AirDesign Volt 5 S

Airdesign

I’m not the only one who is noticing, I think...! Something is interesting at AIR-DESIGN. 

A cooler approach toward the pilots with their marketing ads and cool videos, funny and unique. They seem to cook magical recipes on their private planet.

All this shows highly creative teamwork. 

For example: They released the first certified 2 liner C category (Volt4) in Feb -2022 

They now released three new gliders B-C-D at the same time!!!  including the  Rise 4 EN-B (1st B glider with the new fashionable winglets)  and the 2nd generation of a 2-liner C glider the Volt 5! And last is the Hero 2 as a 2-liner D class. 

Indeed on a different planet! :-) 

This test is about the Volt 5. https://ad-gliders.com/project/volt-5-speedmachine/?lang=en

which is built with light Dominico double-coated 25 g/m2 fabric. The S size weighs around 3.75 kg. 

I flew the Volt 5 (80-92) from 87 to 92 all up. I think 90 is ideal in all conditions. 

Take-off is straightforward, no shooting forward. Very easy to launch. 

Flying the Volt 5 S with NK Arrow harness and later on the Advance Impress4 harness. 

From 90 to 92 all up, the Volt 5 has a neutral pitch when entering thermals. The reactions are smooth for a 2 liner C glider. The roll movements are also very well-balanced. Probably slightly more roll than the Volt 4 but still super comfy to fly.  The roll movements are less than the Photon, and the Trango X.  My C comparison is updated. The feel of structure homogeneity under it is between an Artik-R and Bonanza 3. 

The first turn in thermals showed me a very nice coordinated handling!  In strong turbulent air, it moves a bit more in itself (structure) like the Artik-R/Trango-X.  

 

The brake pressure is on the moderate to slightly firm side (more pressure than Photon) but with short travel to give you a lovely direct and linear reaction, that can quickly initiate a turn.  

Coring thermals is a pleasure under the VOLT 5 as I could readjust the turning radius efficiently inside a core to get the best out of a lift with the possibility of tight narrow turns. Lovely handling! 

When flying the Volt 5 at 87 in strong windy conditions, the handling remains nice, with direct handling, but a bit slower to react, and also the reactivity to turn the glider in those strong conditions. 

Later, I found out that at 90 all up, it would be a sharp tool for nice XC days yet very efficient even in the weakest thermals.

In very weak air, the Volt 5 has the ability to catch those tiny thermals, and with its direct handling, it would help a lot to stay in the core waiting for another thermal.

In this respect, the Volt 5 joins the best 2-liner C’s for the climb rate efficiency.

The speed bar pressure is on the moderate side. Not too light nor too heavy. While holding the speed bar, the B handles are efficient in keeping the glider on track. Top speed over trim is around +15-16 km/h

Doing some glides next to a loaded Photon MS sometimes in a headwind and in lift lines, showed us that the Volt 5 is a fierce competitor! 

In those glides, the Volt 5 showed an efficient profile while surfing the airmass. Next to the Photon, at trim speed and even at half the speed bar, it copes quite similarly to the Photon with the lift areas without losing the glide.  

We were surprised by its gliding efficiency.  The B steering has moderate pressure and it is efficient in keeping the Volt 5 angle in accelerated mode. 

Wingovers need slightly more application to build higher inversions. I think it seems to soften the turns which is a good sign of self-balance after collapse, I think…

Conclusion: 

AirDesign surprised me with the Volt 5! A truly competitive EN-C in climb and glide, while being comfortable, and smooth to fly. The handling and turning abilities deliver a pleasurable feel. 

An interesting 2-liner EN-C for test flying if you are looking inside that category. 

NEARBIRDS Airy VIBE L size

Nearbirds Airy Vibe L size

This harness is the light version of the VIBE. When flying it, it gave me a different feel from the VIBE.

The Airy VIBE has a nice construction, and also lots of adjustments! 5 adjustments for each side to give you a complete tailor-made body shape.
There are two open internal compartments on each side for anything you want to put from chocolate, apple, cellular, talkie walkie…etc…easily reachable.
The materials used are similar to any high-end light harness in the market.
There’s a ballast compartment underneath the seat, which can hold around 4 kg, but I was hoping for a velcro inside to hold the ballast ( next time hopefully)
The pod closes sideways and it would be better to install a small ball with elastic to put in your shoelaces for entering better the pod after take-off (next time…)
A three-step speed system is installed.
The AiryVIBE has an inflatable back protection attached to a tube that goes up, near the cockpit to the right, to blow in, and it is very easy to inflate while in place. Once you release the security clip on the tube, you can release the air for tight packing.

