NIVIUK Hiko-P

NIVIUK Hiko P size 22

After some good learning hours on an A glider, a friend got her new Hiko and was keen to know what it would be like in comparison to another B glider. Since I can fly the size 22 at 84 all up, I got a brand new Hiko P, which is the light version of the original Hiko.
Construction and details are excellent on today’s Niviuk gliders, and the Hiko P is no different with that light cloth.
My first pink-colored Hiko with my Arrow P at 84 standing on launch.
Even in nil wind, the glider inflates flawlessly. In light wind, it’s so straightforward to launch. The light fabric inflates well, and the Hiko rises above my head, waiting for me to step forward.

Usually, and 90% of the time, when I fly low-rated gliders, I don’t expect to be satisfied by the reactivity of the glider. First turn under the Hiko P and I’m already amazed by that brake smoothness and coordination. The HIko-P is an agile mid-B glider with amazing turning abilities. It can core tightly any thermal, without hesitation.
Light to moderate brake pressure, with linear and direct brake response enabled me to guide that glider everywhere I wanted in turbulence and inside thermals.
That light Mid-EN-B glider gave me and to my surprise a very nice time testing it handling-wise. A pure joy to steer in the air.

The climb rate is on the high side under that glider. Even though I was on the top end, the Hiko-P climbed very well, and I think I could place it easily among the best ones in that category. In strong thermals, there’s no high-pitch back considering that category. On the contrary, it slips through the air smoothly but, of course, slowly compared to the upper classes.
Gliding through some difficult air surprised me with the Hiko-P’s ability to dig through slowly but efficiently! The Hiko-P behaves quite nicely in the turbulent airmass with a highly homogenous feel, and a very good efficient profile for a mid-B glider.
The feedback is smooth are well balanced with the right amount of feedback, without any parasital movements, letting the pilot concentrate on his flight.

Speed over trim is around 11 km/h at 900 ASL. Ears are stable, easy to induce, and efficient.
Conclusion:
For me to land with a smile on a mid-B is rare. Because when you fly higher-rated gliders that give you that extra efficiency, you will feel grounded in flying lower gliders sometimes. It wasn’t the case flying the Hiko-P as it delivered above expectations glide and climb, and above all excellent handling with smoothness in turns, which resulted in a big smile after landing!
I think that glider can be flown as the main glider for (low-mid EN-B) pilots looking for a comfortable, easy to use, light, compact to pack, well mannered, hike and fly glider, without losing on performance and especially on fun!