Author: Ziad Bassil

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…

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…