Author: Ziad Bassil

NIVIUK Artik-R   size 23 If you already read my previous test about the Artik 6 , then you surely felt that I really appreciated that overall complete glider. Now as the C certification allowed the use of collapse lines and other changes, Niviuk released to the market their new C class model, with its 2-line version and with a 6.5 aspect ratio. I have flown the size 23 which is certified from 80-95, and NIVIUK recommends the optimum flying weight of 87-92. I flew that glider at 88- 92- and 95 all up on my X-rated 6 harness. The Artik-R has…

Ozone released a harness for minimizing the drag produced by the pilot/harness combination, and the main purpose is the extra glide angle in competitions.The base harness is an exoceat that has been modified a bit. A thick wooden seat board is installed, and the chest strap width is fixed at around 50 cm. My personal feel and imagination, look like it is made to fit a pilot in a ‘Formula 1’ seating position! The soft envelope surrounds the harness and both hands are inserted like wearing a jacket with also a Zipper that comes from the end of the pod to…

During those 30 years, and of all the harnesses I test flew, this is my first Niviuk harness! There’s always a first time 🙂 The size M goes to 178cm pilot height. So I ordered two sizes. One M just arrived and one L should arrive in a month or two hopefully. The Arrow pod can be replaced easily if damaged by mistake with side zippers. There’s a seat plate on the harness. Under the seat is a pocket that fits a 4 kg water ballast. On the right side, the rescue pocket is wide enough can fit a Rogallo rescue. The rescue…

🙂 Soon…

We fly for peace! We fly for freedom! An incredibly beautiful flight today, ending this year !!Wishing all pilots blessed and wonderful flights!HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! 🌟 ✨ 🎉 💫

Disclaimer:Related to my earlier tests: Many pilots already know very well how I do the tests, but I need to continue my explanations for some. When comparing gliders in a weak lift with the same load for both, I feel sometimes that glider X climbs slightly less than the one next to it, which is always “my reference glider” for that matter. That does not mean that glider X doesn’t climb well, or the pilot would sink and land! It is just that my reference glider is still a better climber or a better floater…And the pilot on glider X…

NOVA Mentor 7 Light XS (75-95) Disclaimer:As many of you know me very well, I always follow the new upcoming gliders and new releases, and in April 2021, I heard about the Mentor 7 and rushed quickly to order one. In this lapse of one and a half years, I received many emails asking me about that glider, but I wasn’t able to receive it…while all the magazines, Cross Country, FlyBubble, (Tests and videos on their well-respected websites), and lots of other pilots around the world got one or at least flew a demo one, of the Mentor 7 Light! So…

When I flew the old Delight3 and as I always fiddle with my equipment after the test has been made, I made lots of adjustments, like inserting a foam from the upper part to reach the lower back and that made more support to my lower back with a comfortable sitting position and also rewired the line settings of the pod to reach a nearly no pressure on the tight and natural leg support while maintaining a correct pod alignment into the airflow. But the Delight 3 was targeted as a first pod harness with a good stability of its…