Mac Para Eden 6 .26 (The magical flying carpet)
There are many gliders popping out each week/month in every category. It’s very rare to find a flaw in today’s gliders. As a reviewer I always search for those tiny flaws if occurred… But it’s becoming more and more difficult!
Companies are doing their best to give us the best possible and magical flying carpets J
Here’s one…
After test flying Mac Para EN-D, The Icon, here is the Eden 6 in size 26 for a test flight.
I flew the Eden 26 from 93 to 98 all up.
Take off is quite straightforward for a B, despite the high aspect ratio of 5.9, the Eden 6 inflates as a block and very easy without any delays or even shooting forward.
I had some nice flying conditions for three days and I was lucky to fly next to High end B’s all that time in order to feel and see the differences.
What does it feel in the air?
The Eden 6 is a very different glider from the 5th version.
The Eden 6 is tuned for performance flying with an efficient flat turning radius and a nose that searches for thermals rather than bumping into them.
The brake pressure is moderate with a linear response and the Eden 6 could be steered around 35 cm of travel.
The Eden 6 is a fairly agile wing trimmed toward an efficient turn rather than a diving turn.
To be more precise, I think the Eden 6 agility is well balanced between a gentle fun side, and an efficient XC use.
The Eden 6 26 could be flown easily at 90 but I found out that flying it at +75 % of its weight range is optimal (95-96)
Climbing ability:
The Eden 6 has similar climbing capability in weak lifts as the Eden 5, which was very good. In stronger lifts the Eden 6 dig through those thermals more efficiently for a better climb.
Gliding power:
Flying the Eden 6 26 in the company of the Swing Nyos M, the Mentor 4 S and the Rook 2 M showed me after many attempts a superb glide angle for the Eden 6 putting it right on top next to the best one in this category!
The gliding at top speed is fully usable and also very competitive like you would expect from the best B’s out there!
The Eden 6 26 at 96 all up has a fast trim speed .The speed bar pressure is moderate and the gain in speed is ±15 km/h.
What are the benefits and differences (Eden 6 over the Eden 5?)?
-Eden 6 needs slightly more active piloting
-Glide at trim and at top speed is well improved!
-Efficiency in head wind glides
-Speed
The Eden 6 is as comfortable to fly as the Rush 4.
Big ears are stable and easy. They reopen smoothly by themselves.
Spiraling down is efficient but the pilot must get out hyper smoothly…to prevent a tuck on surges.
Conclusion:
The Eden 6 is a new breed of Mac Para gliders. There’s something different in the making.
The glide angle is the best you can get .The climb rate is very good! The handling is pleasurable. The Eden 6 is fast!
For sure, it’s a small step over the Eden 5 in piloting but ok for an experienced B pilot looking inside the high B category!
There’s indeed something new over here…
13 Comments
Dear Ziad, could you please include paragliders test for flying on low heights (50-100m)?
Hello Ziad, can you compare the Eden6 to the Epsilon 7 at all? I would like to know if the Eden6 is more agile and has more direct handling and feedback. If there is little difference then I will probably skip past the Eden and step up to an Elan
Thanks!
The Eden 6 needs more piloting than the E7. I think you will be just fine on the Eden 6…with insignificant performance loss against the Elan ! …go for the Eden 6…
Cheers Ziad
Thank you very much for the reply! I will buy the Eden6 🙂
Ziad.
1. What glider seemed more responsive and direct to you? Iota or Eden 6?
2. What glider is more robust in turns of build quality? Iota or Eden 6?
Thanks.
Hi, they are very close.i think the Iota is slightly more playful and has good built quality…
Cheers
Hi Ziad!
How does the Eden inform the pilot ( about the movement of the air) through the risers and the brakes? Could you discribe in a few words?
Thank you!
Hi Philipp,
I felt a bit more the brakes. Its overall very dampened and comfortable for a 5.9 aspect ratio B glider.
Cheers,
Hello Ziad, can you compare the Eden 6 to the Rise 2?
Thank you!
Hi Igor,
Please look at the B comparison update.
Cheers,
Ziad
Hello Ziad, again nice article.I would like to ask you, how would you compare the Rook 2 with eden 6. Did you see some major differences ?
Hi,
They seem very close. A little more compact feel for the Eden6.
Cheers
Ziad
and you can be compared with Nyos Eden 6 ?