Nearbirds Airy Vibe L size
This harness is the light version of the VIBE. When flying it, it gave me a different feel from the VIBE.
The Airy VIBE has a nice construction, and also lots of adjustments! 5 adjustments for each side to give you a complete tailor-made body shape.
There are two open internal compartments on each side for anything you want to put from chocolate, apple, cellular, talkie walkie…etc…easily reachable.
The materials used are similar to any high-end light harness in the market.
There’s a ballast compartment underneath the seat, which can hold around 4 kg, but I was hoping for a velcro inside to hold the ballast ( next time hopefully)
The pod closes sideways and it would be better to install a small ball with elastic to put in your shoelaces for entering better the pod after take-off (next time…)
A three-step speed system is installed.
The AiryVIBE has an inflatable back protection attached to a tube that goes up, near the cockpit to the right, to blow in, and it is very easy to inflate while in place. Once you release the security clip on the tube, you can release the air for tight packing.
For my height of 1.81 and 75 kg, this L size fits me like a perfect glove! Once fine-tuned there was no pressure point on any part while sitting.
The AiryVIBE offers high back comfort in supporting the body despite that the sitting area is not covered with smooth foam. This direct feel to the harness delivers excellent air movements with super precise and highly appreciated feedback. And it is comfortable!
The ABS system delivers good comfort while keeping an excellent weight shift ability that when I flew that glider, my Zeolite 2 felt even more agile!
That ABS feel doesn’t give you an excess of roll movements. I think the roll is similar to the Niviuk Arrow, which is a balanced roll. Comparing it to the Genie Light 3, the roll movements are slightly less but the weight shift authority is similar!
The back fairing inflates very well, without a single flutter in the air. The aerodynamic shape is really good. Following a newly rigged Zeno 2/Forza 2, the same size as my Zeolite 2 GT /AiryVIBE, both on bar for 6 km, in very smooth air, didn’t practically show any glide differences. So harness aerodynamics are working great!
I have here the AiryVIBE with two rescue options. One in front easy to reach and another on my right side. When you pull the side rescue, the compartment opens very large like 4 times the usual area, and immediately and effortlessly the rescue goes out.
I was impressed by the speed system’s ability.
Zeolite 2 GT on Forza 2 has moderate foot pressure.
Zeolite 2 GT on NK Arrow has moderate to light and smooth foot pressure.
Zeolite 2 GT on AiryVIBE, has a ‘light’ and super smooth foot pressure.
When using the speed bar on the AiryVIBE, it is easy with roll stability like on the NK Arrow.
Packing:
Conclusion:
IMHO, I think that the AiryVIBE is one of the sweetest harnesses to fly. After flying it, I enjoyed my Zeolite 2 GT turns even better!
I always need three harnesses for my glider tests from very light ones to heavy ones.
The AiryVIBE with an option for two rescues, and a moderately light weight near 5 kg, will be a keeper for my flights.
Sometimes as you know, I get poetic…
An instrument to dance inside the core?
Sexy look, comfortable, and sweet?
Without getting a total bore!
Get into the AiryVIBE seat!