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

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

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

The best I can do....

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

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

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

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

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

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

6-Mentor 2 = Lightning S 

7-Chili 3 = UP Summit XC 4 

8-Carrera S, M

Climb rate in very weak conditions (float-ability)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Relatively moving conditions”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supair Leaf M (@90 all up) * 3.9

Advance E7 26 (@93 all up) * 3.9

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

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

 Swing Nyos -RS (@ 92 all up) *4

UP Kibo SM @ 92 *4

Skyman cross country S @ 88 *4

Eden 5 (@ 95 all up) *4

Hook 3 (@97 all up) *4

Epsilon 8 25 (@95 all up) *4

Buzz Z5 SM @ 92 *4

Nova Ion 4 S @ 95 *4

BGD Base M (@90all up) *4.5

Rush 3 M (@102 all up) *4.5

Sprint Evo ( @ 98 all up ) *4.5

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

Nova Phantom S (@95 allup) *5.0

777 Knight MS @ 93 * 5.0 

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

Gin Atlas S (@ 92 all up ) * 5.0

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

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

Rush 5 MS (@92 all up) *5.3

Cross rock S (@88 all up) * 5.3

AD Rise 1 (@ 102 all up) *5.5

Windtech Bali (@95 all up) *5.5

Swift 4 SM (@ 92 all up) *5.5

Triple Seven Rook 2 SM ( at 97) *5.5

Eden 6 26 @ 96 *5.5

Nyos M @ 98 *5.5

Iota 26 ( @ 95 all up) *5.5

Iota 2 25 (@97all up) *5.5

Gin Sprint 3 M @ 101 *5.5

Blacklight SM (@100 all up)*5.5

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

Nevada 26 (@ 100 all up ) *5.5

Mentor 3 S ( @97 all up) *5.5

Mentor 5 S (@96all up) *5.5

Tequila 4 SM (@92 all up) *5.5

Ikuma 25 @ 94 * 5.6

Nevada 2 S (@88 all up) *5.6

AD Rise 3 S (@92) *5.6

Mentor 4 S ( @ 95 all up) *5.6

Chili 4 XS @92 *5.6 

Arriba 3 S at 92 all up *5.6

Mentor 4 XS light * 5.7

Sky Apollo M @ 92 *5.7

Axis Comet 2 S (@90 all up 5.8

UP Summit XC3 @ 93 all up. 6.0

GIN Carrera plus S @ 94 all up *6.0

Explorer S @ 95 *6.0 

Swing M7 S (@90all up) *6.0

Rush 4 SM (@93 all up) *6.0

Blacklight S ( @ 90 all up) *6.5

Lightning S @ (90 all up) 6.5

Mentor 2 S (@ 95 all up) *6.5

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

Up Summit XC4 SM (@96 allup) *7.0

Chili 3 S (@ 98all up) *7.0

Carrera S, M 8.0

C & D gliders:

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

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

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

Mac Elan M (@98all up) *7

Swing Nexus (@94 all up) *7.0

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

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

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

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

Ozone Alpina 3 MS (@ 93 all up) *8.5 

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

777 Queen M (@ 101 all up) *9.1

Supair Taska S ( @94 all up) *9.1

BGD Cure (@ 93 all up) *9.3

Aspen 5 26 (@98all up) *10

Skyman CrossAlps S (@90 all up) *10.5

Skywalk Spice XS (@90 all up) *10.8

Skywalk Cayenne 5 XS (90 all up) *11

Sol Lotus one (@ 98 all up) *11

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

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

Ozone LM6 SM (@95 all up) *12.2

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

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

Niviuk Peak 4 23 (98all up) *12.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sky Apollo is a pleasure to fly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers,

Ziad

OZONE ZENO MS 80-100

OZONE ZENO MS 80-100

The Zeno is the new 2 liner from OZONE.
OZONE wanted to introduce to the market a 2 liner design , which they claim it’s easier to fly than their Enzo 2 and close enough to their superb Mantra 6.
In fact i still have an LM6 in MS size. It suits my all up weight without ballast.
I have also a Peak 4 in size 23 (85-105) for my future comparisons which proved to be a very nice and gentle D glider for Xc and competition use.


