AIRCROSS U-Cross

Air Cross “U-Cross”

Unpacking the black and green glider on the take off is a scene to watch.

Magnificent work is done on the canopy with strings,ribs,cells,openings …a complicated work looking like an inside of a Swiss watch !

A true workmanship…

I thought I was going to the moon inside the NASA space shuttle ;-)

Regular lines are installed on the lower part and unsheathed on top.

Taking off with no wind would imply a steady pull with no releasing until it’s overhead, like its older brother the U-sport.

First thermal, and a medium brake pressure much like the NOVA Factor 2, which I thought i would never find a more agile glider, because it wouldn’t be usable! But I did.

The U-Cross has even more agility than the Factor 2 !!

Flying the U-Cross “efficiently” in thermals would require a refined skill in touching the brakes, as it is important to keep the powerful glider overhead for better coring!

The designer made such a superb work inside the canopy leading to a very pressurized and powerful

glider. And this will undoubtedly ensure that you won’t get a blow out easily if the glider stays over your head.

I could describe the U-Cross inside the EN-C Cat, where the OZONE Delta feels like a happy long haired cool dude with his pants lower than usual, with bent knees, hang loose mode in a “Rasta man”  way ;-)  !

The U-Cross feels more like an energetic 20 year old with big muscles, just popping out the gym, nose up, with a Red Bull drink in his hand, looking right and left in a fraction of a second and walking with his feet nearly touching the ground, just like a spring no matter if there’s no one to watch ;-) !

Going on a series of 360’s on the U-Cross has to be done surely before eating ;-)

And after some steep turns, it is ok to open your mouth in a rectangular shape and shout to your “Mamma”  :-)

The Guys who love that feeling will surely exchange their bed pillow with the U-Cross ;-)

Loaded at 95 on the S size, the climb rate in weak conditions is average.

The performance is inside the EN-C Cat much like the UP XC2 or the GIN tribe M ,or the DELTA M, with a faster trim speed.

Meeting the EN-C certification puts the U-Cross in a short speed travel that will enable it when fully deployed to increase at ±10 km/h, with a fairly good glide.

Big ears are stable, and reopen quickly.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110040226962521480605/AircrossUCross



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Air Cross U-Cruise M

 Air cross ( U-Cruise M )

My last glider from Air cross was the U cross EN-C glider.
The U-Cruise is their new 5.6 aspect ratio intermediate B glider.
I flew the M size (75-100) from 94 to 98 all up.
I felt that 95-97 could be an efficient option in all conditions.

The U-cruise features a shark nose, thin unsheathed lines on top and regular covered ppsl lines on the bottom like the ones on the modern gliders like the M4, Rook 2…with a 3.5 line configuration.

The risers are thin and sporty, the speed lengths on the risers on the M size I’m testing is more than 15 cm long !
The overall construction is really nice, with plenty of details like the leading edge with the little half moon openings to the stabilo's of the U-cruise which  holds a complete rod to make it stiff in the air.

Launching the U-Cruise is smooth in weak or even in strong air for a B pilot.

First thermal and first tun showed an average pressure on the brakes which is slightly more than a Sprint 3 but with a more agile turn that could resemble the M4 one. Strong input on the brakes does get you in big wing overs and you will experience high energy coming from the glider.

The U-Cruise has the same excellent comfort in the air as the Nyos from Swing. It gives a more solid feel than the Iota or even the Mentor 4 ! I felt that the glider is extremely pressurized ! As it felt like an indestructible rock solid structure above my head ! Some pilot wouldn’t like but some will…I just saw today the certification report of the M with plenty of A’s, that confirmed my flying feel.
In entering thermals the U-Cruise has a slight tendency to bounce slightly back. But as I said the Roll and the pitch movements are dampened for an intermediate B glider.

Flying the U-Cruise in strong air does in fact give the (high-end B)  pilot a high degree of comfort ! This pressurized, tough structure does in fact dilute the feeling in weak conditions, and the pilot underneath must open his complete senses to feel those tiny bits of thermals as they are completely erased by the U-Cruise, that led me to feel that it’s not really a floater rather than a cruiser…

Flying next to a reference high-end B gliders, showed me that the gliding power are good on-board the U-Cruise which could place it exactly between the Base from BGD and the Sprint 3 from GIN.
The U-Cruise is “slightly” faster at trim speed over a Mentor 4 or a sprint 3 similarly loaded !
The top speed of the U-Cruise I have for testing is really fast…I think I could see for many times 16 km/h over its fast trim of 40 km/h taken at 1000 ASL. I think this is a fast one !
Big ears are a very good way to get down ! they are very efficient and reopen quickly by themselves.
Wing overs are super high, and they need a special attention for pilots who are not use to throw them around.

Conclusion: Again this is my personal opinion after test flying the recent B glider available and I am sure that each pilot will find his own preference after his test flight.
-The U-Cruise has an interesting fast structure for the pilots who likes a feel of a (Turbo Rhino) design :-) structure over a nimble agile small Gazelle like the Rush 4 for example. The comfort over the Rush is enhanced and also the glide and speed ! But the sensitivity and efficiency in small and very weak conditions goes toward the Rush.
In Alpine conditions I can imagine many pilots on the U-Cruise getting some serious XC distances with the extra comfort this glider delivers. The overall usability and especially the top speed are really good for the B category.

U-Turn CrossRock EN-B size S

U-Turn Cross rock S (70-90)

The last U-Turn paraglider i test flew was the Black light2. Here’s the light version of the BL2 but it seems it’s a completely different story …

The Cross rock has a shark nose, unsheathed lines on the upper cascades, and normal lines on the lower part.

Launching the Crosssrock is a non event, very easy in nil wind, and doesn’t overshoot in strong breeze.

