Air-Play

Aspen 4 online review

2012-01-20T10:52:00.002Z

The new Aspen4 size 28 & 26 has arrrived at the Uk importers and the 24 will follow by mid feb.
The final testing was done in the South African Karoo and the test team reports that Gradient have exceeded their targets for this new Aspen. The innovative DD (double diagonal) system massively reduces line drag bringing a big gain in performance. Test pilots comment that it is easier to fly than the Aspen3 and that the glider can make very nice flat turns in weaker conditions while still being easy to handle in the strong thermals. We can't wait to have a go!

And will review it here once we get a reasonable spell of weather.

In the mean time here is some pilot feedback about the wing I don't know the pilot but have a link to direct you to his review this from the Pg forum thread
http://www.paraglidingforum.com/search.php?search_id=bestposts&return_chars=-1&topic=37410&quality=3

Some amazing footage deep within 7000-8000 metre territory

2011-11-25T09:46:00.001Z

Two Aspen3s, 2 days, 285 km, 7045 m. Karimabad to K2 and back

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150390822251158&set=vb.51701827326&type=2&theater

Sorry you will need to copy and paste the link

Aspen 4 footage

2011-11-02T16:31:00.003Z

Some new Gradient Aspen 4. footage from thomas de dorlodot.
We are really excited about the Aspen 4 book your demo now and we will get it to yoa as soon as it is released.

Aspen 4 nears completion

2011-10-04T09:30:00.003+01:00

Gradient make public news about the likely release date of the New Aspen 4.

Gradient is now in the last stage of testing the new Aspen4. Size 28 has already successfully finished its flight tests and is now ready for EN-C certification with the design team very pleased with the finished result. They are now hard at work preparing the other Aspen4 sizes now. We expect sizes 28, 26 and 24 to be available to market around November- December 2011. We are really excited by this new wing, as it will meet the needs of a large population of pilots and will easily rival the best of rest within the category.

The aim to continue with the great Aspen line by developing a wing with exceptional performance, yet to not be a difficult EN-C glider or lose the typical Gradient handling and predictable behaviour Gradient owners enjoy. Through the optimisation of the line layout Gradient have managed to reduce the line consumption by more than 35% compared to the same size Aspen 3(28). This in large is due to a new and unique development which they are calling the 'DDsystem'. An internal load distribution system which makes it possible to use only 48 hanging loops on the canopy. This thoughtful and clever optimisation has significantly reduced line drag without losing any of the feel, which Gradient are renowned for creating in all their wings.
It was rumoured that this may have come at the expense of added weight but Gradient designer Ondej has used his considerable design 'magic' to balance the added complexity of the internal structure with the reduction of less weight with the reduced line set with the careful use of the nylon wire in the leading edge construction while adding two more cells for the Aspen 4 to maintain a respectable overall weight of 5.8kg for the size 28.

AvaSport New patented rescue opening system!

2011-09-30T12:34:00.000+01:00

After 2 years of development and testing AVA Sport have a new patented rescue opening system. They are now developing it so that it can be fiitted for all harnesses and of course they would like to make it with cerification before it finally goes to market. It will be finished about end of January beginning of February next year.

2011-09-12T12:57:00.001+01:00

Yet more great camera work from Team Freestyle.
The Freestyle2 has to be one of the most eyecatching gliders out at the moment. And so fun to fly as well!

New products from Gradient

2011-09-08T09:48:00.003+01:00

Gradient have been busy while we have been enjoying this record British summer.

They have recently released the fantastically fun freestyle 2 which aims to offer the expressive pilot, with its sensitive feedback the opportunity to show off your skill level, while providing you with that little extra security when you want to hone your new moves.

Training with the Freestyle2 will help take your flying to the next level !

The Gradient rucksack for the 2012 season features a new design and materials. Special attention has been given to the design of the main load bearing areas; where the shoulder straps join the base of the bag for example. This improved design and clever use of material geometry gives a far stronger bag without having to use extra reinforcements that add weight. The zips are reassuringly by YKK and they are further protected by 3 compression straps each side and one on the top, that take the strain off the zippers. the compression straps also allow effective compression of the load for the longer walk-ins. The hip belt has a zippered and lined pocket for mobile phone, wallet etc. the belt is well padded but can be removed to facilitate airline transport etc.. The rucksack is very comfortable and carries higher for improved ergonomics and better freedom of movement. The top pocket is a useful size and there is a clear plastic information pocket next to the haulage strap located between the shoulder strap attachment points. The Rucksack is supplied with all new season models and is available individually in sizes M L XL for £80.00

Gradient have also produced a very functional protective concertina bag . with an extra padded leading edge protection as well as mesh ventilation and a two way YKK zipper. This is a simple yet essential accessory to help you look after your gliders leading edge.

There are two packing straps within and a compression strap on the outside to secure the folded glider. Each strap is attached to the bag so they can't get lost. The main cover material is lightweight and of superior quality. The Gradient logo is printed on the outside. Available now as an optional extra £50 or free when you buy your new glider from us.