The Zeno has 6 lines per side, and it’s a pure 2 liner. Of course all lines are unsheathed and have different width. It looks very optimized for performance. Such a wing deserves a more detailed description when testing it. Lets see…

Launching the Zeno is super easy for a 2 liner. Slightly easier to inflate than the Peak 4. In strong wind, it needs a dab on the brakes to control it overhead. The take off is immediate.
I did some 360’s and wing overs ,just to get it well tensioned in order to settle down to its designed configuration.
To my surprise, coming off the 360’s couldn’t be easier ! It seems that the Zeno dissipate it’s energy on the last turn. No surprises ! Clean exit.
Wing overs are super high and real fun to make.

I have flown for the past month, the easy King S with it’s lovely handling, the LM6 magical overall glider, the energetic Poison X-Alps XS with its sharp handling, and the relatively smooth, and agile Peak 4 23 for a 2 liner design, just to be able to quickly place the Zeno among those D’s in terms of feeling, responsiveness and brake precision inside rough or smooth thermals.
All testings were done on the same X-rated 6 harness with the same chest strap width for all.(±47 cm)

I flew the Zeno MS from 93 to 98 all up to find out finally that in XC mode, 93-95 is a very nice weight, and for competition, 97-98 all up could be quite ok for the whole solidity and compact feel of the design which will feel more taught overhead.
Here’s my small and humble opinion upon this glider.

At first, I don’t think that the overall comfort is similar to the M6 or the LM6 MS when flown in turbulent strong conditions. The Zeno needs more active piloting in turbulent cores. Taking into consideration that the way a 2 liner can be steered through turbulence differ a lot from 3 line gliders.
Applying brakes on pitches, doesn’t really work good on the Zeno as it could work slightly more on the Peak 4 which is a 2 liner also.
The Zeno needs a much more gentle approach. Letting the glider go in, with just a feel on the brakes is super efficient on the Zeno. Too much brakes in turbulent conditions will deform the profile and the energy stored in the Zeno will induce yaw movements.
In turbulent air, I found out also that the Zeno needs slightly more active piloting than the Peak 4 23 i have over here flown at 99 all up. 

In (moderate conditions), the Zeno has indeed the comfort of the LM6 or the Peak 4. It feels like a taught compact structure, with a leading edge so stable without any pitch. The maneuverability is really nice for this 2 liner in those moderate conditions. But in rough air it gave me a much more active workout ! Nothing difficult for a (regular) D pilot to master.

For example a pilot coming from after a good flying season on an IP6 in different conditions will be welcomed aboard the Zeno.
The Zeno pitch behavior is toward a neutral feel in moderate weak thermals, but surely a more pronounced one in strong cores with a pull inside the thermals.

The pressure on the brakes of the Zeno are slightly lighter than the LM6, but still more pressure feel on the brakes than the Peak 4 23 loaded at 99 all up.
The turning ability of the Zeno at 95 and at 98 all up felt the same as the M6 (Only in moderate conditions) .
In turbulent cores, and even if loaded at 98, the Zeno will have slight less authority on the brakes as the M6, LM6 have in those conditions.

The LM6 is more agile and can core more tightly some thermals in overall conditions.

The climb rate of the Zeno is impressive in surges. When everything is homogenous strong or weak, it climbs as the Peak 4, but when you hit the core the Zeno springs up faster !

Doing some glides near a Peak 4 23 loaded at 99 all up. The Zeno MS at 95 all up showed me that the Peak 4 23 has a slight faster trim speed. Of course no one is buying those two gliders to fly them at trim speed for sure !
It’s just for your information ! And the glide efficiency at trim is slightly on the Zeno side. Now at first bar, the matter of glide became more serious on the Zeno especially into wind transitions in active air ! For sure we are in a different world …At second bar, the speed is impressive with a superior glide angle. The speed over trim loaded at 95 all up, is around + 22 km/h taken at 800 ASL.
The speed bar is delicate to use in turbulent conditions. Especially the top speed ! It takes time to adapt to it …
This is the fastest D certified glider i have ever flown.

