GIN Bandit 2

 

GIN Bandit 2 

In the year 2000, GIN introduced the first Bandit. It was a DHV 2 at the time. I still remember the glider's agility compared to others in the same class. 

In 2026, after 26 years, GIN released the Bandit 2 with a completely different concept.

The Bandit 2 is a mid-B-class glider with light construction, designed for a larger group of pilots. 

 The construction and details are very neat. Thin lines are everywhere and resemble those in the higher B category in both volume and width. 

Nitinol rods are inserted in the leading edge of the glider. 

The look on that glider is different, sporty, and very clean for a mid B. 

Launching the Bandit 2 S 75-95 can be done without even touching the A risers! Just moving your body in a 5 km/h breeze can lift the Bandit 2 over your head. Of course, that’s not recommended… but just to tell you, inflation cannot be easier.

I flew the Bandit S from 88 to 94, and I felt that it could be easily flown from mid to up, 92 was nice on that size in overall conditions. 

The brakes have a moderate length, with a light touch from the first 10 cm and a moderate touch after 25 cm of travel. But with only 15cm, I could turn the Bandit 2 swiftly and precisely into a thermal core. I’m having fun these days, because in the past, many gliders had difficulty turning.  With the Bandit 2, I found it a real pleasure to handle. It resembles the Hiko from NK, in that matter, with a slightly firmer brake to keep the pilot even more in control. 

I could describe the Bandit 2 as an agile mid B and very pleasurable to fly in thermals. The stall point is below the seating position, and it resists the stall, giving the pilot that delayed second to release.  

In weak thermals, I found that the Badit 2 sniffs up any thermal and is quite efficient at catching those small lifts!  Overall efficiency in thermals is very good.

With that accurate brake control, I could tighten and widen the circles rapidly without losing the Corte, whether in weak or strong (better be loaded) conditions, and the Badit 2 climbs flawlessly.

In turbulence, the Bandit 2 reacts and moves like any other mid B. There are no excessive movements for the newcomers to that class, but a smooth, joyful glide to fly.

The pitch is very dampened, and the roll is well-balanced for that class. 

The glide ratio also felt very good in that category. Probably among the top ones in the Mid B class. If any pilot wishes to fly that class, the Bandit 2 will give you the max available today in climb and glide. 

There are also many other very good mid B-class gliders in 2025-26, but you won’t miss a thing flying the Bandit 2. 

If you ask me what the difference is between the Hiko P, Theta, and Bandit 2, I can attest that they all need the same pilot control for the same pilot demand. The Theta and the Hiko P are excellent gliders, giving you a mid-B feel underneath, and they also have a large passive safety like the Bandit 2. 

The Bandit 2 has a slightly more feel under it, which perhaps a high-B pilot would appreciate. It feels (giving) like high-performance gliders in the way it flies, but it still has the same ease and a super-smooth feel underneath. 

That’s the best way I can describe it on paper.

Big ears are easy to induce, and they open smoothly without pilot intervention.

 The full speed is around 12 km/h over trim.

Conclusion:

As I’m noticing, manufacturers are turning to lighter materials and focusing more on the safety/pleasure feel/, and performance of a paraglider. 

The Bandit 2 meets any data sheet requirements. With a feel of getting through the airmass quite remarkably well for that class, the Bandit 2 will attract many pilots. If you are that pilot aiming for the mid-B class, or perhaps you just want to fly with enough performance, excellent handling, and no fuss in strong air, you should consider a test flight! I think pilots have also flown high-Bs, but want an even calmer glider with very good overall performance and a fun feel. The Bandit 2 could make you happy.  Afterall I think that’s what the majority is reaching for.