I flew the Cross rock S with two harnesses. An X-rated 6 with light cloth and equipment at 87 and on the Ozium 2 at 84 all up.

In turbulent air, and flying those different harnesses didn’t affect the glider stability or even handling whatsoever. The Crossrock turns well, stays calm, and climbs remarkably well.  

I mean the cross rock resembles the cool character of ‘Fillmore’ in Cars Movie !

Saying:  Hey dude …hang loose…man…  :-)

The Crossrock has a soft, cool, very relaxing character in turbulence. The brake response are direct, but the Crossrock doesn’t dive at all in turns. It has an efficient turning radius in thermals. The agility is good for the category. I can say it’s fairly agile and respond well on command. 

So overall it has a moderate to good handling, and quite an impressive comfort ! especially for an S size (70-90). 

Flying the Mentor 5 (70-90) and the Cross rock S in the same conditions and on the same harness and loads, showed me that i need almost half the workload to fly the Crossrock. 

The brake pressure are on the moderate side, not too light, not too firm. (The B comparison will be updated for all characteristics)

The crossrock doesn’t have a pitch forward neither back, it feels more toward a neutral pitch. The climb rate in weak is very good even among the high B category. I can say it’s definitely a floater.  In strong thermals and head wind, i think, this is the one of the best U-Turn glider that has an efficient nose to dig in surf the airmass quite gently and move forward with an impressive glide angle that is very close to my reference in the high B category. 

In strong air it doesn’t loose it’s ‘very soft’ biting power.  

On one crossing into difficult conditions and head wind, i was a bit low, and since that day my GPS was taking a day off …my shadow on the ground was barely moving forward and i thought ill never reach the narrow landing field, and i began to look for a place to land..but kept my feet on the bar to try to move forward…Honestly i know that path by heart, and it was very difficult to cross that day with that low altitude, but i was really surprised by the Crossrock efficiency to dig slowly and softly through, little by little. I thought it will never go through, but it did…and got myself a thermal just 20 m above the landing, and high again !  

Afterward, i flew next to a Mentor 5 and  i can confirm that the Crossrock has a good float ability in glides. 

The first part and the second part of the speed bar are very usable and super efficient ! It doesn’t loose on full bar ! the speed over trim at 87 is 10 km/h taken at 500 ASL. 

At top speed, flying also next to a Mentor 5 XS at same loadings showed me also a very competitive glide angle that places the Crossrock among the best ones in that matter. 

I also tried a glide on the Crossrock S size (70-90) with a Chili 4 S (85-105) in difficult conditions. The glide result with the Crossrock did also impressed me. In fact, the Crossrock had a very efficient glide that was very competitive and very close with the top high B. 

The Trim speed of the cross rock at 84 was slightly less than the trim speed of the Chili 4 S at 102 all up. 

Conclusion: U-Turn has created a really nice machine. Light, comfortable, high performance in both glide and climb, with good overall handling…The Crossrock accessibility and ease of flight is remarkable and i could place it in terms of piloting level among the mid B’s. This glider is a very good option for pilots looking for a light, XC companion for flying in strong conditions, in the B category.

This is only my opinion. Make your own !

UPDATE with the U-Cruise.

UPDATE with the U-Cross .

Info’s: In this race for performance, the recent 2015/2016 gliders are having very thin line set up. Whether on a B, C, or D glider, I have found that those gliders from different manufacturer does in fact change slightly (Still with a large safety margin, within the permitted stretch tolerance with no required adjustment) …They just settle to a certain configuration...Some after 20 hours, and some after 100 hours…But they do change slightly…That’s why flying them again and again will in fact change their characteristic slightly, and this will show on marginal conditions, especially in weak conditions, or in strong head wind conditions.
(THIS COMPARISON HAS BEEN UPDATED ALSO FOR SOME OLDER GLIDERS AFTER MORE AND MORE FLIGHTS UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS)
The best I can do....

Most easy to fly in difficult conditions (most comfortable) :

1-AD Rise 2 M = Atlas X-Alps S = Ion 4 S @ 96 = Buzz Z5 SM @95 = Hook 3 25 = UP Kibo SM @ 92 = U-Cruise @ 96
2-Sprint EVO= Eden 5 = Advance E7 26 = Kantega XC2= Ion 3 S = Atlas S= Infinity4 S = Swift 4 SM = AD Rise 2 S Superlight = Skyman Cross country S
3-Rush 3 = Mentor 3 S = Summit XC 3 S = Iota 26 = Triple Seven Rook 2 SM = Carrera Plus S = Base M = Swing Nyos M @ 98 = Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Mentor 4 S @ 96 = Ikuma 25 = GIN Sprint 3 M @ 101 .
4-Tequila 4 = Rush 4 = Windtech Bali = Skywalk Aruba 3 S = Sky Apollo M
5-SM-Blacklight = Nevada = Sky Atis 4 = Comet 2 S= Swing Mistral 7 S =Mentor 4 Light XS
6-Mentor 2 = Lightning S
7-Chili 3
8-Carrera S, M

Climb rate in very weak conditions (float-ability)

1-Carrera Plus S @ 91 = Chili 3 S @ 98 = Infinity 4 S@ 90 = UP Kantega XC2 S @ 90 = U-Turn Blacklight SM @ 98 = Atlas X-Alps S @ 92 & M @ 102 = Swift SM @ 90 = Skyman Cross country S @ 88 = Mentor 4 XS Light

2-Nevada = Rush 4 SM @ 90 = Mentor 2 S (Still Efficient) = Tequila 4 SM = Ion 4 S @ 95 = Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Buzz Z5 SM @88 = Eden 5 = Carrera S, M =Triple Seven Rook 2 SM = Lightning S @90 = Arriba 3 S @ 92 = Mentor 4 S @ 94
3-Mentor 3 S @ 95 = AD Rise 2 M = Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101
= Atlas S @ 90 = Hook 3 = Base M @ 90 = Rise 2 S Superlight @ 90 = Iota 26 @ 95 = Windtech Bali @ 95 = Sky Apollo M @ 92

