Skywalk MINT
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When in stock, UK approx 2-5 workdays, other countries see shipping page
A fabulous looking wing, the MINT is Skywalk's definition of the new era of EN C 2-liners, now ready to inspire XC pilots in the season ahead!
Skywalk have a proven track record when it comes to designing high performing, user friendly, 2-liner XC gliders for pilots with their POISON and X-ALPS wings. The MINT brings all their know-how to the EN-C category!
Technical data
| Size | 75 | 85 | 95 | 105 | 115 | 125 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended weight range (kg) | 55 - 75 | 65 - 85 | 75 - 95 | 85 - 105 | 95 - 115 | 105 - 125 |
| Area flat (m²) | 20.26 | 21.38 | 22.70 | 24.20 | 25.67 | 26.94 |
| Area projected (m²) | 17.29 | 18.24 | 19.37 | 20.65 | 21.90 | 22.98 |
| Aspect ratio flat | 6.40 | 6.40 | 6.40 | 6.40 | 6.40 | 6.40 |
| Aspect ratio projected | 4.92 | 4.92 | 4.92 | 4.92 | 4.92 | 4.92 |
| Weight (kg) | 4.30 | 4.45 | 4.60 | 4.80 | 5.10 | 5.30 |
| Cells | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 |
| Wingspan flat (m) | 11.34 | 11.65 | 12.01 | 12.40 | 12.77 | 13.08 |
| Admission office | DHV | DHV | DHV | DHV | DHV | DHV |
| Homologation | EN C / LTF D* | EN C / LTF D* | EN C / LTF D* | EN C / LTF D* | EN C / LTF D* | EN C / LTF D* |
*Since February 1st, 2022, evaluations with EN C have been possible in the EN standard when using folding lines. Previously, gliders tested with folding lines were automatically EN D. How the updated EN standard will be implemented in the LTF is currently in process.
Colours
Standard colours: Tropical Lime, Blueberry, Frosted Orange
Package
- 1x GUARDBAG Innerbag
- 1x Packing Tube
- 1x BASIC GUIDE
- 1x Bandana
- 1x Sticker set
- 1x Self-adhesive repair patch
Mint: 2-Liner performance made accessible
During the development of the wing, Skywalk were able to profit significantly from their many years of experience in 2-liner construction. The refined design combines the simpler flight characteristics and higher passive safety of EN-C category gliders with the performance of higher rated wings. This makes the MINT ideal for ambitious pilots who want a glider with top performance but prefer the intuitive handling of a compact wing.
With the 2-liner MINT, the performance leap from B to C class is defined even more clearly, opening up new horizons for the pilot!
How does the MINT fly?
The MINT responds directly to control impulses and turns smoothly thanks to its moderate aspect ratio. This allows you to easily core strong thermals – a big advantage especially in windy conditions. The control pressure is clearly defined, so you can keep the wing under control in turbulent conditions. The MINT has a simple launch behavior that requires no special technique and offers you sporty and fun dynamics in the air. The glider is especially suitable for experienced advanced pilots from the high B class who fly their current equipment to its full capabilities, as well as for proven sport and competition pilots.
With the MINT, Skywalk place a lot of value on the tension distribution. This makes the canopy very stable for the class, while providing you with the necessary feedback. The speed bar responds smoothly and you can stabilize the glider in accelerated flight fatigue-free and efficiently via the B-lines. The sophisticated canopy design combined with the 2-liner construction guarantee glide and climb performance at the top of the Sport Class and beyond. The exceptional potential of the glider has already been impressively demonstrated in the first competitions of the season!
Features
2 Line levels with B-steering
Reduces the number of lines and the resulting drag. Allows a fast, efficient flying style. Advantages: more performance, full control when flying accelerated and a better overview at launch.
Rigid foil
Nylon wires keep the leading edge and the profile in shape and ensure a more constant ram air pressure. Advantages: better take-off behaviour and more performance.
Mini ribs
Doubling the number of cells at the trailing edge increases its shape stability substantially. Advantage: fewer vortices improve the aerodynamics and with it the performance.
