly overhead.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-LlXy5TheVjUdXDpeTXBDRHG7aATMOuKEO9TzlvDbpImTo0uHnAXphYIRZ8-lAS_Zu55tVBpzO_6tuDmQehfOOwN8ZLB1vzD1YXTrBlNjk-2SZaQa54dQLfuSXZ92OpAHxrkP0wQT0wdi5YSAiA8lrLhB_Vi45IyK7ebm9TCbpTZyCUGpDKVouFhgMr9/s4480/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-LlXy5TheVjUdXDpeTXBDRHG7aATMOuKEO9TzlvDbpImTo0uHnAXphYIRZ8-lAS_Zu55tVBpzO_6tuDmQehfOOwN8ZLB1vzD1YXTrBlNjk-2SZaQa54dQLfuSXZ92OpAHxrkP0wQT0wdi5YSAiA8lrLhB_Vi45IyK7ebm9TCbpTZyCUGpDKVouFhgMr9/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a></div>I flew the Zoom in weak, moderately winter-strong thermals, and later in some turbulent air.<br />The brake travel is moderate to short and with 10-15 cm, I could place the glider accurately inside the core. The Zoom X2C is a pleasurable glider to fly. Direct feel through the brakes, and direct control. The pressure on the brakes are on the moderate side, and well balanced. I could steer the glider with just 10-15 cm of brake travel efficiently.<br />Climbing in very weak thermals less than 0.5 m/s felt similarly efficient to the Scala 2 with the same size in that area. In a more solid thermal, the Zoom climbs well compared to the other 2 liner C’s.<br /><br />In strong air, the feel under the Zoom is really compact, easy, and quite manageable for the 2 liner C category. It felt in overall comfort like the Volt 4 and Bonanza 3 which are quite accessible 2 liners.<br />As I already wrote, what I appreciated even in strong air, was the brake authority given to the pilot. I could play around under that glider endlessly, with complete control. The brake pressure is on the moderate side and the travel is short to moderate with a lovely combination of agility in thermals. After two turns in a wingover, you can feel the high energy stored in that glider! Lovely handling.<br />I think the Zoom is among the 2 liners that you enjoy flying, because of its playful and forgiving character.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU7mUKTWv1yke1nT7vwaePx7kfKPuLWnXnGECS3CJ2PZoTvTtYRcjomMKcs1zfso_x7GwifnTlRzrCDG6FlhXsNJag0dDjqwwP69Ls7CwG3s9AqrldJDq5DdPKOAWKrlL_K6lnXP7EOofMhzNB0Zwrxe8SHSzPxmMaTz0wt16PXyZhsFfCfiW5FHyQP8L/s4480/5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU7mUKTWv1yke1nT7vwaePx7kfKPuLWnXnGECS3CJ2PZoTvTtYRcjomMKcs1zfso_x7GwifnTlRzrCDG6FlhXsNJag0dDjqwwP69Ls7CwG3s9AqrldJDq5DdPKOAWKrlL_K6lnXP7EOofMhzNB0Zwrxe8SHSzPxmMaTz0wt16PXyZhsFfCfiW5FHyQP8L/s320/5.png" width="320" /></a></div>The ability to core without pitching back or forward is present under the Zoom. It just enters thermals and moves forward in balance. I was able to do two long glides next to a Photon MS same size and load, and I was impressed by that glide! IN very calm air, I wasn't losing an inch in those two glides even at half the speed bar! Pretty good balanced glide for the Zoom. When gliding in moving air and lift lines, we felt that the Zoom shares the glide similarly to an Artik R, or Mint, for example.<br />The B steering is quite efficient in controlling the glider movements in turbulence while staying on bar, and the B pressure is on the moderate side with good accessibility.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zkixESq1_jgKR3xKYY6rhilGuRQSGC1vbe_A059zOP4qobmNhZY3Ni0YjmghBaKj9ktpM99pA8QcNIpK-WNeL2eYDwig2v03hc9-669JGdNtCvasJvpmnTgJwJySCuplP8Zy_JUaeKSGAjgLszqtRgMcCswCQ0SnwGdKfvC4pCCDy72p7RatTHYwhSVT/s4480/6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zkixESq1_jgKR3xKYY6rhilGuRQSGC1vbe_A059zOP4qobmNhZY3Ni0YjmghBaKj9ktpM99pA8QcNIpK-WNeL2eYDwig2v03hc9-669JGdNtCvasJvpmnTgJwJySCuplP8Zy_JUaeKSGAjgLszqtRgMcCswCQ0SnwGdKfvC4pCCDy72p7RatTHYwhSVT/s320/6.png" width="320" /></a></div>The speed bar has a moderate pressure throughout the whole range, and full speed reached the same as the Photon with around 18 km/h over the trim speed.<br />Ears are stable and usable with outer B’s or outer A’s.<br /><br />Please note that different sizes with different loads ‘could' have another feel. On the Zoom X2C size 95 at 92 I was happy test flying that glider!<br /><br />Conclusion:<br />The new Zoom X2C ticks all the boxes evenly. Nice handling, pleasurable to fly, agile to play around, excellent gliding performance, and good speed for a 2 liner.<br />If you want to get a high ratio of fun, comfort, and good performance, a test flight could be the right choice!<br /><br /><br />Happy testing,<br />Ziad</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTttU7DetXjNjn0KkgybxJQ985K3dhIY79-Fly-blMKXgCGDKLov8rWqn6vIfII3QIXBpEANNi11t8AGARIiK41ryTMeJVo3IHiYh3q7vU6rzg3-BYxDyDq6cP6p26u2mpM1zpHTqviuiap78GEMJFHlJ9azYsjYfVrVmPFktmwj5sd06mi4LJ4s42ZXs/s4480/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTttU7DetXjNjn0KkgybxJQ985K3dhIY79-Fly-blMKXgCGDKLov8rWqn6vIfII3QIXBpEANNi11t8AGARIiK41ryTMeJVo3IHiYh3q7vU6rzg3-BYxDyDq6cP6p26u2mpM1zpHTqviuiap78GEMJFHlJ9azYsjYfVrVmPFktmwj5sd06mi4LJ4s42ZXs/s320/4.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><br /><br />Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-53712641331503777482024-01-22T15:07:00.003+02:002024-01-22T15:07:15.970+02:00NearBirds VIBE. L size <p><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Nearbirds Airy Vibe L size</span></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">This harness is the light version of the VIBE. When flying it, it gave me a different feel from the VIBE. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Airy VIBE has a nice construction, and also lots of adjustments! 5 adjustments for each side to give you a complete tailor-made body shape. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">There are two open internal compartments on each side for anything you want to put from chocolate, apple, cellular, talkie walkie…etc…easily reachable. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The materials used are similar to any high-end light harness in the market. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">There’s a ballast compartment underneath the seat, which can hold around 4 kg, but I was hoping for a velcro inside to hold the ballast ( next time hopefully) </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The pod closes sideways and it would be better to install a small ball with elastic to put in your shoelaces for entering better the pod after take-off (next time…) </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">A three-step speed system is installed. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The AiryVIBE has an inflatable back protection attached to a tube that goes up, near the cockpit to the right, to blow in, and it is very easy to inflate while in place. Once you release the security clip on the tube, you can release the air for tight packing. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">For my height of 1.81 and 75 kg, this L size fits me like a perfect glove! Once fine-tuned there was no pressure point on any part while sitting.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The AiryVIBE offers high back comfort in supporting the body despite that the sitting area is not covered with smooth foam. This direct feel to the harness delivers excellent air movements with super precise and highly appreciated feedback. And it is comfortable! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The ABS system delivers good comfort while keeping an excellent weight shift ability that when I flew that glider, my Zeolite 2 felt even more agile! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">That ABS feel doesn’t give you an excess of roll movements. I think the roll is similar to the Niviuk Arrow, which is a balanced roll. Comparing it to the Genie Light 3, the roll movements are slightly less but the weight shift authority is similar!</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The back fairing inflates very well, without a single flutter in the air. The aerodynamic shape is really good. Following a newly rigged Zeno 2/Forza 2, the same size as my Zeolite 2 GT /AiryVIBE, both on bar for 6 km, in very smooth air, didn’t practically show any glide differences. So harness aerodynamics are working great! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">I have here the AiryVIBE with two rescue options. One in front easy to reach and another on my right side. When you pull the side rescue, the compartment opens very large like 4 times the usual area, and immediately and effortlessly the rescue goes out. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">I was impressed by the speed system's ability. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Zeolite 2 GT on Forza 2 has moderate foot pressure. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Zeolite 2 GT on NK Arrow has moderate to light and smooth foot pressure.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Zeolite 2 GT on AiryVIBE, has a ‘light' and super smooth foot pressure. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">When using the speed bar on the AiryVIBE, it is easy with roll stability like on the NK Arrow. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Packing: </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion: </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">IMHO, I think that the AiryVIBE is one of the sweetest harnesses to fly. After flying it, I enjoyed my Zeolite 2 GT turns even better! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">I always need three harnesses for my glider tests from very light ones to heavy ones. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The AiryVIBE with an option for two rescues, and a moderately light weight near 5 kg, will be a keeper for my flights. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Sometimes as you know, I get poetic... :-) <br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">An instrument to dance inside the core? </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Sexy look, comfortable, and sweet? </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"> Without getting a total bore! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"> Get into the AiryVIBE seat! :-) </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="311" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Upr0o1wFsuk" width="477" youtube-src-id="Upr0o1wFsuk"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-43380194302732584102023-12-29T18:40:00.006+02:002023-12-29T18:41:17.384+02:00Niviuk Ikuma 3 size 24/ range 75-95<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3ECx5RZlGSwPaJ_-xV-xP77EPba010LGeN1MioIIQ3sdSTbStRPSb8lguzXJ1_malz3SAKn7Oo6dHeM10sbcN1UH3my1buw6Wo7VHL8gKP0H1RC7nVE_t2sIiqIK-DfBnUd4Q0ikI2E6o_URsLsDR6JSewxx-CjZjaX6ZIe7X4K7bR-Uy_WaAM7jNEHi/s1920/GX012969%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3ECx5RZlGSwPaJ_-xV-xP77EPba010LGeN1MioIIQ3sdSTbStRPSb8lguzXJ1_malz3SAKn7Oo6dHeM10sbcN1UH3my1buw6Wo7VHL8gKP0H1RC7nVE_t2sIiqIK-DfBnUd4Q0ikI2E6o_URsLsDR6JSewxx-CjZjaX6ZIe7X4K7bR-Uy_WaAM7jNEHi/w400-h225/GX012969%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Niviuk Ikuma 3 size 24/ range 75-95</span></p><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">I have already flown the first and second versions of the Ikuma. Here’s the flight test of the Ikuma 3 in size 24 (75-95), flown from 88 to 94 all up.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"> The Ikuma 3 is built with a mix of Dominico cloth, with Liros and Edlerid lines. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The visual construction and little details are impeccable on that glider. There’s something apart from the building quality and small details. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">At 4.5 kg the Ikuma 3 is a semi-light glider. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Launching the Ikuma 3 even in no wind conditions, rises smoothly and evenly. The Ikuma 3 rises effortlessly in more windy take-offs and stays above the pilot's head with a little brake.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">I flew the Ikuma 3 with my Arrow L size. First rising air, I weight-shifted a little, and I pulled 10 cm of brake travel, and the Ikuma 3 quickly got me that perfect turning radius! </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">I was already smiling from the first turn! Sometimes, when I test fly a new glider, I worry a bit that it may not satisfy my picky demanding, and handling criteria…But this time that beautiful feel and maneuverability under that Ikuma 3 saved the day! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHxeMMUnZdDuhHlsGUkz1-ctzRJ-7c5cg86x6SJMTkH55uHLnXwIU_gEXqrsmCTGV3fglR0T4kcyt5p1uumSCR_YP3qMCnaL3JDCQo3mu5jx1p90Gk2XiTnZdKYlhyphenhyphenh7hhdwsvhXFInFzUsYiCQWg44yfAFQMdQjJODIg0_RtbgSWKiAkBD4IGi0JU_6R/s4480/Screenshot%202023-12-29%20at%206.33.35%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHxeMMUnZdDuhHlsGUkz1-ctzRJ-7c5cg86x6SJMTkH55uHLnXwIU_gEXqrsmCTGV3fglR0T4kcyt5p1uumSCR_YP3qMCnaL3JDCQo3mu5jx1p90Gk2XiTnZdKYlhyphenhyphenh7hhdwsvhXFInFzUsYiCQWg44yfAFQMdQjJODIg0_RtbgSWKiAkBD4IGi0JU_6R/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-29%20at%206.33.35%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">With moderate brake pressure and a nice linear feel throughout the brake range, the Ikuma 3 will surely deliver a large smile on pilots' faces. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Ikuma 3 even at 88 all up, can core thermals very narrow staying in the core very easily. The combination of the Arrow/Ikuma 3 while weightshifting and brake pulling is nothing but excellent! In a more strong thermals, and flying it at 93 all up, the handling is even better! and coring is even more satisfying! A piece of pure pleasure while thermal flying. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">I flew it 92 all up in some very weak air, the Ikuma 3 has outstanding potential in weak lift! It hovers and stays in that weak lift, waiting for it to become stronger. It is very difficult to bomb out flying the Ikuma 3 unless you have been unlucky, and there’s nothing left to turn! I think after a while it could have the efficiency of the Swift 6 in that area…I will update my B comparison later after more hours of comparison. But it surely can float! </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Ikuma 3 doesn’t dive in turns in normal braking. And unless you lower your hands the turns are flat inside the core. But once you dig that brake down properly, you will have a playful glider to fly in the air! A real high B toy! Wingovers are super high like loops if you want from the second turn! </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The main thing I personally like about a glider is when the R&D team manages to give the pilot supreme authority on the brakes if he decides to turn it flat or immediately go into play mode. That exceptional feature is easily managed under the Ikuma 3. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Yes…It seems that I like that feel under it ;-). So no more writing about the handling… :-)</span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The pitch is neutral and hands up all the way the Ikuma 3 enters the airmass slowly but efficiently. It clings to the thermal and climbs effortlessly. It feels like it guides you into the thermal. It doesn’t reject the rising airmass but seems to slide and cling to it slowly. All you need to do is let it fly, keeping the minimum of brake pressure. It floats nicely into the rising air mass. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">For the past 4 months, I have been test-flying many 2-liners C’s and D’s with a couple of new high B’s. When switching from a 2 liner to any high B, the feel of less speed and dynamic movements are strikingly more obvious. The high B’s are created to give you performance but with slower speeds and reactions when going XC. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIwq5Wn1zZYZuCBPqnWZlIFD-yQ9PEIWQcVJjT6nzCtg9H_PcpMFCf0mvssOqmacVxHWTaGk0YdjLtmH1VIwxJZGmfWbW5GD5vKkocywmrj90Ex4r62ytWQYFynLeruKlWRDKXC1F6J3FEx-HXh93CwjkYvbOdfCqlocljPOei9UAecDDiwZU1S3Ls6Xx/s5312/GX010566%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIwq5Wn1zZYZuCBPqnWZlIFD-yQ9PEIWQcVJjT6nzCtg9H_PcpMFCf0mvssOqmacVxHWTaGk0YdjLtmH1VIwxJZGmfWbW5GD5vKkocywmrj90Ex4r62ytWQYFynLeruKlWRDKXC1F6J3FEx-HXh93CwjkYvbOdfCqlocljPOei9UAecDDiwZU1S3Ls6Xx/s320/GX010566%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Ikuma 3 as a high B falls in that category. It is a soft XC glider with top-end gliding performance to match the best ones in that high B category. I will surely update my B comparison later on for the little details. But It is already confirmed to have a very nice gliding power. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">If you want to go XC efficiently on any glider, you should load that glider at the top end. Many will still ask me why…It is because the faster you enter the airmass the more efficiently you move forward. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">And going XC is to move forward ;-) </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Some manufacturers have their own political decisions to certify gliders +5 kg from the recommended flying weight. It doesn't mean that the extended weight range is optimal for XC. Sometimes when conditions are really strong, they are okay, but after a bit…they will struggle in the weak. We don’t want to land... So a balanced glider for XC is when flying it at the recommended weight range stated by the manufacturer.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Maestro 2 could be ideal at 75 % of the flying range, and also the same goes for the Mentor 7 as recommended. They are both superb high B’s. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">If you want a fast XC mode flying the Ikuma 3 size 24 (75-95) in strong Alpine air! Go for 94-95 all up. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxHrlbgghNCAoM1dmnYH4EGSphRVP6c_bLtdZKi8ow3XGdDTiF11ZsBl7PJ7sVLGgqIS5qkqNaR-AdWy37nCYwnVeztpc3PmR3kNvrmPrqLdvAYQtq7SPqdR7r2LweWCzJE73W94CjAqKkl9FvyoZc9Ug8sqJThyphenhyphenvJHqadYuyXTS8qXsq9Npu_n61j6QP/s4480/Screenshot%202023-12-29%20at%206.34.43%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxHrlbgghNCAoM1dmnYH4EGSphRVP6c_bLtdZKi8ow3XGdDTiF11ZsBl7PJ7sVLGgqIS5qkqNaR-AdWy37nCYwnVeztpc3PmR3kNvrmPrqLdvAYQtq7SPqdR7r2LweWCzJE73W94CjAqKkl9FvyoZc9Ug8sqJThyphenhyphenvJHqadYuyXTS8qXsq9Npu_n61j6QP/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-29%20at%206.34.43%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">In normal flying, the Ikuma 3-24 will stay very maneuverable and dynamic in turns at mid-weight, but the same-size Swift 6 will be a bit boaty at mid-weight. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The excellent Swift 6 MS (75-95), is better to be loaded right on top at 95 in XC mode. <br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Ikuma 3 felt slightly easier to fly than the Ikuma 2. It felt a bit softer. The speed bar pressure is moderate even at full travel. The speed gain over the trim speed is around 13 km/h taken at 800m/ ASL. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">When pushing on the speed bar, the C riser steering with moderate pressure and easy handling, is efficient in keeping the cool Ikuma 3 on track. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Big ears with outer A’s are super efficient like a few other B’s. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">With a speed bar and big ears, -5 m/s could easily be reached! They open without any intervention, or perhaps a very slight pressure on the brakes if they are very big. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Ikuma 3 seems very friendly and lets you make really big ears. Of course, like any other glider don’t pull too much to let the left and right tip touch! You could induce a stall under any glider. