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Thursday, May 6, 2010

NIVIUK HOOK 2

THE LITTLE BUDDHA

I always wait impatiently for a new NIVIUK product.The designer OLIVIER NEF,is full of surprises. In 2006 the PEAK 1 was a revelation among gliders of its level.Still is. The NIVIUK ARTIC  2 is also one of the best EN_C gliders available for the package of security/performance/efficiency it delivers.
I was waiting to see how the HOOK 2 will be and what will be the philosophy of NIVIUK in releasing such a glider in the fierce competition of the EN-B category.

Laying the glider on the ground feels small for the 80-100 all up size.The plastic inserts on the leading edge are present like on the ARTIC 2.
All the lines are sheathed.Even the top ones.

Launching the glider is very easy  ...
First thermal ,first turn...The HOOK 2 has the tension and the precision of the ARTIC 2 !! In terms of precision it could be the most precise one of the category.

The turning inside the thermal is on a dime !! very narrow cornering without any delays...I really liked it.
If i encounter head wind during a thermal ,the HOOK 2 does not bump into it.It simply enters without loosing it.Pitch movements are absent.
In turbulent conditions,the HOOK 2 is like a little Buddha .It is serene and very stable and always above your head ,no matter what's the conditions throw at you. It could be also the most accessible in its category.
Stepping on the accelerator is smooth and the glider is fast .


A small video .  :-) 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ5ptmr8fuU

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks a lot Ziad for this review! I didn't waited for the comparison with the Golden 3, and I ordered the Hook 2. Your description was more than enough to convince me:). I don't like the light brakes of the Gradient gliders, this is the main reason that I choose the Niviuk. Keep on your good work! Best regards, Zoli

Ziad Bassil said...

Hello Zoli,
Thank you for your kind comments.I wish you great and surely smooth flights on your new glider.
Best regards,
Ziad.

Philippe / St andrΓ© said...

Hey Ziad ! happy to read from you.
Just let me know your email. Philippe From St AndrΓ©

Ziad Bassil said...

Hello Philippe,
Thank you,
My e-mail is : zen10@hotmail.com
Cheers,
Ziad.

Anonymous said...

It seems a really nice place to fly. Is it still usable in summer or the conditions are too strong then?

Ziad Bassil said...

Hi Christian ,
Sorry for the late answer..I didn't see the comment.
It is of course flyable in summer ,and surely it is very strong sometimes in august from 1 pm till 4 pm with ceiling up to 6000m easy !! But there is an airline route passing every 30 mn :-( ,so it is better not to get higher than 4000 m and to land when there is a endless lift everywhere ;-) .

Cheers,
Ziad.