Important notice:
This comparison has been made with lots of accuracy and details, but please consider that other sizes, other weight load for the same tested glider can have a different impact on the result below. Some small sizes usually have a different feel, and different data. Also the bigger sizes will give you different feel in (brake tension, brake response, brake length,) not to mention the performance gain in 95 % of the cases.
For instance an important factor in 2017/18 creations, is that manufacturers are working on the internal structures ,that may have a better cohesion and efficiency in turbulent air, BUT with the exact weight load ! Those gliders will have a large weight window to be flown, BUT they are mostly efficient in a smaller one 😉 … Example : The Zeno SM goes from 80-100. The most accurate result will be to fly it from 96 till 98.
The Sigma 10 size 23 weight range (80-100) but the best result is around 96-97.
Of course it flyable at 90 but you will get pushed by strong thermals ! As you will if you fly a Zeno at 90 !
The Cayenne 5 XS is best flown at 92-93 for all conditions. If flown at 89, the internal structure will be unstable in strong air.
Some probably think that ± 2-3 kg won’t matter…But i say it surely does ! 🙂
S size 2 kg will matter, M size 3kg, L size 4-5 kg…
Cheers,
Ziad
(PS: Many pilots cares for performance…But IMHO, my best gliders are the ones that gives me that magical handling feel like an extension to my arms … in better words “Wings” 🙂
1 Comment
very good