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion: </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Even after many testing years, some gliders even in the high B category, still give me those happy flying vibes! </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Ikuma 3 is one of them. A very comfortable high B with pleasurable handling and top-end performance for the category. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">It is very clear, that flying the Ikuma 3 will firstly touch the sensitive handling pilots by delivering a high amount of pleasure feel. All that with very good brake authority. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Pilots have different feel, and different requirements, but I can assure you test flying the Ikuma 3 won’t keep you indifferent! </span></div><p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Happy flights.</span></div>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-2112546434974008602023-12-05T17:20:00.001+02:002023-12-05T21:01:04.586+02:00Mac Para Verve 23 <div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfMs2_RVrQYTVtVT6epLRB1udaGh8anrqeAC04aMNg5UZn9_Ve0n0_e_Til3arU8ss2y6kji7U3sD3uF5J9t8iVFuqGPUCLIJdoyeOFM1WEfMFcXzBVBOHt1rOkU9ctvYrQDOawgAX2ODfSEOiUqERUhn1V2ucdbStVTa5wq80whXaV_SVm2lQRZMwKHT/s4480/Verve%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfMs2_RVrQYTVtVT6epLRB1udaGh8anrqeAC04aMNg5UZn9_Ve0n0_e_Til3arU8ss2y6kji7U3sD3uF5J9t8iVFuqGPUCLIJdoyeOFM1WEfMFcXzBVBOHt1rOkU9ctvYrQDOawgAX2ODfSEOiUqERUhn1V2ucdbStVTa5wq80whXaV_SVm2lQRZMwKHT/w400-h225/Verve%202.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Mac Para Verve 23 </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">This year I attended the Coupe Icare with my family and did some interviews with manufacturers as best as I could. Mac Para had a glider for me that I returned with me to test fly. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Verve is Mac Para new 2 liner EN-C glider. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Verve has semi-light cloth and the size 23 weighs around 4.00 kg for a weight range of 84-97. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The shape in the air looks cool. The Verve has winglets on both sides. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Launching the Verve 23 at 94 all up is very straightforward, without any hard points. It is easy to launch and the take-off is quick. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">In the air, the brake pressure is on the moderate/light side. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">As I’m a picky person concerning brake authority and agility...</span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Verve has slightly longer brake travel than the Elan 3, with a bit less sharp control. All the feedback comes from the risers, not the brakes. The roll and overall movements are present without being disturbing. Just like on the Scala 2.</span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Saying that the brake authority on the Verve is quite present with a moderate and acceptable agility in thermals. The sharp brake reactions and dynamics found on the Elan 3 are much tamer on the Verve. Perhaps for many pilots, it's a plus, as it would feel more easy to use! but for my personal picky taste, I felt that the Elan 3 brake pressure and overall, felt a bit more connected to my own way of flying. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">My friend on the Verve who is used to his Boom 12 size M said that the brake authority was fine for him and the Verve agility was quite ok for his own preference. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Flying the Verve 23 at 96 in the very weak and broken lift needs a high concentration to stay in that lift, as the Verve didn’t feel like a floater in those tiny, weak thermals. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">When thermals and conditions are very homogenous, above 1 m/s, the Verve climbs well, and the difference between the other 2 liner C’s are negligible. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">In more disorganized thermals, the Verve needs slightly more time to get itself in a 'ready to climb' mode. I flew the Verve for hours, then gave it to my friend, and I took a Photon MS, the same size at 94 all up. This way alternating gliders, each one of us will feel and see much better the differences. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">In moderate turbulence and a bit weak multi-core thermals, the Photon could be turned narrower into the core, gaining quick heights, but my skilled friend is not far away on the Verve and catching up once the thermals get cleaner. Just a bit more time to get hooked on that light lift. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Overall movements under the Verve are quite similar to the Elan 3 and not more demanding. My 2 liner C comparison is updated for more details if needed. </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The strong point of that Verve is the glide at trim and at full bar compared to the Photon in calm air or in smooth transitions! </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"> I think the Verve is a competitive glider in gliding mode and could match the Photon at the trim and at the full bar! The full speed is also similar on both gliders I have over here! </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3qsKBfjADHiGdgmrWqoqN88rBrwp-YLVKRAasNmOoJ0WhSsOLL-ueWvYc54GkPh2f-13DSPkG-0k4FjXFRKFHc17rDCSLabNHBIG5GwB8DuC__ULS4xBMuk0PNIr2SVwqALqyvkCa3KSwlnB53rN6elc8FZ3HqmuNQD9sqcBs3DBeHNiUDy-SSrVJudi/s4480/Verve.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3qsKBfjADHiGdgmrWqoqN88rBrwp-YLVKRAasNmOoJ0WhSsOLL-ueWvYc54GkPh2f-13DSPkG-0k4FjXFRKFHc17rDCSLabNHBIG5GwB8DuC__ULS4xBMuk0PNIr2SVwqALqyvkCa3KSwlnB53rN6elc8FZ3HqmuNQD9sqcBs3DBeHNiUDy-SSrVJudi/w400-h225/Verve.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Ears are doable with outer B’s. The B riser steering has moderate pressure and it is quite efficient to control the Verve when speeding on the bar! </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion:</span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Verve felt like an easier Elan 3, with better performances. I’ve heard that the certification got a high number of B’s…which could cheer up some pilots, especially those coming to that category of 2-liners after their full season on a 3-liner C. So Macpara enthusiasts looking for a racing glider got their Christmas present! Happy flights! </span></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-2271694983682788302023-11-09T19:39:00.004+02:002024-01-13T21:20:09.062+02:00NOVA Codex S 80-100 / 105 <div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtx46vVMYRMJ_h7eaYjl_PmOlqBq6wmJD4TTiZQ5pMMsR7rEvlU9FV7oq2f7akJpQc7CjoXH3BwBzKj4WEZ0YHjFW9FczlUnRrBzPRdPHmrO_NSTatvue60ZCXvfksYXXbgtizlT_Ccp-My2ayLgrk1yNjq88hPJKDIy28kENdrwOpqSatLoDq-ByIlbL7/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.42.20%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtx46vVMYRMJ_h7eaYjl_PmOlqBq6wmJD4TTiZQ5pMMsR7rEvlU9FV7oq2f7akJpQc7CjoXH3BwBzKj4WEZ0YHjFW9FczlUnRrBzPRdPHmrO_NSTatvue60ZCXvfksYXXbgtizlT_Ccp-My2ayLgrk1yNjq88hPJKDIy28kENdrwOpqSatLoDq-ByIlbL7/w400-h225/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.42.20%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">NOVA Codex S size 80-100/105 </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">After the amazing, very comfortable, performant Mentor 7, NOVA designed a 2 liner C glider with a moderate aspect ratio of 6.1. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">It is a true 2 liner with nitinol rods and as usual a very clean construction. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Launching the Codex S t 96 all up requires a gentle pull without any hard points. The glider settles above your head easily and the take off is immediate. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KpbChS1eRnsRHIrEl0kcOPTosPLg5hmkmwa5VwndPc1AvgmoW0UvzeyP4vS2DTcG2kNrxQLNkSfK7PetPeXDVOAbNd1XSIhTrSVFQJRedwOPJ8VZ3cL9RTn1jOcZ3GR-u3AhND7NycPQTqd1EXiOMmjnfJydaNAl0A7IgxTDsq3QSzZ8VS0AUzF6pGl9/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.41.17%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KpbChS1eRnsRHIrEl0kcOPTosPLg5hmkmwa5VwndPc1AvgmoW0UvzeyP4vS2DTcG2kNrxQLNkSfK7PetPeXDVOAbNd1XSIhTrSVFQJRedwOPJ8VZ3cL9RTn1jOcZ3GR-u3AhND7NycPQTqd1EXiOMmjnfJydaNAl0A7IgxTDsq3QSzZ8VS0AUzF6pGl9/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.41.17%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">First turn inside a thermal and my memory goes back to the Mentor 7 test! It is as if I am flying the Mentor 7! The pressure on the brakes is very slightly harder, the length is the same as the agility. The overall comfort is surprisingly 'very close' to the regular Mentor 7 S size! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Codex feels like a big glider as the Mentor 7 S does feel to me, when flying them at 96..97. The agility of the Codex is present but with smooth turns rather than dynamic ones. The overall flying experience even in strong and turbulent air requires less fast inputs than when you fly the Artik-R/Trango-X. The Codex is much tamer in overall movement. I think the difference in feel for a pilot flying the Mentor 7 is not really very far! Of course, the Codex is a C-class glider with 2 lines for the targeted group of pilots. In difficult and heavy conditions, when low under an inversion, for example, the reaction in entering the airmass is slower and smoother than the other 2 liners. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWisgeXpNrkyZDWtzKRNcnUXVb1-2HOowpFeOWBQqZlmV3d5sBKekZtOn4qG8J5CikNfhNBZFfc5tzt-ZGpgFbpq0DymzU9HC6YHyUQ4wNNlwlrzPOMCOCAzT79QgcpowrxO3ruoDNMFi0buuUcY6HP68HDUo356D0vvMo0ek6aDVWoaPIITZIl-iIsp8/s4480/pic3.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWisgeXpNrkyZDWtzKRNcnUXVb1-2HOowpFeOWBQqZlmV3d5sBKekZtOn4qG8J5CikNfhNBZFfc5tzt-ZGpgFbpq0DymzU9HC6YHyUQ4wNNlwlrzPOMCOCAzT79QgcpowrxO3ruoDNMFi0buuUcY6HP68HDUo356D0vvMo0ek6aDVWoaPIITZIl-iIsp8/s320/pic3.png" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Climbing in weak thermals is very good under that glider if flown at 96 all up! Having compared it to the best ones in climb, the Codex is a nice floater much like the Mentor 7 S size at 96. The pitch-back is slightly present but with a climbing mode. There’s no pitch forward in moderate conditions. In stronger thermals, the Codex stays more above the pilot's head than all the other 2 liners. It doesn’t require a lot of pilot control for a 2 liner C-class glider. Perhaps slightly calmer than the Bonanza 3! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkfTHmdT_bmglUtWCVO6hbEhBAs9ndySEHwVzkmLuitPsP4ScxwkSqIwvym9eaGNjoyN9TsjmTqIogByacEsk6mckcqko8xzkSjW44eO5Gyy2CXQjpjoarGX6Zzvdx41zVDcqep7W472qYxSZ7tPx6hZP6O1dlEtVg9_qs4oj1GOqcY_zqr1_HhuSBXFE/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.44.18%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkfTHmdT_bmglUtWCVO6hbEhBAs9ndySEHwVzkmLuitPsP4ScxwkSqIwvym9eaGNjoyN9TsjmTqIogByacEsk6mckcqko8xzkSjW44eO5Gyy2CXQjpjoarGX6Zzvdx41zVDcqep7W472qYxSZ7tPx6hZP6O1dlEtVg9_qs4oj1GOqcY_zqr1_HhuSBXFE/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.44.18%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Doing some glides in calm air at trim and also using the speed bar, showed me an impressive glide angle for the 2-line C category putting it near the best ones! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">When facing a sea breeze or a valley breeze, the Codex slows a bit, as the glider profile and capacity to dig through is a bit restrained and needs more time to enter the heavy airmass. A high loading could be more beneficial. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwauqZHBawJ1DeRrI8n5szqk4MsF4R7HqNKEqVw9sgMmXk440rl_UuOwDi3G4H0qJrA8UVHN5RrzjcbwnO9OHstDSNaZXdqbrLpWXf1sw3yBN6dIIOVk1QFUOdTeHJ5H9fTKCH6bfqCwpYvAJlDWjT06dJBblvUd861q0qTpTbpAsQG9xA2LAnoNzyOm7b/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.40.02%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwauqZHBawJ1DeRrI8n5szqk4MsF4R7HqNKEqVw9sgMmXk440rl_UuOwDi3G4H0qJrA8UVHN5RrzjcbwnO9OHstDSNaZXdqbrLpWXf1sw3yBN6dIIOVk1QFUOdTeHJ5H9fTKCH6bfqCwpYvAJlDWjT06dJBblvUd861q0qTpTbpAsQG9xA2LAnoNzyOm7b/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.40.02%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The high-aspect Photon will have the upper hand in those conditions, but for sure it needs also 50 % more active pilot control in strong air! Everything has its price. But if you are flying high up in the mountains, with smooth transitions there aren't any differences in glide. It is only in tricky conditions, that the high aspect 2 liner will dig through the airmass faster.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXf0Kf0KLGyu1woh9V22jeLeDz-Fvw9j9jUzvo4aGmtXlTDy5Jsbdi-WzfLInnPpYjdAaHursFQVJ6m0ikpyrjSGtQabHq6tyX3xV9ZGeIjF0p32C5jV14t6FkY16RRRh2FMNQ3AHiqJEPix8JAfFJ1aSjPmbgy6_gBAHagMtPbF8PJSrlW73EY5TBQuP/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.39.34%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXf0Kf0KLGyu1woh9V22jeLeDz-Fvw9j9jUzvo4aGmtXlTDy5Jsbdi-WzfLInnPpYjdAaHursFQVJ6m0ikpyrjSGtQabHq6tyX3xV9ZGeIjF0p32C5jV14t6FkY16RRRh2FMNQ3AHiqJEPix8JAfFJ1aSjPmbgy6_gBAHagMtPbF8PJSrlW73EY5TBQuP/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.39.34%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Pushing the speed bar has moderate pressure on the first part but is heavy on the second part. The top speed is around 13...stable speed, or 15 km/h over trim. On my Codex riser, the speed system seems a bit long, pushing the last 2 cm will push the B riser also, which makes an unstable roll. Perhaps the next delivered Codex gliders will have the right risers that will deliver a stable roll throughout the whole speed bar. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Ears with outer B’s are a good way to lose altitude. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion: The Codex can surely be your first 2 liner C or even your first C-class glider after any high B! The passive safety under the Codex will allow the new pilots to progress gradually without getting thrown away in turbulence. So cool to fly for newcomers! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">When flying the Codex, I was thinking that 30 years ago, it was difficult to keep an ACPUL 10 A / 2 B glider with a glide of 5 overhead in heavy turbulence! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">For a pilot who hasn’t flown for a very long time flying the NOVA Codex will be quite a miracle for him! :-)</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Lucky newcomers! :-) </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Cheers,</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Ziad</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1dZhUk00xqTD_zZ_tbK-VNieO8a280yp99nJbwR_vurWf7c47LGsoTvpKf3o4zHrXjqXLe6YnOU4jUGk4JeSepkDulLkyQdgiv5_VdyfAEHwYXuABxZalvrIKx5PHUZW9b8TWgJAgFzaBN8gMC4shlQ91fbMHWNBZBu0Fk75iPcM5_hRlqnCgAOe0ouv/s4480/pic%202.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1dZhUk00xqTD_zZ_tbK-VNieO8a280yp99nJbwR_vurWf7c47LGsoTvpKf3o4zHrXjqXLe6YnOU4jUGk4JeSepkDulLkyQdgiv5_VdyfAEHwYXuABxZalvrIKx5PHUZW9b8TWgJAgFzaBN8gMC4shlQ91fbMHWNBZBu0Fk75iPcM5_hRlqnCgAOe0ouv/s320/pic%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9H3QZ3hvWy59hiOXLlQ3x3Ps6FRt69K0xC8ZRUEjIbWJHmVIXOnLXZmFFYn5T-BpdXDRqRuFhq1Dq9YWGJushNzYJAqwcgWtpiRvH7EDk3rBwK8QJtaQX_gRuEoKa8tlBQutZrnYQAgMdyVO-L7EBL8oIx5c6D1lh306ultBxMfgU5BKvfL57F05Xsq4/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.43.27%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="304" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LF9uBAohu7Q" width="381" youtube-src-id="LF9uBAohu7Q"></iframe></div><br /></a></div></div>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-54847312751729795032023-10-31T13:32:00.009+02:002023-10-31T16:52:53.144+02:00Ozone Forza 2 M size <p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> Hi,</span></p><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />Harness comparison ( Update)<br />Test flying harnesses are the most difficult and sometimes highly inaccurate, as each individual even with the same height and weight shares a completely different anatomy. This test is to get a 50 % idea of what to expect, and it is more important to test-fly a harness than it is to test-fly a paraglider. Testing harnesses consist of sitting in a harness for more than 20 minutes if you can, adjusting it, and feeling if there are any hard points on your body. Then a flight could give you a higher idea of the roll feedback you wish to receive and cope with.<br />As harnesses are a very personal choice for each individual for roll, and especially for body comfort, this pre-test before buying is very important as it will surely maximize your future flights and acheive your expected potential with no stress on your sitting position or leg support concentrating on the task ahead. Any pilot can cope with any of the above harnesses in roll. It is only a matter of training and getting used to it.<br />Please consider that a moderately stable harness that combines stability and a pleasurable roll feel, is very different for each individual from a 15 to an 85-year-old pilot. Finding your own “balance" will also reduce energy consumption while keeping the lovely flying spices! <img alt="Wink" border="0" src="https://www.paraglidingforum.com/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif" /><br />Happy and safe flights.<br /><br /><br /><br />Most comfortable seated harness. As 1 being most comfortable “ONLY for the seating position”.<br /><br />1-Impress 4 / Impress 3 /Lightness 2/3<br />2-Forza 2 / Arrow / Nearbird Vibe<br />3-Genie Race 2 / Exoceat/ Genie race 4/ Genie light 3 / Delight 4 /Submarine<br />4-X-Rated 6 / Genie Race 3 / Genie lite 2 / Gin X-Alps/ Woody Valley GTO 2<br />5- Woody Valley GTO 1<br /><br /><br />Most comfortable in roll (In roll stability ). As 1 being most comfortable.<br /><br />1-Ozone Exoceat/ Delight 4/ Delight 3/ Arrow/ Forza 2<br />2-Genie Light 1 / WV GTO 1 / Forza 1 / Gin X-Alps / Nearbirds Vibe X-Rated 6 XL / Genie Race 3 /Genie race 4<br />3-Impress 2 + / Genie lite 2/ Ozium 2/ Lightness 3 /Genie light 3<br />4-Genie Race 2 / Ozium 1/<br />5-Impress 3/ Lightness 2<br /><br />Harnesses that deliver a naturally supported leg in the pod.<br /><br />—— Exocet / Forza 1/ Impress 3 / Lightness 1/2/3 /Nearbirds Vibe/ Arrow M & L / Forza 2/ Delight 4 /Submarine<br /><br /><br />Conclusion: Manufacturers are trying to deliver more easy-to-fly and stable harnesses for the majority with better leg support and a two-rescue option.<br />The Nearbirds Vibe is a complete harness that fulfills those criteria while being comfortable. As a semi-light harness, I prefer the NK Arrow for its versatility, ease of use, and beautiful shape. I will be receiving an Airy Vibe to test fly…<br />I am also waiting for the Forza 2 L size to get a much better idea and feel, to decide if I am going to keep it as an X-rated 6 replacement harness or not… as I need to fly a slightly heavy harness for my tests (+,-) 7 kg.