BGD DIVA 2 Wing Review
- by Carlo Borsattino
After numerous flights on the BGD DIVA 2, both during winter and now into strong spring conditions, we can confidently say: what an exceptional glider! BGD have truly knocked it out of the park with the DIVA 2.
Performance
The DIVA 2 offers the best performance we've ever experienced in the EN D class. Flying and testing it alongside other high-performance wings, including the Ozone Zeno 2, our impression is that the DIVA 2 stands at the very top in terms of glide, climb, and speed performance within its class.
Pilot Demands
Despite its outstanding performance, the pilot demands are surprisingly moderate for a D-class wing. It's undeniably still a D-wing, requiring appropriate pilot skills and experience, but it feels more like a mid-level D rather than a high-demanding wing. In strong, sporty conditions, it remains very comfortable and manageable, similar to the Niviuk Peak 6—though the DIVA 2 leans more towards top-end performance, whereas the Peak 6 is more nimble and playful.
Ground Handling and Launch
The DIVA 2 is very manageable on the ground. We've launched it successfully in everything from very light, scratchy conditions—including forward launches in no wind—to stronger conditions. The glider rises solidly and cleanly, biting through the air nicely without pitching or demanding excessive active piloting. Take-offs are straight forward for pilots with appropriate D-class experience.
Handling
The DIVA 2 has moderate brake pressure (firm but not overly heavy) and moderate agility. The brakes are relatively long, so we found a wrap was often helpful. In small, punchy thermals, the DIVA 2 turns well but doesn’t snap around as quickly as the Niviuk Peak 6, for example. It feels solid and flatter in turns, clearly designed for efficient XC flying rather than ultra-nimble fun. The stall point is clear and forgiving for the class—you can pull significant brake before spinning, giving reassuring margins for experienced pilots.
Climb
The climbing ability of the DIVA 2 is exceptional. Flying with other very strong pilots and competitive wings, we often felt we had a climbing advantage. The wing’s movement in turbulence is moderate—it moves enough to give useful feedback without being overly active or dampened, providing an excellent connection with the air.
Speed Bar and Glide
At full bar, the DIVA 2 remains incredibly solid and confidence-inspiring. The glide is outstanding, maintaining pace with Zeno 2 and ENZO 3 with ease. Rear riser control is on the firm side but very direct, offering excellent feeling and control without being overly heavy or tiring. It’s a very usable two-liner for serious XC flying and racing, particularly when pushing hard on bar.
Descent Techniques
The DIVA 2 offers both tip stalls and classic big ears. Tip stalls are on the smaller side but effective; adding some bar before initiating makes the process smoother. Big ears are easy enough to induce, fairly stable, and effective for descent—impressive for a wing at this level, without excessive risk of cravats.
Spirals build up g-forces quickly, as expected for the class, but the glider remains very solid and manageable throughout. Wingovers can be built up into impressive amplitudes, but the DIVA 2’s nature remains more XC-efficient and flatter rather than highly playful.
Landing
Landing is predictable, with good stall warning and manageable flare authority. The brake pressure firms up significantly near the stall point, providing clear feedback—an impressive feature for a high-performance D-class wing.
Final thoughts
In our opinion, the BGD DIVA 2 could well be the best D-class wing currently available. Its combination of top-class performance with moderate pilot demands is simply unrivaled in the category.
If we were to ask for any minor improvement, it would be for the glider to be a little more agile and playful—but that's purely personal preference. It's clear that the DIVA 2 was engineered for speed, solidity, efficiency, and top-end XC and racing performance, and it achieves that brilliantly.
Summary:
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Performance: Outstanding, at the very top of the D-class
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Comfort: Moderate demands for the class; very comfortable for experienced D-class pilots
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Handling: Moderate agility, firm and direct control
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Ground handling: Excellent across a range of conditions
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Bar and rear risers: Very solid and confidence-inspiring
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Climb and glide: Exceptional
BGD have truly delivered something special with the DIVA 2.
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