The Supair STEP X (Cross) paraglider presents a significant advancement in terms of construction, design, and overall finish. Its refined build quality is immediately apparent, showcasing a cleaner and more polished aesthetic compared to its predecessors like the Leaf 3.
Packaging
Upon receiving the STEP X, you will find it packaged in a super compact concertina bag. This bag is not only one of the favorites among many pilots but also incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to pack and unpack the glider. The package includes essential items such as line diagrams and spare repair patches, providing a comprehensive kit right out of the box.
Packing away the glider is easy. The compact case is user-friendly and includes an extra compression feature, allowing you to pack it softly or compress it more, resulting in a manageable weight and volume.
Risers
The STEP X features narrow, skinny risers that, despite their thin profile, are surprisingly easy to handle. Unlike some ultra-thin risers that can be fiddly, these risers are straightforward to pick up and hold, thanks to their thoughtful design and quality construction. The lines are fully unsheathed, except for the main brake lines, contributing to a cleaner aerodynamic profile.
Ground Handling and Launch
The STEP X excels in ground handling, making inflation and wall-building straightforward even in breezy conditions. It is remarkably easy to manage in both light and strong winds, positioning it as one of the most user-friendly high B gliders available. The glider inspires confidence with its ease of inflation and controllability, which are crucial for both novice and experienced pilots transitioning to a high B wing.
In the air
Launch and Lift-off: The STEP X is forgiving and straightforward to launch, even in challenging conditions. It stands out for its pitch stability and solid feel, providing reassurance during takeoff. Whether in nil wind or stronger conditions, the wing's ease of use and lifty trim ensure a smooth and confident launch.
Handling and Stability: In the air, the STEP X offers a comfortable and confidence-inspiring experience. It handles smoothly, with moderate brake pressure and responsiveness, making it easy to maneuver without feeling overly sporty or aggressive. This balance makes it suitable for pilots seeking a reassuring wing that still delivers good performance and climb rates.
Speed and Glide: While the STEP X does not boast the highest top speed in its class, it compensates with a stable and clean glide. The speed bar is easy to use, adding a respectable amount of speed without sacrificing stability. Although it might not satisfy those prioritizing maximum speed, the overall glide performance remains competitive within the high B category.
Descents Techniques
Big Ears: Executing big ears on the STEP X is notably light and easy, contrasting with the solid and collapse-resistant nature of the glider. The big ears are effortless to maintain and pop out smoothly on their own, enhancing the wing's user-friendliness.
Spiral Dives and Wingovers: The STEP X handles spiral dives and wingovers with elegance and control. It does not build up excessive energy, making these maneuvers feel smooth and manageable. While not overly dynamic, the wing can perform these tasks effectively for those who push it.
Collapses and Recovery: In SIV scenarios, the STEP X behaves predictably and safely. Accelerated collapses are more manageable compared to other high B wings, reflecting its balanced nature. The wing's stall behavior is also forgiving, with clear feedback and a calm recovery.
Ideal pilot
For a pilot who has been flying a low B or mid B glider, has a good amount of airtime, and is looking to progress to a high B, the Step Cross is a great option. It’s ideal for pilots who don't want too much sportiness or feedback and prefer something more comfortable and easy to handle. Absolutely, I couldn’t agree more. This is the main group of pilots that will be interested in the Step Cross.
Additionally, there are pilots flying higher B gliders who might find their current high B a bit too sporty. If you want to maintain a very good climb rate and sink rate but have found your high B or C-class glider too much when conditions get sporty, making you hesitant to take off and fly, the Step Cross is a fantastic choice. It offers a more comfortable ride, and you’ll have a lot of fun with it. It’s a great glider that performs well, giving you what you want on nice days, and you’ll enjoy flying it.
Pros:
- Superior construction and finish
- Easy ground handling and inflation
- Comfortable and confidence-inspiring in-flight experience
- Competitive glide performance
- User-friendly speed bar
Cons:
- Top speed is not the highest in the high B class
- Lack of BC Bridge system might affect efficiency for speed-focused pilots
Conclusion
It's a really good all-rounder because it climbs well and performs well in weak conditions, yet it also excels in strong conditions. It’s very calm and stable, making it a great glider for flying in all conditions. It might not have the top performance in the high B class, but it offers very good overall performance. It's really enjoyable, fun, and a great choice for those who prioritize the joy of flying and making the most of soaring and thermals. If you’re not worried about flying a few kilometers more, then the Step Cross is a great option.
Overall, the STEP X offers a balanced mix of performance, comfort, and ease of use, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of flying conditions and pilot preferences.
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