<br /><br /><br />Cheers,<br />Ziad</span><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><div><div><br /></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="352" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rf3PrlXfD10" width="486" youtube-src-id="Rf3PrlXfD10"></iframe></div><p></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-62075560734767129952023-10-13T20:50:00.004+03:002023-10-13T20:50:45.377+03:00PHI Scala 2 19 - 75-100 <p><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNn82jaeh1MASV0MtJSQPHGFUbyxp5E2ofUeLMngV3l2-yqxiA5wNIStKfMI4HMcCWD1FQ23BCCSDt5vGNPRSb7-8S48g-N7B5BJ2kZ8M-plWTwOsvlYl3hyU4aG0BaZhryt7TzagqYmzt5KJ6Wl4YAFX01XYRZGkp4_YEUiaXuGRISoXUOgl4wamWVYId/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%2011.47.42%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNn82jaeh1MASV0MtJSQPHGFUbyxp5E2ofUeLMngV3l2-yqxiA5wNIStKfMI4HMcCWD1FQ23BCCSDt5vGNPRSb7-8S48g-N7B5BJ2kZ8M-plWTwOsvlYl3hyU4aG0BaZhryt7TzagqYmzt5KJ6Wl4YAFX01XYRZGkp4_YEUiaXuGRISoXUOgl4wamWVYId/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%2011.47.42%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">PHI Scala 2 19 - 75-100 </span><p></p><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Scala 2 from PHI is a 2-liner, certified EN-C with a 6.8 Aspect ratio, normal cloth, and full rods all the way. <a href="https://phi-air.com/project/scala_2/">https://phi-air.com/project/scala_2/</a></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The manufacturing process is very neat. </span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);">The lines are </span><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);">unsheathed</span><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"> and quite reduced to deliver less drag. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Launching the Scala 2 with my x-rated 6 harness at 93 all up needs a steady pull, as the glider feels a bit heavy on pull. But still inflates evenly and I didn’t notice a surge, just a bit slow to rise.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In the air, the brake travel is short with moderate to hard pressure after 15 cm of travel. After flying nearly all the latest 2 liners, I felt that the Scala 2 felt a bit heavier to steer in the air at 93 all up. The Scala 2 as an EN-C glider, has to moderate and acceptable agility, and is easy to induce a turn in moderate conditions.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Scala 2 feels very compact and in turbulence, it doesn’t require a lot of pilot control, like the Photon. It moves as a whole block. It is a comfortable glider to fly for the aspect ratio, but also, you can feel that you are flying a higher-rated glider, by its ability to search the air. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Climbing in weak thermals less than (-1 m/s), isn’t the Scala 2 strong point. It needs a bit of time to rise up. When thermals go more than +1.0 m/s The Scala 2 has no problem climbing with the best C’s. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We felt that the Scala 2 is a glider that enters quite efficiently the airmass going forward, rather than a floater that gains altitude but stays slightly behind. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbqWBvzIOtVHXVnCe-Qp9jhSg6UVIjX_1jshguRO39h0AdLOMz1y2lvZiQTNS8Unwi0x_eH80G6zNvNLYv7hyphenhyphenfBJ2JyY0vjABDWgOeu4fpNu40EANPx4SrpzqHg80jEoGCTXEhehm4WsyLoU9dEESBqplFD7TNCGGxbzwIAJm3hDLy-UNNzB9TV6oyKXB/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%2011.56.34%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbqWBvzIOtVHXVnCe-Qp9jhSg6UVIjX_1jshguRO39h0AdLOMz1y2lvZiQTNS8Unwi0x_eH80G6zNvNLYv7hyphenhyphenfBJ2JyY0vjABDWgOeu4fpNu40EANPx4SrpzqHg80jEoGCTXEhehm4WsyLoU9dEESBqplFD7TNCGGxbzwIAJm3hDLy-UNNzB9TV6oyKXB/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%2011.56.34%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Gliding with the Scala 2 19, at 93 all up, next to a Photon MS at 93 at trim and top speed is almost identical. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Scala 2 has an impressive glide angle and probably a slightly faster trim speed (0.25 km/h) than the C’s I tested. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The top speed is also the same as the Photon MS loaded at 93. If you load the Scala 2 near the top…it surely be faster. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fh-pdxmfiwKg1U1d9nxft4L4AUwencNXfnKNlZCB0MVZB-9Bk1u7c1_feKPSu1eEtoqH4m_s_R38cwYRf0zhJxOeTJSLWJR5bnOLx-UMArVqJ8u6QVgCT5ihEuaWlThXUZpLroa29slwV-QrH2lm7zJSJS3KEnNzrWZJ_afMAlxlfIwYiBshIKVcUC_o/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%207.59.13%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fh-pdxmfiwKg1U1d9nxft4L4AUwencNXfnKNlZCB0MVZB-9Bk1u7c1_feKPSu1eEtoqH4m_s_R38cwYRf0zhJxOeTJSLWJR5bnOLx-UMArVqJ8u6QVgCT5ihEuaWlThXUZpLroa29slwV-QrH2lm7zJSJS3KEnNzrWZJ_afMAlxlfIwYiBshIKVcUC_o/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%207.59.13%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I gave the Scala 2 also to my friend and we did almost an 4 hour flight tip to tip, and we noticed that the Scala 2 kept close all the way in glides with the photon, but sometimes needed a bit more time to reach the Photon in the climb. My friend’s usual glider is an XC Racer 2 and later he told me that he felt that the information for thermal searching sent by the Scala 2 is very close to his glider but with more comfort. He was happy flying it. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The speed bar has a moderate pressure and steering with the B risers is quite efficient in moderate turbulence with a calm glider to control. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I like that riser setup! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9KFwFs79v2NJBw_zHlcD6OhHP0m2qHAldGuUdpxJ594uBRbckxrqMLIU66xE-7DFSgaMCzrKGjkp1Bu8T8Lel_qxJbiDAMNY5JOceVuhz2wgoGrGIe6yjOwM0owITrxPy_sikT59z0yZloYmo4X1oPr1Qvz4kYODM30bjegApfQRAuyCZigppZia9IkM/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%2012.06.46%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9KFwFs79v2NJBw_zHlcD6OhHP0m2qHAldGuUdpxJ594uBRbckxrqMLIU66xE-7DFSgaMCzrKGjkp1Bu8T8Lel_qxJbiDAMNY5JOceVuhz2wgoGrGIe6yjOwM0owITrxPy_sikT59z0yZloYmo4X1oPr1Qvz4kYODM30bjegApfQRAuyCZigppZia9IkM/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%2012.06.46%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Wingovers are quite impressive and deliver nice stored energy. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Ears with outer B’s are large and quite efficient.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Conclusion: </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The 2-liner C category, holds now many new releases, and the Scala 2 adds to the category the flavor of flying a high aspect ratio glider but with a comfortable package. I missed that exceptional nimble feel of the beautiful Maestro 2 and the pleasurable handling of the sweet Allegro! </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">With Its 6.77 aspect ratio, the S<br />cala 2 is created to glide, and the promise is reel. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UPJFulZ1OkVv27_MvzElv3VUfrOLZYquo-qZNpmSRn6FpjzcJKAp5eed94Xlwre8CP-wvLDw0XNxs7eLalK3t7lMYqFTh6LtrEixGkX0Qmqg-ZBJzy8hNBz1A3tyk5E8G67liQdnhypBG4PnT-cpqJZ8KSNK95-RDlsXqxJJtSYS3Xgn10KKjs8P95vB/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%2012.11.13%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UPJFulZ1OkVv27_MvzElv3VUfrOLZYquo-qZNpmSRn6FpjzcJKAp5eed94Xlwre8CP-wvLDw0XNxs7eLalK3t7lMYqFTh6LtrEixGkX0Qmqg-ZBJzy8hNBz1A3tyk5E8G67liQdnhypBG4PnT-cpqJZ8KSNK95-RDlsXqxJJtSYS3Xgn10KKjs8P95vB/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-12%20at%2012.11.13%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-80939577580003211702023-10-10T18:39:00.001+03:002023-10-10T18:39:03.889+03:00<p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Ozone Zeolite 2 GT. MS </span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIkfWRlk50fr6adSEC0Zs_Itvy5_M-kS5EisvRB7msS0833wWcLh1TLwR9mZUGwK8ZfPbNMhFCk-mxXlZzl35oKiX4VtM1Gz-QIX9c9TSZGloPRTsIghho-BGNTwbefzoft_ELCR1XQoooKBqSCI62YoPw6_y5yJhnYGtAt4dkvYiAH_N89hfoYNNeZzL/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-10%20at%207.11.08%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIkfWRlk50fr6adSEC0Zs_Itvy5_M-kS5EisvRB7msS0833wWcLh1TLwR9mZUGwK8ZfPbNMhFCk-mxXlZzl35oKiX4VtM1Gz-QIX9c9TSZGloPRTsIghho-BGNTwbefzoft_ELCR1XQoooKBqSCI62YoPw6_y5yJhnYGtAt4dkvYiAH_N89hfoYNNeZzL/w400-h225/Screenshot%202023-10-10%20at%207.11.08%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Disclaimer and reminder: </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">With respect, there are many types of pilots: Some search for the smallest detail, others just grab any glider and fly, and others even the thirsty ones, just like to debate on a simple glass of water… </span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">My testing passion is totally free to share, and I’m still having a lot of fun flying newcomers. Hope it lasts…</span></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">As I am writing this test, the ultra lighter version of the Zeolite 2 GT is now available with around 750 grs !! less on each glider. 'The Zeolite 2’ . </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">As I already flew the Zeolite1 GT MS, Zeno2 MS , Photon MS, Klimber 3, and Omega ULS, I will try to write the differences in feel of flying the Zeolite 2 GT. </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Ozone uses a new cloth on the Zeolite 2 GT which is on the t<span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">op Surface </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Dominico 20D / 10D and on the </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Bottom Surface</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> Dominico 10D. It gives a slippery feel and it is quite light. Not as light as the one used on the Klimber 3. The weight of the Zeolite 2 GT is around 3.75 kg. </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gEh3qehn_yDGYTmG0e38zQ3MgLO3I_PAglcFY0lPQj-ZOSzGi0KuaWuowtqVD5vKzPDv74wh_DEIfF8UkLJy_P7quUuNTwPqYwJZGnqubLdAZ9o7SG7bLiLseAJCyb_tb4OzZklKQSP6BNKMwTUfUTu8xpU4niuEZAX5Gjh1BiiKiwIscZIxZ8HUbwPd/s4242/Screenshot%202023-10-08%20at%207.51.06%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2165" data-original-width="4242" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gEh3qehn_yDGYTmG0e38zQ3MgLO3I_PAglcFY0lPQj-ZOSzGi0KuaWuowtqVD5vKzPDv74wh_DEIfF8UkLJy_P7quUuNTwPqYwJZGnqubLdAZ9o7SG7bLiLseAJCyb_tb4OzZklKQSP6BNKMwTUfUTu8xpU4niuEZAX5Gjh1BiiKiwIscZIxZ8HUbwPd/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-08%20at%207.51.06%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Launching the Zeolite 2 GT is straightforward and easy without any hard points. I flew the Zeolite 2 GT with two harnesses WV X rated 6 and the NK Arrow. The first 5 hours on the X rated 6 at 94 all up, and the next 6 hours on the NK Arrow at 90 all up. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Later, and after a few more hours, I felt that it flies nicely near 91…92 all up in overall conditions and doesn’t need to overload it. In both configurations it climbs really well. The leading edge even at 88 all up seems quite solid. The overall structure moves slightly in itself, more compact feel than on the Klimber 3, and feels more compact. I described the first Zeolite to dance the Samba…I think the second version is much tamer, and close in comfort to the Photon which feels slightly calmer. The Zeolite 2 GT has probably a bit more and sharper overall movements in strong air. To place it correctly for you, the Zeolite 2 GT sits in comfort between the Omega ULS and the Klimber 3. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6qQQfByUIIArOPqHkcWNzjDggZpfhnwqfzaZPHtaa-W8alWqAVzEK85R9Bw3-SO9qVYeLXqp6U6BzV-yFLtjqegMGuHh7emnuVxyqOe3f8g_J49MorWRV9uMGGAUz6X4J9-_TTqhScQF4MzONaTMoEHBz5ESLnBW63zkz1IWk36ifJQG7p9oF2e79n-v/s5312/GX010459%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6qQQfByUIIArOPqHkcWNzjDggZpfhnwqfzaZPHtaa-W8alWqAVzEK85R9Bw3-SO9qVYeLXqp6U6BzV-yFLtjqegMGuHh7emnuVxyqOe3f8g_J49MorWRV9uMGGAUz6X4J9-_TTqhScQF4MzONaTMoEHBz5ESLnBW63zkz1IWk36ifJQG7p9oF2e79n-v/s320/GX010459%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">The brake pressure on the Zeolite 2 GT is moderate, similar to the Klimber 3 or the Zeno 2 in pressure. The brake travel is short and largely different from the Photon which is a bit long. After the 10 cm gap, if the pulley lines are horizontal, I could steer the Zeolite 2 GT in 10-15 cm brake travel. So it is short and precise. Probably the Zeolite 1 GT was a bit more precise and a bit sharper to turn, slightly more agile, like the Klimber 3 that is also similar to the Zeolite 1 GT turning abilities, but still, I can describe the Zeolite 2 GT as a fairly agile 2 liner glider, and I could place it even in some bumpy air in any core, insisting a bit on the turn. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> The smallest details if needed will be updated in the C comparison table. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">After the first 5 hours, and doing a few 360’s and wingovers to let the glider settle in, I sensed that the brake line gap after the pulley is now only 5 cm. So I have lengthen the brake lines by an additional +5 cm, and continued my days flying it. I have now the normal +10 cm gap after the brakes which allowed me to push the speed bar all the way without having a pressure on the brakes lines, like I had before I lengthen the brake travel. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Zeolite 2 GT… A sweet glider to fly? </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Flying the Zeolite 2 GT gave me a more direct and connected response than the Photon which needed to be steered for efficiency and fast turning, at +40 cm of the brake travel sometimes to get that narrow turn. Now with the Zeolite 2 GT, all you need is just 15 cm to turn it into thermals. If you pull a slightly +5 cm more, you get a nice tight turn into a thermal that under a Zeno 2 you cannot achieve the same tight turning radius in very narrow and especially weak cores. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtabOs8_z_AvcBap5Z547RfwGE3CccKyimbMkVB4b5HjNgMpJGTls8cjgm_nQX4Kfj9UOeDf7IWP_Qi03v71QmDSHIEP-QhAmmDxoWD4hyphenhyphenmgBsSzXeGB0l9UcUHMoxgrNjKalQXVZaOuMLeaLrohc-Nx1GamP1WIH_demovgRHCTcWZPLbbQEYFMhLE_0M/s5312/GX010461%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtabOs8_z_AvcBap5Z547RfwGE3CccKyimbMkVB4b5HjNgMpJGTls8cjgm_nQX4Kfj9UOeDf7IWP_Qi03v71QmDSHIEP-QhAmmDxoWD4hyphenhyphenmgBsSzXeGB0l9UcUHMoxgrNjKalQXVZaOuMLeaLrohc-Nx1GamP1WIH_demovgRHCTcWZPLbbQEYFMhLE_0M/s320/GX010461%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">I flew the Zeolite 2 GT next to my friends on the OXA ULS 23, XC racer 2 S, Zeno 2 MS , Photon MS, Klimber 3. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Any of those gliders can get you to the place you are aiming at. But here's what we found</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">…</span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc0rDikCWlYB6cCktLUbn8tW-SS8gjclgOZLa1vGwrUfCAnrfSWyIkWW-L0PEWcnA-HwF4JySxSTwAcaf9ewEe37REksEDOdWu_KODjumk_kK6NMY-qtV3n-2IVmAUzQe3U733OfyJatMCktAbqnrYtmj0SqmJZcCfo-dmHcnoZ9WVtyKMF0GaexeBYUX/s5312/GX010461-1%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc0rDikCWlYB6cCktLUbn8tW-SS8gjclgOZLa1vGwrUfCAnrfSWyIkWW-L0PEWcnA-HwF4JySxSTwAcaf9ewEe37REksEDOdWu_KODjumk_kK6NMY-qtV3n-2IVmAUzQe3U733OfyJatMCktAbqnrYtmj0SqmJZcCfo-dmHcnoZ9WVtyKMF0GaexeBYUX/s320/GX010461-1%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Climbing in weak to moderate thermals, the Zeolite 2 GT at 92 all up, showed us a really competitive glider! It floats nicely while moving forward. A really nice glider to get the most of the lift! We definitely had an edge on that glider. When the conditions get stronger, with a more agitated air mass and stronger breeze, then the upper 2 liner D’s like the Zeno 2, XC racer 2 will have the edge in cutting faster and moving forward into the rising air mass, which is logical, with their heavy full rods structures. But I just wanted to be precise about that. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">The Zeolite 2 GT has a long speed travel. The first part has a moderate pressure, and the second part is slightly heavier with a very fast top speed matching the Klimber 3. In both harnesses, and just before 2 cm from touching the pulleys, I felt that the Zeolite 2 GT rolled a bit and I needed to stay well centered in my harness. The top speed is around +18 km/h over trim. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">When my friends and I fly together in 'testing mode', they are certainly the most noble friends you want to have, just because we all stick next to each other in XC mode following tip to tip in every situation that the weather throws at us. That way we all can see clearly who has the advantage in those conditions, and it all be repeated for three days sometimes. ( My tests wouldn’t be available without their help. They are a blessing to fly with) </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Sharing thoughts after each flight is the best way to get a clear idea. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WDfT_NhOV8w0MLz9HlM75wQvvw-bDhjkQazduPhk1mKOQ7u43Il0DwhG7wWJe9m_WuHGa4Z9uM8xvaB_6gjz-hG4b7QWM5-nRPlVwrvy_xqGEsvWcFqkx1fR9I4B-RLLMGou9lpHBgiGWan4eJR2w3t6XlDseIIzviCsnLRSxO8yOMdXm33pD91FB76w/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-10%20at%207.09.10%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WDfT_NhOV8w0MLz9HlM75wQvvw-bDhjkQazduPhk1mKOQ7u43Il0DwhG7wWJe9m_WuHGa4Z9uM8xvaB_6gjz-hG4b7QWM5-nRPlVwrvy_xqGEsvWcFqkx1fR9I4B-RLLMGou9lpHBgiGWan4eJR2w3t6XlDseIIzviCsnLRSxO8yOMdXm33pD91FB76w/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-10%20at%207.09.10%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Gliding with the mentioned gliders, in XC conditions, showed us that when it is a "moderate to smooth" glide, the Zeolite 2 GT has the upperhand along with the Zeno 2. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">When gliding through tougher air, the Zeno 2 and XC racer 2 have the edge over the light ones, and showed us that they are from a different category of “F-22 Raptor” but the Zeolite 2 GT comes next with impressive efficiency. Holding the speed bar at 60 % in turbulence is as easy as on the Omega ULS, and corrections can be swiftly made while on the bar. The pressure on the B handles is quite moderate, linear feel, and very efficient, like on the Photon. In this matter, trusting the glider's ability by flying it more and more on the bar increases your performance at high speed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHoV1zcABcoxZFB3DaN2aQDkHovbSqZEIQWP1LOuLrvkg_Qqvw-PPqvfgCPMPNP0T-2DcOK0sCaqCqaOMZ5H8Nz5TfzCa1DBIPdqcuvkSEPMvTIujnbrznxX27C0iHlloTOiTFP15HyuHxSuJlLNj6_Dw0SJVGw_vPq3_exNbKU3vp-RP_crKW8FO5qB_/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-10%20at%207.10.38%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHoV1zcABcoxZFB3DaN2aQDkHovbSqZEIQWP1LOuLrvkg_Qqvw-PPqvfgCPMPNP0T-2DcOK0sCaqCqaOMZ5H8Nz5TfzCa1DBIPdqcuvkSEPMvTIujnbrznxX27C0iHlloTOiTFP15HyuHxSuJlLNj6_Dw0SJVGw_vPq3_exNbKU3vp-RP_crKW8FO5qB_/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-10%20at%207.10.38%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Ears are stable with outerA’s they are a bit hard to pull, but ok. They reinflate with pilot help. Ears are easy with outer B’s, and around -2.5m/s with speed bar is achieved. They reopen quickly. Wing overs show the high energy stored in that 2 liner ! They build quickly. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Conclusion: </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">If you have skipped to the conclusion...</span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">All you need to know is: </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Zeolite 2 GT holds the most complete package of handling/performance for a 2 liner pilot looking for a light glider.