SKYMAN Cross Country S (70-90)

SKYMAN Cross Country S (70-90)

The new light B glider from Skywalk has arrived. The S size 70-90 flown at 85 all up .

The Cross Country is made from the same material used on the Cross Alps and show on this glider a very nice and neat construction! The Cross Country has unsheathed lines on the upper cascades and sheathed lines on the lower ones. There are only 2 A’s, 3 B’s and 2 C’s ! that’s it !

Launching this very light glider is super easy and even with 3 km wind, the glider could hover above the pilots head waiting to get airborne !

First turn and the feeling of the brakes are toward the light side and getting slightly firm on the lower part. The travel is short to medium and the agility is very good !

The Cross Country has the tendency to turn flat and small weak thermals are caught efficiently with little amount on the brakes.

It seems that the Cross country is a well dampened glider and the gap in liveliness is big behind it’s bigger sister the cross Alps. So the Cross Country is a very comfortable B glider with very simple requirements to have a smile while flying.

I have made some transitions with other gliders and noticed that the Cross Country is fairly competitive and could be placed in the mid of the high B category. It reminded me well of the UP Kantega XC2, which is a very efficient and cool glider.
The speed travel is long and could get the Cross Country at +13 km/h over trim.

Ears are super efficient  and -5 m/s are easily achievable.

Conclusion: The Cross Country is a light B glider with a very neat construction.The overall comfortable performance will indeed put a large smile on the week end pilot. Test flying this glider is an interesting option for the pilots who privilege comfort, ease of use and super light equipment with a very satisfying overall performance.

SKYWALK Cayenne 5 XS

SKYWALK Cayenne 5 XS (80-95)

The Cayenne 5 with an aspect ratio of 6.4 is the new replacement of the Cayenne 4 that SKYWALK decided to inserted into the C category.

Having flown the past SKYWALK range of gliders including the Cayenne 4, i will describe in the following their differences.

Launching the Cayenne 5 XS at 91 all up is straightforward and a control on the brakes is needed in strong winds to keep the glider overhead.

Feel and maneuverability :
In the air the Cayenne 5 feels much more coherent and solid in structure than the C4 and the pilot authority on the brakes is very well improved over the C4 giving the pilot a short ,precise steering ability to give an agile feel even in choppy conditions.
Flying the Cayenne 5 in thermals is a delight as the wing carves the air with every pulled centimeter on the brake travel giving the impression that the Cayenne 5 feels like an extension of the pilot hand movements and weight shift.

Comfort:
In strong cores and turbulence the Cayenne 5 is a step over the C4 in terms of piloting, but the brake responsiveness of the C5 will let the same good pilot control it much better.

To place exactly the Cayenne 5 for it’s future pilots in the C box which is actually stretched a bit, with high aspect ratio wings, I will consider giving the highest score to the most demanding ones i felt in this C box :
I’ll give the Trango XC 3 = 95 %, the Triton 2 S = 85 %, The Delta 2, Alpina 2 = 60%, and the Sigma 9 = 45 %. Here I’ll give the Cayenne 5 XS at 91 all up = 70 % .

The Cayenne 5 moves as a whole and feels very solid.It’s only in strong dynamic cores that the pilot underneath will have to be active and keen. But it’s slightly more tamed than a Triton 2 S or much more than a Trango XC 3 SM with same loading .

Performance:
After some long glides and especially head wind glides at trim and at full bar, i can confirm that the overall performance and efficiency of the Cayenne 5 XS i am testing is clearly close to the top contenders.

The Cayenne 5 XS shows it’s efficiency when cutting through the air-mass and moving forward, and it’s very efficient in racing, lift lines on ridges.

Small example of trim speed and glide :
Flying the cayenne 5 XS (80-95) at 91 all up next to an Alpina 2 SM (80-95) at 95 all up, showed a slightly faster trim speed (0.5 km/h) for the C5 still ! and a slightly better glide angle at trim !

Applying half bar reduces the turbulence and the C 5 cuts through without the feel of loosing height with a moderate pressure in the speed system. The top speed at full bar is 54 km/h at 91 all up and 900 ASL and the glide angle at top speed is still competitive for the C category.

The Cayenne 5 can be also described as an efficient climber, in weak and especially in difficult conditions where the pilot need to cut through those little difficult cores, the cayenne 5 will help by it’s ability to surge and search upward efficiently.

Small ears are stable even with bar. Bigger ears are slightly unstable even with bar. The tips are very well pressurized and tends to open energetically.

Conclusion:
For an experienced pilot wanting to choose a C glider, I found that the Cayenne 5 has a very interesting ratio of performance/ comfort /efficiency/ and pleasurable handling. The Cayenne 5 is a well balanced C glider with excellent performance and great usability, intended for the experienced pilot looking inside the C category. 

Cheers,
Ziad

Coupe Icare 2015

GIN Genie X-Alps

GIN Atlas X-Alps S

GIN Atlas X-Alps S

After test flying the regular Atlas S , here’s the X-Alps version is S size also.
Regular lines all over are installed on the X-Alps and the overall construction looks very solid and neat.
It seems this X-Alps version can be flown and treated like an ordinary sail . I didn’t feel that it’s a delicate glider like the extreme light ones. But 4.4 kg for the S is i think a very good compromise.

Launching the X-Alps cannot be easier…Very simple, like a school glider.

In thermals the X-Alps version even loaded at 93 all up isn’t a super agile glider. Pulling the brakes the X-Alps reacts smoothly and turns very efficiently. It has a moderate agility and long brake travel with moderate pressure.

We had here for the last 6 months one X-Alps M size ,that was flown by my friend and each time we flew together i sensed this exceptional float-ability even though he was flying the M size near the top weight (@103) .
On one good XC day, my friend Mony flew one of the longest and very difficult XC flight on his X-Alps M from Harissa site ! For sure he is a good pilot, but the X-Alps was smoothly delivering with efficiency.

