Author: Ziad Bassil

In 2016, UP launched the Trango X-Race, with a 7 aspect ratio. If you have already read my test, then you would probably know that I fell in love with the handling, and overall performance at the time. Many EN-C gliders have emerged since then, but I can assure you not one has satisfied my spoiled and picky nature for breaking authority and handling. Yep…That’s me…Until PHI got the Maestro 2 as an EN-B size 21 and flew at 95 all up, to find a slightly similar feel and I was really happy to fly it and still, just to feel…

Felipe Flow Para: 1- This year alone we have released 5 new gliders. Cosmos 2, Panorama 2, XCRacer2, Cosmos Power2, and RPM2 – we are just about to release the 6th, on the Mullet. We finally have a factory we can work with and not hold us back. We had many problems in the past with the manufacturing facility in Thailand. The owner was really making our life hard.Dustoftheuniverse:Felipe Flow Para: 2 – The cosmos 2 is based on the Cosmos 1 but we improved a lot of things.it is a low and basic B for new pilots and cools to…

GIN Bonanza 3 S (85-100) The GIN Bonanza 3 is the 2023-25 new EN-C, 2- liner glider that replaces the Bonanza 2 which was a 3-liner with a 6.4 aspect ratio. The Bonanza 3 only has one A and one B. It is a pure 2-liner with a 6.3 aspect ratio and equipped with GIN’s new wave leading edge that was implemented on their CCC glider the Boomerang 12. GIN uses on the upper surface leading edge: Myungjin MJ40 MF and Myungjin MJ32 MF and on the Lower surface: Porcher Skytex, 27 g/m².The lines are a mix of: 8001 / 050 / 070…

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…