Author: Ziad Bassil

ADVANCE Sigma 12 DLS size 24 ( UPDATED) The Sigma 12 DLS new 3-liner C class glider for ADVANCE in 2024/25. It is a semi-light glider with around 4.5 kg. Construction and details are typically ADVANCE. Very neat and well-built. Launching the S12 DLS is straightforward, easy, and simple to take off without any hard points. Even in no wind, the take-off is easy. I flew the Sigma 12 DLS at 92 all up. Next to me, my friends were on one Photon S, One Photon MS, and one ML. There was also a Rush 6 MS and a Rook 3…

AXIS Vega 6 size M (85-102) Radek Simonik founded Axis Paragliders in 1990 as a hang-gliding school. Radek Simonik was developing the gliders together with Ing. Frantisek Pavlousek until 2010 when Franta left for UP. Construction: The Vega 6 uses a mix of Skytex cloth with unsheathed 0.5 to 2.5 mm from Liros Dyneema and Cousin Vectralines. The finish details of the glider are good. The risers used hold the same materials and construction as the Venus SC. Launching the Vega 6 is straightforward, even in nil wind. In stronger wind, I found it also easy to control and launch. I flew the M…

AD Sigma DLS 22- 23

FLOW Freedom 2 Light size S (70-95) FLOW released the light version of their high EN-B the Freedom 2. Awaiting the website to be updated, please find a picture of the Freedom 2 Light technical details. In summary, Nitinol rods are used, shark nose, hybrid set up 3/2 line layout. Launching this high EN-B is straightforward and super easy. The glider rises without any hard point even with no wind. I like the light materials when launching the glider in tight areas. I flew the Freedom 2 light at 92 all up on my Impress 4 harness.  The brake travel…

After OZONE introduced the PHOTON, here is the light version of that incredible top-end performance EN-C 2 liner. The first PHOTONS had a very long brake travel, and after a while, the handling got slightly better. BUT…. Afterward, the new PHOTONS delivered had slightly different handling. How different?  Two months ago, and based on my recommendations, a close friend of mine, purchased a new Photon ML  like the one I test flew a year ago.  He was reluctant at first as he wanted a glider that has direct brake control, but as he kept listening to my comments after I landed…

GIN Calypso 2 75-95  The new Calypso 2 is GIN’s new light low B glider with an aspect ratio of 5.05! Only and weighs around 3.65 KG. Here’s the link to the GIN website for any further details.  https://www.gingliders.com/en/paragliders/calypso-2/ The construction is really nice. Very well made. All the lines are sheathed which makes it great for adventure flying. Nitinol rods are used for packing longevity and go well with light materials. Launching: This Calypso launch is special. A small pressure on the A risers and the Calypso 2 rises smoothly. In a more consistent wind, it goes up gently…

Advance Lightness 4 size M.The lightness harness series from ADVANCE is famous for its highly comfortable seat-less sitting position and its light weight of around 3 kilos. ADVANCE released the Lightness 4 in June 2024, and many pilots wonder if the Lightness 4 will also be an enhanced product over the Lightness 3. Let’s find out…The Lightness 4 is created with a rear moderate-size fairing in a nice light blue color with a relatively good space inside the back pocket. At first sight, the construction quality seems close enough to the Lightness 3. The side zippers of the pod are small, and…

BGD Diva 2 SThe first certified EN-D glider from BGD has been released with an aspect ratio of 7.https://www.flybgd.com/en/paragliders/diva-2–paraglider-2021-2188-0.htmlNice color combination for a refreshing look. The DIVA 2 construction and details are excellent. The lines are minimalistic to reduce drag as best as possible.The DIVA 2 S size I have for the test goes from 75 to 90 all up.I flew it at from 86 to 88 and could be easily flown at 86 and preferably in strong air at 90 all up.Launching the Diva 2 for an aspect ratio of 7 needs a steady pull but the DIVA 2…

UP Kibo-X 4 hours. 2500 EU (Like NEW)BGD DIVA 2 S size (red) 4 hours. 3200 EU FLOW. Mullet 18. 30 hours in excellent condition ( 1900 EU ) OZONE Photon MS (custom color) Blue /Green stripes). 30 hours 2800 EU Air Design VOLT 5 MS 80-95 only 1 hour (used for comparison (NEW) 3200 EU