Test flying the S size gave me exactly what Mony described on his M size.
An efficient climbing glider, with smooth and super comfortable ride and a very good glide angle.
Stress free flying is guaranteed !

I flew the S size in some turbulent and strong air and i can confirm that it behaves quite gently delivering free performance with “hands in the pocket style” and after landing the pilot still have enough reserve in energy.

Big ears are really efficient in descent rate and super stable ! even with full bar. The full speed is around 50 km/h and the speed bar has a comfortable and moderate pressure.

Conclusion:
Among many low B’s, the X-Alps is a comfortable complete B glider that delivers 80 % of the pilot's requirements, with a soft and calm attitude.
Pilots who wants efficient overall performance but favors mainly the comfort, test flying an Atlas X-Alps is a must !

Skywalk Arriba 3 S

Skywalk Arriba 3 S
From my past beautiful experience flying the Tequila 4 S ,here is the light version with same specs ,the Arriba 3.
Unsheathed lines on the upper cascade that are linked directly to the glider and regular lines on the rest.
Launching is very easy with the light cloth.
The Arriba 3 has a new turning feature ! It turns even before the pilots pulls the brake ;-) !
I’m joking …of course, but it’s an agile wing and may be slightly more agile and dynamic than the Tequila 4.

In thermals the Arriba 3 is not a dampened glider. It feels like it’s always smiling and enjoying the flight !
The brake response is short ,direct, and dynamically agile for the low B category !

The climb rate in weak conditions at 90 all up on the S size is very good ! it floats nicely in the air with the feeling of a solid, compact, agile little devil :-)
For a low aspect ratio performance glider that’s unique !

With it’s high trim speed for that category, the glide is surprisingly very good in calm air ! At least at trim speed that could be similar to the Chili 3 !
If only the Chili 3 had that linear and sharp handling…. Arhhhhhh !

Testing flying the Arriba 3, gave me a great deal of pleasure !
Every centimeter of travel, resulted in a linear response as if the pilot was an extension of the glider !

Big ears are stable ,but when applying bar ,they become pretty unstable .

Conclusion: A light, super nice, pleasurable to fly glider with plenty of performance that will draw a guaranteed  smile on your face, for the slightly experienced B pilots. It’s like driving a Porsche Boxter !

Test flying gliders isn’t always a good experience. But flying the Arriba 3 is one to remember :-)

Swing Nexus S

Swing Nexus S    74-98
My last Swing tested glider was a Mistral 7 S and it was a very agile and fast wing with good performance for the B category.
The Nexus is Swing’s new C glider with a moderate aspect ratio glider of 6.1
The construction and details are excellent on this glider , and it is quite a step higher in quality manufacturing than the Mistral 7 if i remember correctly.

Unsheathed lines on the top cascades with some lower covered lines were chosen on the Nexus.

Launching is smooth and easy for the C category.

Flying the Nexus S at 94 all up , gave me an immediate feel of a solid, compact and homogenous glider. In fact in turbulent conditions there are many B ’s that require more active pilot control.
The turning ability at my load is ok. I cannot say that the Nexus is an agile glider but still fine enabling good and flat turns.

The brake pressure is average and comfortable for long flights with good steering precision and average lengths .

The Nexus pitch and roll movements are very dampened enabling a very comfortable ride for the pilot underneath.

The trim speed however at my load of 94 is high for the category and is similar to the trim speed of the new UP Trango XC 3. However the gliding performance of the 7:0 aspect ratio TXC3 is only comparable with the class above as well as its piloting level of course.
The climb rate of the Nexus in weak and strong conditions are within the normal C category as well as it’s glide angle.

The Nexus reminded me well of the Sigma 9, I have tested earlier, as the Nexus is very similar in comfort and also on its overall performance but with lesser agility in turns.

The speed bar enabled me to gain around 12 km/h at 800 ASL over trim.

Big ears are stable and reopen smoothly .

Conclusion: The Swing Nexus is a very accessible C glider and it’s a good logical evolution after after two seasons on a regular B.
Mistral 7 pilots won’t have any problem upgrading with the benefit of surprisingly a more comfortable glider ! and better gliding performance.
The comfort and confidence inspiring feel are present from the moment of take off.

UP Trango XC 3

UP Trango XC 3 SM 

UP has released their Trango XC2 replacement . The Trango XC3 has an aspect ratio of 7,0 and UP decided to put it in the C certification box.

Looking at the glider showed semi circular, small and narrow opening with a shark nose profile. The XC3 is a three liner concept with a complete set of unsheathed lines.

The cloth used on the Trango XC 3 is lighter than the one used on the Trango XC2 and the construction is very well made .

Launching in 5 km/h wind, the XC 3 inflates rapidly and stays above the pilots head. In +25 km/h wind ,the pilot must control the glider to keep it from overshooting. 

Once in the air ,the Trango XC 3 has a beautiful elongated shape. Flying the Trango XC 3 in smooth and homogenous thermals with moderate turbulence showed a short, very linear and direct brake response .The agility in turns is good for a 7:0 aspect ratio glider as the wing carve the air efficiently.

However flying the Trango XC3 in some turbulent and strong conditions even properly loaded ,needs a good experienced pilot . The Trango XC 3 in those conditions needs constant active control as the glider has lots of energy and the turning radius inside the thermals needs more weight shift and more pulling on the brakes to carve !  It is a step further than the Trango XC2 in pilot control . 

