Flybubble Nancy and Carlo have so far tested the THETA ULS in sizes 23, 25 and 27, in various parts of their weight ranges (from 1/3 to top loaded), with several harnesses (so far, Advance WEIGHTLESS, Niviuk Arrow P, Ozone Forza 2 and Woody Valley Race), in a good variety of conditions for at least 20 hours on several flying days over several weeks. They've had great opportunity to compare the THETA ULS to many other wings, of all levels, often close up!
The Advance THETA ULS sits between the Epsilon DLS and the Iota DLS. The Epsilon DLS is a low B wing, the Iota DLS is a high B wing, and the THETA is an ultralight mid B wing. In terms of build quality, we had a thorough look over the THETA, and it’s evident that "Advance" is an apt descriptor. The construction is impeccable, with beautifully made components. The rods of the wing are all nitinol, which is perfect for an ultralight wing, making it very solid and well-performing. Additionally, the wing is compact and easy to pack.
Build Quality
The lines are fully unsheathed, except for the lower main brake line and the stabo line. This shows a clear prioritization of ultralight weight and performance. The wing comes with a product pack that includes an advanced windsock, stickers, a quick start manual, and a riser bag. Although there’s no compression strap, the riser bag prevents the risers from getting tangled.
Usability
The wing is on the thinner side but remains very usable and relatively easy to handle. One minor criticism is the black poppers on the brakes, which were a bit fiddly to use. The risers have soft links with tidy covers, preventing the covers from sliding down, a common issue with many gliders. The BC bridge system with a pulley adds a bit of complexity but also improves handling.
Launch and Ground Handling
Launching in light wind conditions is super easy. The Theta comes up nicely and stays above you without overflying or pitching. The back risers make it very manageable, and the glider fits well, being responsive and controllable. In stronger conditions, it requires careful handling, but it’s forgiving and easy to manage. The glider feels similar to other Advance models, like the Alpha, Epsilon, Beta, and Sigma, in terms of launch and handling.
In the Air
Flying with others, I didn’t feel disadvantaged. It climbs well and performs excellently, close to a high B wing but with more safety and lower pilot demands. The THETA ULS climbs well, performs admirably in light thermals, and has excellent glide performance. It gives good feedback and is easy to turn tightly but flatly, making it effective in thermals. The handling is direct and immediate, allowing quick turns without excessive roll. It’s agile without being overly sporty, providing a reassuring and forgiving experience.
Speed and Stability
Using the speed system, the THETA picks up a good amount of speed and maintains a solid glide. The speed system is light, with a manageable travel length, and the glider remains stable and solid even when fully accelerated. Compared to top high B wings, the THETA is slightly slower at full speed but still performs very well.
Descents Techniques
Big ears are easy to pull in, stable, and give a good descent rate. They pop out nicely when released. Tip stalls are more physical but relatively easy for tip stalls, providing a higher descent rate and popping out easily.. The THETA spirals nicely, controlled and progressive, without a tendency to lock in. The exit is forgiving, though it’s better to bleed off the speed. The glider is resistant to collapses, with induced collapses being a bit more physical. Asymmetric collapses caused the glider to turn more dynamically than the Epsilon DLS, but it’s well-behaved for a mid B.
Who it is for?
In terms of passive safety, the Theta is very stable and confidence-inspiring. It’s easy to handle, both on the ground and in the air, making it suitable for mid B pilots. Compared to its competitors, the Advance THETA performs very well for a mid B. It’s an all-round glider with easy ground handling and in-air performance. It’s suitable for pilots looking for a step up from a low B, wanting more performance without the demands of a high B. It’s also great for pilots returning after a break, wanting a more relaxed, lightweight glider for weekend flying or hike-and-fly in the mountains.
Conclusion
Overall, the Advance THETA ULS is an excellent mid B glider with outstanding build quality, easy handling, and impressive performance. Its solid construction, compact packing, and ease of use make it a great all-rounder for a variety of flying conditions. While the brakes are a bit on the longer side and the black poppers can be fiddly, these are minor issues compared to the glider's overall excellence. The Theta ULS is an investment that offers long-term value and enjoyment.
Flybubble video review
Brought to you by Flybubble
Like what we do? The best way to thank and support us is to buy gear from us and recommend us to others