UP Kantega XC2 S (70-90)
My favorite glider in 2012 was the Trango XC2 .I really
liked that glider ability to fly efficiently. I was waiting for Franta’s new
creation the Kantega XC2. And since I can be min at 90 all up I preferred to
get the S size for a test flight.
Launching is easy …even if there’s a little wind it can
inflate without touching the brakes…
In the air at max load on the S size, I could sense a low
trim speed that was confirmed afterward by flying next to gliders in the same
cat.
That slow trim will enable the glider to lock on thermals at
low speeds and climb vertically. In head wind thermals and climbs, it needs
more time to enter that air mass. The day before I was test flying a Peak 3 in
turbulent air, and I was active all the time under it. The next day when test
flying the Kantega XC2 , I was feeling a completely relaxed and forgetting totally
about the glider, especially that my friend reported same turbulences and
discomfort on his Delta 2 as yesterday. On board the Kantega XC2, it was like
sitting in a hammock on the beach in the Bahamas islands. All I was missing is
the music…
The brake authority is very nice under the Xc2 allowing me
to core every thermal even if it’s rough or disorganized. The turns are well
coordinated and the wing can turn really narrow.
The overall glide in different conditions showed a
competitive glide in the mid B category. I would have preferred a faster trim
speed with more biting ability into the thermals like its bigger sister the
Trango XC2.
But may be the extra comfort under the Kantega was the main
focus of the designer.
The accelerator is smooth and usable all the way with 15 km
gain over trim speed.
Big ears are stable if they aren’t pulled too much, but the
sink rate is around 3 m/s with bar.
The stall point of the S size at my loading is a little
below the hips and must be carefully reached when top landing.
Conclusion: I was a bit surprised about the 38 km/h trim
speed on the loaded S size. But the overall nice package that the Kantega Xc2
offers that will give immense flying pleasure for many pilots.
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