The difference between the Trango XC2 and the Trango XC3 : More pitch forward to enter the thermals for the T XC3 enabling a bigger step in climb rate over the XC 2 but with less brake authority in strong turbulent cores. More body work is needed on the Trango XC 3 to carve those shaky, turbulent cores…

I think it plays well in the IP 6 playground for a very efficient and similar climb rate !  The difference between those two is a harder brake response for the Trango XC3 with slightly similar glider control, and a taught feel for the IP6 in the same turbulent conditions.

Flying next to a Mantra 6 SM (both loaded at top) showed a ~ 2 km/h more trim speed for the Trango XC 3 for nearly the same glide angle. It’s a bullet at trim ! 

In the same turbulent air, the M6 felt more calm, and relaxing to fly, but my friend on the M6 was impressed by the climb rate of the TXC 3 ! 

Stepping on the speed bar until pulleys overlapping gave me around 55 km/h at 1000 ASL on the Trango XC 3 at 97 all up with still a taught leading edge.

Ears are stable and reopen immediately on input .

Conclusion:  For sure the Trango XC 3 is a performance glider intended for the very experienced XC seekers. It will do greatly on long XC’s especially into wind glides and climbs! 

The Trango XC 3 cannot be understood or inserted in the C category as it will out-perform many…It is the class above !

If someone is interested ‘ONLY’ in looking at the label, here’s a funny one !  

The C certification for the Trango XC 3 is like an angelic smile of a very beautiful, 5 star hotel receptionist. All the benefits are there , but that won’t smoothen up the bill… ;-)

Is there a quest for the best performing paraglider?

Despite the header being bold enough, the text below will explain what ‘true performance’ is in my own "dustoftheuniverse" philosophy.

First I believe that the word performance is slightly misunderstood. The best performer isn’t the one that will fulfill one paragliding pilot's dreams, whatever they may be, in best climb or on longest XC’s.
As individuals, we have huge differences in glider requirements. Some won’t bear flying a very talkative glider, others would appreciate more the handling and maneuverability…etc...
I have written before that there is no best wing rather then best pilot for a certain wing.

Efficiency:
Is the most important word in our paragliding world.
Efficiency should be split in two parts.
Efficiency of a glider, and efficiency of the pilot.

Let's begin with efficiency of the pilot:
With our different skills, talents and training hours, plus the different conditions we fly in, this quest for pilots efficiency starts with each pilot inner self to train and learn more, depending on his own time for that matter.
To be fully operational and to fly efficiently, each individual pilot must be true to himself in choosing a glider that meets his own skills.
“Being humble toward nature will be handsomely rewarded!”

Today’s manufacturers websites are on a high standard. They give you a full idea and description of each glider they have on offer.
Of course high aspect ratio on gliders has to be carefully understood.
And there are the schools, instructors, which can give you their insights hoping that they don’t get attached to one or two brands…

Efficiency of a glider:
Efficiency is NOT the glider that arrives higher in glides…
It is the one that has a high rate of everything.
The one that allows you to get out of low saves ex: 85 %, that can have a smooth and stable glide angle in turbulent conditions ex: 85 %, the one that can core every bubble with a swift and direct brake travel ex: 85 %.... speed …85 %.... etc.
A complete glider is what we all are longing for.
   
My videos are available for the fun part of your eyes. They only show a small portion of the flying tests. It is impossible to make a 5 to 10 hours YouTube video!
If the differences sometimes are difficult to discern, it doesn’t mean that they do not exist ;-)
  
Gliders are like fine wine. A wine taster could see the difference. But I’m sure that there is finer wine taster out-there appreciating what I have tasted ;-)

I’ll begin with a logical example.
If one manufacturer take his certified B glider, and re-trims it by changing only the line lengths. (Live Ex: Carrera), with a new but identical EN B certification, do you believe that the overall efficiency and accessibility of this glider is the same?
The logical answer is: Of course not, and I fully agree as the Carrera plus has indeed a different flavor.
Then if this ‘same’ glider is now different, don’t you believe that in one single class among manufacturers “some” differences can occur?  

Another visual example is paragliding competition.
After 3-4  PWC’s, one glider is always found consistently among the top 20 knowing that the first 50 pilots or so are the finest in the world…That’s what I call efficiency.

Combining both glider and pilot cocktail for efficient flying will give you the best moments of your life !

For me each flight with different wings has it’s own flavor and it’s absolutely free information for the interested pilots.
I’m not a reseller, nor a salesman, so I have nothing to gain or loose. I do those tests for absolute fun and for the pleasure to change wings and feel that difference in efficiency.

In the end, any glider in the B category of today’s technology could give you more than enough high rate of pleasure and efficiency, and when test flying, the best glider is really the one that makes you smile immediately after landing.
Happy flight, 
Ziad

GIN Carrera plus S

GIN Carrera + (PLUS) S

Last year GIN released the original Carrera with a B certification .
He stated at the time that this glider needs active piloting and is destined to experienced pilots with a background in a performance/intermediate glider.
Unfortunately, lots of pilots were slightly mislead by the B label, and did in fact bought the Carrera .
For me it was an excellent glider that had a superb
climb rate, a respective glide angle and great maneuverability. The original Carrera was competing easily with the C class with top scores.
For sure it was a bit handful for the B class, but not for the pilots who were used to fly moderate aspect ratio C gliders.

In 2015, GIN released another version of his excellent Carrera. The Carrera plus has now lower sheathed lines, and the R&D team claimed to have modified the angle of attack and line lengths to reach more comfort and better overall feel.
Having flown the Original Carrera S ,i have now the Plus version in S size also to see if these modifications are indeed a plus over the original Carrera without the loss of overall performance or are they just simply a marketing tool ? …Let see…

I have flown the Carrera plus S from 90 to 94 .
Pulling the A’s on the Carrera Plus S, showed a slight delay in rising power for the first 70 %, comparing it to the original version. After the 90 % rise, the Carrera plus accelerates to a quick take off. This new characteristic is very good in high winds.The pilot will have the time to catch the glider much sooner.