</span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">For hiking and fly, or even local competitions. The Zeolite 2 GT will deliver.</span><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847);"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Most of all, for a pilot coming to the D category, after two seasons on a 2 liner C, or a competition pilot stepping back, I </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">think it would be a really nice performance paraglider to help you get the most of each day while keeping the pleasure of flying. </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMxPMfSJaCloPZNN2ixrJS9FrBqRWsDwSoaXvkpFudge2RhTmoKjwvfgbE1vW7GNJb2xkz_FXM2zSrbiC72DYySVF1S0QM2AR__JN6T5_RTgsde7EpCh7PTNpcw7w6sdnLejFv_lAiTvTSyqq36U0lrj52tNOLsykZxGY2HdvBrffmY3le6VTjNC8g5Pf/s5312/GX010453%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMxPMfSJaCloPZNN2ixrJS9FrBqRWsDwSoaXvkpFudge2RhTmoKjwvfgbE1vW7GNJb2xkz_FXM2zSrbiC72DYySVF1S0QM2AR__JN6T5_RTgsde7EpCh7PTNpcw7w6sdnLejFv_lAiTvTSyqq36U0lrj52tNOLsykZxGY2HdvBrffmY3le6VTjNC8g5Pf/s320/GX010453%202.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdrqz5V7ObCYtLznwgpvXibCw6J_A4s4a28pA1JgKW6fh8-AolrnwtzBek-_-02i2Kuv7-S8uMCATxLhUKFz2YKTSO7Jw5jH8BlnmMRqQGnv_DJ58SK38c4XbdUOwNjDm-2CqVJfj2oskQOftseHmh41w9eh_TrCcrjeNslKSCFl3MRcQ3u1ImPEYlkw6/s4480/Screenshot%202023-10-10%20at%207.18.39%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdrqz5V7ObCYtLznwgpvXibCw6J_A4s4a28pA1JgKW6fh8-AolrnwtzBek-_-02i2Kuv7-S8uMCATxLhUKFz2YKTSO7Jw5jH8BlnmMRqQGnv_DJ58SK38c4XbdUOwNjDm-2CqVJfj2oskQOftseHmh41w9eh_TrCcrjeNslKSCFl3MRcQ3u1ImPEYlkw6/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-10%20at%207.18.39%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-52437662100739915932023-09-28T22:31:00.001+03:002023-09-28T22:31:07.360+03:00Coupe Icare 2023 interviews<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SCVxef9T7pc" width="320" youtube-src-id="SCVxef9T7pc"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vdIouCODHic" width="320" youtube-src-id="vdIouCODHic"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ffNsqkf5IxI" width="320" youtube-src-id="ffNsqkf5IxI"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l0WtRpUTdPo" width="320" youtube-src-id="l0WtRpUTdPo"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EF6bmaSXy2w" width="320" youtube-src-id="EF6bmaSXy2w"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uA27LGR1OB0" width="320" youtube-src-id="uA27LGR1OB0"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-60826156073469596002023-09-16T23:56:00.002+03:002023-09-17T00:39:59.366+03:00MacPara Illusion 2 size 24 70-90 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfsGeNv6cli7OoYhLpjJiRwPlpuEA5p_X_h3ShSdF1BaiT9zuMTMedtfDAR3mAyqjaYzLU_Uqs-XVpaDVjWWf7kM0Qan0GKBqgSHzHK5H3ibrmNcKlAWs1pX2KmSZfr7cCoeDy2C2-tEiIVpnRZjUgWYLGV5TGh-I499E0n85FrWxq7xku9BzVFk6lhJ6/s3576/GX012898_1694703950255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="3576" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfsGeNv6cli7OoYhLpjJiRwPlpuEA5p_X_h3ShSdF1BaiT9zuMTMedtfDAR3mAyqjaYzLU_Uqs-XVpaDVjWWf7kM0Qan0GKBqgSHzHK5H3ibrmNcKlAWs1pX2KmSZfr7cCoeDy2C2-tEiIVpnRZjUgWYLGV5TGh-I499E0n85FrWxq7xku9BzVFk6lhJ6/w400-h207/GX012898_1694703950255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #cccccc;">MacPara Illusion 2 size 24 70-90 </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">The Illusion 2 is a lightweight low EN-B from MacPara. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">I flew the Illusion 2 with the Niviuk Arrow harness at 85 all up.</span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">Pulling on the A risers launches the Illusion 2 smoothly even in nil wind. In the stronger breeze, it rises calmly and stays above the pilot's head. Take off with 85 all up on this size is ideal. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">The brake travel is moderate to short with a quick reaction to turn the glider but still very forgiving if pulled further. The pressure is moderate to firm allowing a good connectivity for that level.</span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">I flew in some strong turbulent air, and I was test-flying also the Ion 7 and the Buzz Z7. I think Illusion 2 seems calmer in all the pitch movements. In strong air, the Illusion 2 stays locked above the pilot's head with little brake applied. The roll is moderate and resembles the Ion 7 and the Z7. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">For that class, all those gliders have lots of performance to offer especially when going into the airmass. The Illusion 2 as a low B is a good contender and is quite competitive in the way it enters the airmass and moves forward. As a low B, it is certainly slow to enter and to move, but still, it does the job very well. Further smaller details in the B comparison shortly. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">Turning into thermals with the Illusion 2 is especially made for that class of pilots without too much dynamics, but still agile enough to turn tight every core, without missing it. The speed travel delivers around 11 km/h and still with a good glide angle. On one flight, I was pinned by a south wind and needed to push the full speed in order to move forward. I was surprised that after 10 km of full bar, the Illusion 2 kept on its rail, and got me slowly and smoothly to the other side of the mountain. I think nowadays, all those low B’s are very competitive, and they deliver a surprisingly high amount of performance for the newcomers to the sport, or even for the pilots who just want to fly for fun stepping down from a higher-rated glider. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;"> The Illusion 2 can be slowed quite well to land in tight small places. Ears are stable, get you down around 2.5 or 3m/s if pulled higher, and reopen without pilot intervention.</span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">Conclusion: </span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc;">A light but reliable companion, for flying in big mountains. No stress, cool reactions, forgiving, and nice brake authority. Good overall performance to get the job done. I don’t know why, but after flying Illusion 2 I keep thinking of my lovely and peaceful Golden retriever…as if they share the same character…</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzClV_ll7xKIPkqcEEmnrejU5kMZCqmvVnNfe-VbYLus9rkgp0KDY4ZaXi6_JkODmm7SeLLv-BhHx1CFcsq9g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxZwjGmlE_ku4wT1LQbuuYDrECuKnv0hTdvxuCpNBbkNET1wFdXVbJr4bEiWPAbBMJMdP4mKYpZEHz1XBVQMg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span><p></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-27044203247255630942023-09-05T18:13:00.004+03:002023-09-05T18:13:36.016+03:00Glider search<p><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> Hi,</span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Please use the search engine for + 300 tested gliders. Or click "older posts"</span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Thank you for visiting my blog 💕🙏🙏</span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Happy and safe flights,</span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ziad </span></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-84538725248628887102023-08-02T18:18:00.005+03:002023-08-02T18:18:34.954+03:00NIVIUK KLimber 3 P size 21<p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbRCI7JQY8zcLcOdzBLQ0snkTJFkY8L-79uo0zCkChk-6u11x8u5aBb_jHN0vjag0ycFDnUr_kaoGFvqOx-QrQXv6fdCAgtBJtfvKjYVsC0I1OnTIuGyeQX-Io0pa4ZpAS3myyB5SNgDDZ6Wf3vQGMQTG88kOrb_U47Re1o7jASTl5cLArv9e63-6jUXT/s3840/GX012909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbRCI7JQY8zcLcOdzBLQ0snkTJFkY8L-79uo0zCkChk-6u11x8u5aBb_jHN0vjag0ycFDnUr_kaoGFvqOx-QrQXv6fdCAgtBJtfvKjYVsC0I1OnTIuGyeQX-Io0pa4ZpAS3myyB5SNgDDZ6Wf3vQGMQTG88kOrb_U47Re1o7jASTl5cLArv9e63-6jUXT/w400-h225/GX012909.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Please note again… that tests will always differ with other sizes. At first, if flown with seatless harnesses, or must I say a completely different harness. Also if the same sizes are flown at different loads, lighter loads will get the weakest climb but will be penalized in control in heavy air or pushing through a heavy airmass. Bigger sizes have more gliding performance and also better climb in weak conditions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In my small tests, I always state the size, the total flying weight, and afterward IMHO, the optimum weight I found in that particular glider.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">NIVIUK KLimber 3 P</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Glider: Klimber 3 P size 21 for a certified weight range of 73-93, and NIviuk stated its optimum weight is 84-90.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Harness used: Woody Valley X-rated 6 size XL, slightly modified to fit my taste.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Test flown at 88, and 92 all up.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 24px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">TEST:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Here is the new super light competition/hike and fly EN-D paraglider from NIVIUK.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">After my test on the Advance Omega ULS, I will give my thoughts about the two gliders in the air.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">At first, I cannot begin before I comment on the beautiful construction and details that were made on that Niviuk glider! Guys…really impressive! From the delivered light black/orange bag that holds the Klimber3 to that precise sewing of the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>N10 DOMINICO TEX CO that is used both on the upper and lower surface. The profile and diagonals are made from Porcher 70000 E91.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It weighs less than 3.0 kg as announced! Here's the link for the details: [url]https://niviuk.com/en/klimber-3-p[/url]</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHJtZU3V4d48QwzzBSagjZ-J5pmN6P17vGKwmo99XAobxjhuPa-fUOhJBbqPUIQbbqJ0euiuIO63HkFeLK98mPpP02awjwD487lJaRMsQjy5dJCIO9hPf8lgmilWIiMStJf_y_oNWuJZfd3VXsb9pGbJX3_Th2rOCOHUN2Lz8jYywO0I03CSJJMarqRQb/s3840/GX012906-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHJtZU3V4d48QwzzBSagjZ-J5pmN6P17vGKwmo99XAobxjhuPa-fUOhJBbqPUIQbbqJ0euiuIO63HkFeLK98mPpP02awjwD487lJaRMsQjy5dJCIO9hPf8lgmilWIiMStJf_y_oNWuJZfd3VXsb9pGbJX3_Th2rOCOHUN2Lz8jYywO0I03CSJJMarqRQb/s320/GX012906-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Laying it on the ground imposes gentle handling, as it has even lighter cloth than the Omega ULS. The Overall construction with the nitinol rods, and the risers, is nothing but excellent! A really beautiful piece of equipment!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The Klimber 3 rises smoothly and effortlessly without any wind. It is one of the easiest 7-aspect ratio gliders to inflate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Flying the Klimber 3 at 92 all up, in turbulent conditions gave me a complete idea about its usability. After a few hours, I think considering the 7 aspect ratio, the Klimber 3 P is an easy EN-D to handle. Of course, it needs slightly more active pilot control than the 2 liners C’s, but still easy for a D. It resembles the Omega ULS with perhaps a little more movement inside the glider. The Kimber 3 moves slightly more in itself but is still very easy to manage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The brake length is shorter than the Omega ULS and as agile.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The pressure on the brakes is slightly firmer than the Omega ULS, but still on the moderate side. I think that pressure is perfect.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I can say that the authority given by the brakes in turbulent air is quite nice, enabling the pilot to place it accurately in tiny cores. I liked the Omega ULS turning abilities, but I can tell you that I also enjoyed very much the shorter and sharper brake authority on the Klimber 3 as the responses were immediate and quite satisfying. I’m really lucky to be able to test-fly those new light gliders.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">If you have flown the Artik R, and understand how it flies in the airmass, how it moves, how it enters thermals, then you will immediately understand the Klimber 3 behavior which has the exact feel but with more than 25 % workload. NIVIUK gliders have their own flying characteristics. The Klimber 3 like the Artik R, just slows slightly before entering the thermal, but the climb is quite nice for the category. In weak, and strong air, it is quite satisfying even at 92 all up on that size. If flown at 88, it will still fly as well but slows slightly more before entering.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Please remember that those super light gliders, are built with lots of optimizations to reduce weight to let you carry the little possible and let you extract the maximum of their abilities. So don’t expect them to perform like the X one for example! But they will deliver high-end performance for that special light EN-D class especially when you push the speed bar.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdTiXhK3AcY973h1v0zob0q0bs0outmrvnKgYbOi5eZLViLkKk6gBbsBPexYaZXE_ppnOMza1LwPot_actP9pXL4UFKcBxuejJLTKMALlEA0Uleak8ZFCn_tzsfxRZZev_fxAJisBIRhJeuAsajG07cDdkK4ipBnLuVsSXsRWGHZT6R8yUjWhfXOeJ0EF/s3840/GX012906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdTiXhK3AcY973h1v0zob0q0bs0outmrvnKgYbOi5eZLViLkKk6gBbsBPexYaZXE_ppnOMza1LwPot_actP9pXL4UFKcBxuejJLTKMALlEA0Uleak8ZFCn_tzsfxRZZev_fxAJisBIRhJeuAsajG07cDdkK4ipBnLuVsSXsRWGHZT6R8yUjWhfXOeJ0EF/s320/GX012906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The speed travel of the Klimber 3 is quite long and delivers a higher top speed than the Omega ULS. The glide at 57 km/h is quite competitive. I think I will mix and update the 2 liner C comparison and add those lights D’s inside…Just to get an idea…(soon…)</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-SkfaY4vqTkcYXe43y9ZNkb0ivi1fFvTDcE0-KZRah6FjbMzeKjZ6-j5LoorXBLc8PnK7oE4jTEuDGW2BmiBd-DztreYgys9YZ21F816da2kRhDueH7vlKdDdZ9WvYOdnhLKJfUgArmudabIUxn-9IHFs3I56t9xR_enTcn4xv0A4Nqc7UkWn7VKGSK5/s3840/GX012908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-SkfaY4vqTkcYXe43y9ZNkb0ivi1fFvTDcE0-KZRah6FjbMzeKjZ6-j5LoorXBLc8PnK7oE4jTEuDGW2BmiBd-DztreYgys9YZ21F816da2kRhDueH7vlKdDdZ9WvYOdnhLKJfUgArmudabIUxn-9IHFs3I56t9xR_enTcn4xv0A4Nqc7UkWn7VKGSK5/s320/GX012908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">While on the speed bar, the B steering has a moderate pressure similar to the Omega ULS and is quite efficient to keep the Klimber 3 on track.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Flying at 75 % of the speed bar, the Klimber 3 profile seems taught, and the speed is quite usable.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Lots of stored energy inside the glider to play around, as it is addictive! but it is better not to get used to throwing it around too much! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Ears with outer B’s are efficient, stable, and reopen quickly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The look and the streamed line are very beautiful! the handling is sharp, precise, and joyful! It is a relatively easy 2 liner EN-D for that class of pilots. If carefully chosen, the complete package harness and glider, Vario, phone, helmet, water, and chocolate…will not exceed 7.5 kg!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A blessing of perfection, if you can fit in your weight!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">If you can…exciting moments await!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Happy flights :-)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP5pQBbqnUywOpSnML5wGHXB_dZhkpNqA1fy5RjC5NzP1cQCH_8nuQQFHkBFKMs7paEFx91rPlD_yrH9Bey2zUgn5oklwWXk3IUdmK-NEjYRpwNyXgSWUI15Wp5Nf-pKdyrGSWYZqw3yYXUC_8YXkDMroi31_0pCcDGTHEiO0RUgsrxmEMw-LeKevtfR3/s3840/GX012911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP5pQBbqnUywOpSnML5wGHXB_dZhkpNqA1fy5RjC5NzP1cQCH_8nuQQFHkBFKMs7paEFx91rPlD_yrH9Bey2zUgn5oklwWXk3IUdmK-NEjYRpwNyXgSWUI15Wp5Nf-pKdyrGSWYZqw3yYXUC_8YXkDMroi31_0pCcDGTHEiO0RUgsrxmEMw-LeKevtfR3/w400-h225/GX012911.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><br /></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-84237911353547984502023-08-02T00:14:00.007+03:002023-08-02T08:09:36.913+03:00OZONE Buzz Z7 MS <p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_54VqILXqXWzH1FO00X-0CcTG8wmV0Q-qrX77HUX81dIe9nIG1WNOdSOVHzmzsr1YfPO7I3Ww53C-fBfjMPo3YP0ZIzc3lnRo2Za-8diiRsUL9X4zVjWp9XSJsvRCI4QfisZnnNqgAv_1biQ-t8QS8eGZrrvJiQLI2RPfpat6WSuPJW1yIMgfDbPe16w/s3840/GX012888.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_54VqILXqXWzH1FO00X-0CcTG8wmV0Q-qrX77HUX81dIe9nIG1WNOdSOVHzmzsr1YfPO7I3Ww53C-fBfjMPo3YP0ZIzc3lnRo2Za-8diiRsUL9X4zVjWp9XSJsvRCI4QfisZnnNqgAv_1biQ-t8QS8eGZrrvJiQLI2RPfpat6WSuPJW1yIMgfDbPe16w/w400-h225/GX012888.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Please note again… that tests will always differ with other sizes. At first, if flown with seatless harnesses, or must I say a completely different harness. Also if the same sizes are flown at different loads, lighter loads will get the weakest climb but will be penalized in control in heavy air or pushing through a heavy airmass. Bigger sizes have more gliding performance and also better climb in weak conditions. In my small tests, I always state the size, the total flying weight, and afterward IMHO, the optimum weight I found in that particular glider.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Ozone Buzz Z7</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The Buzz Z7 is the low EN-B from OZONE. It has a 5.1 aspect ratio.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Test: Ozone Buzz Z 7 size MS 75-95 flown at 92 all up.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Harness: Woody Valley X-rated 6 size XL modified to fit my taste.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Test:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The Buzz Z7 holds a robust construction for daily use. You can see the details here: <a href="https://flyozone.com/paragliders/products/gliders/buzz-z7/"><span class="s1">https://flyozone.com/paragliders/products/gliders/buzz-z7/</span></a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Launching the Buzz Z7 even in nil wind rises smoothly, and evenly. It is an easy glider for that low B class to inflate. However, I just remembered to mention that even to this date, and after thousands of hours, I still catch every opportunity to kite any glider anywhere, as kiting your glider and playing on the ground is a very important step to evolve. If you can master your glider in some turbulent landing spot, then you will master your glider in the air. Just because what your glider does in the ground, it will do the same in the air. If you can master it accurately and refine your feel under it, you will quickly evolve.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Now back to flying that cool Buzz Z7 is our strong Cedars range as the air is cooler and thermals are generous. I was also alternating with the Nova Ion 7 which is a low B, and I will also write a review shortly. The Buzz Z7 is a cool, easy comfortable EN-B. The movements are quite balanced and the pitch and roll are automatically controlled to stay at low angles above your head despite the rough conditions. It felt sometimes like a school glider behaves.