For my height of 1.81 and 75 kg, this L size fits me like a perfect glove! Once fine-tuned there was no pressure point on any part while sitting.
The AiryVIBE offers high back comfort in supporting the body despite that the sitting area is not covered with smooth foam. This direct feel to the harness delivers excellent air movements with super precise and highly appreciated feedback. And it is comfortable!
The ABS system delivers good comfort while keeping an excellent weight shift ability that when I flew that glider, my Zeolite 2 felt even more agile!
That ABS feel doesn’t give you an excess of roll movements. I think the roll is similar to the Niviuk Arrow, which is a balanced roll. Comparing it to the Genie Light 3, the roll movements are slightly less but the weight shift authority is similar!
The back fairing inflates very well, without a single flutter in the air. The aerodynamic shape is really good. Following a newly rigged Zeno 2/Forza 2, the same size as my Zeolite 2 GT /AiryVIBE, both on bar for 6 km, in very smooth air, didn’t practically show any glide differences. So harness aerodynamics are working great!
I have here the AiryVIBE with two rescue options. One in front easy to reach and another on my right side. When you pull the side rescue, the compartment opens very large like 4 times the usual area, and immediately and effortlessly the rescue goes out.
I was impressed by the speed system's ability.
Zeolite 2 GT on Forza 2 has moderate foot pressure.
Zeolite 2 GT on NK Arrow has moderate to light and smooth foot pressure.
Zeolite 2 GT on AiryVIBE, has a ‘light' and super smooth foot pressure.
When using the speed bar on the AiryVIBE, it is easy with roll stability like on the NK Arrow.

Packing:

Conclusion:
IMHO, I think that the AiryVIBE is one of the sweetest harnesses to fly. After flying it, I enjoyed my Zeolite 2 GT turns even better!
I always need three harnesses for my glider tests from very light ones to heavy ones.
The AiryVIBE with an option for two rescues, and a moderately light weight near 5 kg, will be a keeper for my flights.

Sometimes as you know, I get poetic... 

An instrument to dance inside the core?
Sexy look, comfortable, and sweet?
Without getting a total bore!
Get into the AiryVIBE seat! 

UP Meru 2 SM

UP Meru 2. SM

I already flew the first 2 liner Meru 1. In summary, a gentle and accessible glider for the D category, with nice handling.
Here comes the new Meru 2 EN-D 2 liner, for 2023/24.
The glider is built with long rods on the upper and lower surfaces. The finish details are nice. You can see all the details and materials over here: https://www.up-paragliders.com/en/products/paragliders/meru-2
The Meru 2 can be launched easily without any wind, as it inflates easily and rises smoothly without any hard points. On stronger windy days, I found it easy to inflate and it shows a homogenous compact behavior even on the ground.

Flying the Meru 2 :
At 97...98 all up, for the SM size from 88-101, the Meru 2 has a short brake travel for moderate air and thermals. I could easily and with only 5 cm guide the Meru 2 in moderate thermals. The pressure in those first 10 cm is on the moderate side. In stronger air a little more brake is needed to keep the Meru 2 overhead, probably 20..25…is sufficient in most conditions. After the 10 cm gap, the first contact with the trailing edge +10 cm to steer the glider has a moderate pressure as I wrote. The next 10…15 cm are quite firm in pressure and possibly a bit hard only in turbulent and choppy air, like between inversions or sharp thermal edges that you will lower your brakes to keep it inflated.

In moderate air, at 98 I found that the Meru 2 is a comfortable glider to fly for the 2-liner D category. The overall movements reminded me of the 2 liner C category. The Tango-X moves in itself much more, the Meru 2 is a stiff glider in construction.
In strong air and edgy thermals, the Meru 2 with a 7 aspect ratio needs good pilot control as this EN-D class requires. But the overall movements are still quite slower than on the Zeno 2 for example.
I felt that in strong air, the best is to fly the Meru 2 at max weight. 100/101, as the pilot would have more response of turn inside a small core from the glider.

The Meru 2 can be considered a fairly agile glider. Not as agile as the Trango-X! Or an XC Racer 2. Different concepts of agility.
At 98, when applying brakes, the turn inside a thermal is smoothly initiated, and probably slightly slower to close a 360 inside a thermal than a Zeno 2 or Trango-X for example. The Zeno 2 is more nervous and can be steered more aggressively inside a thermal. The Meru 2 felt more calm in turns. In good generous, XC conditions flying it at 100/101, is ideal.

I didn’t feel or see any yaw movements under the Meru 2. The structure is like a monobloc with calmer movements than Zeno 2. Saying that in strong air, it requires around 35 % more active piloting than a 2 liner C-class glider like Artik/R or Trango-X for example.

I flew in the company of a Zeno 2 MS at 96 as I was on the Meru 2 at 96.5 all up. In very weak thermals less than 0.5 m/s, both seem close inside that weak climb. In stronger cores above 2 m/s also seems very efficient with a good climb.
I will hopefully update my 2 liner Comparison for details.

