The new intermediate model from the Spanish manufacturer comes to replace both the Quarx 2 and the Syncro (DHV2-3), since it has the performance of an advanced glider with a DHV2 security -that will cause a “tempest” in the paragliding world, according to Windtech.
In its design, a planform derived from the Syncro with a totally different profile and torsions was used. Also, the same system of the competition model (Tactic) was incorporated in the leading edge to assure "a great performance, specially at speeds".
The Tempest has 61 cells with diagonals in A, B, C, D and two cascades of lines. It is constructed in Nylon NCV Skytex 9092 E38A 45 gr for the outer sail, 43 gr. for the inner sail, and ribs in Hard Finish. All the cells are open (except the stabilos) with "floating ribs" in the middle of each. "Thanks to this, the leading edge is very compact, gives the glider a high performance and it does not deform in accelerated flight. The turn is very good and the brake travel is 70cm", explains designer Alvaro Valdés. The Tempest has an aspect ratio of 5.75 and a speed range from 24 k/h the minimum, 39 k/h trim speed, up to an amazing 58 k/h at full speedbar! (manufacturer’s data). Size M is completing certification these days and at Windtech expect to have the other two sizes (S and L) certified soon, to have them available for sale in February.

+Info: www.windtech.es

The new competition glider from the French manufacturer (not certified) is intended for experienced pilots looking for a high performance wing, a glider that needs a fine and precise piloting but offers a well-natured and safe behavior, say their designers. According to Trekking, "more than a glider, it is a flying wing". The Boxster has an aspect ratio of 6.84 and 74 cells. The characteristics announced by the manufacturer give it a maximum speed of around 59 km/h and its best glide ratio in almost 10 points. One of the main advantages of the Boxster, announced by the brand, is the easiness of use for powered paraglider thanks to its particularly elaborated internal structure, obtained from an intense work of investigation carried out by Trekking. It is a high performance glider that helps to optimize the use of power and take the most of the thermal conditions, but reserved only to advanced PPG pilots. The Boxster is available in sizes from XS to L.

+Info: www.trekking.fr

The name of the new tandem glider recently released by Skywalk stands for “Join Together” (so they say), a model designed to “double your flying pleasure”.
The Join’t is equipped with the brand’s Jet Flaps that allow for extra low speeds and more stability in slow flight.
In its construction, Skywalk used "robust and durable" cloth NCV 9092E85 for critical areas of the leading edge, diagonal reinforcement connectors on the profiles, and load-oriented placement of flares for maximum stability. According to the manufacturer, the Join’t has an “easy start behavior, direct, low-friction handling and abundant crucial low speed reserves through JET FLAP technology”.
The glider comes with a new, big rucksack "specially designed for the requirements of tandem pilots", and it is available in two sizes: the smaller JOIN'T-AR (all round), for lighter loads and also suitable for "big boys", and the bigger JOIN'T-BI.

+Info: www.skywalk.info

The new intermediate glider designed by Bruce Goldsmith is finally out to fill the void in the Airwave range, in DHV2 category. The Mustang has been introduced as an “outstanding design” with high performance and dynamic handling within the safety margins of its category.
It has an aspect ratio of 5,8 and for its construction Airwave used an hybrid top surface, meaning that the leading edge is made of Gelvenor 48gr, for “durability where you need it”, and the rest is ripstop cloth 9092 NCV to have a reduced weight of the glider.
“We have been testing this new concept of mixed cloths within one surface on our competition gliders for 18 months now, and the results are everything we hoped for. The Mustang is a wing that’s easier to carry, but also launches easier and has less inertia in both pitch and roll” say at the company.
Other characteristics of the Mustang praised by its creators are “exceptional” handling for precise and pleasant thermalling, “outstanding” climb performance and “excellent” glide performance both at trim speed and accelerated, offering good stability at speed.
Size M has just passed certification and the S and L sizes are in process.