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9e91ghWyAyRbHvHPRRWC7Hh9i4hdlFIsqK1Mb21Q0vfi1U4pep0cTy9LYYF_tj4ypFvvav-Z6Un2HzF13Zr4I9oiGxJq9qNRXqT8zlZaGoNa4OmMpjC7zfqmpgxzPOrOHtfqlmb8GYHtiYV77--55EUDuO7M2pWl67fdkKMK-CtkMxfmKCaz05m19igc/s3840/GX012889.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9e91ghWyAyRbHvHPRRWC7Hh9i4hdlFIsqK1Mb21Q0vfi1U4pep0cTy9LYYF_tj4ypFvvav-Z6Un2HzF13Zr4I9oiGxJq9qNRXqT8zlZaGoNa4OmMpjC7zfqmpgxzPOrOHtfqlmb8GYHtiYV77--55EUDuO7M2pWl67fdkKMK-CtkMxfmKCaz05m19igc/s320/GX012889.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The brake pressure is moderate on that Buzz Z7 and not tiring at all for long flights. The handling is sweet, and the Buzz Z7 is an agile glide for that low category without being dynamic. The level of overall comfort is similar to the Buzz Z6, with a slightly more joyful ride.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The new hidden feature is yet to come!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The more experienced pilots who are flying the 2 liners Photon, know very well, why that glider flies so well. It is not that the number you see in calm air that matters. But rather the efficiency of sliding through that moving airmass and behaving like climbing stairs up, while moving forward. That’s the hidden efficiency and excellence behind the creations.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1h26mIBIowJvTYxeaOEpL228GiESD_66ZxdjhdV9PLsjXTEPjBBM5JuM1Etp2Sgf7kSxF6iNQWmw_g59lydhXfy-yDGV_B1Q4jlvkPQk9ufIZXW3EC9Gbvw2WHPPfnqnqz05-XLL1u5RVMB8rRF3eE2z_IdJ7My8y9p2HhgEa6p1eQN8n5tfSf_kg6Q44/s3840/GX012895.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1h26mIBIowJvTYxeaOEpL228GiESD_66ZxdjhdV9PLsjXTEPjBBM5JuM1Etp2Sgf7kSxF6iNQWmw_g59lydhXfy-yDGV_B1Q4jlvkPQk9ufIZXW3EC9Gbvw2WHPPfnqnqz05-XLL1u5RVMB8rRF3eE2z_IdJ7My8y9p2HhgEa6p1eQN8n5tfSf_kg6Q44/s320/GX012895.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I am not telling you that the Buzz Z7 flies like the Photon! </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Of course, I am not for sure.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I am just telling you that this R&D ‘know-how’ is integrated into the Buzz Z7. That low B with its low B characteristics felt to get the most of that moving airmass when you least apply the brakes and let it fly as much as your ability can…</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">It is definitely slower and cooler to enter, but it still enters and moves forward quite efficiently for that low B class!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The glide in moving air is impressive as it doesn’t bump into the airmass but rather slows but digs through smoothly without losing the glide.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">To feel that feature on a low B is quite impressive.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The turning radius can be very narrowed for little thermals. The Buzz Z7 doesn’t really dive in turns. It is optimized to get flat turns, and it climbs beautifully well!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The speed bar has moderate pressure and can be used all the way when needed. The glide at speed is still very good. Even though there’s no B, C connection, I found that pulling the C risers could easily keep the glider overhead while on the bar.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Ears are super easy to induce, they reopen without pilot intervention.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Landing is super easy as the glider can be slowed down quite well.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7dFcVQDKLzKGZjvuo8-aHlNkuV6hlHOan12VLpLnUQ9HHpnXalHjeq9kNgJoS1shskNKcYZDGkaUO5VB0qliKH-InPYhNy6PVGc6sJ6ceYfcxb_yzivzi9oDqKiGETwUqOsE4n-Rw7jbYZytzWSWu902licTi1oJZpa1gFJfRgzAQeFNmkIfgkTJ71ey/s3840/GX012896.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7dFcVQDKLzKGZjvuo8-aHlNkuV6hlHOan12VLpLnUQ9HHpnXalHjeq9kNgJoS1shskNKcYZDGkaUO5VB0qliKH-InPYhNy6PVGc6sJ6ceYfcxb_yzivzi9oDqKiGETwUqOsE4n-Rw7jbYZytzWSWu902licTi1oJZpa1gFJfRgzAQeFNmkIfgkTJ71ey/s320/GX012896.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">By creating the Buzz Z7, I think Ozone has given that low B a multi-functional task. While being very easy to handle and confidence-inspiring, they gave it an impressive performance package for that low B category, coupled with joyful and balanced handling. So young newcomers, or even senior pilots who are looking for a stress-free glider while preserving a good efficient level of gliding and climbing<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">performance, should definitely try out the Buzz Z7.</span></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-57374520678051897422023-07-25T20:16:00.001+03:002023-07-25T20:17:09.856+03:00ADVANCE Omega ULS 23 <p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7wQHMzZons4x-cIGtnIENsVEacklFOjszmiqWonXlAwGOliP02qcx1vXfwXLZ5LqPnODQpPUpMhZy8Wjm3GKNg9D_TuxVEvXBVX_LrrPHx__SdCIbdarjGomr6MJYSVjJHObxdR4vJYz4rPcMa5dRqT8_YP3vWwQ-YqTH8VmxKYmE9xTH2KP8pAALuxKj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7wQHMzZons4x-cIGtnIENsVEacklFOjszmiqWonXlAwGOliP02qcx1vXfwXLZ5LqPnODQpPUpMhZy8Wjm3GKNg9D_TuxVEvXBVX_LrrPHx__SdCIbdarjGomr6MJYSVjJHObxdR4vJYz4rPcMa5dRqT8_YP3vWwQ-YqTH8VmxKYmE9xTH2KP8pAALuxKj=w400-h225" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">First here is some information from ADVANCE :<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Question: What would be the differences between the different past versions of the OMEGA? …3-4 you made in the past 2 years?</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Email reply:</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Valery Chapuis (ADVANCE): The new wing is called the OMEGA ULS and was certified in March. We developed it together with our X-Alps pilots because this wing is made for them first. It is the best compromise for the preferences of all these athletes.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">There are differences between the OMEGA ULS and the previous OMEGA X-Alps 4 (that we didn’t launch in the market 2 years ago due to lack of production capacity - Covid). The new one is about 250 g lighter and more compact to pack. An improved interior structure and optimized Nitinol wires have contributed to this. The OMEGA ULS also has a higher top speed and a noticeably better glide over the entire polar curve. It is also easier and has smoother handling. The aspect ratio is a little bit smaller (6,8 VS 6,95). There is also one more size, so the OMEGA ULS is now available in sizes 21, 22, 23, and 24.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">The gliders that our athletes used at the X-Alps are identical to the serial model in terms of construction and trim, however, lighter materials with clearly limited longevity were used in some areas and an ultra-lighter riser with more difficult handling is fitted.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">All the work we have done on the profile and the structure of the OMEGA ULS will go into the new gliders. With this, we can influence the weight of a glider for example.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">With my best regards. Fly well and take care.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Valéry</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Team ADVANCE</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">ADVANCE Omega ULS <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>( The white light )</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Please note again… that tests will always differ with other sizes. At first, if flown with seatless harnesses, or must I say a completely different harness. Also if the same sizes are flown at different loads, lighter loads will get the weakest climb but will be penalized in control in heavy air or pushing through a heavy airmass. Bigger sizes have more gliding performance and also better climb in weak conditions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In my small tests, I always state the size, the total flying weight, and afterward IMHO, the optimum weight I found in that particular glider.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">The Omega ULS has already won the toughest X Alps 2023 race, and in that particular race flying hours were the most logged in sometimes very harsh conditions.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">This time, I got the Omega ULS in size 23 which goes to 100, but ADVANCE recommends an optimum range from 88 to 98 all up. I flew the ULS at 90, 93, 94, 97 all up and I think the sweet spot is around 93-94 for practically all-around conditions. If you need to get even more efficiency in entering a strong and heavy airmass, then 97, 98 could be also more beneficial.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Typically ADVANCE, the construction, and details are really impressive, clean, neat, and light cloth, even the risers (PES/Technora 12mm) feel very light, which sometimes, it imposes you to treat her with finesse. Here’s the link for the ADVANCE page for a clearer explanation:</span></p><p class="p6" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.advance.swiss/en/products/paragliders/omega-uls"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">https://www.advance.swiss/en/products/paragliders/omega-uls</span></a></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Launching the light ULS is super easy even in no wind and without any delay. It rises smoothly and evenly, with no hard point no snaking around, just as easy as it gets with its 6.8 aspect ratio.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">In the air, the brake length has a 15 cm gap after the pulleys and they need around 20 to 30 cm to steer the glider in all conditions. They have a moderate length, but …as agile as you could dream for a 6.8 AR glider! I could place the Omega ULS in rough air whenever I wanted, wherever I wanted ! and that is a blessing to those gliders. The brake length is around 5 cm longer than the Artik R size 23 at 94, and 10 cm shorter than the Photon MS at 94, (but much more reactive to brake inputs!) In the ULS case, I try to fly with a half wrap all the time except when I’m on the speed bar of course, and that gave me a superb authority on the brakes. The pressure however is on the moderate/light side. Slightly lighter and smoother than the Artik R, Photon, Bonanza 3, and Trango X, and also slightly lighter than the Omega 3 in size 22 flown at 85 all up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">So, we have a light to moderate when we pull past 40 cm with amazing agility letting the pilot enjoy every thermal!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikgDE3Jw2oj5PJC4p30dlIdfh4XOM3rcQ8GQZp9pWjm6cN6jGJyDkvOxrLtqsnd97DnWlcWZOkdI81BDpeCo2-GRT0vI4lL3KDLhRwnm9AtnG71h76a-lkXhj7hq8X5VaNT9tMFz2BrxDLA5uFMNEBsZC2J1YzbI3-tM7a_eomP_HFC5LLXYva5Wu47Sni" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikgDE3Jw2oj5PJC4p30dlIdfh4XOM3rcQ8GQZp9pWjm6cN6jGJyDkvOxrLtqsnd97DnWlcWZOkdI81BDpeCo2-GRT0vI4lL3KDLhRwnm9AtnG71h76a-lkXhj7hq8X5VaNT9tMFz2BrxDLA5uFMNEBsZC2J1YzbI3-tM7a_eomP_HFC5LLXYva5Wu47Sni=w320-h180" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Inside a thermal core, the ULS has the ability to narrow the turning radius, as some low aspect high B’s! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">The Omega ULS enters gently moderate thermal stays in the core easily without any useless and excessive movements.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">A really nice glider to thermal with. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">I flew in different areas from rough conditions in our high mountains to some other spots with +35 C, warm air with turbulence, and #$@^#& conditions! ;-)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">And also, in some quite nice conditions, with good thermals, nice cloud bases, and even after hours under the Omega ULS, you just wish it never ends! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">In strong conditions, the Omega ULS moves as a completely whole structure. The feel of a light but very well-taught and balanced structure overhead gives the pilot a high passive safety feel. In strong punchy cores, the ULS has of course some dynamic movements for that class, especially if you are flying it above 3000m where the air is thinner and logically more dynamic. But the brake authority can stop any surge promptly and adjust all the movements of the glider. In my flying hours under it, I never sensed any awkward feel or strange movement underneath. The roll is well-balanced and quite comfortable for that class. The pitch behavior is quite tamed but surely in strong air the pilot has a high authority to catch any dynamic surges with the brakes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">In terms of pilot demands, I can say the Omega ULS needs slightly more active control than the EN-C’s like Artik R, Trango X, Photon..etc, and of course less workout than the Xc Racer 2. So it seems to be in that middle for accessibility. Could be similar to fly than the Light Mantra 7 but with a more coherent structure.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">The Omega ULS has a sensitive weight approach. For example, if you fly it at its sweet spot around 93-94 all up, the climbing abilities in weak air are very good.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As well as in stronger cores, the handling and agility will keep you rocketing upward.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Now for the gliding part, I made some glides with the latest high-end EN-D’s like Zeno 2 MS, XC racer 2 (95 max), and also with some new EN-C’s like the Photon MS.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">After some glides (in calm air), I can clearly say that I was really impressed by that glider! The glide at trim and especially at full bar which gave me around 15 km’h over trim on that version, is nothing but excellent! If the D gliders match the full speed of the Omega ULS, then it's a draw! YES … The Omega ULS glide matches the 7 AR EN-Ds! … And that you can try!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Now for the professional approach, if you are flying an OMEGA ULS and you are pinned in a low strong valley breeze, and next to you there’s a high-end EN-D like the Zeno 2, XC racer 2 for example, then they will logically prevail by moving faster into that heavy airmass and digging and slipping through more efficiently just because the high aspect EN-D’s are built with long rods complex structures and built without weight compromises and aimed for racing.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">But that Omega ULS with refined and engineered construction designed for XC hike and fly, will never be far as it glides extremely well!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0_nAgGgHSI_k2O8UcAICIXos-l11l7062QuBzIhn1tCZafzveXensIOUR895dtxOEZPV-i9zECWpV-pJKDNyJwnnMORoXsKfPTOQzZfzZ7ptyn5nRCQbbkOiDZu0SY7BRsIfj0m_pUKC_XaA1idnhsAc1lmNaivqk8K4Aia-zmioPol2zyFfxhMvUhFsg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0_nAgGgHSI_k2O8UcAICIXos-l11l7062QuBzIhn1tCZafzveXensIOUR895dtxOEZPV-i9zECWpV-pJKDNyJwnnMORoXsKfPTOQzZfzZ7ptyn5nRCQbbkOiDZu0SY7BRsIfj0m_pUKC_XaA1idnhsAc1lmNaivqk8K4Aia-zmioPol2zyFfxhMvUhFsg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Pushing on the speed bar and if correctly tuned with some harnesses, one step, can close both pulleys.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">I personally tuned it to have two steps and push half the speed, the Omega ULS movements in turbulent air seem calmer. At the second step with pulleys overlapping, the Omega ULS is very taught, with no airfoil fluttering at all! it feels very solid, and surprisingly, with little time under it, the Omega ULS will give you that passive feel to keep the speed bar on if you need it sometimes.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">The B steering with moderate pressure is very efficient and will keep the glider on its path through turbulence. The pressure on the B’s is quite moderate and controls the glider's movements accurately.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Ears are stable with outer A’s, they reopen slowly with a little help.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">Conclusion:</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">The Omega ULS, is a light, agile, well-balanced 6.8 aspect ratio EN-D with a high-performance package.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">I can only imagine that after test-flying it, many pilots aiming for that class will eventually get hooked and will fly the Omega ULS for years to come.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-73091402241682948172023-07-14T21:55:00.006+03:002023-07-14T22:27:27.337+03:00SUPAIR Step X size 80-100 <p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj514FPRdYFKlqLQPWKPEyuxPY4VrmPMhYuP97FdpLi-43EnMDNEmt3XJXi3yaG_0a0dvI34oghcyUN5nW_EC1n49wQ592L7xG0kFmgYGVg1omYv9wTGFStOrRh0-TjqD3ygc_UDLF4G2LnLQIbJoVKibQ3okAWVMdyzbNuPSo_VxwU0OQyJSEDxcK5uUy2/s2560/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-14%20at%202.42.09%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj514FPRdYFKlqLQPWKPEyuxPY4VrmPMhYuP97FdpLi-43EnMDNEmt3XJXi3yaG_0a0dvI34oghcyUN5nW_EC1n49wQ592L7xG0kFmgYGVg1omYv9wTGFStOrRh0-TjqD3ygc_UDLF4G2LnLQIbJoVKibQ3okAWVMdyzbNuPSo_VxwU0OQyJSEDxcK5uUy2/w400-h225/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-14%20at%202.42.09%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Please note again… that tests will always differ with other sizes. At first, if flown with seatless harnesses, or must I say a completely different harness. Also if the same sizes are flown at different loads, lighter loads will get the weakest climb but will be penalized in control in heavy air or pushing through a heavy airmass. Bigger sizes have more gliding performance and also better climb in weak conditions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In my small tests, I always state the size, the total flying weight, and afterward IMHO, the optimum weight I found in that particular glider.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">SUPAIR Step X<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>size M flown from 93 to 97 all up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">The Step X is the new 2023 high EN-B from Supair. I will let you visit their website for the construction details and materials. <a href="https://supair.com/en/produit/aile-parapente-supair-en-b-step-cross/"><span class="s1">https://supair.com/en/produit/aile-parapente-supair-en-b-step-cross/</span></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">The Step X has an aspect ratio of 5.65 made with Dominico, has 3 rows of lines, and the overall weight of the M size is around 4.3 kg with very nice construction details!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">It is a relatively light EN-B and launches easily without any wind without any hard point. A straightforward glider to launch. In the stronger breeze, I didn’t find any nervousness or dynamic surges, but a smooth and easy-to-launch glider.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">I flew the Step X at 97 all up in one turbulent very strong day, in our Cedars range (Explained down below)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Comfort and accessibility.