Author: Ziad Bassil

Skywalk X-Alps 6 / 95 + The X-Alps 6 is SKYWALK’s new 2026 model and beyond for the lightweight two-liner EN-D glider category. That X-Alps glider was used in the Red Bull X-Alps competition, with a beautiful podium for Simon Oberrauner. You can see the details of the glider here: https://skywalk.info/project/x-alps6/. The construction is simple yet beautiful and neat—thin risers, coupled with Edelrid lines. Launching the XAlps 6 at 94 all up is straightforward, even without wind. With a steady breeze, it inflates rapidly, yet it still feels very compact and doesn’t require many skills to keep it overhead. It feels easy to ground and handle…

Airdesign Hero X-ped size X-small 65-87 ( optimum 83 all up) I have already test flown the Hero 2 in sizes 75-95. Here’s the Xalp version of the Hero, named X-ped, in a smaller size. Like the Hero 2, the construction is excellent, with that nimble, very light cloth. Inflation is super easy, even in nil wind. The X-ped rises quickly, and the takeoff is eventful. In a sustained 30 km/k wind, the X-ped didn’t feel the need for extra control. Plain and very simple for the light D class category. The glider seems very taught and homogeneous. https://ad-gliders.com/project/hero-xped-yourbestmate/?lang=en Let’s fly! In the air, I flew the…

BGD Cure 3 M (75-95) The Cure 3 is the new 2025 release for BGD in the EN-C category, featuring a complete two-line design structure and a flat aspect ratio of 6.7. I flew the Cure 3 with three harnesses: Impress 4/ Arrow/ and the Flow Vissta XC. After many flights, at a lower load 90…91, in good conditions, I wasn’t blending on that glider… As I had already flown most two-liners, I thought there was definitely something wrong! So I gave that glider to my friend, and he happened to fly it at 94 all up. I took the…

NIviuk Artik R 2 size 23 I have already flown all Artik series, from the first one to this year’s 2025 model, and now I have the Artik R 2, the new release two liner EN-C glider from Niviuk. In this review, I will describe the glider and highlight the differences between the Artik R1 and R2, as well as the Artik 7 P, a hybrid released in 2025. The Artik R2 construction and details are flawless, just like Niviuk’s latest models. With a very nice manufacturing process, it looks clean, like a Swiss watch. Or should I say like a Spanish Andalusian Flamenco 🙂 To stay close…

Ozone Alpina GT ( The Yogi) Ozone introduced the Alpina GT, a three-line concept with a six-to-one aspect ratio for 2025. Many pilots ask why. There’s the new two-liner Delta 5, and also later, the light Alpina 5 will emerge. So, why go to a three-line concept? Not even a hybrid! Perhaps a little at the last 2 meters. Who is this glider for?  Let me explain the Alpina GT in full detail. The glider has a lightweight construction, weighing around 4.25 kg. The risers are traditional, rigid webbing risers and a bit heavy. Perhaps, Ozone may offer a lighter riser option. Launching the Alpina GT S…

GIN GTO 3 (ttwienada) (go-seongneung) in Korean 😉 When I was in France at the Coupe Icare, I met Mr. Gin for a meeting to discuss future GIN products. Gin was very excited about the GTO 3, as his goal was to achieve the best performance from an EN-C glider, particularly at high speeds. And after seven months, I was able to purchase the GTO 3. Wave leading edge on that design with quite a few thin lines. Lying it on the ground showed me an elegant construction. The leading edge is made from Dominico 30DMF 41g², and the…

Hi,I’m currently testing the F*Race 2 in size M.I’m also making a video about it. It should be released in the next few days, if the weather is bad for flying …https://www.instagram.com/p/DLb7jWgIfyt/ The F-Race 2 is more stable than the Forza 1, especially when the ABS is tightened, which is a notable feature of this harness. There’s also a chest strap adjustment to enhance stability further. You can even loosen up to make it super sweet to roll and fly!The F-Race 2 is far from Forza 2 in every way. Pilots who didn’t blend into Forza 2 for some reason…

MACPARA Eden 8 The EDEN 8 is Macpara’s new high-B glider for the 2025/26 or possibly the 27 season. I have the size 23 (70-90) here. The Eden 8 is a semi-light glider with a 3/2 hybrid line configuration. The construction and details are nice on that glider. The work on the leading edge is fantastic, and Nitinol rods were used inside that glider. I flew the Eden 8 in higher mountains and difficult conditions, as well as on other sites below the inversion, with some challenging moments. Now, after a while, I can write my review precisely. Launching the 5.93 Eden 8 as a high B…

Delta 5 MS & ML I know many pilots are waiting for that glider, therefore I’m going to say a few words about it and wait for the performance tests to be done later with another 2 liner C, Photons, etc…in order to tell you exactly how it performs. Meanwhile, let me state the obvious. Take off of the MS at 92 and on the ML at 101. Launching is easy, without a hard point. Overall easy to launch. In the air, the brake travel is short, direct, precise, and gives the pilot high authority on the brakes to hold,…

Nearbirds Zippy 3 Light XC harness. Nearbirds has its unique touch when creating paragliding harnesses. The Zippy 3 is some kind of a lighter, the light version of already light Airy Vibe, with an ABS adjustment option. That harness resembles the Airy Vibe, but lighter. The straps are sturdy for high durability and strength. If you want a light harness but durable for hike and fly, XC, a travel companion, the Zippy 3 offers that solid package. The comfort inside that Zippy 3 highly resembles the Airy Vibe. Lots of straps for adjusting to the perfect comfort. I feel more…