Tuesday 18 May 2010

XC3 wow

I have just done my first flights on the XC3 (132km and 109km) and I can realistically say that it is the best glider that i have ever flown. despite the high aspect ratio, launching is effortless and handling is incredible. The wing is beautifully coordinated and is equally able at carving out flat turns in weak lift and sitting in a high banked turn in strong stuff. The leading edge is stiffened with 'strimmer cord' and feels very stable, even flying at the bottom of the weight range I had no handling problems in rough air. The glide is amazing and fast at trim speed (40kph), the speed bar is light and useable. The wing is so reassuring that within 30 minutes I was thermalling with one hand taking photos and gliding at 1/3 bar with my hands off the brake handles. If you are ever thinking of giving up paragliding give this wing a go and rediscover the dream!

3 comments:

Tim said...

Rich, I have flown the XC2 competitively for 2&1/2 years and just ordered my XC3. How did you find the brake pressures compared to the XC2? Does the wing still give the same feedback and allow you to feel the cores with the same precision?
Thanks,
Tim

Olivier said...

Hello Tim,

About the same background as yours. I've just received my XC3 for the European and before that I flew with an XC2 for 2 1/2 years. Brakes pressure is for me slightly lighter tahn with the XC2. Feedback from the air as good as on the XC2

Olivier

Tim said...

Sounds good - I look forward to the arrival of the XC3 this month. Nice flying in Abtenau Oliver - You were in the top-5 Serial, I believe.
Fly Safe,
Tim