Author: Ziad Bassil

Many pilots, and professionals have over the time asked me about the testing I make in my blog and how it is possible to get an assessment on gliders. Surely I will ‘not’ write a complete report in a normal and easy XC flight. ‘Strong conditions’ will enable me to understand better the cohesion of a glider in strong, punchy lifts and the ability of the glider to be controlled in these situations. After one flight in strong conditions will give a quick idea of the glider. But that’s not even 5 % of the tests! In strong conditions all…

WoodyValley X-Rated 6 L More pics: http://www.facebook.com/groups/209637459105263/ Video soon….

Mac Para EDEN 5 ! (The hidden Treasure ! ) The last gliders I flew from Mac Para were the Magus XC2 and the Marvel. Both were on the edge of performance in their category especially the climb rate! Now Santa Claus brought to my hands this December new Eden 5 size 26(80-95), which I will fly at 91 all up weight and I am just taking some photos preparing myself for a long and amazing flight…. Launching this glider is as simple as it gets. The light materials in the leading edge do contribute to that easy forgiving launching.…

NOVA Ion 2 XS LIGHT 70-90 I heard that the light version of the new Ion 2 has something special, and I was keen to test fly it to discover that special glider… With the Genie Lite equipped with a light rescue and the 4.5 kg Ion 2 Light, a light breakfast ? and 88 all up . In the air the Ion 2 XS light has a more ‘spicy’ feeling than the old ion 1. It is not as dampened as the Ion 1 was. The first contact with a thermal is felt by a little pitch back from…

6 months ago I have tested the Aspen 4 .I still remember its ease of use and comfortable ride for a C glider. Launching: In the air: Immediately after take off I could feel the floating ability of the NEVADA ! The climb rate in thermals is nothing but perfect! This glider doesn’t pitch forward nor back, it just climbs! This glider does compensate in its floating ability and climb rate in the thermals! Trim speed is around 39 km/h and top speed at 98 all up could match the M2 S at 95 all up + 1 km for…

Cheers, Ziad. ——– Some pictures : https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/110040226962521480605/albums/5792447562543318481 ————————————————-

Dear all , I just updated the EN-C comparison inserting the VOLT (see further posts below) ………………………………..

AD VOLT SM –> Air Design VOLT After flying the PURE and the RISE ,I was waiting for AD new C glider. And here it is The SM size 80-95 . I flew the glider at 94 all up, as the VOLT has to be flown at top weight to be able to control it in all conditions. At 90 all up in strong conditions it kept telling me that she likes to be heavily loaded. I understood. I flew the glider in different conditions from turbulent to weak. I can say that the VOLT is fairly comfortable for a…

NIVIUK IP 6 The very long waited IP6 23 came finally and I was able to fly it in variable conditions from weak to turbulent at 98 all up recommended by NIVIUK. Launching: If I want to compare it with the old ‘D’s, the IP6 is a bit difficult to launch it overall. In flight: Comparing this glider also to the old ‘D’s, Peak 2,M4, O8… ,the IP6 feels more dynamic and alive. It feels like the glider has lots of energy. The handling and ability to steer the glider in “moderate conditions” is outstanding. Very responsive, soft and linear…