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">I found that the Step-X managed well all the harsh conditions without any tip fluttering, and still delivered a very prompt brake authority for the pilot to stay in control. Alternating flights and test flying the Mentor 7, I think that the Step-X is also a highly comfortable glider for that category! I was really surprised by the educated feedback and balanced movements of the Step-X in overall conditions. The Step X has slightly more feel than the Mentor 7 while remaining very comfortable to fly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To place it even further, I think it resembles the Swift 6 accessibility for the same size.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Handling and agility:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">The brake length on the Step X is slightly longer than the Mentor 7 and slightly less than the Swift 6, which place it in the sweet spot. You need just around 15 to 20 cm to steer the glider after the first 10 cm gap.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">The Step X is quite an agile glider and coring tight thermals are easily doable. The pressure is on the moderate side with its effective brake range to control the surges in active air, and flying it for hours is not tiring for the arms.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">While the Maestro 2 could deliver more dynamic handling, the Step X is close in agility while being more user-friendly for the new high B pilot in that class, and calmer in thermals while coring every bit of lift.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Climb rate:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">I flew next to higher-rated 2-liner C class gliders in thermals, and the climb rate in weak thermals was very good on Step X around 95 all up. It floats well! For real, this glider climbs very well comparing it with the B class.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">It is for sure slower to enter the airmass as the 2 liners but for a high B with 3 lines, it climbs extremely well!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaH8E387_qJzvripgCfhvBFNO22dChx86Q3RxCYcaJF4uywJgg44oVkiZxj8DECv20V3RmQszFNf_vYMEIFbP9kSHRJcjLWBnIEDiHpP2NRaJz_fil7JzhRjbStW56gA2Ayshr_riqedBRuvgB1D7CYfH_cX2hQ2utku1DHKSlhC3iI1SmLEnYKbZmhpG/s1440/IMG_20230708_111205_586.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaH8E387_qJzvripgCfhvBFNO22dChx86Q3RxCYcaJF4uywJgg44oVkiZxj8DECv20V3RmQszFNf_vYMEIFbP9kSHRJcjLWBnIEDiHpP2NRaJz_fil7JzhRjbStW56gA2Ayshr_riqedBRuvgB1D7CYfH_cX2hQ2utku1DHKSlhC3iI1SmLEnYKbZmhpG/s320/IMG_20230708_111205_586.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Gliding through the moving airmass and comparing it to other high B’s the Step X showed me also that it matches the best ones out there! Usually, when a glider has fewer lines like 2.5 ..etc..they should glide more, but flying the Step X near, I didn’t notice any disadvantages… What can I say…when a new creation seems really good and competitive!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was impressed!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">I will update my B comparison for the little details in climb and glide, but I confirm that the Step X has a very efficient glide through the airmass for the high B category.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">The speed bar has a moderate pressure, and the C steering has acceptable efficiency while on the bar for the 3 liners glider. Perhaps the Maestro 2 and the Rush 6, have swifter C controls, but nevertheless, the Step C controls are manageable and easy to use to control the overall movements.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">The top speed is around 12 km/h over trim.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Ears are stable and reopen without pilot intervention.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Conclusion:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">The Step X can be flown easily at 93 all up but it would be slow to enter the airmass. I found out at 95 to be nice overall, and to be even more efficient and more compact with good penetration fly it at 97,98.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Mhlxgg6dfsLIb79tMFq0ECdfkXWt0Em0pgXw_cA8aN8fLOZDIAPUe5vSEqS9DIaVIxzyhL3lTBK7oBw_1XD6LWE8YyyEV4gmLBDxQPuT-wv_PvEbZn9loJt7Qjown8AGkbOk-subj6tyStk9ok0mXIRZPpUXtVJBgHzD81B7fBxBcuVvOxiSP50bWoOb/s2560/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-14%20at%202.43.42%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Mhlxgg6dfsLIb79tMFq0ECdfkXWt0Em0pgXw_cA8aN8fLOZDIAPUe5vSEqS9DIaVIxzyhL3lTBK7oBw_1XD6LWE8YyyEV4gmLBDxQPuT-wv_PvEbZn9loJt7Qjown8AGkbOk-subj6tyStk9ok0mXIRZPpUXtVJBgHzD81B7fBxBcuVvOxiSP50bWoOb/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-14%20at%202.43.42%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">When a product is nice, readers are expecting the testers to find the negative points, when they are difficult to find… My B comparison will shortly be updated.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Easily placed among the high B’s in terms of good overall performance, the Step X is an enjoyable glider to fly while being well-balanced and quite comfortable during long XCs. The passive safety seems quite high for that category delivering a solid and light-to-carry companion for your adventures. Supair never stopped to amaze me… It would be quite an interesting high B to test fly!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Muq0_g3PYHYQmodQgyThdBIXHVnx-XA78a3WKjl2XTp7DZR7RixCj50LmHb-kP-GAEJDzHnoJ0yvcnKMjKZflbvrOfgGANC6soUZbPXIjjaC0lniSxMsVV39zsVNnsBnkzcnN9rFbkAUh0sM6u_SDBpNZvvGClYUCWW4YYOdFWJZa1cYKO9pGH_2Rm1d/s2560/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-14%20at%202.45.16%20PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Muq0_g3PYHYQmodQgyThdBIXHVnx-XA78a3WKjl2XTp7DZR7RixCj50LmHb-kP-GAEJDzHnoJ0yvcnKMjKZflbvrOfgGANC6soUZbPXIjjaC0lniSxMsVV39zsVNnsBnkzcnN9rFbkAUh0sM6u_SDBpNZvvGClYUCWW4YYOdFWJZa1cYKO9pGH_2Rm1d/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-14%20at%202.45.16%20PM.png" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Cedars range:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Cedars range divides the country in half horizontally from north to South. The peaks are facing east and west. They reside above the very hot Bekaa Valley, situated inland of the country. If the thermal breeze is from the west, you will get nice conditions, but if it comes from the east, which it always does afternoon, then the challenge arises especially at noon, and preferable to fly only hang gliders as the very strong breeze literally limit your forward speed with sudden powerful thermals, and since taking off from the east side, a mix of strong valley east breeze and southwesterly wind coming from the sea side toward inland makes the word turbulence a bit undermined …<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">When I fly gliders there, I often feel many times I’m just a puppet underneath even on the easiest glider!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not a good feeling as sometimes, the workloads are extreme and need lots of endurance over the time spent and quite tiring.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At 11 am +6 m/s thermals are common, with a high cloud base over 4500 m, but since there’s a commercial flight line passing over from 4000 m and up, so controlling your height is also very crucial! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Maven Pro; font-size: medium;">Flying 2 hours from sunset to dark is the best experience a pilot would have. Smooth lift everywhere with a high cloud base. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejeYMpaJBDCEgk2_fSebqwhudkBaUh2VmkmoAyfV3THX3e3YjRulX1A6diE8FTHdhArP-xNuNvcb9ppUpiSuKufp97EIAO1JAwHvCJLm2JBVmPDF2Xwmupzqxjs560i2qjpFPJY3fSe5Osv2cIZbKUqR-PWW1lXlL4jOCPZX6xXn0W-V_YDhHGzXgBJW5/s1440/IMG_20230708_111205_616.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejeYMpaJBDCEgk2_fSebqwhudkBaUh2VmkmoAyfV3THX3e3YjRulX1A6diE8FTHdhArP-xNuNvcb9ppUpiSuKufp97EIAO1JAwHvCJLm2JBVmPDF2Xwmupzqxjs560i2qjpFPJY3fSe5Osv2cIZbKUqR-PWW1lXlL4jOCPZX6xXn0W-V_YDhHGzXgBJW5/s320/IMG_20230708_111205_616.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-162414720756557422023-06-30T23:07:00.001+03:002023-06-30T23:07:26.900+03:00NOVA Mentor 7 S / 80-105 <span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dr9jv4Hjl2l3yezDZV_RWF0_lwcSx4rmy927O14NGB8Jlur4H2XdhGemb0Y7jznisNFhqppA0rSCEEIuSA8b42fJgAtw3-drf5UaLr79yuWmm8JEUa9S8mB0ZH_Y9b6NXGi-5_6RY4OJtRUdTwtoqoih1HkvW9FgUUttUdF1raqFJ030JXALHUslAM-Z/s3840/GX010094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dr9jv4Hjl2l3yezDZV_RWF0_lwcSx4rmy927O14NGB8Jlur4H2XdhGemb0Y7jznisNFhqppA0rSCEEIuSA8b42fJgAtw3-drf5UaLr79yuWmm8JEUa9S8mB0ZH_Y9b6NXGi-5_6RY4OJtRUdTwtoqoih1HkvW9FgUUttUdF1raqFJ030JXALHUslAM-Z/w400-h225/GX010094.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Disclaimer:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Please note again… that tests will always differ with other sizes. At first, if flown with seatless harnesses, or must I say a completely different harness. Also if the same sizes are flown at different loads, lighter loads will get the weakest climb but will be penalized in control in heavy air or pushing through a heavy airmass. Bigger sizes have more gliding performance and also better climb in weak conditions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In my small tests, I always state the size, the total flying weight, and afterward IMHO, the optimum weight I found in that particular glider.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">NOVA Mentor 7 S<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>/<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>80-105<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">After my test flight of the Light Mentor 7 in XS size, I decided to get the bigger size in a normal and sturdy cloth.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">NOVA uses my favorite cloth on this version which is on the top surface a mix of Skytex 38 Universal 38g/m², and Skytex 40 Eazyfly 40g/m² and on the lower surface the Skytex 40 Eazyfly 40g/m². They have indeed a different crispy feel of their own. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Having flown all the Mentors for the very first editions, my head was stuck on that idea to fly at the top, but…</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">After my test on the light XS, and NOVA's recommendation to fly it near the middleweight, I have decided to fly the S size which goes to 105 weight extended at 96, 97.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Later, I found that this is indeed the sweet spot in the Mentor 7 series.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There seem to be nowadays more and more new creations that are quite nice to fly at the middle range, like the PHI Maestro 2 for example that could be flown less than 6 kg from the top easily. Now the Mentor 7 S has its sweet spot less than 10 kg from the top!. You could, of course, fly it easily near the top when you need speed on generous days for winning competitions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Launching the normal Mentor 7 is as easy as the light version. It inflates quite well, without any hard points, and the take is immediate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxY3ynjvQJfk0cpqbBSkKdfSzGLVZ4pJtt3BRDqyBDmnS70o7XRbT7LiwUGxpw12oTV8pgzFPvd7PNFmNvXpz4dqrbghjc6jh3C9N1O-QhVbgv4HIHsWk0a1fqRgFrBcfXWeVFqNGVVhw_r4TA6UOTCpFdLDSIk6z_T3yMKD59h2VaYHLppydjLQRp3WMH/s3840/GX010101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxY3ynjvQJfk0cpqbBSkKdfSzGLVZ4pJtt3BRDqyBDmnS70o7XRbT7LiwUGxpw12oTV8pgzFPvd7PNFmNvXpz4dqrbghjc6jh3C9N1O-QhVbgv4HIHsWk0a1fqRgFrBcfXWeVFqNGVVhw_r4TA6UOTCpFdLDSIk6z_T3yMKD59h2VaYHLppydjLQRp3WMH/s320/GX010101.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">As you probably read my notice at the top of the test, different sizes and different loads, and also lighter materials may give another feel… And sometimes they differ a lot!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">I can say that I am very lucky to fly as many gliders to experience those small and sometimes big changes and feel those differences.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Mentor 7 S at 97 feels slightly more subtle and sweeter to fly than the XS 75-95 light, even when flying it at 87.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The movements are very similar to the light XS ones but with a touch of some nicer spices!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is the most comfortable high B glider to fly in rowdy air, but not dull to fly! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It gives slightly more feel to interpret calmly the airmass than the light version. For me the small added spices probably came from the harder cloth and the bigger size…made the glider incredibly balanced and nicer to fly for the pilot underneath it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Even the brake inputs are crispier than the light version, they are as short to react and very direct a bit more precise than the XS size.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was happily flying it in thermals. The Mentor 7 S doesn’t communicate as much as the Maestro 2.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All the movements are calmer and more gentle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is possible That you can drink sometimes a cup of coffee while coring without spilling it! And you will see yourself higher at the same time…</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">In weak thermals climbing next to my reference high B, I think the Mentor 7 S climbs as well and never loses that small weak thermal. It floats nicely.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The pitch is nearly absent and the roll is very dampened. It just climbs without bumping in thermals. A smoother glider in turbulence with very high efficiency!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At 97 all up, I sensed a moderate trim speed versus the Maestro 2 but without any consequences for efficient gliding through the air. When I felt that I needed to push the speed bar, the glide was impressive!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">And I always found myself quite competitive in the high B class, and even with the class above but with a touch slower!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">While doing this test, even my head never stopped asking me that question: If a pilot is not competing in the C class, why would he be flying anything else?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And then came answers…Perhaps more agility? brake feel? price? more feedback? design and color? brand oriented? Lots of possible parameters to consider…. one thing is for sure: The very high (comfort and performance package)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>found on the Mentor 7 is very rare.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Pushing on the speed bar has moderate pressure on the X-rated6, and I saw 15 km/h over trim at 800 ASL.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The glide at max speed is as efficient as my reference in the high B category. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The C steering has a moderate pressure and it is an efficient tool to control the already stable M7 above your head in turbulent air while on the speed bar. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ears with outer B’s is easy and efficient and reopens quickly. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Some pilots will ask me about the performance differences with the 2 liners C category.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It comes always about the pilot skills.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Example 1 in a regular XC flight:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Pilot A with lots of experience on the Mentor 7 versus a good pilot B with moderate experience on the new 2-liner C’s. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My answer would be: Pilot A would ‘probably’ fly further.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Example 2 in competition: Same pilot A with lots of experience on the Mentor 7 versus a good pilot B with moderate experience on the new 2 liner C’s. My answer would be that if pilot A can hold the speed bar +35 % of the time over pilot B, then there’s perhaps a tie possibility…</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">It is just to give you a little idea.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zx1FI2ffnMWCAatBz7rbfIhpuZNBtJLVDkRIEEJjy-ICdGjtIcjkndA7Qe8qBmLad8hE7mLoUyn3QIu-5zkU7ehR_y0a5js1XGsD2C_EEmYJk-utRow7qZguMP5Jicbh3Lw0HOBEovi3asdf71NdA_8Ntt64_tOkYw4NbFob8MVuBGdyUCV93T32WJAS/s3840/GX010095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zx1FI2ffnMWCAatBz7rbfIhpuZNBtJLVDkRIEEJjy-ICdGjtIcjkndA7Qe8qBmLad8hE7mLoUyn3QIu-5zkU7ehR_y0a5js1XGsD2C_EEmYJk-utRow7qZguMP5Jicbh3Lw0HOBEovi3asdf71NdA_8Ntt64_tOkYw4NbFob8MVuBGdyUCV93T32WJAS/s320/GX010095.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Conclusion:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">This regular version of the mentor 7 in S size felt quite good.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Climb and glide are excellent, and handling, agility, and brake coordination are quite acceptable. Comfort is very high without being too dull and sometimes quite appreciated in high turbulence. The top speed is good and usable in active air.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Mentor 7 S… ( Bentley of the sky)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-85347390664916670732023-06-21T19:54:00.012+03:002023-06-21T19:55:14.273+03:00FLOW XC racer 2 S size <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS_HxXcYF9jLt2XUvYK6QAwwfuD8Va3jFuS8uQs4l9C7I3yYUgei1fu_wE0_WzCHXwEA-QrZ2nBlYxty-QrwDiT8zx1CzLxa9uTI3CxF5899Wr5AzaGC6addoo6v3TBsMBpvEZ7fPjVS_lXo1AjSFTQDLOWs3jX_PsFNK__wZSrf9TsxPOVmutV04hrm2/s3840/GX012700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS_HxXcYF9jLt2XUvYK6QAwwfuD8Va3jFuS8uQs4l9C7I3yYUgei1fu_wE0_WzCHXwEA-QrZ2nBlYxty-QrwDiT8zx1CzLxa9uTI3CxF5899Wr5AzaGC6addoo6v3TBsMBpvEZ7fPjVS_lXo1AjSFTQDLOWs3jX_PsFNK__wZSrf9TsxPOVmutV04hrm2/w400-h225/GX012700.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><span style="color: white;">Disclaimer:</span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 20px;">Please note again… that tests will always differ with other sizes. At first, if flown with seatless harnesses, or must I say a completely different harness. Also if the same sizes are flown at different loads, lighter loads will get the weakest climb but will be penalized in control in heavy air or pushing through a heavy airmass. Bigger sizes have more gliding performance and also better climb in weak conditions.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 20px;"> </span><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 20px;">In my small tests, I always state the size, the total flying weight, and afterward IMHO, the optimum weight I found in that particular glider.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 20px;"> </span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">FLOW XC racer 2<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>S 75-95<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The latest 2-liner EN-D from FLOW for 2023-24…arrived to replace the old XC Racer 1.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I have over here the S size which goes from 80-95 and I flew it from 92 to 94, 95 all up. The optimum weight for all conditions seems at the end of its weight range, 94, 95.