The use of the bar on the Peak 4 23 is easier and as the pitch control.
Flying in smooth air won’t show you any differences when comparing gliders. Or even in head wind smooth air like soaring high cliffs for example. Many good pilots already know that.
The differences are very little and sometimes useless.
It’s in active air where a special glider can actually shine. It’s no secret why the Enzo 2’s are winning competitions…

The ability for the Zeno to surf the (active air) is really impressive ! It’s like it doesn’t want to get down. Comparing it with other gliders in those conditions, will give the Zeno this slight cruising efficiency. It just goes on and on on glides getting those tiny lifts on the way…Advanced pilots will understand what i mean.
The constant vario sound seems endless with those glides. This is for sure a very efficient glider in active air (for the keen D pilots)

That doesn’t mean that the Peak 4 23 is far behind. It is still a beautiful, easy 2 liner with nice performance ! But the Zeno will actually have the upper hand in long glides especially on bar with a slightly higher piloting level at speed for the Zeno !

Big ears with the outside A’s are stable if moderately pulled. With bar -2.5 could be reached…
Big ears with outside B’s are doable, more stable for sure and reopen quicker. The second option could be better if you don’t want knots on the extremities like on the M6 when ears are induced for a long time.


Conclusion: The Zeno has for sure the highest-end gliding performance (especially on bar), among all present D’s. That’s a fact.
Another fact is that in my personal view, it needs a “good D pilot” to master it efficiently in all conditions. For competition use, that’s some winning tool !
For XC, fun, safety, and multi-use, the LM6 still works magic ! ;-)
So, if you want to break records, win competitions, want to have the best glide angle on a (D glider) for the moment, and above all, you have the skills to master the Zeno, then close your eyes, take a deep breath, release the OOOMMMMM sound, then quickly go order one :-)
But it seems many of you already did  :-)

Cheers,
Ziad 

Hi, Here’s a little feedback for the Zeno S (75-90) 
I have been flying two Zeno’s in the same day, in the same condition in order to compare. (landing, swapping, take off again...and so on...) 
One is the S (75-90) at 88 all up, and comparing it to the MS (80-100) at 98 all up. Both 2 kg under max. 

The Zeno S with same loadings, has a lighter brake pressure, a slightly more alive feel, and a more agile turn. The climb rate is superb even loaded. The tiniest thermal can be converted to climb. I don’t think there’s any difference ,or advantage for the MS. In turbulent conditions, the Zeno S needs slightly more active piloting over the MS similarly loaded. 
Just a small remark, i think the Zeno MS loaded from 98 till 100 is easier and have a more compact feel, to handle than lightly loaded at 95. The difference is big. The authority under it with ± 3 kg is feel-able. 
The Zeno S at 88 doesn’t give you the feel of a loaded one, like the feeling under the MS at 98. So flying it at 90 seems a superb choice. 
The agility of the S size in narrow thermals could give it the upper hand in those particular conditions, as it seems more agile to “tight” core those narrow weak thermals. 
The bar on the S size has the same pressure feel as the MS. Applying it many times, i felt that +5 km over trim the float ability was at its best. 
IMHO, i think that they both have quite similar performance in all conditions. The S size is really nice ... 
Hope it helped a bit… 
Cheers, 
Ziad

ADVANCE EPSILON 8

ADVANCE Epsilon 8

As always, opening an ADVANCE wing is a nice experience since the quality of construction and materials are really nice .

The Epsilon 8 is ADVANCE low B glider. All lines are sheathed with strong line construction ! 

I’ve seen many gliders and that low B seems having an indestructible construction. It is obvious that ADVANCE wanted a glider that will last for a long time without even thinking going out of trim ! It’s a surely well built glider !