Gliding next to the Zeno 2 at trim speed and 55 km/h was also equal for both! The Meru 2 showed me a very nice glide and didn’t lose height compared to the Zeno 2.
Stepping on the second bar has a moderate foot pressure and I could reach a top speed of 21 km/h over trim on the Meru 2 at 98 all up taken at 1000 ASL.
Even when pulleys are overlapping, the Meru 2 structure felt solid, and there weren’t any roll movements.
Ears with outer B’s are easy to induce. Wingovers build nicely with high energy!

Conclusion:
The Meru 2 has a different feel from the Meru 1 while having the same comfort underneath. I felt it is better to load it when conditions are strong probably to get that snappy turn and feel. In moderate conditions, flying it at 98 is ok.
The glide at the speed bar seems very good with a stiff solid feel from the glider. I could prefer softer brakes and a quicker turn radius, but as I mentioned on good days, a loaded Meru 2 is an efficient gliding machine to go far or to win comps.


Cheers,
Ziad

Niviuk Drifter 2 size M

And finally, it was released, and I received the latest full-on competition harness from Niviuk. The Drifter 2.

The first contact with the harness showed me ‘impeccable’ construction details! I have flown and seen many harnesses in the past, and I can firmly confirm that the finishing details on Drifter 2 are excellent! matching the top-end brands out there. You know me very well from my writing when I'm excited about a product! The feeling is similar to discovering the latest 2024 F1 cars…RB20…SF-24...W15… etc…

I’m a fan of good quality products! And this Drifter 2 built quality is the top you can find. (Pls see attached a few ‘close-up pictures’) 

This era of paragliding performance has slightly shifted momentarily more toward aerodynamic harnesses. The appearance of the Ozone Submarine, and later the Gin Race 5 paved the path for that direction.

I already test-flew the Submarine, which has an inflatable outside shell and is considered to provide less drag resulting in more gliding performance.

Niviuk has adopted a different approach but in the same direction. Like the excellent Genie Race 4, which offered a sleek performance pod, but an open harness on the chest area, the Niviuk Drifter 2 is a conventional but ‘hybrid’ harness that has the best of both worlds. 

Hybrid harness explanation:

A zipper that runs from your feet directly to the cockpit, and another with the same and continuous direction toward your neck providing a straight streamlined shape like the one on the Submarine. The difference is that the pod remains a conventional neoprene pod ( not inflatable)

This released video by Niviuk shows exactly the details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTZzAyCxd8E

The DRIFTER 2 is equipped with two cockpits. A small one that lets your instruments/power bank appear through the plastic window. Another lower bigger compartment ( see pic)  for your ballast, instruments..etc…

This cockpit is big enough for a + 10 L of water ballast.

Installing a regular vario with an E-Ink Screen without a backlight is difficult to see. Anything with a light background like phone apps, or Oudie N, etc…is very clear, just because under the sunlight the shade produced by the outer shell, over the cockpit prevents any light in, you only see very clearly in plain sunlight, the lighted instruments inside. 

Inserting my hands makes it very easy to adjust the instruments. The neck collar of the neoprene is quite large with no pressure on the neck. 

Taking off while ready is easy in the upright position without any neck pressure point. Getting inside the pod is a non-event, and of course, pulling the zipper closes and opens the pod rapidly. 

I never encountered a problem with the zipper so far. When landing your foot can alone open the zipper with probably a slight pull of 10 cm on the zipper rope.  

Kiting while standing up with the DRIFTER 2 is surprisingly very straightforward without any pressure on your back neck. It feels like a normal harness! Taking off is smooth, and getting into the pod is very quick. 

When you are ready, pulling a bit on the right zipper line closes the pod. 

There are no outside pockets left and right, probably for lesser drag. But it would be nice to have one at least, just because everything is sealed and you have to open the pod to access the lower compartment. Probably installing a smaller outside pocket would be nice. 

In the air, inserting your hands to adjust the Vario, or phone easily. 

Now for the seating position/comfort/weightshifting.

Before adjusting your harness, please install the two rescues, drinking water, and the stuff you put in the moderate-width rear compartment when you are flying just because you need to reset your center of gravity while adjusting it to achieve a flawless and efficient line when gliding.  

The foot pad holds an extension to be removed on taste and body size, of 5 cm thickness with 4 pcs ( see pic). For my height of 1.81 cm, I removed all the foot pads and reached a perfect sitting position without any pressure from the neoprene that covered my shoulders.  

When pulling the left and right upper side straps which are easy to use even in flying, for adjusting your back inclination, and to stay streamlined with the air without



positioning the rear fairing higher to reach that ultimate position, your sitting will be slightly reclined.  On the Arrow L, the max layback position is still 3-4 cm forward than on the Drifter 2 perfectly streamlined position. 

