Author: Ziad Bassil

The B category is a very wide and the most purchased category. In this one category, you can find gliders with a real aspect ratio from 4.8 to 6.3 ! which gives a huge gap in usability and performance.The Epic 2 is BGD’s new low B glider for 2022-23 with a real aspect ratio of 5.2 and 3.8 projected.Launching the Epic 2 size S (65-85) at 84 all up in no wind needs a slight pull, no hard point, no surge forward, just an easy glider to inflate. In windier take-offs, the inflation is calm as if the Epic 2…

GIN Avid, 75-95 I already flew the Explorer 2 https://dustoftheuniverse.com/2021/07/gin-explorer-2-size-s-75-95.htmlNow GIN released the AVID which is a more robust version of the Explorer 2 and the use of new cloth. GIn quote: The Myungjin MJ40MF and MJ32MF fabrics are intended to withstand harsher, more abrasive environments.Flying the Avid in different conditions and most variable ones ! from 90 to 95 all up with my grated 6 harnesses as usual… That way I can describe the feeling of that glider versus any other glider I flew for the past 6 years easily having still the same harness! I think flying it at 95…

Triple Seven Queen 3 SM (75-95) One of my preferred gliders in the C category was a Q-Light 2 S size. Handling, turning behavior, feel under it, climb rate in weak, glide, were all 90 % over 100! Now Triple Seven introduced the Queen 3 in slightly different sizes than the older model. The SM size I’m test flying goes from 75 to 95 all up certified as a 3 liner EN-C.Launching the Queen 3 is less than 5 km/h wind needs a few steps more in order to fill it with air, than regular C’s like Alpina 4, Elan3, Allegro…due to…

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Maestro 2 21 Many would ask why should he compare a high B to the latest 2-liner D’s. As the differences could be irrelevant! The Maestro 2 has a real aspect ratio of 5.6 and 4.1 projected. That’s quite good for keeping a good passive safety. The glider is made from Porcher/ Skytex 32-27 which is one of the best materials today. The construction and details are very neat. 76 cells on this high B, reminded me of the Nova Phantom design. The Maestro 2 is equipped with very nice and efficient RO7 risers.No loops on the B’s or C’s…PHI most probably…

The Iota DLS ( Durable lightweight structure ) is an ADVANCE new high B glider with a moderate aspect ratio of 5.6.As usual, the construction is very neat all the way. Launching the Iota in nil wind is very straightforward. No hard points. A slight pull and it goes evenly above your head. In strong air, the launching is also well mannered, but for sure a dab on the brakes to keep it overhead is a must for any high B glider pilot. I will describe the differences between those 3 gliders and some more and will update my B comparison in…

FLOW Freedom 2, S (70-95) G’day, mate! What’s cracking? Get your eskys and let’s see that beauty! 🙂 I’m still in my deadset 😉 …but Aussie slang training… 🙂 First, I must tell you that I already test flew the older version (Freedom1) and this new high B is nothing close to the old version as if sewn in another dimension! The Freedom 2 is built with Porcher Skytex 38g and 32g which gives it a semi-light construction. Liros and Edelrid lines are installed like a hybrid 3-2 liner technology and they are quite a few. A shark nose with a 4 ways attachment point…

Air Design VOLT 4 S (80-92) After the Volt 3 with its 3-line design, and the new change in the EN-C protocols, AIR DESIGN released the first real 2-liner, C-rated glider. The VOLT 4 used the excellent Porcher Skytex 27 classic II on top and bottom. The lines used on top: Edelrid 8000/U-070, 090, 9200-035 with middle Lines: Edelrid 8000/U-130, 190. The Main Lines: Edelrid 8000/U-190, 230, 280, 360. This choice of a very different line layout with the skinnies on the brakes and on the rear B attachment points screams for performance! Flying different C gliders over the years made me a…

OZONE Zeno 2 MSIntroduction:And here it is after five years. The Zeno 1 was an eye-opener as every pilot who flew it knows. In that era, there was no competition in the 2 liner series for that special package of outstanding performance and comfortable ride. In this test, I will try to compare the Zeno 2 with the new Magus XC, Peak5, Zeolite GT, Omega X-Alps 3, Leopard, XC racer. History: I must add that in the 90’s I was still very much interested in competition gliders, and have flown a lot of them, from the early UP’s, EDEL, Airwave, MAC…

DRIFT Hawk S 70-92Drift is a new paragliding company. https://driftgliders.com/ If you want to know about the designers and team, please follow that link: https://driftgliders.com/about Hawk is their high EN-B. The construction details are very well made. Skytex 32 and 28 were used on the Hawk with Liros and Edelrid lines with very few lines and width. With a shark nose (beak) the glider looks like it was designed for performance. The weight of the Hawk is a bit less than 4 kg and could be narrowly packed. In this test, I will compare it with some B’s, and mainly with…