4-Summit XC 3 S @ 93 = Comet 2 S @ 88 = Ion 3 S @ 95 = Ikuma 25 = UP Kibo SM @ 92 =U-Cruise @ 96

5- Sky Atis 4 = Advance E 7 26 = Swing M7 S @ 92 = Swing Nyos M @ 98

Climb rate in OVERALL conditions for XC flying (difficult ,weak, or strong) .
“Relatively moving conditions”

1-Carrera Plus S @ 94 = Chili 3 S @ 98 = Carrera S, M = Swift SM @ 92 = Mentor 4 S @ 97
 
2-Nevada = Triple Seven Rook 2 SM @ 93 = U-Turn Blacklight SM= Rush 4 SM = Mentor 2 S (Still Efficient) = Mentor 3 S ( it is very dampened) = Tequila 4 SM = AD Rise 2 M = Atlas S = Base M = Rise 2 S Superlight = Atlas X-Alps S & M = Ion 4 S @ 95 = Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Buzz Z5 SM @ 92 = Skyman Cross Country S = Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101 = Sky Apollo M = Arriba 3 S @ 92 = Mentor 4 XS Light

3-Iota 26 = Windtech Bali = NK Ikuma 25 = Swing Nyos M @ 98 = Up Kibo SM = U-Cruise @ 96

4-Summit XC 3 S @ 93 = Comet 2 S = Ion 3 S
5-Hook 3 = Eden 5 = Sky Atis 4= Advance E 7 26 = UP Kantega XC2 S = Infinity 4 S = Swing M7 S = Lightning S @90 (These gliders have a superb climb in calm conditions away from the valley breeze. Differences are very small .Its up to the pilot !)

Glide in “OVERALL” conditions (upwind, downwind, racing in difficult conditions) Or “efficiency” ! Done in active air.

1-Carrera S, M = Mentor 4 S = Iota 26 = Carrera Plus = Rook 2 SM = Mentor 4 XS Light 

2- Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Nyos M @ 98 = Sprint 3 M @ 101

3-Mentor 3 S = Chili 3 S = Ion 4 S @ 95 = U-Cruise @ 96
 
4-Rush 4 = AD Rise 2 = Swift 4 SM = Ikuma 25 = Skyman Cross country S = UP Kibo SM @ 92
= Sky Apollo M @ 93
 
5-Nevada 26 (must be loaded at 100 ) = Windtech Bali = Hook 3 = Tequila 4 SM = Mentor 2 S = Arriba 3 S = Buzz Z5 SM @ 92

6-Blacklight SM (loaded) = Ion 3 S = Sky Atis 4 M = Swing Mistral 7 S = Atlas X-Alps =AD Rise 2 S Superlight = UP Summit XC3 S size (M&L could be different) = Atlas X-Alps S =UP Summit XC3 S.

7-BGD Base M = UP kantega XC2 S = Rush 3 M = AD Rise 1 = Infinity 4 S = Eden 5 = Comet 2 S = Atlas S = Advance E7 26 ( The differences are small with ± half a point in L/D max, in “relatively moderate conditions” . (Racing in stronger conditions will show bigger differences)

Fun feel : “pleasure to fly, “agile” and higher overall fun feeling” IMHO

1-Tequila 4 S @ + 91 kg = Arriba 3 @ 90 all up

2- Buzz Z5 SM @ 90 = Base M @ + 91 kg / Infinity 4 S @ + 89 Kg = Swift 4 @ + 91 Kg / Atlas S / Sky Atis 4 M @ + 95 Kg / Swing Mistral 7 @ +92 Kg / Mentor 2 S @ +95 Kg / Comet 2 S @ + 93 Kg / =UP Kibo SM @ 93 = Sky Apollo M @ 92 = Mentor 4 XS Light

3- Rush 4 @ + 91 Kg / Carrera S @ + 92 kg / Blacklight S @ +91 Kg / Blacklight SM @ + 100 Kg / UP Kantega XC2 @ + 95 Kg / Mentor 3 & 4 S @ +95 Kg / Advance Iota @ + 96 Kg / Wintech Bali M @ + 97 Kg / Chili 3 @ + 100 Kg / AD Rise 2 S superlight @ + 89 Kg =Triple Seven Rook 2 SM @ 97 = Nyos 26 @ 99 = Ikuma 25 = Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Skyman Cross country S @ 88 = Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101 = Nova Ion 4 S at 96 all up.

4- Rise 2 M @ + 103 Kg / Nevada 26 @ + 100 Kg / Ion 3 S @ + 97 Kg / Hook 3 M @ + 97 Kg /UP Summit XC3 @ + 93 kg / AD Rise 1 @ + 95 Kg = Atlas X-Alps S & M = U-Cruise .

Most demanding glider in "strong conditions" (1-10) '10' being most demanding for a high end B ‘: ( Please bear in mind the 'size' and the 'wing loading' ! )
* Some C’s and D’s were included to inform pilots about their demanding behavior (Forum request) .