3D-shaping
A precise calculation of the leading edge geometry and the installation of an additional strip of fabric reduce wrinkling in this sensitive part of the glider. Advantages: exact wing shape, more performance.
Shark nose
Together with a corresponding wing design, the shark nose technology improves pressure distribution in the canopy substantially. Advantages: much more solid flying feeling and substantial performance gain, especially when gliding on bar.
Flybubble review
“Over the past few days, I've had the opportunity to test the MINT in various conditions and spend some time ground handling. I flew it with three different harnesses: the Advanced Impress 4, Lightness 3, and Supair DELIGHT 4.
Examining the construction, you'll notice the presence of long plastic rods, referred to as rigid foils, which help shape the glider, provide better collapse resistance, and distribute pressure evenly. However, due to these rigid foils, the MINT requires careful packing.
Moving on to the flying experience, the MINT offers a solid and reassuring feeling right from launch. It feels like a monoblock wing, remaining stable and not excessively moving or snaking in active air. Though it has a slightly dampened feedback, it strikes a good balance, not overly muted like the Volt 4. In terms of handling, the MINT showcases good agility among the EN-C 2 liners I've flown. It responds quickly to inputs and allows for abuse of the brakes within limits. Weight shifting and using speed are key to optimal turns.
Compared to other EN-C 2 liners, the MINT stands out as more agile than the Photon and Volt 4, but not as agile as the Bonanza 3 or Artik R. However, its tight turning capabilities give it an advantage in climbing, especially in small, punchy, windblown lift. The MINT excels in climb rate and sink rate, outperforming most gliders I flew with and holding its own against the likes of the Bonanza 3 and Artik R.
When it comes to glide performance, the MINT impresses both at trim and in accelerated flight. It showcases excellent sink rate and efficiency, maintaining height in turns without excessive roll or loss. In terms of glide ratio, it compares favorably with standard three-liners and remains on par with other EN-C 2 liners. The speed system offers moderate to slightly heavy pressure but feels solid throughout the range, offering a good increase in speed.
Regarding the handling of the MINT, the brake pressure leans towards the heavier side, requiring a firm grip. However, it's effective and allows for a good connection with the glider. While the B-risers offer a moderate connection, the MINT feels responsive and dynamic when using them, although slightly less connected than the Artik R or Photon.
Overall, the MINT's performance is commendable, making it a potential contender in cross-country racing competitions. Its excellent climb and sink rates, combined with its usability, contribute to its appeal. ”
- Carlo Borsattino, Flybubble
Watch the Flybubble Full video review:
Other reviews
“The Mint launches even in nil wind with easy rise. After 75, it accelerates a bit as the leading edge takes charge, and the pilot must hold it with the brakes and initiate the takeoff. The brakes have a 10 cm gap, before there’s an action on the trailing edge, which is the normal gap for paragliders to be able to reach the top speed without braking, then only 5 cm are needed to steer that glider in moderate conditions! But the brake pressure is a bit hard comparing it to the Photon, Artik-R, and Volt. Flying the Mint, I could put it in very narrow cores with imminent brake input, and there’s no way you could miss a thermal with that brake authority and glider obedience. The good thing is that there’s no pitch back at all, and also not any pitch forward. I think for moderate conditions, the Mint has a very neutral pitch behavior, but it felt quite efficient going into the valley breeze or into wind conditions. It felt that it goes forward quite nicely.
