GIN Calypso 2. S. (75-95)

GIN Calypso 2 75-95 

The new Calypso 2 is GIN's new light low B glider with an aspect ratio of 5.05! Only and weighs around 3.65 KG. 

Here’s the link to the GIN website for any further details.

 https://www.gingliders.com/en/paragliders/calypso-2/

The construction is really nice. Very well made. All the lines are sheathed which makes it great for adventure flying. 

Nitinol rods are used for packing longevity and go well with light materials. 

Launching:

This Calypso launch is special. A small pressure on the A risers and the Calypso 2 rises smoothly. In a more consistent wind, it goes up gently as if a loved one is watching you, saying:

I’m here, no worries. Do you want to launch now? I’m still here...take your time.  I think this is one of the easiest to launch B glider and still with a taught structure waiting for your command to take off.

In the air:

I flew the Calypso 2 S at 91 all up. There is no need to go more; you can fly it also a bit less. The brake travel has a moderate pressure in the first 10 cm and firm on the other 10 cm, and that’s all you need to fly it!  You can also dig the brakes + 30 cm longer if needed, and the glider watches over you calmly, with total passive safety.  But you can fly the Calypso 2 with 20 cm in all conditions with excellent agility for that class. Thermals can be cored really tight if the pilot wishes. The leading edge doesn’t seem to bump into the airmass, rather than get through smoothly and slowly moving forward. For the low B category, the Calypso 2 flies really well into a moving air mass. The pitch is very stable and the roll is quite balanced and accessible for all levels.

In turbulence, the pilot feels like having a safety net as the Caypso 2 stays homogenous and has a taught structure. 

The brakes give a good authority of control to the pilot in strong conditions, and that will keep you the master in flight. 

Climbing in weak is good for the category, and the climbing performance in strong thermals. When a glider is that easy to place inside the lift, then you have to expect a really nice climb. 

Gliding performance seems also nice, as I was all the time flying at top speed which is 8-10 km/h over trim, but very…very accessible, with a glider that stays one whole homogenous piece at full speed in turbulence.  The pressure on the foot bar is moderate. 

Induced assymetrics and frontals seem like level-A gliders. No change in direction, and reopens in less than 2 sec smoothly. Big ears can be large, and efficient to get down. They reopen without pilot intervention gradually. 

The stall speed is very late as the Caypso 2 resists the stall. It can also be slowed well in tight places. 

Conclusion: This test holds nothing but good for that light-friendly user Calypso 2. I think the Calypso 2 is intended for talented beginners if your instructor says so.   It is also a glider for any B pilot wishing to fly in peace.

For XC, step on the speed bar often as the glide stays really good!  

It is a very balanced glider also for newcomers to the sport and it will take care of you giving a smile after landing. 

Sometimes we all are longing only for that smile, and that’s what keeps us flying and moving forward.