It is very logical for a high-end competition harness to give you that reclined position if the pilot is aiming for less drag. Of course, a ‘slighter' upright position would be most welcomed. 

The reclined seating position is quite comfortable for the body. There are no pressure points whatsoever! Comfortable to sit in. It is exactly like laying down on your favorite sofa in winter time, watching ‘dustoftheuniverse channel’ ;-) but the tea holder is missing!  

The legs are surely naturally supported. The seat plate of the DRIFTER 2 M however is a bit large for my size of 75 kg.

A gap of 3 cm on each side.  

The seat plate of the Arrow Large is one centimeter less from each side than the seat plate of the Drifter 2 M size.  

I tried to install a smaller plate, or even without a seat board which Niviuk doesn’t recommend, but as the DRIFTER 2 is constructed like an F1 car, I couldn’t sink in, because there’s also the ballast pocket underneath the seat which is also reinforced to be stiff when holding the water ballast. Everything is surgically designed!  :-) 

There are two positions left and right for the anti-G which are easily reachable in the air.  

The DRIFTER 2 has little adjustment straps and it is really easy to adjust. The roll movements under the DRIFTER 2 with the main strap at 50 cm are quite comfortable. It is very close to the Arrow L roll movements. The weight shift is well coordinated and after flying the Arrow L, I didn’t quite find any big differences in roll and weight shift besides my reclined position. Overall it is quite a balanced harness to fly with high-end gliders. Stable enough to be comfortable on long flying hours. 

Pushing on the speed bar is another nice experience. The big aluminum pulleys hold a stop system, and help you maintain the pressure while holding the speed bar for a time. On the Arrow, for example, my feet always have more pressure during long glides. The pulleys on the DRIFTER 2 have a stop-back spinning system that allows less foot pressure while stepping on the speed bar. 

Asymmetric speed bar steps are installed for a smoother and more balanced pull between the left and right risers. Like I said, I felt like driving an F1 car. :-) 

Even in a reclined position, the pressure when pulling on the speed bar doesn’t put pressure on your shoulders. The pressure is homogeneously distributed on your back. It was smooth to keep the speed bar. 

The back fairing doesn't flutter at all and stays in pressure with a very narrow shape. 

The DRIFTER 2 has a new 5.5 cm origami back protection https://niviuk.com/en/orikami. It is the first small protection after the Koroid that acts differently as Niviuk stated. 

It is indeed a small protection, and I would personally prefer having a larger one…But maybe I’m still old-fashioned and not used to this new technology… I just really hope that its efficiency surpasses the claims.  

Conclusion: 

The DRIFTER 2 is for sure a very beautiful-looking competition harness equipped to the last detail. Pilots' eyes on take-off and landing were wide open and commented frequently about that beautiful shape. Comfortable for the back and also in roll movements. The construction is excellent! felt very robust and with those materials it could last very long! 

When flying it, a ‘psychological’ feeling of performance will be on the menu.

The air over my face was less perceived than usual as my head was near the outer shell.  

Landing and getting outside the pod is quite easy and feels exactly like a normal pod.  

For XC and competition pilots, the race is on… :-) 

Zoom X2C size 95

Zoom paragliders is a new brand, https://www.zoom-paragliders.com/en/ created in the Papesh GMBH group and designed by Alex Hollwarth, who began his journey at Skywalk and delivered in that time fine creations among the Cayenne 5 which was a really fine glider to fly. The first released glider from the manufacturer is the Zoom X2C which is a 2-liner C class glider. 

https://www.zoom-paragliders.com/en/products/x2c
I have flown the Zoom XC2 95, from 92 to 95 all up,
At first, the launching is straightforward, as the Zoom inflates easily even without any wind and no hard point. In stronger wind, it is fast in the second half of the rise, but also very responsive to your brake input to keep it swiftly overhead.

I flew the Zoom in weak, moderately winter-strong thermals, and later in some turbulent air.
The brake travel is moderate to short and with 10-15 cm, I could place the glider accurately inside the core. The Zoom X2C is a pleasurable glider to fly. Direct feel through the brakes, and direct control. The pressure on the brakes are on the moderate side, and well balanced. I could steer the glider with just 10-15 cm of brake travel efficiently.
Climbing in very weak thermals less than 0.5 m/s felt similarly efficient to the Scala 2 with the same size in that area. In a more solid thermal, the Zoom climbs well compared to the other 2 liner C’s.

In strong air, the feel under the Zoom is really compact, easy, and quite manageable for the 2 liner C category. It felt in overall comfort like the Volt 4 and Bonanza 3 which are quite accessible 2 liners.
As I already wrote, what I appreciated even in strong air, was the brake authority given to the pilot. I could play around under that glider endlessly, with complete control. The brake pressure is on the moderate side and the travel is short to moderate with a lovely combination of agility in thermals. After two turns in a wingover, you can feel the high energy stored in that glider! Lovely handling.
I think the Zoom is among the 2 liners that you enjoy flying, because of its playful and forgiving character.