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The construction is pretty nice, with all plastic rods from top to bottom.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The thing with almost all 2 liners, is when having plastic rods all along the glider, the wind will flip the trailing edge at the takeoff.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4Vx6DI6e1ykC7zrvOrqj4yPo7-65uJ_0kJaFmmnHiqWI3laK6E6VtvaTWxIrvvGxmfZXgMeIpQaNTmObryPIrepIaMO6vGoeG_Ybo-hjl0D7pkRpA6lfZFWpmWSKNFDfe0wClw7NOVDOkYVE1hrPAhXpLN_F2omk3f7ZrMQktup5gUJwr8Zv1XZzG9EM/s2560/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-21%20at%207.27.50%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4Vx6DI6e1ykC7zrvOrqj4yPo7-65uJ_0kJaFmmnHiqWI3laK6E6VtvaTWxIrvvGxmfZXgMeIpQaNTmObryPIrepIaMO6vGoeG_Ybo-hjl0D7pkRpA6lfZFWpmWSKNFDfe0wClw7NOVDOkYVE1hrPAhXpLN_F2omk3f7ZrMQktup5gUJwr8Zv1XZzG9EM/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-21%20at%207.27.50%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Launching the Xc Racer 2 with all its plastic rods and complex structure, is fairly easy for that class. I think it resembles the Zeno 2 in that matter. No hard point, just a steady pull, and the takeover is immediate.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In the air, I was surprised but the high level of brake authority and agility of that EN-D glider. I think the XC Racer 2 is the most agile of all the tested 2 liners so far.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The brake travel is short with only 10…15 cm to steer the glider in all conditions! and the brake pressure is moderate and with a nice linear feel, it turns really quickly in thermals for a 7 AR glider and I felt that it is more agile even than some new C 2 liners! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A real pleasure to fly it and I am very satisfied by this excellent feel and turning abilities! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Even if conditions were rough, the authority on the brakes let you re-direct the glider inside a turbulent core! A real pleasure underneath that glider!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuK1OauGq2H4brqOPeZzbrnw0VDrjW6rULLv7OLMTd-9fI5gF60Qhas0roLWcBIx0nWPpsVesGBEbEotp4m8QCDRuGlXDugYVySSe08klhmFY9udUetDq8syxyd9IbzLCiA-pUyujDlQh8G1P6yy0-r6_bd3PYQeVaf_wJOE95AAlYWNZCTr9P1kpcuMv/s2560/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-21%20at%207.24.01%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuK1OauGq2H4brqOPeZzbrnw0VDrjW6rULLv7OLMTd-9fI5gF60Qhas0roLWcBIx0nWPpsVesGBEbEotp4m8QCDRuGlXDugYVySSe08klhmFY9udUetDq8syxyd9IbzLCiA-pUyujDlQh8G1P6yy0-r6_bd3PYQeVaf_wJOE95AAlYWNZCTr9P1kpcuMv/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-21%20at%207.24.01%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I flew next to my friend on a Zeno 2 MS @ 96 all up, and also with another friend on his Boom 12 size M that needs slightly a re-trim because it seems slightly slow at trim.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We flew together for about 4 hours in difficult air and sometimes turbulent cores.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After a while, I can say that the internal and whole structure of the XC Racer 2 felt very solid, and in those ugly conditions, it retained its homogeneity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The level of overall comfort is slightly better than the Zeno 2, just because the brakes give the active and keen pilot a much better authority to re-adjust it swiftly over his head and for me, this is a feature that gives the good pilot a higher safety feel. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF06IDXzsmtS5gmOjIlASYSBtZVpQcNB-C0Gxulp4mr2ozv8Wd1SES1bNc7A8_wjK_gKq9_JELrz18v7ypuCSLsxPvbNca7wTZaIT3TlcHysrkGyp0kQqLiAI-f1YEDHRiHGosECiDXHSHD8lCayonMCrmQqTamQyO6tiJlxfzKOEMsrMObSCLPb-9XA7m/s3840/GX012792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF06IDXzsmtS5gmOjIlASYSBtZVpQcNB-C0Gxulp4mr2ozv8Wd1SES1bNc7A8_wjK_gKq9_JELrz18v7ypuCSLsxPvbNca7wTZaIT3TlcHysrkGyp0kQqLiAI-f1YEDHRiHGosECiDXHSHD8lCayonMCrmQqTamQyO6tiJlxfzKOEMsrMObSCLPb-9XA7m/s320/GX012792.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Climbing next to those excellent gliders, the Boom 12 in M size of course had a clear climbing easiness, then came the Zeno 2 which bites more aggressively the rising airmass, especially on windy days. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The XC Racer 2 has a neutral pitch before hitting a climb, then when inside it, it surges promptly through it, as it shows you where the strongest core is.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">It is slower to enter but still climbs quite well due to the handling capabilities that enable it to place accurately inside a very small core.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">At the end of the day, the climb in very weak thermals that are less than 1 m/s, is moderate for that size flown at 95 all up. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Gliding with a speed bar smoothens the glider reactions a bit, and the B controls with a moderate pressure and efficient feel, can control the overall movements while keeping your foot locked on the bar.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The overall movements in nasty air make the XC Racer 2 move a lot from other pilots' perspectives flying next to it. They said that the tips move a lot in those rowdy air, while the Zeno 2 move more as a whole block. But underneath the XC Racer 2, I felt it was quite comfortable to fly. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Flying in those tough conditions, and passing by some Lee side turbulent areas, the B12 suffered from a large asymmetric that my friend handled very well. The XC racer 2 just a few meters away made excessive span movements without any collapse and sensed an overall solid structure under the XC racer 2.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0fbZSfwx686mg5D1K7nBt0jxR5aXdwoe2ZRiooi8e7TD9oGB2nY2HVz4iIIrgVJvkpDfKH1vCNu2eWcO2I2k6IMw5VQ6YeupESmDnrZJIMbIvCfLO_zfMpBt_Y-hrHoPPYpi6uO4ly2YtXX_sTHrA8F9scnfI2kMoLAslEEnmfO73ZUxYqRQhgpNINsU/s3840/GX010087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0fbZSfwx686mg5D1K7nBt0jxR5aXdwoe2ZRiooi8e7TD9oGB2nY2HVz4iIIrgVJvkpDfKH1vCNu2eWcO2I2k6IMw5VQ6YeupESmDnrZJIMbIvCfLO_zfMpBt_Y-hrHoPPYpi6uO4ly2YtXX_sTHrA8F9scnfI2kMoLAslEEnmfO73ZUxYqRQhgpNINsU/s320/GX010087.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">We made lots of glides altogether, and I think at trim, half bar, and full bar, both the XC Racer 2 and the Zeno 2 are very close, even at full speed! I think the XC Racer 2 has a very high top speed which tops near 63 km/h and still with a very competitive glide angle and still a solid leading edge.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Ears with A’s are stable, they reopen with pilot intervention, ears with outer B’s are efficient, and reopen quickly. A lot of energy is present while doing wingovers! like an acro glider with steroids! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The stall point is far and feelable. The XC Racer 2 can be slowed quite well even loaded.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Conclusion:</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">A real piece of a machine with lots of pleasurable handling! The overall performance is on top of that category.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The XC Racer 2 is such a beauty and awaits your invitation to take her on long XCs and competitions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkGv2xci5_xLW62DTiMlKRNH83Fmri0mresDx-4EdK25pjjdkfss-5r2-k9YmXbTKxan4r9fd84J-dd7ae3W69M5BI-k6ZScoIYDQ7q9k0yU6jMqZb8gtsgG-050-NEXwm_KC2XlV0on_Jc9bsjNHHjLrMAO_C56Rpzfs6ZcfSS_angfPzPGtx4lN8LY3/s3840/GX010087-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkGv2xci5_xLW62DTiMlKRNH83Fmri0mresDx-4EdK25pjjdkfss-5r2-k9YmXbTKxan4r9fd84J-dd7ae3W69M5BI-k6ZScoIYDQ7q9k0yU6jMqZb8gtsgG-050-NEXwm_KC2XlV0on_Jc9bsjNHHjLrMAO_C56Rpzfs6ZcfSS_angfPzPGtx4lN8LY3/w400-h225/GX010087-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-57982556806848736772023-06-03T17:13:00.004+03:002023-06-03T17:13:28.123+03:00BGD Lynx 2 M <p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1itEZAXayDubh7qFL82Pz9-zysX1Taq39w_aHQUN76bbPHlR5YuVMvqUfPsTD_RJsCMqMlaPgEQmWig4XuVNoUjpA18RBMDrY8CuXqhlYmwOSRxkxBf_qHq5ZI3nXCz1TLEJCJop0ZrCHPEIPIzAyz_ZYligtfMtK8lvmsSvD9Mx5PawXMdxXiviC7A/s3840/GX010064%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1itEZAXayDubh7qFL82Pz9-zysX1Taq39w_aHQUN76bbPHlR5YuVMvqUfPsTD_RJsCMqMlaPgEQmWig4XuVNoUjpA18RBMDrY8CuXqhlYmwOSRxkxBf_qHq5ZI3nXCz1TLEJCJop0ZrCHPEIPIzAyz_ZYligtfMtK8lvmsSvD9Mx5PawXMdxXiviC7A/w400-h225/GX010064%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">BGD Lynx 2 M</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The new light EN-C glider from BGD is now released to replace the first Lynx which had a 6.75 aspect ratio. Now BGD reduced that aspect ratio to 6.2 on their new Lynx 2 with a moderately light construction for durability, and the M size weights around 4 kg with a 2.5 line configuration setup.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">BGD stated that a pure 2-line configuration set up needs more supporting rods in the sail, leading to a larger pack volume as the LYNX 2 is easy to pack down and super small for hiking and racing.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The Lynx 2 is made from a mix of the excellent Porcher Skytex, Classic II 27g/m², and 32g/m². I’ll let you see all the multiple glider details following that link: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.flybgd.com/en/paragliders/lynx-2--paraglider-2021-1953-0.html&source=gmail&ust=1685886600746000&usg=AOvVaw3MF0cCdZ8w-0ppdmf16lcW" href="https://www.flybgd.com/en/paragliders/lynx-2--paraglider-2021-1953-0.html" target="_blank">https://www.flybgd.com/en/<wbr></wbr>paragliders/lynx-2--<wbr></wbr>paraglider-2021-1953-0.html</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Launching: I flew the Lynx 2 from 91 to 95. It flies very well at 90, but if you need more cutting through and faster glider response related to the surrounding airmass, then 94 could be great! </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In nil wind, the light glider rises smoothly and evenly without any hard point whatsoever. In the stronger breeze, it’s is a delight to launch it, as it felt very easy in that matter. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Once airborne, brake travel offers a high authority for the pilot. It means that I could core the smallest thermal easily. The brake pressure is on the moderate side and resembles in length, and pressure the BGD Tala but with more agility and authority! If you compare it to the Cure 2 M, The brake travel is close but the Lynx 2 M is more prompt to get a 360 in thermals. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Comparing it to an Alpina 4 MS, the brakes have similar overall pressure feel, but higher agility on the Lynx 2. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In weak thermals, flat turns could be made and the Lynx has a very efficient climb. I flew with the Skywalk Mint in multiple conditions and saw that the Lynx 2 was always near in weak and stronger thermals. Of course, my C comparison is updated for the tiny and sometimes ‘useless’ details for many…But at least that’s my personal opinion written on that chart. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Gliding next to the latest 2-liners C class gliders, we were really surprised by the very good glide of the 2.5-line Lynx 2! You will not miss anything on performance with that setup flying next to an AD VOLT 4, a SOL LT2, and even next to the Mint! If there’s a difference, it is negligible and a good-faired harness will make up for it on long runs.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDUNaLUbAS8Q3PGu1qeeX1GFfrxcZERWGxn2vtmyyTsM-mb_Z2O9dTB0Mvj7mcgs5Dm2oSfSbx3KZoDwWZdRZefRzz6DHpfGvQJR-5z00PTRkaEZ9X_4_u3HX1kkg7WNH0dIm-DAzLeqTjD5xUAsQMANaVRcSDO7bOyVZZfmkOi2geYJwK6Gqm_X5EA/s3840/GX010075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDUNaLUbAS8Q3PGu1qeeX1GFfrxcZERWGxn2vtmyyTsM-mb_Z2O9dTB0Mvj7mcgs5Dm2oSfSbx3KZoDwWZdRZefRzz6DHpfGvQJR-5z00PTRkaEZ9X_4_u3HX1kkg7WNH0dIm-DAzLeqTjD5xUAsQMANaVRcSDO7bOyVZZfmkOi2geYJwK6Gqm_X5EA/s320/GX010075.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">In turbulent conditions, the Lynx 2 has a moderate roll movement but I felt that it stays always above your head, as if it is saying: ‘I’ve got you covered’ That’s the feeling I got under it. A high passive safety feels for the C class. It moves on narrow angles and it isn’t a very dampened or boring glider to fly. You feel every thermal, but at the same time, it gives you that high safety impression by staying above your head all the time without high excessive movements.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dtyY7V4IiiyD4gvEh2JzrXReefTxeOIzoBEDVniRAsJo1y6K0ya9aZplCn3TaxTYjUGDtcQfeXumVWQVzA6WaqKiqtpMSYo172I363yf2XaJ6sK5y1jmtvFUci9iyiSqV9kzeqc5EFpu88upD0wjCaDvoIkibXp2Zrte3AOmOhAnmhvDqxPhqwKTeA/s1280/GX012766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dtyY7V4IiiyD4gvEh2JzrXReefTxeOIzoBEDVniRAsJo1y6K0ya9aZplCn3TaxTYjUGDtcQfeXumVWQVzA6WaqKiqtpMSYo172I363yf2XaJ6sK5y1jmtvFUci9iyiSqV9kzeqc5EFpu88upD0wjCaDvoIkibXp2Zrte3AOmOhAnmhvDqxPhqwKTeA/s320/GX012766.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The C riser controls the angle of attack while on the bar quite well, for gliders in the 2.5-line setup. Much like the TrangoX. Stepping on the speed bar has a moderate pressure, and gave me around 16 km/h over trim. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Playing around doing wingovers is fun on the Lynx 2. Ears are stable, they reopen quickly. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Conclusion:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">With its 6.2 aspect ratio, the Lynx 2 is a light, agile, easy to launch, small to pack, pleasurable to fly glider with plenty of performance. IMHO, for that specific wide group of pilots wanting a balanced glider for all-terrain use, it is definitely a good companion for a hike and fly or XC. <span style="font-size: 24px;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHiN8BnN2g_6EKgnX8FiyCcsMPFsr_b2O2t8W3HGVeYskZa6nqabfRR6mwgQB_vBK6jxoHQW1XMCeOkAzkHVSRT14s6jaH8x6LbEVmJ55nrdcL4uToOd2hdhkFuWM7ZUlRdHtegMUM2cz427NH4Oy1wsqdP8rIQsoINHJYCZTVsPVDccxOOZMz_p5rg/s2397/GX010064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1949" data-original-width="2397" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHiN8BnN2g_6EKgnX8FiyCcsMPFsr_b2O2t8W3HGVeYskZa6nqabfRR6mwgQB_vBK6jxoHQW1XMCeOkAzkHVSRT14s6jaH8x6LbEVmJ55nrdcL4uToOd2hdhkFuWM7ZUlRdHtegMUM2cz427NH4Oy1wsqdP8rIQsoINHJYCZTVsPVDccxOOZMz_p5rg/w400-h325/GX010064.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="347" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AR-D5dqDMaM" width="471" youtube-src-id="AR-D5dqDMaM"></iframe></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-70426996480867258822023-05-31T10:49:00.010+03:002023-05-31T10:49:51.645+03:00SKYWALK Mint 75-95 <p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">SKYWALK Mint 75-95 </span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRQ0ydLaAaJgUxcrUm34o204Z8gwSM3_x0xkjMsBb0pjMfcgZjFxidWh5B5JO5EXdP1CvDZqef23kjEt1BRZ1PCn8CoxokcuvP3JfsFpqG7Zg3JwrR5DzsuPOeCmDH-w8vJ3MZm8-Qu_zeTjfz-xs-av4O9hFgGjLhlpe4nIUcEGy7D4vQSrDC536jw/s3840/GX012718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRQ0ydLaAaJgUxcrUm34o204Z8gwSM3_x0xkjMsBb0pjMfcgZjFxidWh5B5JO5EXdP1CvDZqef23kjEt1BRZ1PCn8CoxokcuvP3JfsFpqG7Zg3JwrR5DzsuPOeCmDH-w8vJ3MZm8-Qu_zeTjfz-xs-av4O9hFgGjLhlpe4nIUcEGy7D4vQSrDC536jw/w400-h225/GX012718.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Mint is Skywalk’s new 2-liner C-class glider with an aspect ratio of 6.4. The Mint looks very simple with nice and sturdy risers. There are no complications in the setup, just simple and clear. Skywalk uses the Dominico TX light which has a unique feel, is slippery on the touch, and less noisy when packed.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The Mint launches even in nil wind with easy rise. After 75, it accelerates a bit as the leading edge takes charge, and the pilot must hold it with the brakes and initiate the takeoff. </span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The brakes have a 10 cm gap, before there’s an action on the trailing edge, which is the normal gap for paragliders to be able to reach the top speed without braking, then only 5 cm are needed to steer that glider in moderate conditions! But the brake pressure is a bit hard comparing it to the Photon, Artik-R, and Volt. The authority on the brakes is imminent! The turn is quickly induced by the brakes. I would say there’s no linear feel, but a direct one for sure. The pressure after the first neutral 10 cm becomes a bit hard or firm for some pilots who require that feel of solidity on the brakes. The feel is steady for the first 5 cm. The feel is direct rather than linear, but the brake authority is quite high.</span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-LKqD-9NdMUQdu2tzmw_YqtgqxjOORUpTa-Z9t54JhHnwWX3SPyFxPjK7sC72D2sB8pxXtTcusdoOUEpj6gM1D87VMG793-bzZOgZw1ZocoEXH3360-IojbNJoOXUkXWQ2oR73bPEIpW-rDNI6vmusKNVcHsvddrhyinvFG6-Y9nPh57THAOoFaqRA/s3840/GX012733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-LKqD-9NdMUQdu2tzmw_YqtgqxjOORUpTa-Z9t54JhHnwWX3SPyFxPjK7sC72D2sB8pxXtTcusdoOUEpj6gM1D87VMG793-bzZOgZw1ZocoEXH3360-IojbNJoOXUkXWQ2oR73bPEIpW-rDNI6vmusKNVcHsvddrhyinvFG6-Y9nPh57THAOoFaqRA/s320/GX012733.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Flying the Mint, I could put it in very narrow cores with imminent brake input, and there’s no way you could miss a thermal with that brake authority and glider obedience. The good thing is that there’s no pitch back at all, and also not any pitch forward. I think for moderate conditions, the Mint has a very neutral pitch behavior, but it felt quite efficient going into the valley breeze or into wind conditions. It felt that it goes forward quite nicely. In difficult conditions when you need to get through the airmass, I think there’s a nice efficiency for the Mint to get through without bumping into it. But I think if flown at 95 all up at its max weight range, you will feel its good slipping through when you are low facing a valley breeze. You can fly it at 90 all up, but it wouldn’t be as efficient to slip through the heavy airmass as loaded at the top in those specific conditions. At max load, the mint still does climb very well even in weak. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslFPi8WMKX5tWxmDAdvPzo-p5N4ah-9MMAAz1_d9rKHjKP9BIQTs7ROVPKOaStMOo4VqeMzBTMoDbJ1QUaZxExgQh5hnJ-2p0lB2R60NRlW7K-wKDlix4tRggFvpeLfSApNA3L-BnoIia00opP6kkjQV2jI0NdOUEp5vlxdYINJS2WWIOp8VRx41T-Q/s3840/GX012716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslFPi8WMKX5tWxmDAdvPzo-p5N4ah-9MMAAz1_d9rKHjKP9BIQTs7ROVPKOaStMOo4VqeMzBTMoDbJ1QUaZxExgQh5hnJ-2p0lB2R60NRlW7K-wKDlix4tRggFvpeLfSApNA3L-BnoIia00opP6kkjQV2jI0NdOUEp5vlxdYINJS2WWIOp8VRx41T-Q/s320/GX012716.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The first speed bar enhances even that glide into the wind, as it felt more solid, and also has better float ability. The controls on the B’s are really efficient and nice, much like the ones on the Artik-R. The pressure is moderate, and it felt while on the bar, in turbulence when pulling on the B risers, the glider supports it well still very homogenous, and without too much loss of internal pressure. Overall a nice complete setup.