In the air the brake authority are slightly less than the original version, with a glider that stays more flat in turns. Carving was continuous on the original version, but the Carrera plus will flatten the turn to a more calmer one.

To evaluate the climb rate, i had to fly several times with my trusted friends and in company of reference gliders in that matter.
We confirmed that the climb rate of the Carrera plus is indeed a plus on this new version.
Explanation:
1-Trim speed is slightly reduced by less than 0.5 km/h. A similarly loaded Delta 2 SM has now slightly faster trim speed than the Carrera plus S.
2-The pitch movements on the original Carrera has been changed. The Carrera plus has a slight pitch back in entering cores, and the overall pitch behavior is now more dampened . However the roll is still present as the original version which is excellent.
3-The Carrera plus doesn’t dive in turns allowing a very efficient climb in difficult conditions that could match the best ones in the C category.(We don’t measure climb rate in easy ,constant thermals…No use ! All gliders climb similarly in those conditions)

In turbulent conditions the Carrera plus is indeed more comfortable than the original version as the pitch movements are 50 % more dampened and the glider is now always searching for a leveled flight.
The overall feeling of a more compact and solid tips is felt.

Once inside the core, the pleasure of the turning abilities are present. Of course the extra agility of the Original version has been slightly reduced, but I really enjoyed every thermal as the brakes are still precise and linear and the wing followed my command in a smooth and homogenous turn.

Gliding next to a Delta 2 SM, showed surprisingly a very close and slightly similar glide angle at trim speed, showing that the plus version is still very competitive!
What surprised me more is the glide at bar.
Pushing half bar on the Carrera plus needs a moderate to light pressure and showed the hidden power of this new version. The glide angle at 45km/h is excellent and very competitive to say the least with moderate aspect ratio the C gliders…

Big ears are easy to pull, they open by themselves.

Conclusion:
The Carrera plus still retains its gliding performance. The climb rate in weak and difficult conditions is above any B glider I have tested until now. Low saves are easier to manage.
The main question remains: Is it worth upgrading to the ‘plus’ version?
GIN offered a 35 % more comfortable Carrera plus for a wider range of experienced pilots.
It is still NOT your first average B glider, but for pilots who has enough experience in the category, and wanted a very competitive 6.2 aspect ratio with B certification, or pilots that do not want to sell their original Carreras, and are looking for that extra comfort in general handling, then an upgrade is useful.

Gliders, tests and transparency.

Gliders, tests and transparency.

First of all, I would like to thank all the pilots interested in dustoftheuniverse blog and page.

Paragliding for me it is a ‘pure’ sport. Flying puts us in a place away from dull conversations, work problems, and daily routine life.

Being up there, focusing on the flight, visualizing the scenery, is an experience beyond fine description, where an individual would find him/herself floating in space and totally free.

The purpose of my tests is to be able to change wings, feel the difference, and share it.

To do so, I must purchase the gliders from manufacturers. That’s the best way to be free to make: Test, take the needed time, fly the glider anywhere I want, be free to compare it with any glider and discuss opinions with my friends.

Purchased gliders must be sold after, in order to get new ones.

Our custom status:

When each single glider arrives, the glider is detained by the customs. In the next 4-5 days they inform me and I must drive to the Airport that is 2-hour drive from my house, without mentioning the horrible traffic.

First visit consist to begin the terrible negotiations with the customs, then paperwork and a copy to be sent to the army in order to get a clearance paper.

After 3 days an army officer call to say that he is going to inspect the glider. After 5 days I began to call the army office to see if the clearance has been given. Once it has, I must again drive to the airport to began the clearance process.

I would wait outside the officer office 4-5 hours sometimes to wait for his signature! Got the paper signed and away now to the custom office to begin the release process and paying the customs fees (+Vat).

=  Around +500 including back and forth expenses paid, and 15-18 days delay with (a single) glider released! 

(I’m really grateful that ‘Imad’ a guy that works with me helps me with this issue)

Glider is tested and now I must sell it.

After the test, if a glider shows it’s potential on the videos and meets many pilots’ requirements, then the company, and the dealers and everyone working on this brand would positively benefit from it. I’m glad I contributed to that happiness…and the pilots who bought that glider are even happier!  :-)

As for me, I’m now struggling to sell that single used glider making sure that no dealer around the world is un-happy by his countryman pilot buying mine!

Knowing that he could have made some profits after the test selling to many other pilots…But that won’t sate his greed, sending emails to the main company as if the world had collapsed and the loss is enormous!

I will gladly send him any profit over it if occurred!

Glad that there are few alike, and many are gentlemen and professionals.

I’m not selling a new glider…Just (a single) 5-10 hours used glider. Wake up money worshipers…Think of the positive sides, rather than the negatives ones.  

Some complains that my prices are low.

With all the hard work getting one glider out, going for the tests, editing the videos, writing the tests, answering endless questions and emails, all free information to the pilots around the world, and they are available for any interested manufacturer.

Would it be fair to trade and profit after an honest opinion? 

After covering the above expenses. The prices are low, because they are also free from ridiculous profit!

Triple Seven Rook 2 SM

As seen on my videos, my tests are not only to show, talk, or to praise a glider. They are a ‘different’ way to insert the tested ones in the category they are meant for, and also to explain the differences and expectations in words.


Triple Seven Rook 2 SM

Aggressive back position intakes on the leading edge, Upper line cascades with unsheathed lines ,lower line cascades with thin ,very optimized covered Liros lines. Very sporty looking risers, excellent finish…That’s the Rook 2 in SM size ready for take off !

I flew the Rook 2 SM (80-100) from 94 to 98 all up in different conditions ,from weak to strong and turbulent in the company of other 2015 high-end B reference gliders and that gave me a complete idea about the Rook 2.

