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Saturday, June 3, 2023

BGD Lynx 2 M

BGD Lynx 2 M


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.

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.

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:  https://www.flybgd.com/en/paragliders/lynx-2--paraglider-2021-1953-0.html


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! 

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.  


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.  

Comparing it to an Alpina 4 MS, the brakes have similar overall pressure feel, but higher agility on the Lynx 2. 

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. 


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.

 

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.


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. 

Playing around doing wingovers is fun on the Lynx 2. Ears are stable, they reopen quickly. 


Conclusion:

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.