GIN GTO 2 S

The GTO 2 is the replacement of the old EN-D GTO first version.

I flew both the S and M size of the GTO 1 and commented at the time
about the difference of behavior in the air, as if it was completely
another glider.

I wasn’t really happy of the S size at the time, and the M size was much
better in homogeneity and feel. It was indeed a floater with an
impressive climb rate .

Here’s the second version :

Launching the GTO 2 S in nil wind require a very light pull as the
glider inflates quickly and getting airborne is immediate ! In more
windy conditions some slower pulls are required .

The factory settings of the brake travel is a bit long for my 94 all up weight on the S (80-95) size.

Half a wrap on the brakes and I’m set to attack the first thermal.

10 cm of brake travel is needed to initiate a turn ! You don’t need more.

In homogenous thermals the GTO 2 S turns like a lady ! Not too agile but
also not too dull. The right amount for the outstanding 7.0 AR glider.

The pilot under the GTO 2 S doesn’t feel any yaw movements, but the glider does look a bit busy .

The pitch behavior is dampened for that class of gliders. The roll also is very well coordinated.

On the second day i found myself in a thermal on the lee side .It was a
bit turbulent to let me know that the GTO 2 S is indeed a high
performance glider that should be treated with the understanding of the
level it was designed for. Nothing much for the ken pilot it is designed
for !

The ability to turn when the conditions are difficult and punchy will
affect a bit the turning behavior of the GTO 2 S. The glider needs a
little time to react at my commands. But eventually will follow . It
just needs a bit more time to settle it’s energy…

For an aspect ratio of 7:0 i liked the handling.

The climb rate at max weight is good but i found the best is to fly this
glider 3 kg from top weight. At 92 ,the S size climb like no other
could…Especially in those bullet thermals, the ability to shoot high up
is amazing !

I was flying next to an IP 6 as loaded as mine (92 for me ),( 99 for him
on the 23 ) and the climb did in fact surprised us both !

Now the best part is yet to come …

Gliding the S size next to the IP 6 at trim with those loadings showed a
slight positive trim speed for the GTO 2 and also a 0.1 better glide .
That’s on the S size ! The M size will be tested shortly

The speed at full bar for both (pulleys overlapped) are identical !

With a similar glide angle slightly favoring the GTO 2 S…

The structure feels very solid and coherent at all times, like it is not
going to collapse…At least that’s the feeling under it !

In full accelerated mode, the second bar is a bit hard to push .

The GTO 2 S felt more pressurized to the point that i didn’t feel the
wing anymore. Just the sound of the wind, and some wave roll movements.
May be i must adapt a bit to hear and understand it better at that
speed.

The C risers becomes a bit loose. A gentle pressure will enable the pilot to feel it more .

Big ears are doable and fairly stable with most important a (stable structure) .

They are very efficient with the bar ! They reopen gently by themselves.

Conclusion:

With the arrival of the GTO 2 ,IMHO, GIN has created a well sorted D
glider that has everything to be on the top category leaders !

It is of course a high performance glider ,not a low D glider like the Mantra 4, Omega 8, Peak 2, …

Just “slightly” a step further.

Flying it in strong conditions will need the experience of an advanced pilot to extract those amazing performances safely…

Among the latest high end D’s i have tested (M6, IP6 ) the GTO 2 S is a
very competitive glider in every way if carefully loaded !