Launching this high EN-B overall is nice and even in +25 km/h wind is quite easy for the category .Just a dab on the brakes to keep it overhead, with a swift airborne mode.

I always alternate several new B gliders in the same day with the same conditions and of course switching gliders with my friends in respecting the loads.

Rewinding a bit…Considering that the Iota 26 moves comfortably as a block with a good, and firm authority on the brakes letting it be efficient enough in turning ability. Looking back also at the Mentor 4 S which has a slight dynamic feel over the Iota but also with relatively similar comfort and a swifter brake response over the Iota and a slightly less thermal climb capability in the weak .Both gliders moves as a block, with no parasite movements. (All in S sizes with same loadings)

Fast-forwarding now …The Rook 2 feels slightly more subtle in turbulent conditions with a very slight insignificant yaw movement before initiating a turn, like the one seen on the Queen, but surely with much more comfort . (More comfortable than a Blacklight,or Chili 3 for example to give you an idea ! )

The brakes authority on the Rook 2 SM are more linear than the Iota and the Mentor 4, enabling the pilot under, to feel the air and the movements of the glider placing it exactly where he wants and optimizing the turning radius with a flat turn ( Or a performance oriented turn ) .
The pressure on the brakes are less than the ones on a Mentor 4 S , and slightly close to the Rush 4 , which is moderate .

So the Rook 2 SM doesn’t have the agility and the dynamics in turns of the Mentor 4S.
It is similar to the Iota 26 agility, “but” with a super efficient climb rate in the weak ,putting it as efficient as the Chili 3 !
( The Rook 2 SM is a serious contender in climb rate! )

In turbulent conditions and head wind, I found that it’s preferable to load the Rook 2 SM a bit . May be (98 kg) is good for a better into wind efficiency “in racing mode”. Flying it also at 94 is also fine…Just slightly slower to dig in when facing a strong head wind.
The Rook 2 SM trim speed is slightly less (-0.5 km/h) than the Mentor 4S and Iota 26 similarly loaded. And slightly faster at trim than the Rush 4 by +0.5 km/h.

Did some long glides with some good B’s and C’s .

Rewinding a bit again…Doing glides into wind on little Xc’s with the Mentor 4S comparing it to the Delta 2 SM and Elan light 26 showed a better raw glide for the M4 S.
But in tricky conditions with weak choppy thermals, and low saves, both the Delta 2 SM and the Elan 26 always managed to out-climbed me and were well ahead.

Flying the Rook 2 SM with the same Delta 2 SM, and the new Elan light 26, showed a “close” glide performance to the C gliders (in windy conditions) for the Rook 2 SM especially when applying the bar a bit, (@ 45 km/h)
The good part is when each time we happen to get low trying to catch the small thermals bits …the Rook 2 SM was the first one out of the hole! and gliding away…

It was clear, when using the first part of the speed bar,
that a quick difference is felt and seen in turbulent glides. 

The action on the first bar did in fact smoothed the glider movements ! and i believe that the glide angle has improved over the trim speed glide ! That’s impressive !

Big ears are stable with a -3m/s with bar. They reopen quickly on release.
Wing overs and 360’s are also fun to use .
The speed over trim at 98 all up is + 14 km/h with the pulleys overlapping (Taken at 800 ASL)
The speed bar pressure is moderate on my Woody Valley X-rated.

Conclusion:
Triple Seven gliders seems to inherit the know-how and fine tuning capabilities of the Valic brothers competition background, by producing fine gliders with optimum line width and layout, and a big attention to the glide at speed !

What i have felt and seen, is a well designed, high-end B glider “with character”, up-to-date performance and a well tuned brake fan for maximizing the turning radius.
The Rook 2 isn’t a boring stiff B glider nor a lively one for sure !
The pitch movements are nearly absent. And the roll is moderate for the B class.
The tips are solid and powerful. They move sideways a bit, with the center pitch still very stable in movements.
They give a certain fragrance to the flight, which sensitive pilots might appreciate over a stiffer one.

The Rook 2 with it’s efficient climb rate, enabling low saves, and an impressive glide around ± 45 km/h will share the top places in the best efficient ones.

SKYMAN Cross Alps S

SKYMAN CrossAlps S

Super-light gliders…Here i come…
The CrossAlps for SKYMAN is a very light glider with a very neat construction and full of small but very important details…
I think this glider was made with ‘LOVE’ because it bears everything a hike and fly expert pilot is longing for, weather he is committed to crossing big distances supported by the thermal breeze and cool fresh air or just a peaceful minded ‘bivouac’ aficionados !  :-)

The Attachment points goes directly to the canopy, the unsheathed lines and thin dyneema risers are very well built.
The leading edge bears some small stainless steel crampons to tuck them into the snow keeping the leading edge from slipping or getting down your feet if some back wind occurs in some remote and difficult takeoffs.

I’m not the right expert to talk about that hike and fly XC machine, but anyone can appreciate a red Ferrari :-)

The take off is super easy with no wind or even with light back wind.
 Flew the S size at 89 all up. The Cross alps with it’s 6.4 ar is not a dampened glider nor an alive one. It sits in the middle of the Delta 2 SM and the Triton 2 S in terms of roll and overall movements.
The brake authority in mild conditions are very good .I could place that machine precisely where i wanted, like a surgeon doing a delicate operation.
Every centimeter result in glider adjustment ! The brakes has a relatively moderate to slightly hard pressure on the loaded S size.
12-14 cm are just needed to steer that glider.
In turbulent and strong thermals, the Cross Alps energy is more present and the authority on the brakes could block swiftly all the glider sharp movements to keep it over head.

The authority of the brakes in those conditions is slightly reduced, just waiting for the wing to settle a bit, and then coring the thermal evenly.

