We’re testing the new Zoom XB LT, a lightweight low-B wing from Zoom that promises a great balance of safety, performance, and ease of use.

Let’s get one thing out of the way first. For anyone with an English sense of humour, the name XB LT might sound suspiciously like a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich — a classic combination, and one of our favourites! So naturally, we were curious to see if this wing would be as tasty as the name suggests. ????

First impressions

We flew the size 105 at around 100 kg all-up in a wide range of conditions. The day started light and scratchy, then developed strong thermals averaging up to 6 m/s — ideal for a thorough test.

Build quality and design

Straight out of the bag, the XB LT made an excellent impression. Build quality is outstanding — it looks and feels refined. The leading edge is particularly clean and smooth, giving it the appearance of a higher-class wing. This isn’t a basic or budget low-B; it’s clearly been designed with care and attention to detail.

Ground handling and launch

On the ground, the XB LT feels lively for a low-B, especially in stronger breezes. The combination of low weight and light sail means it can want to lift early, so a touch of rear-riser control helps keep it steady.

Otherwise, it’s very forgiving and easy to manage. Inflation is smooth and progressive without overshooting, and once overhead, it settles nicely. It’s predictable, balanced, and doesn’t require much effort to keep centred — making it one of the easier lightweight low-Bs we’ve launched.

In the air

Once airborne, the XB LT feels solid, calm, and reassuring, while still providing clear, useful feedback. Pitch stability is excellent — it sits overhead without fuss and cuts efficiently through the air.

For a low-B, the glide performance is impressive. We were gliding as well as — and at times better than — some mid-B wings flying nearby. The wing has a smooth, refined feel and remains very composed even in turbulent air.

In lift and sink, it communicates just the right amount: calm and steady, but informative enough to help you sense where the lift is and centre it effectively.

Handling and climb

The brake travel is slightly shorter than average for a low-B, with contact around 10–15 cm, but it’s well judged — responsive yet never twitchy. You can fly it gently on the brakes or take a half-wrap for more precision and agility in thermals.

The turning behaviour is lovely — smooth, progressive, and easy to adjust. The wing can be turned flat for efficient climbs or banked up for more dynamic turns.

In our opinion, the XB LT’s climb rate is outstanding, easily among the best in its class. On the ridge, it was comfortably outperforming A-class and other low-B wings, and keeping pace with mid-Bs. While the top speed is modest compared with the faster mid-Bs, its sink rate and climbing ability more than make up for it.

It’s an excellent thermal wing — very comfortable, with just the right amount of feedback to make coring intuitive and efficient.

Speed system and performance

The integrated BC system with bridge works really well. Zoom has kept the risers simple and practical — not overcomplicated like some modern designs. They’re comfortable to handle, and everything feels just right for the class.

The speed system is light, efficient, and very usable, with a nicely progressive feel. The wing picks up more speed than many low-Bs — and importantly, it stays solid and clean at full bar, with only a trace of leading-edge flutter.

Rear-riser control is excellent for a low-B. The feedback feels almost like a three-liner — firm but precise and very usable for pitch control in accelerated flight.

Safety and behaviour

Where the XB LT really shines is in its safety and predictability. Pilot demands are absolutely appropriate for the class — it’s a wing that feels friendly and confidence-inspiring, even in active air.

The stall point is clear and progressive. Brake pressure increases steadily, giving good warning before stall. When the stall does occur, it’s gentle and easily recoverable, with no sudden drop or aggressive dive.

Spin resistance is excellent too — clear feedback before departure and smooth, calm recovery when released.

During asymmetric collapses, only the first section of the wing folded, with very little pitch or turn. It popped back open cleanly every time.

Big ears are simple to apply and stable when held, reopening on their own when released.

Spiral behaviour is also very good — easy to control, no tendency to lock in, and smooth recovery without diving.

Wingovers are enjoyable and easy to build up progressively — more playful than high-energy, but with a satisfying, smooth rhythm.

Who it’s for

In our opinion, the Zoom XB LT is ideal for pilots moving up from their first A-class glider who want a safe, confidence-building low-B with noticeably higher performance.

It’s also a great choice for hike-and-fly enthusiasts or anyone wanting a compact, lightweight wing that’s easy to carry and handle.

More experienced pilots will also appreciate it as a fun, relaxed, and efficient everyday glider — a wing that delivers excellent performance without demanding constant attention.

Summary

The Zoom XB LT is, in our opinion, an exceptionally well-rounded low-B wing. It combines high-end build quality, refined handling, and impressive performance with reassuringly easy behaviour.

It’s beautifully balanced, easy to launch, climbs exceptionally well, and offers impressive glide and sink rates for its class. The BC system and riser setup are simple and effective, and the overall feeling is one of quality and confidence.

If you’re looking for a lightweight low-B that performs like a mid-B yet feels as comfortable and forgiving as an entry-level wing, the Zoom XB LT should be right at the top of your list.

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