Author: Ziad Bassil

I still remember quite well the Knight 1 when I test flew it. Triple Seven is delivering now its second version. In this test, I will describe the differences found in both versions in every aspect and will insert some B gliders for comparisons.The construction on the Knight looks very neat. The same construction is seen on Rook 3. Triple Seven used the same line width, lengths, and configuration as on the Rook3. If both gliders are on the ground, there will be very few differences to see between the two. Have to mention this important notice in all my tests>Launching…

Hi,I see many pilots are interested in the C category future designs, so I did ask the designers, and manufacturers their opinion:Here it is:Ziad:What is your opinion about the new C certification? Any investments in a 2 liner C?Will it be there two versions of C gliders one 3 liners and one 2 liners?Is it achievable today with 6 ar, and still being homogeneous in strong air?Best regards,ZiadBGD ( Bruce Goldsmith)Hi Ziad,At BGD our next C glider will be the Lynx2 and we are working on this right now.It is a 2.5 liner, 3 in the middle and 2 in…

I already flew the normal version of the Base 2 in two sizes M and S, and the review has been written on my blog. Here is the light version in size S flown at 84 all up. In the air at 82 to 84 all up, the Base 2 light gives a softer feel than the Rush 6 in size MS. It feels more comfortable to fly than the R-Light S and the Rook 3 and for sure more than the Rush 6. The brake travel of the lighter version seems quite shorter than the normal S size with only 10…

The Arcus is Swing’s low EN-B glider, with the RAST system.The construction and details are really neat on that Arcus 2. Nitinol wires were used to keep the profile stable with little weight. In the air, the brake travel is short to react and firm, but pulling more is still very forgiving, but no need as it turns quite well in all kinds of conditions. I can say that 15-20 cm is only needed to steer the glider in most conditions. The agility is nice on that low B with good precision in turns for the class. I flew the Buzz Z6…

Skywalk Chili 5 size XS 75-95 After the excellent Chili 4, Skywalk released the Chili 5 for 2021-2022 and perhaps a little more.Let’s begin with the construction which shows very clean work. Skywalk uses a mix of TX-Light and Dominico 30 DMF. The jet flaps are of course still present on the Chili 5, 3D shaping, shark nose, and all the new features of a modern B class paraglider. The risers have a C steering speed control that allows the pilot to stay on the bar while limiting the pitch movements. Launching the Chili 5 XS at 93 all up with…

And here it is…The new Ozone Rush 6 EN-B for 2022-23. Will Rush 6 beat the Rush 5 in all qualities? … let’s see…In the air, the Rush 6 is a bit faster at trim than the Rush 5 and for sure at the second bar which we will talk about later on.Before I continue describing the turn abilities, I have to mention that the overall feel under the Rush 6 is very different from 90 % of the B category gliders. Let me explain:The Rush 6 is different. A different behavior and movements under it. The pilot level is a…

Shark nose, The Elan 3 is manufactured using the excellent lightweight materials from Porcher Sport. Skytex 38, Skytex 32 and Skytex 27. The construction and details are superb. The risers have a connection between the B and the C for efficient C steering. Flying with my X-rated 6 at 93,94 all up, the Elan 3 seems fast at trim. Similar to a Bonanza 2 in trim speed and 1-2 km/h faster at top speed. To explain more, I could say that for pilots who find that flying a Delta 4 or Elan 2 is too dampened in overall feel, the Elan 3 will offer…

I would humbly like to share my personal feel and opinion from all my tested C gliders, here is my choice for the most complete ones in 2020,2021, until 1st July is:2- Sigma 11, size 24 , Why? Just because they offer the most relaxed flying with top-end performance without going out of trim in the first 30 hours. 5- Q-Light S ( needs active control) IN the B category, 2-Rook 3, R-Light 3 ( But I don’t like the take-off in nil wind ) There are more good gliders that don’t go quickly out of trim OF COURSE,Important notice that I would like to share>So…

The Explorer is GIn’s light high B glider. In 2017, I have flown the first version of the Explorer https://dustoftheuniverse.com/search?q=explorer That version was easy to use, and the overall performance was fairly good for the category, while the Carrera and Carrera plus were unreachable in overall performance for the Explorer. Now with the second version, everything has changed!In the air flying with my X-rated 6, and some ballast to reach 93, the brakes have a moderate length for turning in thermals. They are not as short as the Artik 6, Delta 4, Rook 3, R-Light. It is slightly 1-2 cm…