The strongest point of the Cross Alps is the climb in the weakest conditions !
This glider even overloaded can in fact soar and soar the sky without loosing a thermal. It is a super tool for low saves !

Doing some glide comparison with the Cross alps, puts it in the middle C in terms of glide performance.
I know that the purpose was to made a super light and compact XC glider, but the glide was just for information and the Cross Alps has lots of other benefits to look at.

In strong conditions the Cross Alps need active piloting, but it seems a solid and coherent glider if the right amount is pulled on the brakes.

The other good point is the efficient ears. Doing some big ears with the bar, i saw -5.5 m/s !!
The opening needs some time and with a dab on the brakes it opens smoothly .

For sure, the Cross alps is a very interesting, super-light XC glider to test fly ! 

BGD BASE

BGD Base M
The Base is the new 2015 B glider from the two time world champion and owner of BGD ,Bruce Goldsmith. The Base has lots of innovations ! From the Cord Cut Billow to the mini-ribs on the leading edge, and an aggressive big white nose ! “A new name for that famous leading edge” ;-)
Bruce often comments about the perfect angle reached with his leading edge design.
Taking off is very easy and smooth on the Base.
In the air , the Base gave me an immediate feel of a compact, comfortable , easy to manage glider for the B category. It feels more coherent and more stable than some low B’s i have tested earlier. It is definitely NOT a fully dampened boring glider . All the movements are still present but reduced to a minimum, allowing the pilot to feel every bit of lift in a slow motion way.
The brake travel is medium to short and is relatively “slightly” heavier than the recent B’s i had in my tests. The authority on the brakes are very good .It enable the pilot to put the Base exactly where he wants, and also in a moderate slow motion way. It is not the most agile B glider, but i was fully satisfied of it’s agility ! Pulling on the brakes will immediately enable the glider to turn right where it is ordered to go.
Trim speed at 90 all up on the M size is close to 39 km/h and it’s a average to good speed for the category ! The full lengths on the speed bar enhances the speed by approximately 13 km/h over trim, and it’s relatively easy to pull with a moderate pressure like the M4 or the Iota i was testing earlier.
Applying the bar, the Base became even more solid and coherent.
Inside the B category, i found out that the Base has a very efficient sink rate in weak thermals enabling low saves !
I think the ability to slow it down and to squeeze that turn radius coupled with a very good sink rate is putting the Base among the top efficient ones.
With stronger thermals, coring with the Base by lowering the inside brake is fun to do, but the brakes get a bit heavy on the lower end. Bruce’s philosophy was to put regular lines on the Base,instead of competition lines, for many B pilots wishing for a recreational B glider .
I did some glides with the Base versus the new B’s.
The glide in calm air or racing in strong air at trim and full bar is within the B category. The glide performance puts the Base in the middle of the B category, and it offers a lot more in climb, comfort and agility.
Ears are easy to pull, they are stable with a sink rate around -3m/s. They slowly open with a small dab on the brakes. Conclusion:
At first, just by looking at those colors will surely get you in a better mood ;-)  ! especially the River color ! The Base is a well sorted glider made for big air.
If you fly from +30 hours /year to +200 h, and your wish is a very good climbing glider that has all the latest technologies, a glider that can take you safely and comfortably in the air, a smooth and balanced amount of feedback with nice brake authority, then the Base is an interesting option to look at .

ADVANCE Iota

Hi,
The Iota is a new B class from ADVANCE that sits between the Sigma 9 and the Epsilon 7 .
It has all unsheathed lines and all the latest innovations. The construction and the purely of the lines, is IMHO ,one of the best you'll ever see...
Launching in moderate conditions the Iota is easy and smooth. I flew the size 26 (75-100) from 92 to 96 and once airborne, the IOTA gave me a solid and confidence inspiring feeling. The comfort is exactly between the Epsilon 7 and the Sigma 9 and slightly toward the Sigma 9 . The brakes authority are slightly less than the Sigma 9 which but still direct and prompt at my loadings . The agility is slightly less than the Sigma 9 but still very satisfying.
The trim speed is fast around 40 km/h.
The IOTA moves as a whole .The structure is very coherent and the turns are initiated from the brakes rather than weight shift.
What impressed me is the gliding power of that superb machine ! I don't want to say anything more than to let you see the videos (more to come)
I think this weapon has the ability to take you wherever your mind is set to go...
The climbing and the ability to surge upward is very good and still the glider behaves very gently for the performance it delivers.
Induced collapses are soft in recovery.At least on my loadings. Big ears are stable and reopen smoothly. The speed bar takes you + 13 km/h over trim taken at 400 ASL.
Conclusion:
The IOTA will be the B glider to look at closely this season for it's 'complete ' package of climb - glide - comfort .

More to come on the IOTA 

This video below shows the potential of the 2015 high-end B gliders. It is NOT a comparison with high end D classes ,as the D class will always have the upper hand...But on a B you can fly very far...Grab a beer and enjoy this 27 mn Full HD video ! Smile
Cheers,
Ziad.
 UPDATE !
A few more words concerning the Iota.

I have been flying the Iota with lots of B gliders recently, and now i have a more clear idea about that glider.
The IOTA from ADVANCE is best flown at 95 all up on the 26. I could fly it less about 92 easily. And i did try to fly it at 98 which also didn’t affect at all the climb !

The turning behavior is as i said before not as agile as the Sigma 9 but the IOTA doesn’t dive in turns and has that stationary turn with this biting ability into thermals giving the pilot a very efficient climb rate !

Big ears are very stable and it’s efficient ! Very useful …Reopen smoothly…

Today my flying was in difficult conditions with a north wind
that reduced our trim speed to 12 km/h facing the wind.

