Author: Ziad Bassil

Evaluating a new glider sometimes is difficult and that ‘s the case with the Boom GTO.For this test i would like if i may ,to divide pilots in two categories.(A)The performance oriented.(B)The artists.Construction:Plastic inserts on the leading edge,three liner ,thin three risers ,low sheathed lines and upper unsheathed(Not really thin).Laying the glider on the ground feels simple and very neat.Launching:The glider launches easily in no wind. In high wind also it felt that it stays above your head without pitching.Kiting the glider on the ground gave me a strange feeling of a glider that is relatively easy to stay above…

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THE LITTLE BUDDHA I always wait impatiently for a new NIVIUK product.The designer OLIVIER NEF,is full of surprises. In 2006 the PEAK 1 was a revelation among gliders of its level.Still is. The NIVIUK ARTIC 2 is also one of the best EN_C gliders available for the package of security/performance/efficiency it delivers. I was waiting to see how the HOOK 2 will be and what will be the philosophy of NIVIUK in releasing such a glider in the fierce competition of the EN-B category. Laying the glider on the ground feels small for the 80-100 all up size.The plastic inserts…

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When the BBHPP came first into the worlds, every pilot was dreaming of flying something like that. It was a clever move for the OZONE team to introduce to the market the R-10 series based on the BBHPP. Some pilots wanted this glider to win comps, and some for the taste of flying one of the best performance glider available in 2010 with the latest technologies and optimum drag reduction. The Mantra R-10 came with a different glider box. One that is rectangular, for the plastic inserts to fit inside without being torn.Opening the glider and spreading it on the…

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tX9eTiTLgE After some flights in thermal conditions, loaded at 95 kg all up ,with an impress harness, here is what I found. Construction and quality are very good ,to the last detail in simplicity and GRADIENT style .It inspire confidence just by looking. Regular risers and lines , excluding the thin lines on top. Launching the glider is easy, in all conditions. Nothing special on that. In the air, at my wing loading I found the brakes long as the Aspen 3,but the wing is agile in smooth conditions. When it is turbulent and bumpy, I need to insist keeping…

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Finally after a long wait I received the ORYX at 1:30 noon and rushed for our soaring site for a quick 0 gravity feeling. The wind was sideways and fairly strong ±30 km/h, but the glider was very easy to inflate and handle. It does not have the tendency to be pushed out of gusts and thermals. It keeps getting forward smoothly. I really like that in a glider regardless of the category they represent. Speed stall is very far beyond seat position. (I could not reach it with the factory settings) The ORYX is a light glider .I have…

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USPORT 24.5 FR (90-105) On the ground the Usp FR looks impressive. Besides having a flat aspect ratio of 6.8 and 5.0 projected, it is a true 3 liner. It has those reinforced plastic inserts on every cell RFE, and all lines are unsheathed with risers having 3cm negative and 5 cm positive trimmers. It really does look impressive!!! The Usp is rather a heavy glider. It weights around 7.5 kg on the M size. Its weight is around the leading edge .You can feel it by lifting the cells. I flew it at 98 kg all up with an…

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I could be one of many who likes quality and superb details in a glider, and always when I unfold an ADVANCE glider ,my eyes are wide open for the excellent finish and details . Of course they will all fly, but it is nice and funny “sometimes” to feel that you are flying in style 🙂 . Even the attachment points are fitted correctly and properly, (see pic) The launching of the BiBeta is really easy in weak or even in strong wind. The take off also at 175 all up was quick with a weak head wind of…

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I was testing the SIGMA 7 26 loaded at 95 kg all up the last summer. Here is what I found. One cannot deny the excellent finish and details. When you open the glider bag you find yourself looking at an ASTON MARTIN car. Very neat and classy details. The risers are thin and look like a piece of art. RATE 9.8/10 Launching is a child job and getting airborne is easy and quick. RATE 9.8/10 In the thermals the SIGMA 7 is a pleasure to fly .Very crisp and moderate pressure, with outstanding precision puts the glider in a…

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SOL TORCK After flying the TORCK for a while at 96 all up , here what I found. The SOL TORCK is made from Gelvenor, which make the glider as little heavy. The front part of the wing is made from light gelvenor, so you can feel quickly the difference in weight between the front and the heavy back of the glider. The lines are made of Kevlar lines unsheathed on the top, and main treated vectran lines. Launching the glider in nil wind would need much energy, to get the glider overhead. In moderate wind it is a pleasure…

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