Launching the Epsilon 8 is super easy and a non event …No shooting forward for sure, no hang back…It just wait above the pilots head.

I flew the Epsilon 8 from 90 to 95. This handling on this glider is fine tuned for a wide variety of tastes ! You can turn it pulling 5 cm and it turns smoothly and you can turn it with 30 cm pull with the same smooth dynamism ! Excellent ! 

The pressure on the brakes are moderate, much like the Ion 4 ones. The overall agility for a low B is nice and well balanced !

Low B pilots can easily fly it, and a more advanced pilot can place it with little input in thermals. It has a surprisingly precise brake response. 

The overall movements in roll and pitch in strong turbulent cores (+7m/s) are super smooth and easy to understand with a glider that is smiling at you like a nice polite butler ! The Epsilon 8 doesn’t have a pitch back or forward before entering thermals .It has a very well balanced behavior. Newbies will adore !

The climb rate in weak conditions is efficient. The information is very smoothly given by the brakes and slightly by the risers. 

Going on a glide on the Epsilon 8 at trim and at full bar puts it among the top 5 of the low B gliders. Very easy to keep the bar fully accelerated.

Ears are super stable, easy, and reopen quickly. Landing the Epsilon 8 is a non event with a good flair. 

Conclusion: The Epsilon 8 has everything a low B pilot wishes. From a nice handling to a comfortable ride in turbulence and a good glide angle to begin cross country safely. It’s strong construction will ensure a long use.

GRADIENT NEVADA 2 S

Gradient Nevada 2 S  (70-90) 

The Nevada 2 is the new high end B glider from Gradient. 

2 lines per side on the A’s and three row of lines with similar configuration as the Aspen 4.

I flew the S size from 85 to 90 in different conditions from weak to strong.

Launching the Nevada 2 is easy for a high B glider. 

After some flights i found the best weight under it in overall conditions is around 88 all up.

The roll movements are present on the Nevada 2 S in turbulent conditions, slightly more than the Rush 4. 

In strong turbulent cores, a keen high B pilot could easily manage it.The improvement in brake travel is now enhanced over its predecessor the Nevada 1 with a relatively moderate to short brake travel, a soft pressure (like the Rush4) and a nice agility in turns. 

Before entering thermals, with no brakes applied, the Nevada 2 S at 90 all up slows a bit ,pitch slightly back and then climb away.  

The climb in weak is still very good even loaded comparable with the BGD Base. 

The glide at trim and accelerated is good for the high B category ! It could be placed among the top five in terms of glide efficiency !

Big ears are stable and a good way to get down. 

Conclusion: The Nevada 2 S has everything to be quite competitive and pleasant to fly for a high B glider. It needs active piloting in turbulent conditions. The glide especially accelerated is very nice for the category.

ADVANCE Interview ( Valery Chapuis) 
1-Ziad: Can you tell us please about ADVANCE new products for 2017 ? 

- Valery Chapuis: BIBETA 6, SUCCESS 4, SIGMA 10, Companion SQR 220. Other products are not decided yet. 
Please have a look at our homepage. http://www.advance.ch/en/home/news-pages/success-4-safe-and-comfortable-no-compromise/ , we’ll publish soon a complete information. 



2- What can you tell the pilots about the new Sigma? What do they have to expect? 
- Valery Chapuis: middle C wing with a very high level of performance (more than our OMEGA 9 photos from the beginning of this year) with a vey predictable behavior. With all the existing technology. 

Any D glider for the future ? … 
- Valery Chapuis : Maybe a OMEGA 9 end of next year. We are making new 3 and 2 liners photos. 


3-Ziad: The Iota is a high B with a very high ratio of : top performance / comfortable behavior with a moderate aspect ratio ! Now it seems the Sigma 9 follow that same path . A concept for the middle C pilots as you mentioned. Could you please elaborate on this ? With an approximate idea for the aspect ratio ?  