The ability to core without pitching back or forward is present under the Zoom. It just enters thermals and moves forward in balance. I was able to do two long glides next to a Photon MS same size and load, and I was impressed by that glide! IN very calm air, I wasn't losing an inch in those two glides even at half the speed bar! Pretty good balanced glide for the Zoom. When gliding in moving air and lift lines, we felt that the Zoom shares the glide similarly to an Artik R, or Mint, for example.
The B steering is quite efficient in controlling the glider movements in turbulence while staying on bar, and the B pressure is on the moderate side with good accessibility.

The speed bar has a moderate pressure throughout the whole range, and full speed reached the same as the Photon with around 18 km/h over the trim speed.
Ears are stable and usable with outer B’s or outer A’s.

Please note that different sizes with different loads ‘could' have another feel. On the Zoom X2C size 95 at 92 I was happy test flying that glider!

Conclusion:
The new Zoom X2C ticks all the boxes evenly. Nice handling, pleasurable to fly, agile to play around, excellent gliding performance, and good speed for a 2 liner.
If you want to get a high ratio of fun, comfort, and good performance, a test flight could be the right choice!


Happy testing,
Ziad

Niviuk Ikuma 3 size 24/ range 75-95

Niviuk Ikuma 3  size 24/ range 75-95

I have already flown the first and second versions of the Ikuma. Here’s the flight test of the Ikuma 3 in size 24 (75-95), flown from 88 to 94 all up.

 The Ikuma 3 is built with a mix of Dominico cloth, with Liros and Edlerid lines. 

The visual construction and little details are impeccable on that glider. There’s something apart from the building quality and small details. 

At 4.5 kg the Ikuma 3 is a semi-light glider. 

Launching the Ikuma 3 even in no wind conditions, rises smoothly and evenly. The Ikuma 3 rises effortlessly in more windy take-offs and stays above the pilot's head with a little brake.

I flew the Ikuma 3 with my Arrow L size. First rising air, I weight-shifted a little, and I pulled  10 cm of brake travel, and the Ikuma 3 quickly got me that perfect turning radius! 

I was already smiling from the first turn! Sometimes, when I test fly a new glider, I worry a bit that it may not satisfy my picky demanding, and handling criteria…But this time that beautiful feel and maneuverability under that Ikuma 3 saved the day!   

With moderate brake pressure and a nice linear feel throughout the brake range, the Ikuma 3 will surely deliver a large smile on pilots' faces. 

The Ikuma 3 even at 88 all up, can core thermals very narrow staying in the core very easily. The combination of the Arrow/Ikuma 3 while weightshifting and brake pulling is nothing but excellent!   In a more strong thermals, and flying it at 93 all up, the handling is even better! and coring is even more satisfying! A piece of pure pleasure while thermal flying. 

I flew it 92 all up in some very weak air, the Ikuma 3 has outstanding potential in weak lift! It hovers and stays in that weak lift, waiting for it to become stronger. It is very difficult to bomb out flying the Ikuma 3 unless you have been unlucky, and there’s nothing left to turn! I think after a while it could have the efficiency of the Swift 6 in that area…I will update my B comparison later after more hours of comparison. But it surely can float! 

The Ikuma 3 doesn’t dive in turns in normal braking. And unless you lower your hands the turns are flat inside the core. But once you dig that brake down properly, you will have a playful glider to fly in the air! A real high B toy! Wingovers are super high like loops if you want from the second turn!  

The main thing I personally like about a glider is when the R&D team manages to give the pilot supreme authority on the brakes if he decides to turn it flat or immediately go into play mode. That exceptional feature is easily managed under the Ikuma 3. 

Yes…It seems that I like that feel under it ;-). So no more writing about the handling… :-)

The pitch is neutral and hands up all the way the Ikuma 3 enters the airmass slowly but efficiently. It clings to the thermal and climbs effortlessly. It feels like it guides you into the thermal. It doesn’t reject the rising airmass but seems to slide and cling to it slowly. All you need to do is let it fly, keeping the minimum of brake pressure. It floats nicely into the rising air mass. 

For the past 4 months, I have been test-flying many 2-liners C’s and D’s with a couple of new high B’s. When switching from a 2 liner to any high B, the feel of less speed and dynamic movements are strikingly more obvious. The high B’s are created to give you performance but with slower speeds and reactions when going XC. 

The Ikuma 3 as a high B falls in that category. It is a soft XC glider with top-end gliding performance to match the best ones in that high B category. I will surely update my B comparison later on for the little details. But It is already confirmed to have a very nice gliding power.  

If you want to go XC efficiently on any glider, you should load that glider at the top end. Many will still ask me why…It is because the faster you enter the airmass the more efficiently you move forward. 

