Author: Ziad Bassil

I have already flown the first and second versions of the Ikuma. Here’s the flight test of the Ikuma 3 in size 24 (75-95), flown from 88 to 94 all up.The visual construction and little details are impeccable on that glider. There’s something apart from the building quality and small details. Launching the Ikuma 3 even in no wind conditions, rises smoothly and evenly. The Ikuma 3 rises effortlessly in more windy take-offs and stays above the pilot’s head with a little brake.I was already smiling from the first turn! Sometimes, when I test fly a new glider, I worry a…

Mac Para Verve 23 This year I attended the Coupe Icare with my family and did some interviews with manufacturers as best as I could. Mac Para had a glider for me that I returned with me to test fly. The Verve is Mac Para new 2 liner EN-C glider. The Verve has semi-light cloth and the size 23 weighs around 4.00 kg for a weight range of 84-97. The shape in the air looks cool. The Verve has winglets on both sides. Launching the Verve 23 at 94 all up is very straightforward, without any hard points. It is easy to launch and the…

NOVA Codex S size 80-100/105 After the amazing, very comfortable, performant Mentor 7, NOVA designed a 2 liner C glider with a moderate aspect ratio of 6.1. It is a true 2 liner with nitinol rods and as usual a very clean construction. Launching the Codex S t 96 all up requires a gentle pull without any hard points. The glider settles above your head easily and the take off is immediate. First turn inside a thermal and my memory goes back to the Mentor 7 test! It is as if I am flying the Mentor 7! The pressure on the brakes is very…

Harness comparison ( Update) Test flying harnesses are the most difficult and sometimes highly inaccurate, as each individual even with the same height and weight shares a completely different anatomy. This test is to get a 50 % idea of what to expect, and it is more important to test-fly a harness than it is to test-fly a paraglider. Testing harnesses consist of sitting in a harness for more than 20 minutes if you can, adjusting it, and feeling if there are any hard points on your body. Then a flight could give you a higher idea of the roll…

PHI Scala 2 19 – 75-100 The manufacturing process is very neat. Launching the Scala 2 with my x-rated 6 harness at 93 all up needs a steady pull, as the glider feels a bit heavy on pull. But still inflates evenly and I didn’t notice a surge, just a bit slow to rise. Climbing in weak thermals less than (-1 m/s), isn’t the Scala 2 strong point. It needs a bit of time to rise up. When thermals go more than +1.0 m/s The Scala 2 has no problem climbing with the best C’s. Gliding with the Scala 2 19, at…

Ozone Zeolite 2 GT. MS Disclaimer and reminder: With respect, there are many types of pilots:  Some search for the smallest detail, others just grab any glider and fly, and others even the thirsty ones, just like to debate on a simple glass of water… My testing passion is totally free to share, and I’m still having a lot of fun flying newcomers. Hope it lasts… As I am writing this test, the ultra lighter version of the Zeolite 2 GT is now available with around 750 grs !!   less on each glider. ‘The Zeolite 2’ . As I already flew…

C & D Gliders Comparison

B Gliders Comparison

The Illusion 2 is a lightweight low EN-B from MacPara. Pulling on the A risers launches the Illusion 2 smoothly even in nil wind. In the stronger breeze, it rises calmly and stays above the pilot’s head. Take off with 85 all up on this size is ideal. I flew in some strong turbulent air, and I was test-flying also the Ion 7 and the Buzz Z7. I think Illusion 2 seems calmer in all the pitch movements. In strong air, the Illusion 2 stays locked above the pilot’s head with little brake applied. The roll is moderate and resembles the Ion…