GIN introduced that special line of tandems to cover more pilot accessibility on strong and windy days. Here's the link:
https://www.gingliders.com/en/paragliders/fuse-mini/
What would the Fuse Mini offer? Here is what I found…
History: Back in the days, in the mid-90s my first tandem was an Eden Space. I didn’t fly commercial tandems, but only to get my family and friends airborne. Later I flew many tandems probably around 20…from SOL, NOVA, UP, U-Turn, Gin, BGD, Eden, etc…But I didn’t write any report as I was obsessed with the solo wings. To this day, I have had a GIN Fuse 4 recently from my family and friends, but I haven’t flown commercial tandems. Therefore to give you the best idea, after I flew the GIN Fuse mini, I also gave it to my professional friends and each one owned a different school. They have an extended knowledge of tandems and fly at least 1500 tandems per year, to say the least.
My flight on the Fuse Mini 35 at 162 kg all up.
Taking off in nil wind was surprisingly very easy as I thought at first it would be difficult, but the Fuse mini 35 at 162 all-up launches effortlessly at that weight even in little wind.
In stronger winds, the Fuse mini just inflates without pushing both pilot and passenger backward! It stays above our heads waiting to run.
I found the brakes to be on the moderate/ light side for a tandem! The Fuse mini is an agile tandem and can be turned quite fast into cores. For my preference as a solo test pilot, I found that the Fuse mini is more on the solo side of handling, rather than on the tandem side. It is nice and pleasant to turn, and I don’t think it is tiring at that weight for long flights.
The glide next to a normal Fuse 4 is very acceptable, as I could keep it alongside for a good time. For sure the Bigger size has more float ability in weak stuff, but I didn’t find any issue getting the smaller lift with the Fuse Mini.
Opening the trimmers at full is like that feel( Pedal to the metal) kind of muscle car feel
The Fuse mini has around 16 km/h over the rim! Which is quite high for a tandem. At that speed, the Fuse mini has some little vibrations without consequences. Just tighten the trims one centimeter less and the vibration stops, the speed stays high and fast she goes!
Landing without any wind with my weight was very easy! It is like a dream. That glider is made for big wind! But it flies beautifully with no wind!
Feedback from Elie Mansour) Club Thermique Lebanon
(Elie is a very skillful pilot with a long tandem carrier) He flies solo and helps me with my tests when he has time. His actual tandem BGD Dual 2/ and solo glider (Diva 2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuse mini
Takeoff:
very easy, Fast inflation in light wind. In strong wind, no push back even in 25-30 km/h wind helps the pilot a lot and makes life easy. A few steps and you are airborne, no need for a long takeoff can be used in the smallest takeoffs.
In-flight:
Here comes the strong characteristic of the wing, very fast even at a 150 kg load. No need to be max loaded to feel the speed and to Penetrate the strong sea breeze a delight to fly on strong windy days.
Close the trims and you can thermal to the cloud base without any problem. It’s an all-around wing that can be flown in all conditions safely.
Handling is very direct it turns effortlessly, with light brakes no pressure or hard points, and keeps the pilot relaxed and focused on the flight.
If trims are released to the max, the Fuse mini shakes a bit but is very solid. Just pull 1-2 cm less, and it will be super stable.
Landing: normal landing nothing special just like any other wing. Can be slowed on the approach to
Land easily or with a nice flare if you have a heavy passenger.
Conclusion:
A very useful wing made for professional tandem pilots who don’t want to miss a single flying day at work in any conditions all year long, nonstop
Club Thermique (Elie Mansour)
----------------------------------------------------
He kept the Fuse mini with him, and refused to let it go
)My next friend is Milo Daou from Phoenix paragliding Lebanon.
Milo is a very talented pilot, he flies tandems all year around with a FLOW Panorama 2. He flies in competitions, and his latest gliders (Boom 12/ Klimber-P/ Kode 12)
He helps me sometimes with my tests when available.
------------------------------------------------------
Test at 165 kg all up.
The day I tested the Fuse Mini was windy.
taking off in 27 km/h wind is a piece of cake. I didn’t get pushed back. The Fuse Mini rises gently above my head. Soaring was not only good but also very pleasant. I was able to play with high wingovers and I could stay next to the lift area. I found the handling to be nice and responsive,
When I opened the trimmers the wind that was present was deleted. You forget about the wind!
I liked that glider very much because of its versatility and high usability. I didn’t find any negative comments to share.
Milo Daou
Phoenix paragliding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Habis (from U-Fly) Lebanon He flies the Takoo 6 from Niviuk
Chris is a full-time tandem pilot in Harissa Bay. Chris likes to give his passengers good airtime.
He flew the Fuse Mini 35 at a high load of 190 all up! And in little wind.
I flew the Gin fuse 4 35 at 190 kg. Takeoff with closed trims in a very light wind was very easy, and once above head height, lift was quite fast. In the air, the tandem is very responsive, and the brake pressure is light for a tandem. Wingovers build up very fast! Landing in light wind and closed trim was also good. With open trims, the glider is very fast, which explains its good behavior in high winds.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The new look for the pilot and passenger harnesses has a very neat construction with a grey color. Very easy to sit after take-off and very comfortable in the air. An inflatable protection for the passenger and a foam protection for the pilot.
Conclusion:
I think GIN has succeeded in getting something quite special! A sort of game changer for the tandem category. A tandem that you can use upon your flying weight for different purposes.
For me, the Fuse Mini is a total success for those windy days! It is a complementary tandem wing for pilots who want to fly all year round without missing a windy day.
I also believe that the Fuse mini could be a main tandem for pilots and passengers around 140 to 150 even on weak days! With a red button for extra speed.
Sea level soaring gets easier with 25-30 km/h wind without getting blown back.
Of course, in stronger winds and at any level, all pilots must be well-trained to evaluate the air and land safely.
The fuse mini? A new era of possibilities
Fly safe!
Ziad