Advance E7 26 (@93 all up) * 3.9
GIN Atlas X-Alps ( S @ 94 all up) *3.9
AD Rise 2 M (@98all up) *4

UP Kibo SM @ 92 *4
Skyman cross country S @  88  *4
Eden 5 (@ 95 all up) *4
Hook 3 (@97 all up) *4
Buzz Z5 SM @ 92 *4
Nova Ion 4 S @ 95  *4
BGD Base M (@90all up) *4.5
Rush 3 M (@102 all up) *4.5
Sprint Evo ( @ 98 all up ) *4.5
Nova Ion 3 S (@ 95 all up) *5.0
U-Turn Infinity 4 S (@ 90all up) *5.0
Gin Atlas S (@ 92 all up ) * 5.0
UP Kantega Xc2 S (@ 90 all up)*5.0
Air Cross U-Cruise 26 @ 96  *5.3 
AD Rise 1 (@ 102 all up) *5.5
Windtech Bali (@95 all up) *5.5
Swift 4 SM (@ 92 all up) *5.5
Triple Seven Rook 2 SM ( at 97) *5.5
Eden 6 26 @ 96 *5.5
Nyos M @ 98 *5.5
Iota 26 ( @ 95 all up) *5.5

Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101 *5.5
Blacklight SM (@100 all up)*5.5
Sky Atis 4 M (@93 all up) *5.5
Nevada 26 (@ 100 all up ) *5.5
Mentor 3 S ( @97 all up) *5.5
Tequila 4 SM (@92 all up) *5.5
Ikuma 25 @ 94  * 5.6
Mentor 4 S ( @ 95 all up) *5.6
Arriba 3 S at 92 all up *5.6

 Sky Apollo M @ 92 *5.7
Nova Mentor 4 XS light *5.7
Axis Comet 2 S (@90 all up 5.8
UP Summit XC3 @ 93 all up. 6.0
GIN Carrera plus S @ 94 all up *6.0
Swing M7 S (@90all up) *6.0
Rush 4 SM (@93 all up) *6.0
Blacklight S ( @ 90 all up) *6.5
Lightning S @ (90 all up) 6.5
Mentor 2 S (@ 95 all up) *6.5
Chili 3 S (@ 98all up) *7.0
Carrera S, M 8.0

C & D gliders:
This grade is to say how busy a glider is, in strong conditions, or the one that’s more difficult to manage, comparing to the B category.

Since this is a very delicate comparison , i must point out that the glider that has quicker authority on the brakes like the Triton 2 will enable a good pilot to keep it swiftly overhead. Some doesn’t have that quick response and in strong conditions they won’t keep the pilot as busy, but he will be the ‘passenger’ for a short lapse of time …
The grade doesn’t indicate the one that recovers easier or harder !!Only that keep you busier ! Most will have easier recovery than the higher graded !

Mac Elan M (@98all up) *7
Swing Nexus (@94 all up) *7.0
Up Summit XC 3 S (@94 all up) *7.5
Mac Elan light 24 (@90 al up) *7.5
Advance Sigma 9 25 (@91 all up) *7.5
Niviuk Artik 4 25 (@91 all up) *8.5
Ozone Alpina 2 SM (@92 all up) * 8.5
Delta 2 SM size (@ 92 all up) *9
777 Queen M (@ 101 all up) *9
BGD Cure (@ 93 all up) *9.3
Aspen 5 26 (@98all up) *10
Skyman CrossAlps S (@90 all up) *10.5
Sol Lotus one (@ 98 all up) *11
Ozone Mantra 6 SM (@94 all up) *12
Gin Gto 2 S size (@94 all up) *12,5
Triton 2 in S size (@ 96 all up) *12.5 (M size could be different) !
Niviuk IP6 26 (@98 all up) *13.5
Ozone R-10 S (@ 98 all up) *15.0

The Eden 5 has less top speed of 3-4 km than the others.
The Hook 3 is very comfortable to fly with a very interesting glide angle. The climb in smooth conditions is fair.
The Mentor 3 is much easier than the Mentor 2, and its efficiency is in those turbulent glides where it will have less pitch movements and little better glide.
The Mentor 4 has better glide than the Mentor 3 but with lesser climb “only” in weak conditions.
The Mentor 4 XS light felt differently trimmed than the S size. The fun feel is high and the performance is excellent !
The Ikuma is a comfortable glider with nice handling. The overall performance is is in the mid of the High B category.
The U-Cruise is a comfortable glider in thermals, but wait until you try wing overs...Too high for  B :-) 
The Iota has a very good glide similar to the Mentor 4, It has a nice climb similar to the Mentor “3”.
The Chili 3 S “still” has the best climb rate and a very nice handling in homogeneous conditions. But with a very long brake travel.
The Advance E7 26 is the most confidence inspiring rock solid glider of the cat. It reminded me of the low B cat in comfort.
The BGD Base is a confidence inspiring, solid glider. The climb and handling are very good.
The Atis 4 has a bit roll movement and need some active piloting in the high end B’s.
It has a fast trim speed, much like the M3 and Chili 3. Long brake travel are needed to let the glider respond in turbulent conditions.
The UP Kantega XC2 S is a very nice wing to fly .It has nice handling and also superb climb overall being also very accessible.
The Swing M7 S is a delight to fly. It dives a bit into turns. It is fast enough for a B, and has enough performance. Not really a floater but a nice glider overall.
The Rush 4 has a very good glide . It is an overall good, very solid B glider, but its trim speed is around 38 km/h and especially the top speed which is low for the cat around 51 km/h .
The fastest are Mentor 3, XC3, Mistral 7…But it is around 55 km/h max.
The AD rise 2 M has the BEST ratio Performance/Comfort in flight !
The Tequila 4 SM is like a precious gem ! combining agility/performance/accessibility!
The Infinity 4 has a very light and nice turning behavior! It has a low trim speed , and the climb rate even loaded is outstanding!
The Comet 2 S give a nice feeling under it. It has a very nice handling .
The Windtech Bali has a respected glide angle. It needs slightly active piloting in big air.
The Atlas S has everything to make its pilot very happy,with a good feeling of passive safety. The X-Alps version of the Atlas has more performance overall, especially in climb.
The Arriba is slightly more dynamic than the Tequila 4 and a pleasurable glider to fly.
The Rook 2 is a well-balanced high performance B glider, with nice handling and efficiency.
The Nyos is very comfortable, made for strong conditions.The gliding performance is very good !
The Eden 6 26 is a very balanced all round B glider toward performance flying, and respecting a pleasant pleasurable feel !
The Buzz Z5 has an upgrade over the Z4 in performance while retaining the comfort. The brake pressure and feel in thermals is really nice!
The Cross country is a light glider with pleasurable handling, and comfortable behavior.