-Valery Chapuis: The Sigma 10 will be a middle C wing, I mean a real C wing, not a low D, not a high B. A normal sport wing pilot can easily fly a Sigma 10, the wing is very intuitive and predictable. 

4-Ziad: What about handling versus the Sigma 9 ? 

Valery Chapuis: Still very responsive but a little bit less direct than the 9, we were not far from a freestyle behavior, depending on the pilot weight of course. 

5-Ziad: Will it have unsheathed lines like the Iota ? 
- Yes, like the Iota and like the Sigma 9 as it is a wing aimed for performance and cross country flights. 

6- Ziad: Also its nice to see 5 sizes ! Very interesting ! Can you please elaborate on that decision ?  
- Valery Chapuis: 5 sizes will give more choice to the pilots and more possibilities to find the right size. 

6-Ziad: What's a 3D panel shaping ? and what does it do ? 
Valery Chapuis: The 3D shapping helps the leading edge to be more resistant as it reduces the elasticity of the fabric, that gives a better behaviour to the wing. 

7- Ziad: Who are the people behind this design ? In R&D and testing? 

Valery Chapuis: It is as usual our complete R&D Team. Silas Bosco and Hannes Papesh remain the computer designers and the test pilots with Kare Eisenhut as responsible make the wing as we decided in the design manifest. 



8- Ziad:Will it be there an impress 3 replacement in the near future ? 

Valery Chapuis: Yes we discussed already about a Impress 4 but we dont have yet a timing. 

9- Ziad: What's the difference between the Beta 5 and 6 ? 

Valery Chapuis: The 6 benefits of all the technology and knowledge we could acquire during the past 4 years after we made the Beta 5. A complet product presentation will be published next week in our homepage, please have a look it is really interesting. 

10-Ziad: Anything you want to add? 

Valery Chapuis: I’d like to add a big hello to all the pilots and don’t forget that you are not alone in your life, your family is expecting that you go back home tonight, then fly safely and always land happy. 


Ziad: Thank you very much ! 

SKYWALK Poison X-Alps XS !

SKYWALK Poison X-Alps XS (65-90)
The Poison X-Alps is SKYWALK light EN-D wing. This glider is the fruit of the wing used in the last X-alps race, trimmed and tuned to meet the requirements of the D pilots.
The Poison X-alps is a 7 aspect ratio glider with three risers and a shark nose. A small piece of wood attached on the C riser, is connected to act also on the B riser for a possibility to control the glider pitch when accelerated. All lines are unsheathed.

Launching the 7 aspect ratio Poison is an easy task with the light cloth. Quickly overhead, a slight damp on the brakes to keep it overhead and the take off is immediate.
I must state that different sizes behaves very differently. For instance when the Ozone LM6 size S has a slight pitch forward, The LM6 size SM has a neutral pitch, The normal M6 size SM has a slight pitch back ! I was flying the Poison X-Alps size XS from 84 to 90 all up. The M size could have other feel under it ... i just have the XS size.

I found after some hours flying the XS size, that 5 kilos below top is optimum as the balance of climb and speed is great ! I didn’t notice an increase or decrease in trim speed flying it from 85 to 90...But the climb at 85 all up is superb !
Also flying it 5 kg below top, decreases slightly its dynamism and smoothen up the movements in active air. Much like the Cayenne 5. No need to fly it at top weight.
I flew that glider in some turbulent air alternating flights with the LM6 SM. The Poison X-alps has a more dynamic feel under it. The roll movements are more pronounced over the LM6 with a lovely slight pitch forward that pulls you into the thermal.

All that is coupled with a precise, linear, short, direct brake response which i adore on board this beautiful machine !
The Poison X-Alps feels more taught in the air than the LM6 ( it feels like a solid, dynamic, compact piece) The information given by the Poison X-alps XS is spectacular ! A good pilot will feel everything in the brakes and also in the harness with the possibility to place it exactly
where he wants inside any turbulent thermal ! It needs more piloting than the LM6 in turbulent air and feels slightly more dynamic.

