Construction: The Tala has lots of new innovations from the
construction on the leading edge to the line layout with attachment on 4 cells,
to that neat attachment point on the glider, the choice of cloth..… Lots of
innovation.
But what matters are the flying characteristics of the
glider in real air.
And here it is
the Tala M size 80-100 flown at 97 all up.
Take off: In light wind the Tala rises smoothly and stays
above the pilots.
In stronger wind I didn’t find any particular behavior.
In the air: I flew the Tala M in smooth with plenty of lift everywhere
to windy soaring and in strong turbulent thermals.
Flying the Tala ,I noticed constant small feedbacks from the
risers .
In strong turbulent conditions the Tala was still very
coherent. Pitch movement were present but not aggressive. It moves on a small
axis above the pilot. The inside construction seems successful.
It has more feedback than a Sigma 8 and less than an Omega
8.
Handling: I found that flying the Tala M above 97 all up is
a good option for handling and it doesn’t seem to affect its climb rate.
I can describe the handling as: Long, Linear, Progressive
and fairly agile especially in shaky conditions. When the thermals are
homogenous the glider will turn on a dime.
Flying next to recent top C gliders, I felt that the Tala
has an incredible climb rate inside one thermal.
The ability to enter the turbulent thermals is slightly
delayed, but I am comparing it to a top end C glider. Confirming that most 2012
‘C’ gliders will struggle against the Tala in climb and glide!
Going on a glide with a top end C glider won’t let the Tala
blush at all…On a 7 km glide the difference is barely noticeable!!
The trim speed is at 40 km/h with an excellent glide.
The accelerator has a medium pressure but can be used in
most conditions.
I felt that there a small hint to let the Tala unleash its
potential and to get the most of its performances.
The pilot must trust the feedback on the Tala and let her
fly without too much braking with just a slight amount if necessary.
Conclusion:
I described the Tala as a butterfly, because that’s what I
felt. Everything on the Tala will give you a sensation of lightness.
And this will win some pilots hearts…
The Tala is right on the middle of the C category if we
consider that the Sigma 8 was intended for easy entry into the C .
Climb and performance are on the higher shelves.
Pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/110040226962521480605/albums/5861146405525218273?banner=pwa
Pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/110040226962521480605/albums/5861146405525218273?banner=pwa