The UP Kibo is an accessible B glider with a comfortable ride.

The Sky Apollo is a pleasure to fly.

The Gin Sprint 3 M performance /comfort ratio is very good.

Conclusion: The Carrera has now two very serious competitors, the M4 and the Iota in pure gliding power. The Carrera still climbs better “in real conditions” than any B in this table.
The Carrera plus climb is even better than the original version only in weak and moderate conditions. The more the headwind, the original version cut forward more efficiently.
The AD Rise 2 is very comfortable to fly with a superb glide for the high B category.
The Rush 4 like the Swift 4 has nearly the glide of the Mentor 3 but with lesser speed. It's an overall efficient glider in difficult conditions where it could cut through turbulence and have a very solid and compact feel coupled with a direct handling.
The Mentor 4 has now the best glide in difficult conditions among the similar aspect ratio B’s very close to the Iota and the Rook 2. The climb in very weak conditions still favors the Mentor 3 S similarly loaded.
The Atlas X-Alps is an easy “all rounder” with very good performance especially in weak climbs and low saves.
I’m certain that a good pilot can break an XC record with ANY of those superb B gliders from above!
Please pick the one that will make you feel happy under it ….The rest is up to you!

Cheers,
Ziad

EN-B comparison UPDATE (Ozone Rush 5 and U-Turn Cross rock)

Info’s: In this race for performance, the recent 2015/2016 gliders are having very thin line set up. Whether on a B, C, or D glider, I have found that those gliders from different manufacturer does in fact change slightly (Still with a large safety margin, within the permitted stretch tolerance with no required adjustment) …They just settle to a certain configuration...Some after 20 hours, and some after 100 hours…But they do change slightly…That’s why flying them again and again will in fact change their characteristic slightly, and this will show on marginal conditions, especially in weak conditions, or in strong head wind conditions.

(THIS COMPARISON HAS BEEN UPDATED ALSO FOR SOME OLDER GLIDERS AFTER MORE AND MORE FLIGHTS UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS)

The best I can do....

Most easy to fly in difficult conditions (most comfortable) :

1-Swing Nyos -RS= Supair Leaf M @ 90 (very comfortable) = Icaro Gravis M @100= AD Rise 2 M = Atlas X-Alps S = Ion 4 S @ 96 = Buzz Z5 SM @95 = Hook 3 25 = UP Kibo SM @ 92 = Epsilon 8 25 @ 95 = Nova Phantom S @ 95 = U-Turn Cross rock S @ 88  

2-Sprint EVO= Eden 5 = Advance E7 26 = Kantega XC2= Ion 3 S = Atlas S= Infinity4 S = Swift 4 SM = AD Rise 2 S Superlight = Skyman Cross country S =U-Cruise M @ 97 = 777 Knight MS @ 93 = Ozone Rush 5  MS at 92.

3- Mentor 5 = Rush 3 = Mentor 3 S = Summit XC 3 S = Iota 26 = Iota 2 25 = Rise 3 S = Triple Seven Rook 2 SM = Carrera Plus S = Base M = Swing Nyos M @ 98 = Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Mentor 4 S @ 96 = Ikuma 25 = GIN Sprint 3 M @ 101 = Nevada 2 S @ 88 = Chili 4 XS @ 92 = Explorer S @ 95  

4-Tequila 4 = Rush 4 = Windtech Bali = Skywalk Aruba 3 S = Sky Apollo M = Mentor 4 XS light = Chili 4 XS @ 92

5-Blacklight SM = Nevada = Sky Atis 4 = Comet 2 S= Swing Mistral 7 S 

6-Mentor 2 = Lightning S 

7-Chili 3 = UP Summit XC 4 

8-Carrera S, M

Climb rate in very weak conditions (float-ability)

1-Carrera Plus S @ 91 = Chili 3 S @ 98 = Infinity 4 S@ 90 = UP Kantega XC2 S @ 90 = U-Turn Blacklight SM @ 98 = Atlas X-Alps S @ 92 & M @ 102 = Swift SM @ 90 = Skyman Cross country S @ 88 = Chili 4 XS @ 92 = Explorer S @ 95 = Mentor 5 S @ 95 = Iota 2 -25 @ 96 = Ozone Rush 5 MS at 92 

2-Nevada = Rush 4 SM @ 90 = Mentor 2 S (Still Efficient) = Tequila 4 SM = Ion 4 S @ 95 = Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Buzz Z5 SM @88 = Eden 5 = Carrera S, M =Triple Seven Rook 2 SM = Lightning S @90 = Arriba 3 S @ 92 = Mentor 4 S @ 94 = Mentor 4 XS light = Supair Leaf M @ 90 = Icaro Gravis M @100 = UP Summit XC 4 @ 96= 777 Knight MS @ 93= AD Rise 3 S @ 90 = U-Turn Cross rock S at 88.

3-Mentor 3 S @ 95 = AD Rise 2 M = Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101 = U-Cruise @ 97= Swing Nyos -RS

= Atlas S @ 90 = Hook 3 = Base M @ 90 = Rise 2 S Superlight @ 90 = Iota 26 @ 95 = Windtech Bali @ 95 = Sky Apollo M @ 92 = Nevada 2 S @ 88 = Epsilon 8 25 = Nova Phantom S @ 95

4-Summit XC 3 S @ 93 = Comet 2 S @ 88 = Ion 3 S @ 95 = Ikuma 25 = UP Kibo SM @ 92

5- Sky Atis 4 = Advance E 7 26 = Swing M7 S @ 92 = Swing Nyos M @ 98

Climb rate in OVERALL conditions for XC flying (difficult ,weak, or strong) .

