Author: Ziad Bassil

NOVA Xenon 3 First impressions on the S size that goes to 88 max. Note: I would like to point out a simple observation. When I write about the product, I try to compare it to similar products in that specific category. So the Xenon 3 will be compared to Zeolite 2 GT, Wild 2, Klimber 3 P, X-Ped, Omega X-Alps, etc., and please always consider that the smaller sizes are generally different and more dynamic than the larger sizes for all those mentioned above. Example: Please consider if I write “dampened,” it means dampened compared to the same gliders…

Supair WILD 2 (Wild by name, balanced by heart) The Wild 2 is Supair’s new 2-liner light EN-D for 2026/27. I have test flown the size MS. It has an aspect ratio of 6.86. Here is the link to see all the technical details: https://supair.com/en/produit/aile-parapente-supair-en-d-wild2/ The construction looks very nice, as on the Savage 2, which I already flew and tested. I test-flew the MS size from 88 to 93, all up. The Wild 2 can be easily flown at those weights, depending on the conditions and the prompt action you need. In strong conditions, I flew the Wild 2 at 92…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9iYmfo9p4I

GIN Bandit 2In the year 2000, GIN introduced the first Bandit. It was a DHV 2 at the time. I still remember the glider’s agility compared to others in the same class.In 2026, after 26 years, GIN released the Bandit 2 with a completely different concept.The Bandit 2 is a mid-B-class glider with light construction, designed for a larger group of pilots.The construction and details are very neat. Thin lines are everywhere and resemble those in the higher B category in both volume and width.Nitinol rods are inserted in the leading edge of the glider.The look on that glider is…

Ozone Alpina 5 S and MS Launching the Alpina 5 on the MS at 94 and on the S at 85 is straightforward. The light glider inflates rapidly, and there’s no hesitation at all. Just a balanced, easy-to-launch two liner EN-C.IN the air, the difference between the D5 and the A5 is a slightly softer brake pressure and a little more agility in turns. The light cloth gives it a nimble feel.The Alpina 5 can respond to any thermal core promptly, even in turbulent air, thanks to its short, very responsive brake controls. The Alpina 5 has a more direct…

PHi Maestro 3 size 21 and Maestro 3 LIGHT size 19. I received two gliders from PHI: the Maestro 3 21 and the Maestro 3 light 19. Those gliders are aimed at intermediate pilots for the high B category. Let’s begin with the Maestro 3 21. After a few flights, I realized that it’s better to fly the glider a bit loaded, more than the Maestro 2, which could be flown in overall conditions at 70 % of the normal weight range. Maestro 2 size 21 75-95/ extended to 100, could be flown at 93. But on the Maestro 3…

SUPAIR Savage 2 size MS (73-93). “The mood changer” Supair released its new EN-C class glider, replacing the first version of the Savage. The Savage 2 is a light and hybrid (2.5) line configuration glider that should play at the same level as the NK Artik 7 P. At the same time, I was delighted to test flying the Skywalk Poison 4 and the X-Alps 6 in the EN-D class, due to the excellent handling they deliver. Now flying the Supair Savage 2 as an EN-C, I think I was blessed to have even a higher step with the ability…

Skywalk Poison 4 (My personal avatar) The Poison 4 is SKYWALK’s new two liner EN-D glider for 2026 and beyond. It has a 6.9 aspect ratio, and it is created as their ultimate weapon for cross-country. The glider has, in my view, impeccable construction features! It is built with Skytex Porcher 27 and 40 hrs. Well-placed rods in the structure don’t feel their weight or shape on the ground. Some gliders look so stiff that you ask yourself how to pack them…The Poison 4 appears easier and lighter in that regard, weighing around 5.6 kg! Launching the Poison 4 as a regular XC…

GIN Elise 75-95 High EN-A Yep….This is an exception— and probably my first EN-A review —but things are getting interesting, it seems. Gin has introduced a light construction on the Elise and programmed it for a larger group of pilots. From talented beginners to low B glider pilots. So, let’s take a look at the outcome… Launching the new Elise with hands in your pockets is doable. Just run, and the Elise follows calmly and evenly. But of course not recommended :-). It launches flawlessly, and I don’t think any beginner will have a problem handling it. In the air, I flew the…

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…