I was really surprised that after some hours flying with the best B’s of the moment at exactly same loadings for both (96.5)  that the IOTA is a very interesting and efficient glider in difficult conditions whenever in climb or glide !
All that with a very relaxed behavior for the high end B category. I’m convinced to the point that i’m not selling the IOTA for now, and keeping it as a reference B glider for future testing.

After all …what do B pilots really need more than a comfortable, high performance B glider that can deliver when nicely asked?  :-)

Mac Para Elan Light 24

Mac Para Elan Light 24  70-90

Earlier i test flew the Elan 26 normal version, and was very impressed by the comfort and the performance of that C glider.
Now here's the Elan light in size 24 flown at 88 all up with a lightness 2 harness.

The risers are very thin and connected directly to the lines as the Mac Yucon light glider .

Take off is smooth and easy¦
First turn and i was already having an ear to ear smile !
The brake pressure is light and the brake fan is super precise, super direct, and a real pleasure to fly that glider as ±15 cm are needed to turn that glider in thermals.

The comfort is there ! The Elan light is also inherited the comfort of the Eden 5 . It moves smoothly as a whole, without excessive movements as if the pilot is on a mid B glider.

Of course in strong conditions it needs a C pilot, but it surely is a mild C and pilots coming from the B category will find a real pleasure in thermal flying.

The climb ability of the Elan light is among the best in the C category. It climb quickly with the first thermal breathe.

The glide angle is similar to the normal Elan which is very good for the 2015 middle C category.

Conclusion:
Test flying many gliders, makes it sometimes very difficult to be impressed, but the Elan light 24  has one of the best handling (turning ability) , with exquisite flying pleasure and feel a pilot can experience !

NOVA Mentor 4 S

NOVA Mentor 4 S

Upon NOVA statement that the Mentor 4 is a step forward in performance compared to the Mentor 3, here’s the M4 in S size flown from 94 to 98 all up.

Launching is straight forward for the B category.

Once in the air the Mentor 4 feels more alive than the ‘3” and less than the ‘2’ version.
The brake response is direct and precise and puts the Mentor 4 in the middle of the M2, and M3 version in terms of responsive character .

It is not like the M2 which was short and super direct, but also not like the M3 which lacked a bit of linear response.
NOVA nailed it with a direct and nicer handling and more performance oriented than the M 3.

Climbing in weak thermals ( 0.5m/s) at 94 all up on the M4 is average… I cannot say that it has the best climb in the B category, but it could be very close to the M3.

In punchier thermals and facing the valley breeze, the Mentor 4 shows it’s potential to wipe out the M2, and M3 off the bench ! The M4 cuts through and climb going forward like a high end performance glider !

This cutting and going through the airmass is the strongest point of the M4 when loaded near the top weight ! Climbing in strong thermals facing the valley breeze is enhanced on board the M4 and could be very competitive with the class above.

The trim speed of the M4 is higher than the one on the M3 similarly loaded.

In turbulent conditions the M4 needs more active piloting than an M3 , and could be slightly less than the M2 or same in terms of pilot control .

Now comes the interesting performance part….

To give you an exact answer about the Mentor 4 glide performance, I did several long glides with some recent B ,C and last an ‘out of the box’ 7.0 ar , 2014 ,very well known ,3 line, D glider !, in calm and in moving conditions.

Of course the climb rate and the floating ability of a 7.0 AR D glider is un-matchable…but it was a very interesting information for me to know how the Mentor 4 glides among today’s B,C and D gliders. And the surprise came…

I can easily confirm now, that the glide angle of the Mentor 4 S loaded at 98 is very ….very…competitive especially facing the valley breeze and surprisingly superb at second bar !, and that would be a big surprise for many after the test movies will be released …

Conclusion:
NOVA has built a super ‘performance’ B glider. The climb in weak is average to good for the category but the Mentor 4 will take you on dream glides at trim…”or should i say” especially at full speed !!
Like it’s predecessors, the hard part is trying to beat this glider in glide !

UPDATE :  6/9/2015 
 Hi,
First i do have to apologize for my test of the Mentor 4 S test concerning the climb rate.I think it's slightly better than i said and expected...
Even for an everyday flyer surprises can happen...But they are hopefully updated if felt otherwise...

Flying the Mentor 4 S at 95 all up does in fact need some 'different' approach and reaction from the pilot to get it in a good climb inside weak thermals unlike all the B gliders i have tested in the past years...
Explanation: When entering a weak thermal it's better to let the Mentor 4 without any brakes at all, then when the pilot must turn inside the little lift, weight shift (Distance between hang points ±47 cm for the S ) and apply ONLY a very slight pressure on the inside brake ( may be 5 cm of travel and less than 1 kg of brake pressure) with no pulling in the outside brakes. (Let the glider float and surf the air ... )
When it's turbulent, block it and release...
Other B gliders can be slowed inside a small very "narrow" and weak thermal, but the M4 doesn't like at all to be slowed for an efficient climb ,(even in the narrow and weak ! ) as it won't be able to embrace this 0.5 m/s weak thermal.
In this method i could get the Mentor 4 S to experience better climb even in weak thermals !
I learned that the Mentor 4 S liked to be left alone to surf the air-mass even in weak lifts... So no braking is required to surf up-ward
After all those years I'm still learning, feeling the gliders and discovering new possibilities everyday !
Sorry for any mishaps...
Cheers,
Ziad.

Windtech BALI, S EN-B

Windtech BALI

Bali is the new 2015 Windtech EN-B glider . The size S (80-100) is the glider I test flew from 93 to 97 all up with different harnesses.

The Bali has a few lines, with 2 thick lines on the A’s per side, with 7 lines /side and it’s a pure 3 line glider.

The construction that appears in transparency above me is well built with lots of work to support the fewer lines.