“Relatively moving conditions”

1-Carrera Plus S @ 94 = Chili 3 S @ 98 = Carrera S, M = Swift SM @ 92 = Mentor 4 S @ 97 = Mentor 4 XS light = Supair Leaf M = Chili 4 XS @ 92 = Explorer S @ 95 = Mentor 5 S @ 96 =Iota 2 -25 @ 96 = AD Rise 3 S @ 90 = Ozone Rush 5 MS @ 92 

2- Swing Nyos -RS= Nevada 1= Triple Seven Rook 2 SM @ 93 = U-Turn Blacklight SM= Rush 4 SM = Mentor 2 S (Still Efficient) = Mentor 3 S ( it is very dampened) = Tequila 4 SM = AD Rise 2 M = Atlas S = Base M = Rise 2 S Superlight = Atlas X-Alps S & M = Ion 4 S @ 95 = Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Buzz Z5 SM @ 92 = Skyman Cross Country S = Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101 = Sky Apollo M = Arriba 3 S @ 92 =U-Cruise M @ 97=UP Summit XC 4 @ 96 = U-Turn Cross rock S at 88.

3-Iota 26 = Windtech Bali = NK Ikuma 25 = Swing Nyos M @ 98 = Up Kibo SM = Icaro Gravis M @100 = 777 Knight MS @ 93

4-Summit XC 3 S @ 93 = Comet 2 S = Ion 3 S =Epsilon 8 25 @ 95 = Nevada 2 S @ 88 =  

5-Hook 3 = Eden 5 = Sky Atis 4= Advance E 7 26 = UP Kantega XC2 S = Infinity 4 S = Swing M7 S = Lightning S @90 (These gliders have a superb climb in calm conditions away from the valley breeze. Differences are very small .Its up to the pilot !)

Glide in “OVERALL” conditions (upwind, downwind, racing in difficult conditions) Or “efficiency” ! Done in active air.

1- Explorer S @ 95 = Mentor 5 S @96 = UP Summit XC 4 @ 96 = Carrera S, M  = Ozone Rush 5 MS 

2- Chili 4 XS @ 92 = Mentor 4 S = Iota 26 = Carrera Plus = Rook 2 SM = Mentor 4 XS light = Iota 2 -25 = AD Rise 3 S = Swing Nyos -RS  

3- Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Nyos M @ 98 = Nova Phantom S @ 98 = U-Turn Crossrock S @ 88 

4- Sprint 3 M @ 101= U-Cruise M @ 97

5-Mentor 3 S = Chili 3 S = Ion 4 S @ 95 = Sky Apollo M @ 93 = Nevada 2 S @ 88 

6-Rush 4 = AD Rise 2 = Swift 4 SM = Ikuma 25 = Skyman Cross country S = UP Kibo SM @ 92 = Icaro Gravis M @100 = 777 Knight MS @ 93 

7-Nevada 1 26 (must be loaded at 100 ) = Windtech Bali = Hook 3 = Tequila 4 SM = Mentor 2 S = Arriba 3 S = Buzz Z5 SM @ 92 = Epsilon 8 25 @ 95

8-Blacklight SM (loaded) = Ion 3 S = Sky Atis 4 M = Swing Mistral 7 S = Atlas X-Alps =AD Rise 2 S Superlight = UP Summit XC3 S size (M&L could be different) = Atlas X-Alps S =UP Summit XC3 S

9-BGD Base M = Supair Leaf M @ 90 = kantega XC2 S = Rush 3 M = AD Rise 1 = Infinity 4 S = Eden 5 = Comet 2 S = Atlas S = Advance E7 26 ( The differences are small with ± half a point in L/D max, in “relatively moderate conditions” . (Racing in stronger conditions will show bigger differences)

Fun feel : “pleasure to fly, “agile” and higher overall fun feeling” IMHO

1-Tequila 4 S @ + 91 kg = Arriba 3 @ 90 all up

2- Buzz Z5 SM @ 90 = Base M @ + 91 kg / Infinity 4 S @ + 89 Kg = Swift 4 @ + 91 Kg / Atlas S / Sky Atis 4 M @ + 95 Kg / Swing Mistral 7 @ +92 Kg / Mentor 2 S @ +95 Kg / Comet 2 S @ + 93 Kg / =UP Kibo SM @ 93 = Sky Apollo M @ 92 = Mentor 4 XS light = Supair Leaf M @ 90 = Chili 4 XS @ 92 = Explorer S @ 95 = Ion 4 S @ 96 = Mentor 5 S @96=UP Summit XC4 @ 96 = 777 Knight MS @ 93 

3-Rush 4 @ + 91 Kg / Carrera S @ + 92 kg / Blacklight S @ +91 Kg / Blacklight SM @ + 100 Kg / UP Kantega XC2 @ + 95 Kg / Mentor 3 & 4 S @ +95 Kg / Advance Iota @ + 96 Kg / Wintech Bali M @ + 97 Kg / Chili 3 @ + 100 Kg / AD Rise 2 S superlight @ + 89 Kg =Triple Seven Rook 2 SM @ 97 = Nyos 26 @ 99 = Ikuma 25 = Eden 6 26 @ 96 = Skyman Cross country S @ 88 = Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101 = Epsilon 8 = Nevada 2 S = U-Cruise 25 =Nova Phantom S @96 = Icaro Gravis M @100 =Iota 2 -25 = AD Rise 3 S = Swing Nyos -RS @ 92 . 

