The Skywalk TEQUILA 5 (EN B) is intended to be a Progression class wing (‘low B’) which can be accessed by both flying-school graduates and pilots moving up from their First wing (EN A). It replaces the TEQUILA 4 which we reviewed: a fun and sporty wing with outstanding performance but with more turn energy than usually found in the class. What does the Tequila 5 do differently? Let’s find out.
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Skywalk is clear in their marketing that the RANGE XALPS 2 is for top level performance: “for pilots who want to go to the limit in competitions or who insist on extremely light gear”. If you’re a podium contender for an upcoming hike and fly race, it looks like the one to have. But is it a practical option for general XC pilots wanting a lighter comfortable pod? Let’s find out.
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There are more than twenty flight instruments just within the ranges that Flybubble stock and support, each with their own features, screen design, sensors and technical capabilities. Let’s examine how to choose the right one. Instruments can help you climb better, stay up for longer, glide further and make better decisions. An altimeter might seem simple: it can tell you how high you are and whether you are climbing or sinking. But is that in metres or feet? QNH or QFE? Barometric or GPS altitude? For new pilots, things can rapidly become complicated. The simpler the instrument, the fewer choices you will have to make and the less it will demand from you. The key to getting the right instrument is to have all the features you really need on display, and no more.
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Phi burst onto the scene last year with experienced designer Hannes Papesh at the helm, supported by testing ace Mike Kung and a highly motivated team with a fresh approach. They surprised pilots by announcing three EN A wings in their range. We recently reviewed the SYMPHONIA, a ‘super-high A’ wing with fantastic handling. The SONATA is their wing for high-flying students and graduates – what we’d call a First wing.
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The Supair EVO LITE is an entry-level harness that puts you in an upright position (legs free) in the standard version, but with the optional leg fairing you can easily convert it to a (semi-reclined) pod harness. Despite being durable and complete, it is remarkably light.
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Concerning all Ozium 2 harnesses manufactured during 2017 and early 2018 (for harnesses delivered after March 2018, no further action is required). There’s a potential problem with the reserve deployment system. The reserve bridles connect the parachute to the shoulder attachment points and are routed within a self-opening zip compartment on the right hand side of the harness.
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The Kortel KANIBAL RACE 2 has all the features you’d expect from a modern competition harness. Two reserve containers (one on each side) that are very neatly integrated. Removable full-size flight deck. Drogue chute pocket (ambidextrous). Ratchet pulleys. Aerodynamic tail fin, ballast storage. But most of all: supreme comfort and control.
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The instrument has three main functions: it's a vario/altimeter; a moving map display/navigational tool; and complete flight computer for competitions. The Syride SYS'Evolution, with a large e-ink display, offers a clear screen with excellent sunlight readability. If you looked at this instrument more than 3 months ago then you'll need to look again as there have been big changes, including a world first: a combined 3D airspace and terrain map. Steve Uzochukwu reports.
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The Nova ION 5 replaces the very successful ION 4 in a very popular position in the marketplace – a wing that appeals to pilots in the cross-over between school and solo flying. As such it can’t have any ‘hot’ characteristics that would frighten students, but it must offer enough control freedom to satisfy more experienced pilots and have enough performance to begin XC adventures. The ideal compromise is hard to achieve. I tested the wing in sporty spring conditions in the UK, and added Carlo’s experience from XC flying in the mellow thermals in Colombia.
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The Advance Omega XALPS 2 is made for adventure and racing, and builds on the success of the winning XALPS 1 design (1st and 2nd place, Red Bull Xalps 2015). Light, fast, and with balanced handling, the original XALPS was hard to beat. Has it been improved upon?
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