The brake lines passes through a very small ceramic ring, with very close diameter to the brake line !

Take off is fine, but I can feel the few supported lines by the reaction of the glider when kiting.

First flight at 93 all up with a Woody Valley X-Rated 6 harness (slightly agile) worked fine for me. The turning radius was nice with a moderate to slightly long brake travel, but in this configuration the Bali was slightly more agile than an Iota I was testing at the same time.



The climb rate in weak conditions less than 0.3 m/s was average to good at 93 all up as I was matching the climb of the Iota. The trim speed is around 38 km/h and the top speed is only 8 km/h over trim.

In strong thermals the Bali pitches back a little for a second and climb quickly in the core. It is efficient in the climb as the pilot could slow it a bit and make a stationary turn inside the core.

Gliding next to the latest B’s showed a moderate to good glide to the Bali that needs constant push on the bar to match the trim speed of the latest B concurrence especially at that load.

Getting on a heavier Exoceat harness with 97 all up wasn’t really a good idea in weak conditions, as the Bali doesn’t really like to be heavily loaded. And the very stable Exoceat harness for higher aspect ratio glider, was limiting the roll movements and swift weight shifts . I wasn’t able to turn the Bali as it was on the agile WV harness. Some gliders needs good weight shift and more alive harnesses.

The top speed, I got flying it at 97 was +9 km/h over trim.

Big ears with the outer A lines are big, stable and are efficient with the bar .They reopen smoothly.

Only in punchy and strong conditions, the Bali moves a bit and needs a good B pilot to control it, much like some other high-end B gliders with fewer attachment points.

Conclusion: Today’s B class is the fiercest class of all! It's the main artery on which manufacturers feed ! Competition here is really strong !

In that particular period, i was test flying four new B’s. So every time i swapped gliders, the feeling under was immediately noticeable.


The Bali has a fairly good overall performance to fit inside the high B category. It’s better to fly it at 60% of the weight range and with a good weight shift harness to get the pleasure pack with it.

Bigger brake rings would be slightly better for lesser friction, and more top speed would be welcomed.

But gliding at full speed is still very good ,and many pilots may be won’t need to use more.



 

Air Design Rise 2 Superlight

AD Rise 2 70-90 superlight.

The first Rise 2 test was made on the M size regular version . Here is the S size super light version flown at 90 all up .
The lines on the Superlight are all unsheathed . The risers however are very close to the normal version with very solid construction. The Rise 2 Superlight is very well made to the last detail.Looking closely at the glider showed a very good and neat construction that gives you the feeling of a lasting one.

The take off is straight froward and easy.
In the air the immediate feeling of comfort is present ,like the normal version. May be in turbulent and strong conditions the wing is 5 % more sharp, but it stays very comfortable inside the high-end B category.

The turning ability is also very similar to the normal version and the Small size loaded at top gave me a good handling .The brake travel and pressure are moderate and the wing responds nicely to brake inputs.

It’s a delight to steer with the C risers with efficient control in moderate conditions.

The glide is similar to the Rise 2 i tested before and the accelerator requires a moderate push and still efficient .
Conclusion: AD has built a light and easy B glider with very good performance and high accessibility. A glider that packs small and can enable a regular B pilot to fly comfortably, in every thermal around the world.

ADVANCE Lightness 2

ADVANCE Lightness 2

The 2015 Lightness 2 is ADVANCE new light harness and the replacement of the old Lightness 1.

As usual, ADVANCE products are a pleasure to un-box, for their superb quality and the excellent workmanship.
The materials, the sewing, and the design of the Lightness 2 couldn’t be compared to any recent light harness. It is a class of it’s own by the purity of a high-end, very well engineered piece of equipment.

Comfort in the air :
Having flown many pod harnesses, ADVANCE seat-less board Lightness 1 and, Impress 3 were the most comfortable ones for the flying position as they deliver un-matched body support in the air.
The Lightness 2 with it’s 3 kg, inherited this incredible comfort of a superb back support !

The roll movements of the Lightness 2 are slightly more than the ones on a WV GTO or a Genie light but less than the lightness 1 , as there’s an option of adjusting the chest strap.
It is also slightly more roll stable than an Impress 3 who had some un-necessary 2 cm ‘roll slack’ on each side.
The lightness 2 pilot will feel a more compact roll movement as if he is a part of the harness.

On the lightness 2, i could just let my feet rest on the front part of the pod without a single effort to keep my feet leveled ! With all the harnesses i flew, except the Impress 3, i had to sustain a slight effort to keep my feet horizontally inside the pod.
Inside the Lightness 2, the feet are supported in some ingenious way, that they just rest straight as if you were on a bed ! Very relaxing on long flights.

The weight shift on the seat-less Lightness 2 are more efficient than on the Impress 3 .
A seat-less harness doesn’t have a pressure point on your thighs ,like the edge of a seat board does provide for an efficient feeling in turns, but the lightness 2 new geometry is close to this efficient and precise turning feel !

The light materials used for a warm pod are excellent. I was flying for an hour in +3 C to +5 C inside this pod and i was perfectly warm and feeling great !

One small detail: The storage under the seat should bear a strap in order to support a +3 kg water ballast. Without this strap a small ball shape of the ballast is shown from the outside under the pilot. It’s very easy for anyone to sew or add one if needed…

I’m waiting curiously for the Impress 4 as a regular XC and comp harness with a more heavy duty use. Especially at this level of comfort !
But would also wish for even an adjustable roll movement control…

Conclusion:
From all the harnesses i flew especially among the light ones, the Lightness 2 stands as the most comfortable, for a superb back and hip support.
With a light glider, and the ADVANCE compact rucksack, All equipment will be under 10 kg.
The simplicity and magic of flying will keep you even more enchanted.

Cheers,
Ziad.