Conclusion: If you are a Cayenne 4 pilot, you will feel much better sail cohesion and much shorter brake travel under the Mint. If you are a Cayenne 5 pilot, you will get a more comfortable glider with very good agility in turns. If you have a Cayenne 6…Hurry and get the Mint, as it is a completely different glider in all aspects! It turns sharper, quicker, better overall gliding performance, and better climb in weak and strong. Compared to the already flown 2-liner C gliders, I found that it has a strong package for C pilots flying in strong conditions where you need a fast, agile, but comfortable glider to fly XC without getting tired under turbulence. "
— Ziad Bassil, Dust of the Universe (full review)
Materials
| Upper sail | Dominico TX-Light |
| Lower sail | Dominico TX-Light |
| Ribs | Dominico TX-Light hard |
| Bands | Dominico TX-Light hard |
| Main lines | Edelrid 8001U - 470/340/190/130; Liros PPSLS 125 |
| Middle lines | Edelrid 8001U - 230/190/90/70/50; Liros DC 60 |
| Top lines | Liros DC 60, DC 35 |
| Break lines | Liros DFLP 200/32, PPSLS 65, DC 35; Edelrid 8001U - 50 |
Risers
Standard: Güth & Wolf 12 mm webbing
FAQ
Which advantages does the B-steering enable?
The B-steering is – besides the low line resistance – the biggest advantage of the 2-liner technology. This allows for a very efficient and fast flying style when accelerated. The effort required is many times less compared to three-liners.
What do I have to consider with the B-steering?
In general, control via the B-risers cannot replace the brake, therefore we recommend using the B-steering only in accelerated flight. In addition, the B-steering can also be used at trim speed. However, care must be taken to set only short, corrective impulses, otherwise there is a risk of stalling the wing due to strong inputs!
Do the nylon wires in the glider need any special attention or packing method?
Due to the rigidity of the Rigid Foils, care must be taken when packing to ensure that the Rigid Foils do not bend, deform or buckle. Therefore we recommend to use the included GUARDBAG as well as the Packing Tubes.
You can find our recommended packing instructions in the PRO GUIDE or video.
Only with careful packing the MINT will keep its maximum performance and fly precisely over a long period of time. If the MINT is not used for a long time, we recommend to store the glider lengthwise in the GUARDBAG and not to fold it.
After how many hours of flying does the MINT need to be trimmed?
With only two line levels, trim changes have a greater effect on flight performance. Since the trim change is greater in the beginning, we recommend checking the trim after the first 25 hours of flying. After that it depends on how carefully you treat the glider, how often and where you fly. As a guideline, we recommend checking the trim at least once a year.
What are the glide ratio (L/D), trim and maximum speeds?
We know that these data are interesting for you as a pilot, but for us to publish them would be a bad idea for the following reasons:
1) The difference between aerodynamically better and less good harnesses, or seating positions, can be a glide ratio or more.
2) Performance increases with the size of the glider. A large glider will always outperform the same glider in a smaller size.
3) There is no normed method of testing the performance of paragliders. For example, speed varies with altitude and the associated different air pressure, but also with the total weight of the system.
Can I pull big ears on the MINT?
Yes, it is possible to put big ears over the BIII-mainline. You can find detailed instructions in the PRO GUIDE.
Can I simulate collapses with the MINT?
The MINT has been certified with folding lines. Provoking side and front collapses by pulling on the A-risers is therefore not possible. Folding lines are absolutely necessary for the simulation of collapses. The folding line set is not part of the scope of delivery and can be ordered including installation instructions from your skywalk dealer.
How do I calculate my take-off weight?
Take-off weight is calculated by adding the weight of the pilot including clothes to the weight of the equipment. The equipment consists of the harness, the reserve chute, the paraglider itself, and any flight instruments and other baggage you may carry (e.g. rucksack, etc.).
Is it OK for me to shorten the brake lines on my skywalk paraglider?
Changing the length of the brake lines can have a negative effect on the flying characteristics and extreme flight behavior. The paraglider needs a little more lead when flying on speed bar, otherwise the glider could be braked unintentionally, leading to a loss of performance. When performig extreme flying maneuvers, shortening the brake lines too much can cause complications during recovery from collapses, parachutal stall, etc.
Am I allowed to make modifciations to my skywalk paraglider?
No, because the glider is certified the way it is delivered to you. Even the brake line length is part of the trim and must not be changed.
Service info & Guarantee form
Register online: here.
Downloads
Homologation:
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Product Info | Click here |
| EN Certification | EN C |
| LTF Certification | LTF D |
| Model Status | Current model |
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