4-Ozone Rush 5 MS at 92 = U-Turn Crossrock S at 88

5- Rise 2 M @ + 103 Kg / Nevada 26 @ + 100 Kg / Ion 3 S @ + 97 Kg / Hook 3 M @ + 97 Kg /UP Summit XC3 @ + 93 kg / AD Rise 1 @ + 95 Kg = Atlas X-Alps S & M

Most demanding glider in "strong conditions" (1-10) '10' being most demanding for a high end B ‘: ( Please bear in mind the 'size' and the 'wing loading' ! )

* Some C’s and D’s were included to inform pilots about their demanding behavior (Forum request) .

Supair Leaf M (@90 all up) * 3.9

Advance E7 26 (@93 all up) * 3.9

GIN Atlas X-Alps ( S @ 94 all up) *3.9

AD Rise 2 M (@98all up) *4

 Swing Nyos -RS (@ 92 all up) *4

UP Kibo SM @ 92 *4

Skyman cross country S @ 88 *4

Eden 5 (@ 95 all up) *4

Hook 3 (@97 all up) *4

Epsilon 8 25 (@95 all up) *4

Buzz Z5 SM @ 92 *4

Nova Ion 4 S @ 95 *4

BGD Base M (@90all up) *4.5

Rush 3 M (@102 all up) *4.5

Sprint Evo ( @ 98 all up ) *4.5

Nova Ion 3 S (@ 95 all up) *5.0

Nova Phantom S (@95 allup) *5.0

777 Knight MS @ 93 * 5.0 

U-Turn Infinity 4 S (@ 90all up) *5.0

Gin Atlas S (@ 92 all up ) * 5.0

UP Kantega Xc2 S (@ 90 all up)*5.0

Air Cross U-Cruise M (@97 all up)*5.3

Rush 5 MS (@92 all up) *5.3

Cross rock S (@88 all up) * 5.3

AD Rise 1 (@ 102 all up) *5.5

Windtech Bali (@95 all up) *5.5

Swift 4 SM (@ 92 all up) *5.5

Triple Seven Rook 2 SM ( at 97) *5.5

Eden 6 26 @ 96 *5.5

Nyos M @ 98 *5.5

Iota 26 ( @ 95 all up) *5.5

Iota 2 25 (@97all up) *5.5

Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101 *5.5

Blacklight SM (@100 all up)*5.5

Sky Atis 4 M (@93 all up) *5.5

Nevada 26 (@ 100 all up ) *5.5

Mentor 3 S ( @97 all up) *5.5

Mentor 5 S (@96all up) *5.5

Tequila 4 SM (@92 all up) *5.5

Ikuma 25 @ 94 * 5.6

Nevada 2 S (@88 all up) *5.6

AD Rise 3 S (@92) *5.6

Mentor 4 S ( @ 95 all up) *5.6

Chili 4 XS @92 *5.6 

Arriba 3 S at 92 all up *5.6

Mentor 4 XS light * 5.7

Sky Apollo M @ 92 *5.7

Axis Comet 2 S (@90 all up 5.8

UP Summit XC3 @ 93 all up. 6.0

GIN Carrera plus S @ 94 all up *6.0

Explorer S @ 95 *6.0 

Swing M7 S (@90all up) *6.0

Rush 4 SM (@93 all up) *6.0

Blacklight S ( @ 90 all up) *6.5

Lightning S @ (90 all up) 6.5

Mentor 2 S (@ 95 all up) *6.5

Up Summit XC 3 S (@94 all up) *7.0

Up Summit XC4 SM (@96 allup) *7.0

Chili 3 S (@ 98all up) *7.0

Carrera S, M 8.0

C & D gliders:

This grade is to say how busy a glider is, in strong conditions, or the one that’s more difficult to manage, comparing to the B category.

Since this is a very delicate comparison, i must point out that the glider that has quicker authority on the brakes like the Triton 2 will enable a good pilot to keep it swiftly overhead. Some doesn’t have that quick response and in strong conditions they won’t keep the pilot as busy, but he will be the ‘passenger’ for a short lapse of time …

The grade doesn’t indicate the one that recovers easier or harder!!Only that keep you busier! Most will have easier recovery than the higher graded!

Mac Elan M (@98all up) *7

Swing Nexus (@94 all up) *7.0

Mac Elan light 24 (@90 all up) *7.5

Advance Sigma 9 25 (@91 all up) *7.5

Niviuk Artik 4 25 (@91 all up) *8.5

Ozone Alpina 2 MS (@92 all up) * 8.5

Ozone Alpina 3 MS (@ 93 all up) *8.5 

Delta 2 SM size (@ 92 all up) *9

777 Queen M (@ 101 all up) *9.1

Supair Taska S ( @94 all up) *9.1

BGD Cure (@ 93 all up) *9.3

Aspen 5 26 (@98all up) *10

Skyman CrossAlps S (@90 all up) *10.5

Skywalk Spice XS (@90 all up) *10.8

Skywalk Cayenne 5 XS (90 all up) *11

Sol Lotus one (@ 98 all up) *11

UP Trango Race SM (@ 97 all up) *11.5 

Ozone Mantra 6 SM (@94 all up) *12
Gradient XC 5 26 (@96allup) *12

Ozone LM6 SM (@95 all up) *12.2

Gin Gto 2 S size (@94 all up) *12.5
Skywalk Poison X-Alps *12.5

Triton 2 in S size (@ 96 all up) *12.5 (M size could be different) !

Niviuk Peak 4 23 (98all up) *12.5

Niviuk Peak 4 21 (@86all up) *13

Niviuk IP6 26 (@98 all up) *13.5
Ozone Zeno MS (@98 all up) *13.5 

Ozone R-10 S (@ 98 all up) *15.0

The Leaf is impressively comfortable and agile. I was hoping for better glide but it's super cool !