And going XC is to move forward ;-) 

Some manufacturers have their own political decisions to certify gliders +5 kg from the recommended flying weight. It doesn't mean that the extended weight range is optimal for XC. Sometimes when conditions are really strong, they are okay, but after a bit…they will struggle in the weak. We don’t want to land... So a balanced glider for XC is when flying it at the recommended weight range stated by the manufacturer.

The Maestro 2 could be ideal at 75 % of the flying range, and also the same goes for the Mentor 7 as recommended. They are both superb high B’s.  

If you want a fast XC mode flying the Ikuma 3 size 24 (75-95) in strong Alpine air!  Go for 94-95 all up.  

In normal flying, the Ikuma 3-24 will stay very maneuverable and dynamic in turns at mid-weight, but the same-size Swift 6 will be a bit boaty at mid-weight. 

The excellent Swift 6 MS (75-95), is better to be loaded right on top at 95 in XC mode. 

The Ikuma 3 felt slightly easier to fly than the Ikuma 2. It felt a bit softer. The speed bar pressure is moderate even at full travel. The speed gain over the trim speed is around 13 km/h taken at 800m/ ASL.   

When pushing on the speed bar, the C riser steering with moderate pressure and easy handling, is efficient in keeping the cool Ikuma 3 on track. 

Big ears with outer A’s are super efficient like a few other B’s. 

With a speed bar and big ears, -5 m/s could easily be reached! They open without any intervention, or perhaps a very slight pressure on the brakes if they are very big. 

The Ikuma 3 seems very friendly and lets you make really big ears. Of course, like any other glider don’t pull too much to let the left and right tip touch! You could induce a stall under any glider.  

Conclusion: 

Even after many testing years, some gliders even in the high B category, still give me those happy flying vibes! 

The Ikuma 3 is one of them.  A very comfortable high B with pleasurable handling and top-end performance for the category. 

It is very clear, that flying the Ikuma 3 will firstly touch the sensitive handling pilots by delivering a high amount of pleasure feel. All that with very good brake authority. 

Pilots have different feel, and different requirements, but I can assure you test flying the Ikuma 3 won’t keep you indifferent!  

Happy flights.

Mac Para Verve 23

Mac Para Verve 23 

This year I attended the Coupe Icare with my family and did some interviews with manufacturers as best as I could. Mac Para had a glider for me that I returned with me to test fly. 

The Verve is Mac Para new 2 liner EN-C glider. 

The Verve has semi-light cloth and the size 23 weighs around 4.00 kg for a weight range of 84-97. 

The shape in the air looks cool. The Verve has winglets on both sides. 

Launching the Verve 23 at 94 all up is very straightforward, without any hard points. It is easy to launch and the take-off is quick. 

In the air, the brake pressure is on the moderate/light side.  

As I’m a picky person concerning brake authority and agility...

The Verve has slightly longer brake travel than the Elan 3, with a bit less sharp control. All the feedback comes from the risers, not the brakes. The roll and overall movements are present without being disturbing. Just like on the Scala 2.

Saying that the brake authority on the Verve is quite present with a moderate and acceptable agility in thermals. The sharp brake reactions and dynamics found on the Elan 3 are much tamer on the Verve. Perhaps for many pilots, it's a plus, as it would feel more easy to use! but for my personal picky taste, I felt that the Elan 3 brake pressure and overall, felt a bit more connected to my own way of flying.  

My friend on the Verve who is used to his Boom 12 size M said that the brake authority was fine for him and the Verve agility was quite ok for his own preference.  

Flying the Verve 23 at 96 in the very weak and broken lift needs a high concentration to stay in that lift, as the Verve didn’t feel like a floater in those tiny, weak thermals.  

When thermals and conditions are very homogenous, above 1 m/s, the Verve climbs well, and the difference between the other 2 liner C’s are negligible. 

In more disorganized thermals, the Verve needs slightly more time to get itself in a 'ready to climb' mode.  I flew the Verve for hours, then gave it to my friend, and I took a Photon MS, the same size at 94 all up.  This way alternating gliders, each one of us will feel and see much better the differences. 

In moderate turbulence and a bit weak multi-core thermals, the Photon could be turned narrower into the core, gaining quick heights, but my skilled friend is not far away on the Verve and catching up once the thermals get cleaner.  Just a bit more time to get hooked on that light lift. 

The Overall movements under the Verve are quite similar to the Elan 3 and not more demanding. My 2 liner C comparison is updated for more details if needed. 

The strong point of that Verve is the glide at trim and at full bar compared to the Photon in calm air or in smooth transitions! 

 I think the Verve is a competitive glider in gliding mode and could match the Photon at the trim and at the full bar!  The full speed is also similar on both gliders I have over here!    