The LM6 is for sure a superb machine. But if i’m going to explain the difference between them and especially in ‘feel’ without talking about performance yet, i would say that, If the LM6 SM loaded at top feels like a Porsche. The Poison X-Alps XS at 85, feel like a Porsche GT2. Everything is fine tuned for slightly more precision, slightly more dynamism, slightly more race feel, slightly more steering pleasure !

Going on some glide on the Poison X-Alps XS at 85 all up with an LM6 S at top weight and an LM6 SM also at top weight showed me that the Poison X-Alps XS has a +1 km/h faster trim speed. At top speed, the Poison X-Alps XS has +16 km/h over it’s trim taken at 800m ASL.
As for the glide angle at trim and accelerated i would say that they pretty close. My 'personal' feel is a slight efficiency in head wind glides for the Poison X-Alps especially above trim,+ 47 km/h.

The Poison X-Alps XS at 85 all up is a very good climber in weak conditions. And for sure when the thermal streghten, it will shoot upward without any delay ! Overall it’s an efficient climber.
The speed system has a moderate pressure .The glide is superb ! Bumps are felt when accelerating in turbulent air and the pitch is controlled by pulling on the C riser which is slightly on the heavy side and could control quite some moderate turbulence. But not as much as a 2 liner does. For example, the Peak 4 'B steering' is much softer and more efficient. But of course its a 2 liner ! I felt that controlling the pitch with the C riser on the Poison X-Alps has to be firm and at the same time sensitive and precise in order to keep the glider levelled above.
360’s are super easy and feels quite nice with a very clean exit. Big ears are stable and doable with at the external B riser kit.

Conclusion: Test flying the Poison X-alps XS for "my personal taste” was an exceptional experience for a D glider yet ! The handling and the way it turns, feels and cut through the air, is superb !
It’s a slightly dynamic and talkative wing for sure in turbulence, but very well pressurised and has a homogenous feel for a 7 AR, top performer D glider ! The brake authority and responsiveness is among it’s
strongest points !
I loved the way it pulls into the thermal ! It sniffs and go through with a positive vario.
The authority on the brakes, usability and feel are exceptional on this XS size ! I’m sure that many keen pilots wouldn’t be indifferent after a test flight !  :-)

U-Turn Blacklight 2 S

U-Turn Blacklight 2 S

4 years ago, i test flew the Blacklight 1. The strong point was the excellent climb rate even in super weak conditions. Glide was very good, into wind glide was moderate, and the Blacklight 1 kept its pilot quite busy in very strong conditions having an aspect ratio of 5.8 flat at the time !

U-turn offers the Blacklight 2 in late 2016, with a moderate aspect ratio of 5.6 flat.
The 11 lines per side are a bit thick and sheathed . The upper ones directly to the canopy are unsheathed .
3 lines per side with 3 thin up to date risers and 3.5 line configuration.

A nice shark nose construction with semi circular openings. A very nicely and tough looking construction on that glider !

I flew the S from 87 to 90 all up. The launch behavior is easy without any surges or hang back. The take off is immediate.

The brake travel and pressure are moderate to slightly firm resembling the Eden 6 one.
The maneuverability in coring thermals is really nice.The Blacklight 2 can be turned very narrow into the core. It doesn’t really dive into the turn if applied smoothly. The Blacklight 2 has a very well balanced and pleasurable handling. The same size on the Blacklight one has a lighter feel on the brakes, and slightly more dynamic in terms of turning ability and surely in turbulent conditions, where the Blacklight 2 is much more comfortable than its predecessor.
I felt that the shark nose on the Blacklight 2 is much more efficient than the BL 1 in biting forward the thermals. The Blacklight 2 in size S however, (Other sizes could have different feel) have a slight pitch back upon entry but at my loadings it quickly goes forward again and through the airmass.

I flew the Blacklight 2 in turbulent conditions, and i could sense a middle B in terms of dynamic reactions. It doesn’t feel like a high B nor as a soft low B.  I think it sits in the middle of this huge category in terms of piloting.

