Welcome

We have finally succumbed to the world of blogging.


The purpose - to help keep our customers and interested pilots fully informed about the arrival of the newest equipment and to endorse other items from our product range which we feel warrant further attention. We also aim to provide reviews/feedback direct to you from our customers, as well as broadcasting news of any special promotions which from time to time we may run.This blog will also serve as a simple portal for other interesting 'snippets’ of flying related gossip.


For an enlarged view of any of the posted shots just double click on the photo



Monday 15 June 2009

New Bi-Golden 2 tandem is released


We have just received news that Gradient's design and test team have released the successor to the very popular Bi-Golden tandem.
Our new tandem glider Bi-Golden2 according to Gradient director, and test pilot Ondrej Dupal has improved the wing's manoeuvrability through using a special computer program while creating the prototypes.The result is that we now have a new wing where the break pressure is lower and more precise than in Gradient's predecessor model, which is what makes thermaling more comfortable and less tiring on the pilot. It has a slightly wider weight range (additional 10kg on the 42) and both a higher trim and top speed (achieved by long (8cm) trimmers). The glider also features the ability to' lock' big ears in place. Further, the long time proven Gradient construction method of achieving a low wing weight makes the new Bi-Golden2 easy to take off in any conditions. The direct and easy handling should suit those wanting to fly long cross country flights. Though the design has primarily been created to hit the target of professional tandem pilots who will really appreciate agile flight characteristics.


The new Bi-Golden2 is available in three standard colour combinations and comes up in a new visual design.


Test reports are here for the 42 (140-220kg) and the 39 (115-180kg). The Para2000 report is here.
More news to follow...

The Montana - A Pilot's review


Paul Myrecough was lent a Gradient Montana especially for this year's X-Scotia event this is what he had to say about it.




"Having flown the wing a good number of times prior to the actual event I was very impressed with it. We have had a very 'active' start to the season here in the UK and I have been on the Montana in some very puchy days".

"The more I have flown it , the more confidence it has inspired. One day in particular flying Blencathra in the Lake District , when there were quite a number of incidents and accidents occuring around me I never experienced as much as a wing tip folding, whilst still managing to out climb many 'raceyer' wings by virtue of the Montana's ability to be turned tightly in the small and strong cores".

"When it came to race day the Montana's light weight and portability meant I was able to keep pace with my main rival who was carrying a much smaller 17m Nova Ibex.
Despite the very strong winds on race day I was still managed a decent flight enabling me to get into the lead, which we then exchanged through-out the event. I eventually came in 2nd AGAIN ! in a very close race. Sorry I could'nt quite win it for Gradient".

"I currently own and fly an Aspen II which has been an excellent wing for me. But I am so genuinelly impressed with the Performance, Security & Weight of the Montana that when I next come to change my wing I will very seriously consider the Montana".

Thanks Kit....See you on the Hill Paul

Wednesday 3 June 2009

Super trip!

Just received this vid from my friend Paolo. It is a video account of his and Jules's super trip cloud hopping across Scotland on board their XC2s.
Enjoy

Latin Highlands from Paolo Bellezze on Vimeo.