Ears are doable with outer B’s. The B riser steering has moderate pressure and it is quite efficient to control the Verve when speeding on the bar! 

Conclusion:

The Verve felt like an easier Elan 3, with better performances. I’ve heard that the certification got a high number of B’s…which could cheer up some pilots, especially those coming to that category of 2-liners after their full season on a 3-liner C.  So Macpara enthusiasts looking for a racing glider got their Christmas present! Happy flights! 

  

NOVA Codex S 80-100 / 105

NOVA Codex S size 80-100/105 

After the amazing, very comfortable, performant Mentor 7, NOVA designed a 2 liner C glider with a moderate aspect ratio of 6.1. 

It is a true 2 liner with nitinol rods and as usual a very clean construction. 

Launching the Codex S t 96 all up requires a gentle pull without any hard points. The glider settles above your head easily and the take off is immediate. 

First turn inside a thermal and my memory goes back to the Mentor 7 test! It is as if I am flying the Mentor 7! The pressure on the brakes is very slightly harder, the length is the same as the agility. The overall comfort is surprisingly 'very close' to the regular Mentor 7 S size! 

The Codex feels like a big glider as the Mentor 7 S does feel to me, when flying them at 96..97.   The agility of the Codex is present but with smooth turns rather than dynamic ones. The overall flying experience even in strong and turbulent air requires less fast inputs than when you fly the Artik-R/Trango-X. The Codex is much tamer in overall movement. I think the difference in feel for a pilot flying the Mentor 7 is not really very far! Of course, the Codex is a C-class glider with 2 lines for the targeted group of pilots.  In difficult and heavy conditions, when low under an inversion, for example, the reaction in entering the airmass is slower and smoother than the other 2 liners. 

Climbing in weak thermals is very good under that glider if flown at 96 all up! Having compared it to the best ones in climb, the Codex is a nice floater much like the Mentor 7 S size at 96.  The pitch-back is slightly present but with a climbing mode. There’s no pitch forward in moderate conditions. In stronger thermals, the Codex stays more above the pilot's head than all the other 2 liners. It doesn’t require a lot of pilot control for a 2 liner C-class glider. Perhaps slightly calmer than the Bonanza 3! 

Doing some glides in calm air at trim and also using the speed bar, showed me an impressive glide angle for the 2-line C category putting it near the best ones!  

When facing a sea breeze or a valley breeze, the Codex slows a bit, as the glider profile and capacity to dig through is a bit restrained and needs more time to enter the heavy airmass. A high loading could be more beneficial. 

The high-aspect Photon will have the upper hand in those conditions, but for sure it needs also 50 % more active pilot control in strong air!   Everything has its price. But if you are flying high up in the mountains, with smooth transitions there aren't any differences in glide. It is only in tricky conditions, that the high aspect 2 liner will dig through the airmass faster.

Pushing the speed bar has moderate pressure on the first part but is heavy on the second part. The top speed is around 13...stable speed, or 15 km/h over trim.  On my Codex riser, the speed system seems a bit long, pushing the last 2 cm will push the B riser also, which makes an unstable roll. Perhaps the next delivered Codex gliders will have the right risers that will deliver a stable roll throughout the whole speed bar. 

Ears with outer B’s are a good way to lose altitude. 

Conclusion: The Codex can surely be your first 2 liner C or even your first C-class glider after any high B! The passive safety under the Codex will allow the new pilots to progress gradually without getting thrown away in turbulence. So cool to fly for newcomers! 

When flying the Codex, I was thinking that 30 years ago, it was difficult to keep an ACPUL 10 A / 2 B  glider with a glide of 5 overhead in heavy turbulence! 

For a pilot who hasn’t flown for a very long time flying the NOVA Codex will be quite a miracle for him! :-)

Lucky newcomers! :-) 

Cheers,

Ziad

Ozone Forza 2 M size

 Hi,

Harness comparison ( Update)
Test flying harnesses are the most difficult and sometimes highly inaccurate, as each individual even with the same height and weight shares a completely different anatomy. This test is to get a 50 % idea of what to expect, and it is more important to test-fly a harness than it is to test-fly a paraglider. Testing harnesses consist of sitting in a harness for more than 20 minutes if you can, adjusting it, and feeling if there are any hard points on your body. Then a flight could give you a higher idea of the roll feedback you wish to receive and cope with.
As harnesses are a very personal choice for each individual for roll, and especially for body comfort, this pre-test before buying is very important as it will surely maximize your future flights and acheive your expected potential with no stress on your sitting position or leg support concentrating on the task ahead. Any pilot can cope with any of the above harnesses in roll. It is only a matter of training and getting used to it.
Please consider that a moderately stable harness that combines stability and a pleasurable roll feel, is very different for each individual from a 15 to an 85-year-old pilot. Finding your own “balance" will also reduce energy consumption while keeping the lovely flying spices! 
Happy and safe flights.