The new glider from the Czech manufacturer is a special competition wing for advanced and competition pilots.
The Eris has 81 cells, an aspect ratio of 6,4 offering a wide speed range that goes from 26 to 62 k/h (depending on the load), and a max. glide of 9 –according to Sky.
“The design is aiming for maximum speed and low sink rate but still, the goal was to introduce comfortable handling well know from the lower class Sky Paragliders wings into the category as well”, say at Sky.
They also assure that the Eris has maximum safety and stability, easy handling, “excellent” brake pressure feedback and “excellent” thermalling behaviour.
For the sail Sky used Porcher Marine cloth Skytex 9017 with E77A coating for the top surface and E38A for the inner surface. The internal ribs are made from Skytex 9017 and E29A coating. Lines are Edelrid 8000 uncovered series of kevlar lines.
This year, the company has opened a ‘competition support program’ for pilots who want to compete with the Eris. They offer the glider at a special, subsidised price, and coverage for your successes in their website. Details in their site or through Sky dealers.

The Eris is available in 4 sizes and 2 color schemes.

+Info: www.sky-cz.com

Gradient has just introduced a new perfo model that will replace the Bliss, the Nevada (DHV 2-3).
Developed following the concept of a more "accessible" Avax (their comp model), the Nevada introduces a similar profile, modifying the incidence of the wingtips.
According to the Czech manufacturer, it is a high performance glider yet with a predictable behavior and offering “a sensational handling that makes pushing the limits a pleasure as well as a buzz”.

The Nevada has an aspect ratio of 5.95 and 75 cells, 18 of which are closed.
For the lines, Gradient has used Liros PPSL with cover instead of the old Aramid Edelrid lines, which translates in less drag. The Nevada comes with new risers in 5 sizes (from 22 to 30), and 3 combinations of colors.
Size 28 should be available by the end of January, while the other sizes will come in the following months.

+Info: www.gradient.cx

The new intermediate model from the Brazilian factory has just passed certification in DHV2 category in all sizes. The Synergie 2 has been in the news before its release, after breaking a couple of records during the expedition “Northeast 2004” organized by Sol in Brazil, last October.
In the hands of Marcelo Pietro, the Synergie 2 flew 315 km, beating the world record to declared goal, and also did the longest flight on a DHV 2 glider: 320 km.
For its characteristics, this is a glider aimed at experienced pilots looking for "good performance in thermals and cross-country with a good level of security".
The Synergie 2 has 58 cells, an aspect ratio of 5.64, diagonal tapes for better load distribution and reduced line length. It also has reinforcements in Carbono/Mylar and special risers to pull the ears. The sail used is Gelvenor LCN066 de 49 g/m² and the profile is made of Porcher Marine 9092. The lines are Dyneema and Superaramide.
The Synergie 2, like all the Sol gliders, comes from the Sol factory located in Brazil and certified by the DHV.
It is available in four sizes and seven colors combinations.

+Info: www.solsports.com.br

The first paraglider of the range 2005 fully inspired by Ozone’s "Freestyle" philosophy is this lightweight mountain model. The Geo (DHV1-2) has been developed from the Mojo (DHV1) with a similar planform, with a slightly flatter arc to increase glide and sink rate. It also has a higher aspect ratio, although keeping the stability and security characteristics for those who venture to fly down from high mountains, or pilots looking for good flights without the hassle of carrying much weight.
Ozone’s aim in developing the Geo was to produce “the best handling and performing lightweight glider on the market”, and its development incorporates results from research conducted during the X-Alps race, and feedback from adventure pilots from all over the world -who demanded more performance and handling with no increase in weight. The Geo comes with unsheathed, ultra-light Dyneema lines in the upper cascades; a new light weight Porcher Marine Skytex cloth for the top and bottom surfaces; ultra-light Spectra risers, and an 800 gram, 64 liter pack with ergonomically molded shoulder straps and support system. “Its size and portability means that you can take it virtually anywhere, and its performance means that the Geo will take you further than any other”, say at Ozone.
The XS size weighs 3.9 kg and following sizes (up to L) increase 300-400 grams each.

+Info: www.flyozone.com