Aspen 3 gets it first UK airing!

Have just received a call from Richard Westgate who on the 22nd April took his newly arrived Aspen 3 out for a flight, where he managed to get away from Golden Ball (Thames Valley) and landed over 4 hours later just north of Milton Keynes for a straight line flight a little over 106km.

This is what he had to say about it


"Finally I had a chance to fly the Aspen 3 and what a great wing. It's lighter handling than the Aspen 2, is faster at trim and with better glide through the speed range."(Though full speed was not tested as his set up could only manage 3/4 bar). He reported also that the speed bar is light and very useable.


"The Aspen 3 does not have the 'flying on rails' feel of the XC2 but the passive stability made it a much more relaxing flight."

We have demos coming in sizes 26 28 and 30 book your test now .

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday saw the best flying conditions here in the Lake District so far this season; producing some of the best convergence flying I have had, anywhere! With 6500-7000ft base and very little drift, it felt like you could wander anywhere. I flew a quick 34km triangle which may not seem to grand but for those that have flown in the region will recognise just how special this day was. On closing the loop I decided the day was not yet over so went out for open xc jaunt playing with the sea breeze convergence which had set up in the Eden valley. Distance 56km.

Photo credit S Ethrington


However on arriving home, I was greeted with some terrible news -
Two friends have had accidents, with one of them being a fatality. My condolences to Gordon's family and friends - The 'big fella' will certainly be missed.

Please everyone remember spring conditions can produce some truely epic conditions but these conditions sometimes do have some very unforgiving 'edges' to them. Fly safe

The Aspen 3 arrives in UK

Its now here in the UK!

The Aspen 3 is finally here in the UK and though the colour scheme and new livery looks, are the subject for much discussion on the likes of the PgForum, there's one thing for sure; this has all the hallmarks of being yet another classic from Gradient.

The wing has been certified En C and has passed on the 'safe side' of the catagory. The performance looks good with a predicted glide of 9.0, min sink of 1m/s and a top speed in excess of 55kph.

Take a look at the test reports

24 (70-85kg), 26 (80-100kg), 28 (90-115kg) and 30 (105-130kg).

Call now to arrange your demo

Gradient, The gliders of choice in the Uk '100 Club'

The '100 Club' lists all 100km (straight line) flights flown in the UK

John Silvester 's current UK record track 2007 (Gradient Avax)

Gradient wings have been used on 1 in 4 flights (23%); Gradient is more popular than any other manufacturer by far. They also hold the current Scottish, English and Welsh (UK) distance records.

Click on the following links to have a look!

http://www.cloudbase.me.uk/xcleague/100club.htm

or

http://www.cloudbase.me.uk/xcleague/100Club2.xls if you want to search the database.

This statistical analysis is courtesy of Richard Westgate - current Tandem world record holder (Gradient Bi Golden). 2008 UK XC Champion (Gradient Avax XC2). UK (winch Launch) distance holder (Gradient Aspen).

Have you a need for speed?

Because we have a neat new 3-step speed bar from Gradient, which will help you gain access to your glider's full speed range. "The Bar" is constructed from strong and light shiny steel tube and swaged steel cable. Plastic coating covers the steel cable/swages for comfort and to help avoid abrasion.

The lowest step kicks up for effortless location and engagement of the ladder and with the ratio of bar lengths providing simple incremental access to the full range of speed, while the "V" profile helps to prevent any inadvertent step-through. "The Bar" comes complete with two lengths of strong but narrow diameter chord along with a pair of adjustable brummel hooks for easy attachment to your glider’s speed system.

"The Bar" is available now for those who have a need to access speed. £25.50 (Free postage).