Most comfortable seated harness. As 1 being most comfortable “ONLY for the seating position”.

1-Impress 4 / Impress 3 /Lightness 2/3
2-Forza 2 / Arrow / Nearbird Vibe
3-Genie Race 2 / Exoceat/ Genie race 4/ Genie light 3 / Delight 4 /Submarine
4-X-Rated 6 / Genie Race 3 / Genie lite 2 / Gin X-Alps/ Woody Valley GTO 2
5- Woody Valley GTO 1


Most comfortable in roll (In roll stability ). As 1 being most comfortable.

1-Ozone Exoceat/ Delight 4/ Delight 3/ Arrow/ Forza 2
2-Genie Light 1 / WV GTO 1 / Forza 1 / Gin X-Alps / Nearbirds Vibe X-Rated 6 XL / Genie Race 3 /Genie race 4
3-Impress 2 + / Genie lite 2/ Ozium 2/ Lightness 3 /Genie light 3
4-Genie Race 2 / Ozium 1/
5-Impress 3/ Lightness 2

Harnesses that deliver a naturally supported leg in the pod.

—— Exocet / Forza 1/ Impress 3 / Lightness 1/2/3 /Nearbirds Vibe/ Arrow M & L / Forza 2/ Delight 4 /Submarine


Conclusion: Manufacturers are trying to deliver more easy-to-fly and stable harnesses for the majority with better leg support and a two-rescue option.
The Nearbirds Vibe is a complete harness that fulfills those criteria while being comfortable. As a semi-light harness, I prefer the NK Arrow for its versatility, ease of use, and beautiful shape. I will be receiving an Airy Vibe to test fly…
I am also waiting for the Forza 2 L size to get a much better idea and feel, to decide if I am going to keep it as an X-rated 6 replacement harness or not… as I need to fly a slightly heavy harness for my tests (+,-) 7 kg.


Cheers,
Ziad

PHI Scala 2 19 - 75-100

PHI Scala 2  19 -  75-100 

The Scala 2 from PHI is a 2-liner, certified EN-C with a 6.8 Aspect ratio, normal cloth, and full rods all the way. https://phi-air.com/project/scala_2/

The manufacturing process is very neat.  

The lines are unsheathed and quite reduced to deliver less drag. 

Launching the Scala 2 with my x-rated 6 harness at 93 all up needs a steady pull, as the glider feels a bit heavy on pull. But still inflates evenly and I didn’t notice a surge, just a bit slow to rise.

In the air, the brake travel is short with moderate to hard pressure after 15 cm of travel. After flying nearly all the latest 2 liners, I felt that the Scala 2 felt a bit heavier to steer in the air at 93 all up. The Scala 2 as an EN-C glider, has to moderate and acceptable agility, and is easy to induce a turn in moderate conditions.

 

The Scala 2 feels very compact and in turbulence, it doesn’t require a lot of pilot control, like the Photon. It moves as a whole block. It is a comfortable glider to fly for the aspect ratio, but also, you can feel that you are flying a higher-rated glider, by its ability to search the air. 

Climbing in weak thermals less than (-1 m/s), isn’t the Scala 2 strong point. It needs a bit of time to rise up. When thermals go more than +1.0 m/s The Scala 2 has no problem climbing with the best C’s.  

We felt that the Scala 2 is a glider that enters quite efficiently the airmass going forward, rather than a floater that gains altitude but stays slightly behind. 

Gliding with the Scala 2 19, at 93 all up, next to a Photon MS at 93 at trim and top speed is almost identical. 

The Scala 2 has an impressive glide angle and probably a slightly faster trim speed (0.25 km/h) than the C’s I tested. 

The top speed is also the same as the Photon MS loaded at 93. If you load the Scala 2 near the top…it surely be faster.  

I gave the Scala 2 also to my friend and we did almost an 4 hour flight tip to tip, and we noticed that the Scala 2 kept close all the way in glides with the photon, but sometimes needed a bit more time to reach the Photon in the climb. My friend’s usual glider is an XC Racer 2 and later he told me that he felt that the information for thermal searching sent by the Scala 2 is very close to his glider but with more comfort.  He was happy flying it.   

The speed bar has a moderate pressure and steering with the B risers is quite efficient in moderate turbulence with a calm glider to control. 

I like that riser setup! 

Wingovers are quite impressive and deliver nice stored energy. 

Ears with outer B’s are large and quite efficient.

Conclusion: 

The 2-liner C category, holds now many new releases, and the Scala 2 adds to the category the flavor of flying a high aspect ratio glider but with a comfortable package. I missed that exceptional nimble feel of the beautiful Maestro 2 and the pleasurable handling of the sweet Allegro! 

With Its 6.77 aspect ratio, the S
cala 2 is created to glide, and the promise is reel.