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">In turbulence, I think the Mint is very close to the Bonanza 3 overall comfort. +5 % more than B3. The Artik-R moves a bit more in turbulence and needs around 10 % more pilot control than the Mint. I think I gave you a good idea about its accessibility, but for sure, my (regularly updated) C comparison will give you a wider idea for pilots looking<br /><br /><br /><br /> for tiny details. </span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">It doesn’t have a pronounced roll feel but a moderate one. </span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Climbing in weak thermals, showed me a very nice efficiency for the Mint even at 94 all up, and could be very close to the best climbing ones in the C category. The turning radius could be very tight, and to prevent the dive it is best to control the turn with the outside brake and keep the inside one locked. </span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">In climbing mode, it is difficult to miss a thermal. if the pilot learns well to keep it from diving into turns, by applying a balance of less brake pressure and weight shift, as much as possible to get quick but flat turns. </span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Doing some glides next to a Volt 4, Artik-R, and Photon, at trim and at top speed, showed me that the overall gliding performance is very good for that category, and will update my C comparison for smaller details if needed…</span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">The top speed of the mint is also similar to the Volt 4 top speed which is really good, and fast and still with a solid leading edge. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygfnpGZYRJbq5ueN1lGFtznyS0wIqeuDkiZ0hfQqOg8Oesv4kKPOoL6x1BsS8fT4QCAA35-svYEmeL5lasp76akJ0dZG2-SiOP8r71Cc6Ozxgv9mguHUuVKPhvqyJuK5KxDU4iDIyYA8zg-cf7sTsRfiZLvhZNF6aILTSTxFP8VkrDYDvFnilWSWPZQ/s3840/GX012721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygfnpGZYRJbq5ueN1lGFtznyS0wIqeuDkiZ0hfQqOg8Oesv4kKPOoL6x1BsS8fT4QCAA35-svYEmeL5lasp76akJ0dZG2-SiOP8r71Cc6Ozxgv9mguHUuVKPhvqyJuK5KxDU4iDIyYA8zg-cf7sTsRfiZLvhZNF6aILTSTxFP8VkrDYDvFnilWSWPZQ/s320/GX012721.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion:</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">If you are a Cayenne 4 pilot, you will feel much better sail cohesion and much shorter brake travel under the Mint. If you are a Cayenne 5 pilot, you will get a more comfortable glider with very good agility in turns. If you have a Cayenne 6…Hurry and get the Mint, as it is a completely different glider in all aspects! It turns sharper, quicker, better overall gliding performance, and better climb in weak and strong. </span></p><p><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">Compared to the already flown 2-liner C gliders, I found that it has a strong package for C pilots flying in strong conditions where you need a fast, agile, but comfortable glider to fly XC without getting tired under turbulence. </span></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-40484248332983428092023-05-27T12:25:00.008+03:002023-05-27T12:37:25.600+03:002-liner Mix video (episode two) <p><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This is the second 2 liner Mix video. It is a long video, from many days of flying, with multiple EN-C 2-liner gliders. Mainly it's a video for fun with some little footage to see them in the air and won't show much of their efficiency.
when the conditions throw at you some kind of punishment for all those new 2 liners, with wind-tricky thermals, and heavy air, the most 'efficient' one will show its potential. And from my personal view, this is the most important feature to look for in a glider if you want o compete. You can see it in my 2 liner C comparison table. (Regulary updated) Happy flights. </span></span></p><p><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/ziad.bassil/viz/2LinerCgliderscomparison/Dashboard1">https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/ziad.bassil/viz/2LinerCgliderscomparison/Dashboard1</a><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="352" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0vxU3Bdtwso" width="479" youtube-src-id="0vxU3Bdtwso"></iframe></div><br /><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-88553745786398610762023-05-23T09:48:00.003+03:002023-05-23T09:48:23.936+03:00Little Cloud Urubu King size M, 75-95 <p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3DNL8WOlzpCxaY8I8TKuvWDckjY8ShypwC4IAvbt_aPuiFgXJM6R51S5NvY7ajG76yCvJFUtrd2SfqktGBZCVw15leW6ElxGHxPartOd8UnMAkVci9R2NQ3J95sqdA12d-4Ox7WR-rB5Pd4WAePPne5YEwipIrXdkPxdgNdLv_RYROhBMVs17RQJ4Kw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3DNL8WOlzpCxaY8I8TKuvWDckjY8ShypwC4IAvbt_aPuiFgXJM6R51S5NvY7ajG76yCvJFUtrd2SfqktGBZCVw15leW6ElxGHxPartOd8UnMAkVci9R2NQ3J95sqdA12d-4Ox7WR-rB5Pd4WAePPne5YEwipIrXdkPxdgNdLv_RYROhBMVs17RQJ4Kw=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Little Cloud introduction sentence: (It all started in 2008… with Tom’s vision of being able to enjoy flying as much as possible, all year long, and with maximum pleasure, LittleCloud was born).</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">If you look in the Little Cloud range, you will see four mini wings and five regular gliders including a tandem! </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The Urubu King I am test flying is targeted for the C class pilots and it is not bonded by a certification label that sometimes restricts the feel and homogeneity and especially the soul of a glider. It means that Tom Bourdeau (Owner/designer) tuned it to satisfy his personal philosophy while delivering a safe Little Cloud product for the C-class pilots. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The Urubu King is a 6.45 Aspect ratio 3 liner with unsheathed lines all over. Dominico 10 D is used on the glider's top and bottom. It is a light glider that can be packed very small. The size when packed is ‘around’ half the size of an Alpina 4 for example. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I let you see all the details of the glider here: <a href="https://www.littlecloud.fr/en/urubu-king-en/"><span class="s1">https://www.littlecloud.fr/en/urubu-king-en/</span></a> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The take-off in nil wind is super easy, as the glider inflates well. I tried to fly also in winds over 30km’h, and to my surprise, the inflation is quite easy while moving toward the glider to smoothen the rise. (Tom’s suggestion in winds over 35 km) </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Actually, it flies very well in windy conditions and moves forward without the feeling of being pinned by the wind! This feature on the Little Cloud Urubu King is quite impressive. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I was able to fly in some really strong guts of wind! while pushing forward. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I flew the size M 75-95 at 88 all up and later at 92 all up. Even at 88 all up, the glider felt quite fast and homogenous in the air. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">First turn and ….I think this is the fastest glider to get in quickly in a flat corkscrew turn! This is quite an agile and playful glider! The brake pressure is moderate to slightly hard after 20 cm. The linear feel and progressive agility are really good! The roll movements are present on the Urubu King, as a good pilot for that category will feel the air movements. Some C pilots commented that flying an Alpina or an Eden 5 is really smooth and filtered, and they wanted a glider with more character. So The Urubu is guaranteed to satisfy their needs.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The pitch movements are very moderate and balanced for an agile glider. There’s no bumping through the airmass, but a good surfing capability.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">In weak thermals, the Urubu loaded at mid-weight, will float nicely and will catch even the tiniest thermal. The agility while having flat turns is very good even in weak thermals. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I did some glides with some very good 3-liner C’s and the glide is very close. While the trim speed of the Urubu is slightly faster, I felt that the Urubu excelled when conditions are raw. It means that the efficiency of surfing a turbulent airmass is good. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">In strong thermals, the Urubu needs good pilot control for the C class but will deliver nicely homogenous turns and great climbing capabilities. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Pushing on the speed bar gives you around 12 km/h over the already fast trim speed. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Ears are stable and very efficient. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">This was a nice experience for me under the Urubu King! It has a different feel compared to other C-class gliders but in a good way! </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The speed while efficiently surfing the air, the pleasure of every turn, the movements of the airmass around you. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I will describe that glider as driving a genuine priceless muscle car…Type (Eleanor) from Gone in the 60-second movie :-) </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">If you are that hard-line, uncompromising pilot looking for a light, highly pleasurable feel, very performance glider, then you ‘MUST’ try the Urubu King! </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJsFcHnsYKQ_5y15Cd6P5TmIRNVvvAh3cPoVEbwwnY9_BffspH76SHIx-UScE-IFbr6pohNF3x3vqwQgH4BShNRbDghSXJ9sIFxvKqOMA4BDR3T0JPeZOU5ny6xeorpmVbqB_aOH11-hBlAxoHMFx2Jb44oh4hHTg3YAMbf9I2hVgKZ8UzZ2e2qgZGXQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJsFcHnsYKQ_5y15Cd6P5TmIRNVvvAh3cPoVEbwwnY9_BffspH76SHIx-UScE-IFbr6pohNF3x3vqwQgH4BShNRbDghSXJ9sIFxvKqOMA4BDR3T0JPeZOU5ny6xeorpmVbqB_aOH11-hBlAxoHMFx2Jb44oh4hHTg3YAMbf9I2hVgKZ8UzZ2e2qgZGXQ=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><br /></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-52601758736323487482023-05-21T21:28:00.003+03:002023-05-21T21:28:19.375+03:00UP Summit X S/M 75-100 <p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">UP Summit X size S/M 75-100</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_u-PQnyALzAlE-SrSlKXVL5KQt7WM8OC38nwcF2UvuLJRZqkFNan3XKgTqKftfJr61_2iUbA2qmLJck-ij2dcht8DRuE_gxahzrcVKPiBrNnIUJ5hYq148TwIRV-Ni9RTwP9Ho0hwUcaTNtcQJ1leGt1Pq8qMJA12zBhdUSFUAdJ38lWj3HwLwyp1w/s2367/DSC02789.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2247" data-original-width="2367" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_u-PQnyALzAlE-SrSlKXVL5KQt7WM8OC38nwcF2UvuLJRZqkFNan3XKgTqKftfJr61_2iUbA2qmLJck-ij2dcht8DRuE_gxahzrcVKPiBrNnIUJ5hYq148TwIRV-Ni9RTwP9Ho0hwUcaTNtcQJ1leGt1Pq8qMJA12zBhdUSFUAdJ38lWj3HwLwyp1w/w400-h330/DSC02789.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The Summit X is the new high EN-B from UP. A mix of Skytex and Dominico is used on this glider, with edelrid lines. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qk853lus1t9pLuRVPcG_GuO4wrjJ92VcqP3sZ_ftjNQij_3cokHjItAc6woViSgdVTspJPtB8RmEnvbzEOenkOabO5oN8UjEnQ5d6S6LuOJDF76jiy2O0Z9JJbK7a5b0JE1RGUZtFt4b8EV9le_VQgK_SgSCJOykCW3NjfCDs6UsYZuwCFfaV588Hw/s3840/GX010029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qk853lus1t9pLuRVPcG_GuO4wrjJ92VcqP3sZ_ftjNQij_3cokHjItAc6woViSgdVTspJPtB8RmEnvbzEOenkOabO5oN8UjEnQ5d6S6LuOJDF76jiy2O0Z9JJbK7a5b0JE1RGUZtFt4b8EV9le_VQgK_SgSCJOykCW3NjfCDs6UsYZuwCFfaV588Hw/s320/GX010029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The overall construction looks excellent. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The shape of the nose is similar to its bigger sister the Trango-X as are the openings, risers, etc. It looks exactly like the Trango-X but with a lower aspect ratio.</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Launching the Summit -X even in nil wind is easy, without any hard points. In windy take-offs, The Summit X behaves quite calmly, no surging forward, and without any issues for the high B pilot. Overall smooth to inflate.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbAT8Cq8Ntym98Y-YlcnwThNzvtXMmI-ORSUeQn4LbrISIUji6D5yv8jyqacslFNTjbpOal3xgdXSqJThW1MH_lcgn4_E00swy9nGCmMPz7JcsIFIQGo1pVA-cs13Q1IB6EpDc6wjVER6GnQMJGSIlO6KlAUB0A0h4K2xhwJ80Mz5_Vlxjd00xKgnnw/s3840/GX012740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbAT8Cq8Ntym98Y-YlcnwThNzvtXMmI-ORSUeQn4LbrISIUji6D5yv8jyqacslFNTjbpOal3xgdXSqJThW1MH_lcgn4_E00swy9nGCmMPz7JcsIFIQGo1pVA-cs13Q1IB6EpDc6wjVER6GnQMJGSIlO6KlAUB0A0h4K2xhwJ80Mz5_Vlxjd00xKgnnw/s320/GX012740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7-u6J8nsUWrW3Qaj3Q_9Ha1rZjCzqR97-9wj1YXfZzz27JPGBO6diADVG6FsdaqiGLIgorxryISba9eQ49fjdE4e6wzX7CL1MLvBtD9YkDNYLpJwjrKP3llOoUuMBIIiN5f72b-_dMYNLGTtBBppUPnCNhHHFRoq5pGhXXkbhe_eydiAQL-D6DQ3gg/s3840/GX012739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7-u6J8nsUWrW3Qaj3Q_9Ha1rZjCzqR97-9wj1YXfZzz27JPGBO6diADVG6FsdaqiGLIgorxryISba9eQ49fjdE4e6wzX7CL1MLvBtD9YkDNYLpJwjrKP3llOoUuMBIIiN5f72b-_dMYNLGTtBBppUPnCNhHHFRoq5pGhXXkbhe_eydiAQL-D6DQ3gg/s320/GX012739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I flew the Summit X with different loadings, to find that at 94..95 is optimum for that size. It flies well also at 92. No need to fly it near the max. The same goes for the Trango-X. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Both are best flown 5-6 kg less than the top weight for overall performance and feel. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">At 94 all up, I felt that the Summit X was well loaded with a very high compact and homogenous feel! Despite the Aspect ratio of 5.87, the Summit X felt comfortable to fly!</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"> In the air the overall movements are moderate and quite nice under that Summit X. It felt just slightly more comfortable than the Maestro 2 in turbulence and needed slightly more pilot control than a Swift 6 for example. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The brake pressure is moderate on the first 10-15 cm after the 10 cm gap, and I could steer the glider immediately in any thermal with a very nice linear feel, and excellent agility! </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The feedback comes from both risers and brakes in a dream blend! I think UP found the perfect handling recipe. The Summit X shares the very nice brake authority of its bigger sister the Trango-X. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">When encountering thermals, the Summit X gently pulls you inside a thermal! What a precious feel especially under a high B glider. Flying through a moving airmass is a delight as the Summit X feels like wanting to catch the surrounding lifts! The brakes give you a high authority of control with a glider that responds well to every pulled centimeter. A real delight to fly! </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I flew the Summit X next a totally brand new and loaded Swift 6 in thermals, transitions, and glide at speed, and for sure will update my B comparison for the needed details. Climbing in very weak air next to the reference Swift 6 in that matter showed us that the Summit X will stay very competitive all the time. When thermals are slightly more powerful, the Summit X climbs impressively well matching the best ones in that category. This climbing efficiency coupled with that beautiful behaving character of sliding through thermals enables the Summit X to be very competitive. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPnkyOYqdvZMwkesA1cyLCqxLdVAZF_aHVDW9qZ4eCBdn-QfpIhO506Em1TjTmgxVutjGejhA0TYnsErwVilHLJpVJaEaAQ7BejO6XQ5zZnlJIWJ4RZ5Tx9V--_DHmC4k09AVe3DFR-3RLhTOmQub2wBIz-0uD8nyE1nxnPtJmuXKixNQ7m1J68ivMQ/s3840/GX010040-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPnkyOYqdvZMwkesA1cyLCqxLdVAZF_aHVDW9qZ4eCBdn-QfpIhO506Em1TjTmgxVutjGejhA0TYnsErwVilHLJpVJaEaAQ7BejO6XQ5zZnlJIWJ4RZ5Tx9V--_DHmC4k09AVe3DFR-3RLhTOmQub2wBIz-0uD8nyE1nxnPtJmuXKixNQ7m1J68ivMQ/s320/GX010040-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Later we did lots of glides at trim and top speed. The Summit X hands up, at 94 all up, has around 2 km faster trim speed than the loaded Swift 6! The top speed is also 2 km/h over the Swift 6. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I’m convinced that the glide at trim and at full speed resembles the new 3-liner C-class gliders! It has indeed a very efficient glide at trim and at max speed. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">The C riser bar controls well the angle of the glider while on the bar with moderate pressure. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Ears are stable, efficient, and a good way to lose altitude. They reopen quickly. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Conclusion:</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">UP was cooking a secret recipe underground without no one noticing their intentions! :-) </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTLXqYQ8-ZkrGmNy-nT4iIqq5Bb171oxbPs6jySqpcRYNPZyGMQWC1wQRv_UGGYG2-d379HE0I87RLqNOKVMi87mYdg0VMetXr6obaUFfITr2ZoPTBPKtQjf7IiEjHE-dYn9AEy1-LsDqVNY_HTIFKS1suRlNdRI4t9Grbg2VUpev7haioZmxzV7Y2A/s3840/GX010043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTLXqYQ8-ZkrGmNy-nT4iIqq5Bb171oxbPs6jySqpcRYNPZyGMQWC1wQRv_UGGYG2-d379HE0I87RLqNOKVMi87mYdg0VMetXr6obaUFfITr2ZoPTBPKtQjf7IiEjHE-dYn9AEy1-LsDqVNY_HTIFKS1suRlNdRI4t9Grbg2VUpev7haioZmxzV7Y2A/s320/GX010043.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">Their new creations have been released! The Trango X and now the Summit X. Both are born with the same genes, and targeted for the intended group of pilots.</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">I think, the overall feel and educational feedback for a high B, are such a delight under Summit X. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">This overall package of performance, the pleasure of handling, climbing, and glide is impressive! </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">So, in my personal view, I think Summit X joins the elite club of super high B’s! </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;">A must to test fly if you are looking into that class, and best flown at their optimum weight range. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK-Vvdsiqn9XjkHpEt2d3QmJ8NVHdcpdLL5oB7t-arhqD6zz-niJ7wwd6lGsFcvqhDIX-LW99J64H3wlOXPXeclDecFaGAjJkHKvM25DV1Boxm2WB_U3QMzmxcsRPvKH6a0TupD7LaSzxo61M7bVzhVkqhz3306EgJy_18FyQY_3PAOmajzPPXr-szQ/s3840/GX010049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK-Vvdsiqn9XjkHpEt2d3QmJ8NVHdcpdLL5oB7t-arhqD6zz-niJ7wwd6lGsFcvqhDIX-LW99J64H3wlOXPXeclDecFaGAjJkHKvM25DV1Boxm2WB_U3QMzmxcsRPvKH6a0TupD7LaSzxo61M7bVzhVkqhz3306EgJy_18FyQY_3PAOmajzPPXr-szQ/s320/GX010049.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348590068263371056.post-37554315606160510312023-05-09T22:15:00.009+03:002023-05-10T19:56:34.708+03:00Update<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc;"> 2 liners C comparison updated.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/ziad.bassil/viz/2LinerCgliderscomparison/Dashboard1" style="background-color: black;">https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/ziad.bassil/viz/2LinerCgliderscomparison/Dashboard1</a></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It will be updated constantly over this year flying in summer conditions. </span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">..</span></span></div></div></div>Ziad Bassilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160776372320390250noreply@blogger.com0