Doing some glide comparison with high and low B’s puts the Blacklight 2 size S at 90 all up in the first middle* of this large category. The second part holds the high B’s with Mentor 4, Iota..etc..

The climb rate however even loaded at top, is excellent on the Blacklight 2 ! This glider could be inserted in the second part of the B category for it’s superb climbing ability. I was always climbing very quickly among other nice climbing gliders.

The top speed on the S at 90 all up is 9 ~ 10 km/h over trim speed which i forgot to mention that it’s quite nice around +39 km/h ! taken at 1000 ASL .
Big ears are super easy efficient and reopen immediately on release.

Conclusion:
It is clear to the eye that U-Turn decided to deliver a new Blacklight with a different philosophy. The Blacklight 2 is more comfortable to fly than the first version .The gene of the bL1 in climb rate is present on the second version. The thick lines seems to be installed for durability rather than thinner more delicate or unsheathed thin ones…The efficiency for the Blacklight 2 into wind is slightly enhanced over the Blacklight 1.
Lets hope U-Turn will consider a race version with thinner unsheathed lines for some B enthusiasts…

U-Turn (Ernst Strobl) Interview

Mr Ernst Strobl is the chief designer and founder of U-Turn and has been designing gliders and was a competition pilot since the first paragliders emerged !

Ziad: Hi Ernst, can i ask you a few questions regarding U-Turn new gliders for 2017 ?

[Ernst: ] Hello Ziad,
For 2017 we have:
Motor Glider:
- PYLO , competition motor race glider.
(Technical Data and video attached below )
- PROGRESS , intermediate motor glider, technical Data in the email. Very easy start and landing, good performance and efficiency with engine! Awesome handling :-) . The glider is make for right after the School…
- Close to finish is a small Tandem Hike and Fly, 120-175kg Start weight, EN/LTF-B, 4,85kg. We don’t have a name in the moment :-(
A good name for that wing… ? :-)  , yesterday we have past Shock & Load test with DHV.


Ziad: Sure ! I hope we will also get some pretty names from the guys on the forum !  :-)
What can you tell us please about the Blacklight 2 ?

[Ernst: ] Long story… a lot of prototypes, finally we decide to go for a middle EN-B with the flying characteristic.
We have done a parallel testing with an high B, aspect ratio 6.0 and the middle B with 5.65. Finally the performance of the high B was not that much more in comparison with the flying characteristic to the Mid. B … so we decide for the more easy flying!
But we have get a lot of knowledge with shark nose… so this was our base for the next step… :- ) …


Ziad: Any new gliders in the C category?
If so, can you please elaborate a bit on what to expect ? High aspect ratio C? or moderate C for B pilots upgrading?

[Ernst: ] Finally the final sample we plan to use for certification is in production.. In 3 weeks I can tell you more.
Passion 2 project, Certification High-C, aspect ratio 6.8, Performance Top of the C range and will go deeply in the D-Performance… the results of our tests so far
  ;-) …


Ziad: What’s your opinion about having lots of cells for a glider in the low B category. Ex: NOVA Phantom.

[Ernst: ] The glider have a good flying characteristic, easy to start, very good performance in this segment, for me the handling can be better… Personally I’m not sure if this is the way… this concept works only with the very light material, we know all how expensive the material is and how long it will stay stable… so what is when the glider is 2-3 years old, how much the pilots will pay for this used gliders… so it can be a big lost in 2-3 years, very hard to say how the market will act on those concepts.


Ziad: You have been designing wings for a very long time. Do you think there’s lots of potential for improving safety and performance? Are we waiting for better materials? Cloth?lines? or new concepts?

[Ernst: ] my competition glider from 1994 have the same performance as an Emotion 3, EN-A, So I think it will go continues forward with performance and safety, a part will be new materials, new concepts, the race is still not at the end… as you can see in the latest development in the competition scene… Impressive to see what Ozone is doing there.

Ziad: Thank you Ernst !!


Cheers,
Ziad 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9VHRttA9U4