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? 🙂
31 Comments
Hi Ziad,
Thank you for the teaser 😉
When are you posting the full review?
I'm dying to read your comments…
Cheers,
Tanguy
I was about to buy Ozone Rush 4 and then I see this review.
I am eagerly waiting to see what Advance Craftsmanship has to offer.
Hi. Would you be able to make video with Iota vs Carrera plus ? I wonder how those two wings look like in the air beside : )
Regards
HI, With similar loading's, the C+ will have a better climb in weak conditions, and the glide angle is close enough !With some float-ability to the 6.2 AR C+.
Regards,
Ziad
After test flying the Iota I purchased immediately, stepping up from a lesser machine, I have found the performance stunning !, The Glide Wow ! Behaviour impeccable.This wing has a lot to teach me !
Would you choose the iota over the mentor 4 light? I cant decide which glider to buy between these two, id appreciate your opinion.
Hi,
I liked the Mentor 4 light version over the original…but it's a matter of taste.
Cheers,
Ziad
cheers, your opinion means alot. Would you say the mentor light is one of best B+ gliders to buy, either light or original.And does the mentor light have sheathed lines? I know the iota does not
Hi, thsnks..yes, the LM4 is one of the best B+ wing..as well as the Iota which is really good also. Yes the LM4 has lower sheathed lines.please try both if you can…
Hi Ziad,which wing would you prefer in terms of safety with difficult conditions, the C+ or the Iota?
Thanks.
With lower aspect ratio I think for the High B cat , the Iota would be ok for a keen pilot for sure .
Cheers
Hi Ziad, in your opinion what glider is best option for one keen pilot,in safety and performance aspect, the Iota or the carrera plus.
Thanks for your answer.
Sergio.
Iota…
Thanks you very mutch,very good job your blog and videos. Congratulations.
Best regards.
Zlad, in flying in light to moderate winds at 93 kg do you think the IOTA 26 is a better choice than the 28? Thanks for you input. -john
Hi,
The 26 for sure…
Cheers Ziad
Ziad, you prefere Iota or Kibo? Tks
It's a personal choice…I'll choose the Iota.
So torn between the Iota and the Mentor 4. I'm too heavy for a M4L.
Both are very good gliders.
Time to get a diet 😉
Cheers
This comment has been removed by the author.
Working on it. With no volbiv gear, I'm perfect for a medium wing. With vol biv gear I'm into large wing territory. I'd love to go with a Mentor 4 light, but I need to drop 5-10 kilos to reliably ride it. I'm playing with gear and the numbers to see if I can make it work. And also trying to lose weight….lol…..190cm/100kg is just a tough weight to be in this sport.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Good morning. I need your help, in performance and safety, Delta 2 or Iota? I know they are different class but i wanna buy a wing to keep for a long time.
Hi David,
It depends on your priorities and your skills…one is a C glider and the other is a B.The glide in active is similar…the climb is in the D2 side.the agility also on the D2 side.
The passive safety is on the B glider side with lower aspect ratio.
it up for you to choose…
Cheers
thank you for your help.
Hi Ziad, I'm now flying the Icaro InstinctTE (low EN-B) and I have more then 80h of thermaling with this wing. I'm now about to buy a new wing and I also thinking about the Iota. Do you think is this to big step? just your opinion, I will test it anyway to be sure.
Thx
Hi,
If you are comfortable enough in all conditions…then it could be a logical evolution
Cheers
Ziad
Hi Zlad, awesome review! Thoughts on Sprint 3 vs Iota? I'm a newer pilot, who has flown off and on for 5 yrs (put time and money into school). Of the gliders I have flown and looking at my Logs, I liked the punchier, I seem to prefer the more responsive wings, and am interested in XC, but also don't want to bite off more than I can chew just yet. I've flown the Sprint 3, and note it has shorter brake travel, but haven't tried the IOTA. – Ryan.
Hi Ryan,
Thank you.
The Iota will give you better glide , the Sprint 3 better climb in weak thermals. The handling is more direct on the Iota and slightly agile than the Sprint 3.
Cheers
Thanks much!