GRADIENT NEVADA
6 months ago I have tested the Aspen 4 .I still remember its
ease of use and comfortable ride for a C glider.
Now came the NEVADA EN-B glider ,size 26 (85-100)
Launching:
With 5 km wind the glider need a steady pull as it doesn’t
get above your head very fast.
In the air:
At first I was on the NEVADA 26 at 95 all up and my friend
Moni flew the Mentor 2 S at 96 all up.
Immediately after take off I could feel the floating ability
of the NEVADA ! The climb rate in thermals is nothing but perfect! This glider
doesn’t pitch forward nor back, it just climbs!
Coring thermals with the NEVADA needs a long pilot input to
begin its turn. I cannot say that it has a direct and precise brake travel,
like the M 2 but its fairly ok.
This glider does compensate in its floating ability and
climb rate in the thermals!
Flying in different conditions and knowing that the NEVADA
is aimed at high-end B pilots, I could say that it is similar to the Blacklight
in comfort.
Trim speed is around 39 km/h and top speed at 98 all up
could match the M2 S at 95 all up + 1 km for the M 2 , with the same glide
angle or very slightly better + 0.1 for the NEVADA !
Flying the NEVADA will give more chances of low saves and
better floating ability on long glides.
Big ears are stable and an efficient descent method.
The speed system is fairly light.
Flying the NEVADA with my friend on the M2 and switching
gliders afterward showed that even when I am used to my M2, I was always trying
hard to catch the NEVADA as it floats easily and quickly upward.
To handle the NEVADA in rough air, I think it is better to
be at top weight, and it won’t loose anything in its ‘brilliant’ climb rate.
Conclusion:
From the recent high-end ‘B’ gliders I flew, I can confirm
that:
The NEVADA has the ‘best’ climb rate until now.
It has also ‘one’ of the best glide angle.
It’s comfortable enough for the high end ‘B’ pilot
I would have liked a shorter and more direct handling, but
the whole performance/comfort /climb package the NEVADA offers is nothing but
outstanding!
If you are one of those high-end ‘B’ pilot wanting to be
near the ‘troposphere’ ;-) don’t
let this glider slip away without having a test flight.
-
........
8 comments:
Thanks for the review! I was waiting for it for so long!
Could you update EN-B comparisons again with nevada? It would be great :)
Thanks again!
Blazo
Hi Ziad
It would be interesting to include one EN-C into EN-B comparison. Similarly one EN-D into EN-C comparison. One would get better feeling for high End EN-N vs low EN-C.
Thanks,
Peter
Hi Blazo,Its done :-) Thank you .
Hi Peter,
That's difficult !! But i can tell you that the M2,the BL and the Nevada has the same glide performance as some regular C's like the S 8 ,and even better climb rate for the Nevada and the Blacklight than the Aspen 4 !
Some really strong B contenders are being produced now....That's why the new C's are having more AR and are more demanding to fly...They need to have a gap between the categories.
But really if someone is not competing ...a new generation high end B that suits his flying style will get him anywhere ,and surely it will be enough... ;-)
Happy landings,
Ziad
Do you have any pictures like from previous reviews of the construction, risers, etc?
Bonjour Ziad, Do you think there will be any difference in behavior with the Light version? They say it accounts for the same certification which I find a little surprising but then what do I know?
All the best,
Mark (de Santiago au Chili)
Hello Ziad,
will you test the Nevada 2?
I had the chance to fly it twice for short time in flat land. In very weak condition I liked the feedback, it helps not missing the thermal bubbles... Starting was also easy, correction always possible.
But I had not the chance to make a longer flight in stronger conditions. How will be the feedback then? Will it be too much? Is it a safe wing (I fly a ozone buzz z4 at the moment).
Hi,
Yes,
Getting one in 15 days hopefully :-)
Cheers, Ziad
Post a Comment