The Epsilon 8 has good performance for a low B. It's comfortable with nice handling.

The U-Cruise has a high degree of comfort. The performance is really good, and a high trim speed.Agile, feels like a solid tough structure!

The Nevada 2 has less brake travel than the 1, the performance is nice and the climb is moderate to fair.

The Eden 5 has less top speed of 3-4 km than the others.

The Hook 3 is very comfortable to fly with a very interesting glide angle. The climb in smooth conditions is fair.

The Mentor 3 is much easier than the Mentor 2, and its efficiency is in those turbulent glides where it will have less pitch movements and little better glide.

The Mentor 4 has better glide than the Mentor 3 but with lesser climb “only” in weak conditions.

The Ikuma is a comfortable glider with nice handling. The overall performance is is in the mid of the High B category.

The Iota has a very good glide similar to the Mentor 4, It has a nice climb similar to the Mentor “3”.

The Chili 3 S “still” has the best climb rate and a very nice handling in homogenous conditions. But with a very long brake travel.

The Advance E7 26 is the most confidence inspiring rock solid glider of the cat. It reminded me of the low B cat in comfort.

The BGD Base is a confidence inspiring, solid glider. The climb and handling are very good.

The Atis 4 has a bit roll movement and need some active piloting in the high end B’s.

It has a fast trim speed, much like the M3 and Chili 3. Long brake travel are needed to let the glider respond in turbulent conditions.

The UP Kantega XC2 S is a very nice wing to fly .It has nice handling and also superb climb overall being also very accessible.

The Swing M7 S is a delight to fly. It dives a bit into turns. It is fast enough for a B, and has enough performance. Not really a floater but a nice glider overall.

The Rush 4 has a very good glide . It is an overall good, very solid B glider, but its trim speed is around 38 km/h and especially the top speed which is low for the cat around 51 km/h .

The fastest are Mentor 3, XC3, Mistral 7…But it is around 55-km/h max.

The AD rise 2 M has the BEST ratio Performance/Comfort in flight!

The Tequila 4 SM is like a precious gem! Combining agility/performance/accessibility!

The Infinity 4 has a very light and nice turning behavior! It has a low trim speed , and the climb rate even loaded is outstanding!

The Comet 2 S give a nice feeling under it. It has a very nice handling.

The Windtech Bali has a respected glide angle. It needs slightly active piloting in big air.

The Atlas S has everything to make its pilot very happy, with a good feeling of passive safety. The X-Alps version of the Atlas has more performance overall, especially in climb.

The Arriba is slightly more dynamic than the Tequila 4 and a pleasurable glider to fly.

The Rook 2 is a well-balanced high performance B glider, with nice handling and efficiency.

The Nyos is very comfortable, made for strong conditions. The gliding performance is very good !

The Eden 6 26 is a very balanced all round B glider toward performance flying, and respecting a pleasant pleasurable feel!

The Buzz Z5 has an upgrade over the Z4 in performance while retaining the comfort. The brake pressure and feel in thermals is really nice!

The Cross country is a light glider with pleasurable handling, and comfortable behavior.

The UP Kibo is an accessible B glider with a comfortable ride.

The Sky Apollo is a pleasure to fly.

The Gin Sprint 3 M performance /comfort ratio is very good.

The Chili 4 has lots of performance. It’s an excellent B glider with moderate aspect ratio.

The Mentor 5 S has the top overall performance in the B segment. Close top the Chili 4. Its relatively an easy B glider..Easier than the M4, and could be similar to the M3 in pilot level.

The Phantom has a very high performance for a very low aspect ratio. If the price would be +1.50 % from the others then it’s highly justified…

 The Explorer with it’s 6.1 AR, is a light, soft, easy to use, and great companion for XC use 

The UP Summit XC4 with its B rating, is IMHO a mild (C) glider, like the Carrera series. The overall performance and handling is really on top ! 

The Iota 2 has a very accessible and easy to use speed system. A very nice XC machine !

The Rise 3 S flown at top is a serious contender for the new 2017 high B's.

The Nyos -RS has the best ratio of : comfort / performance in the high B segment ! A very good XC machine for strong air.

The Ozone Rush 5 has the best ratio of comfort/performance for a high B ! 

The Cross rock is a very interesting light B glider, with very accessible use and very good performance.

Conclusion: The Carrera plus has now two direct competitors, the M5 and the Chili 4 in pure gliding power and climb!

The M5 and the Chili 4 have a low aspect ratio, but totally competitive with the best high aspect ratio B gliders.

The Carrera plus climb is even better than the original version only in weak and moderate conditions. The more the headwind, the original version cut forward more efficiently.

The Phantom is a cool glider for long XC’s in the Alps! Its overall performance will get you anywhere in a cool manner. Just fly it at +75% of its weight range for efficiency.

The AD Rise 2 is very comfortable to fly with a superb glide for the high B category.

The AD Rise 3 has the top performance in 2017, with a good efficiency for a B.

The Iota 2 -25 flown at top, is a super efficient and easy gliding machine that can get great results for the years to come.

The Rush 4 like the Swift 4 has nearly the glide of the Mentor 3 but with lesser speed. It's an overall efficient glider in difficult conditions where it could cut through turbulence and have a very solid and compact feel coupled with a direct handling.

The Mentor 4 has now the best glide in difficult conditions among the similar aspect ratio B’s very close to the Iota and the Rook 2. The climb in very weak conditions still favors the Mentor 3 S similarly loaded.

The Atlas X-Alps is an easy “all rounder” with very good performance especially in weak climbs and low saves.

I’m certain that a good pilot can break an XC record with ANY of those superb B gliders from above!

Please pick the one that will make you feel happy under it ….The rest is up to you!

Cheers,

Ziad