Gradient Freestyle 2

2011-09-08T09:40:00.000+01:00

We know a picture speaks a thousand words so this seems the best way to introduce you to Gradient's new Freesyle 2 glider. Enjoy!

For technical info click on Freestyle 2

X-Alps 2011

2011-07-22T10:24:00.004+01:00

Five Pilots in this years Red Bull X-alps have chosen to fly the special X-Alps - Avax XC3, which is equipped with trimmers, has a much lighter canopy and a thinner line set.
We wish them the best of luck and also all the best to our two British Team pilots Jon Chambers and Steve Nash!

Gradient Pilots

- Thomas De Dorlodot BEL

- Jan Skrabalek CZE

- Jouni Makkonen FIN

- Michael Gebert GER

- Pierre Carter RSA

Photo : Red Bull 2011 - Jan Skrabalek (CZE) flying

Gradient makes claim to longest single flight in the Himalaya

2011-06-08T13:34:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Thomas De Dorlodot who onboard his X-Alps XC3 has just completed a fantastic flight which surpassses Brad Sanders epic flight. Thomas completes his flight by a different route.
He writes

"The flight starts well as Hernan Pitocco opens the game followed by Horacio Llorens and I. Somehow it feels funny to fly XC with those 2 great acro pilot. Usually they start tumbling around when they arrive at cloudbase. But today we play a different game and those guys also now how it works. We fly as a team but at some point we take different options. Pitocco is agressive and flys fast but looses some height in a difficult transition. He will make it back easy and raise the rythem. We all have different styles and I like it. We have 8 hours to get to know each other and make the best out of this day together… The spirit is good and I have to say that without them this flight may not have been possible.

I do not have much oxygen in my bottle so I go easy. Anyway, cloudbase is low today. We can (only) climb to 5500m this morning. After, it is like usual; from one thermal to another, one cloud to another.. east face, south face, west face… I think I reached the state of hypoxia a few time as I usually do not sing in turbulent conditions…

Time is running fast and cloudbase getting higher. We climb together with Horacio in a very turbulent thermal at 6300m. The thermal is in the lee side and that’s when acro skills really help… Just high enough to freeze our hands. We can feel the tension, no one is talking on the radio for the 3 hotest hours of the day… Concentrated guys… The motivations is high. 189 km from Booni means Gilgit and a hot shower… The view is breathtaking. We can see Nanga Parbat, K2 and some huge thunderstorm. I have some Belgian chocolate with me as a secret weapon but no water. I am talking to my Gradient XC3 when it is rough, to the mountain and to the birds when the thermal comes nice and smooth… It will be funny on our film as we are actually filming a documentary with Belgian director Olivier Vanashen. I have a microphone on me and a camera…

We make some distance and we start to believe that Gilgit is a realistic goal. But, as we fly above Gilgit, I start to see the possibility to break this record flight. It is a one time opportunity. I eat some Belgian chocolate and engage the fight… I say God if you exist let me know now… and the vario starts beeping… I reconsider my point of view about religions and start turning around…

It feels like my dear Belgium flatlands flying. 0.5m/s. I get the last 30 km like that and land with the wind in the back just to make the best out of my glide. I think I am alone in the midle of nowhere and I scream (thank you to the sky). A minute later, as usual, an army of kids are runing around. I land near a town called Pari… I wish I could be in the french capital and enjoy ( la cuisine française) and a fresh beer. But it is most likely not going to happen.My legs cannot hold me and I am exhausted. I hitch hike and go back to town to meet my friends. I do not know yet if I flew more than Brad or not. It does not matter. What matters here is to have fun and to enjoy."

A great flight on a great glider well done Thomas

http://www.xcontest.org/world/en/flights/detail:Tomdedor/6.6.2011/05:42

Gradient's new Freestyle2 - No limits!

2011-05-18T09:20:00.010+01:00

The successor to the famous Aspen2-Freestyle is now here. After a year of prototyping and development in collaboration with top Austrian acro team(Freestyle) during international competitions and extensive tests, the new FREESTYLE2 is born .

Perfect in form the FREESTYLE2 maintains a very compact shape, it is easy in stall manoeuvres and is said to be much easier to 'backfly' and the entry-point to good smooth 'Heli's' is far easier to find than its predecessor. It is very effective in thermic flight, thus as a mini wing on strong wind days it is both fun and dynamic with its direct handling it will allow pilots to fully express themselves, while they explore the invisible!

The load test at 12G gives the opportunity to participate in the FAI aerobatic competitions. It is produced in sizes 20 and 22, while there is a 24 planned, this will be a more all-round spirit and will arrive soon ...

Montana 2011

2011-05-09T09:07:00.002+01:00

The Montana for 2011 is now available. It is Gradient's new light-weight allrounder. Ondrej Dupal has designed the wing to be universally suitable for the target group of Walk & Fly mountain pilots. With the XC-qualities of the Montana 2011 large distances are also possible (Martin Mueller, 180km FAI). Its agility shows, in addition, its qualities in the Freestyle range. Flight figures such as SATs, Helicopters and Loops can be conducted without deformation of the profile. The lightweight construction developed by Gradient provides a good balance between weight and stability, as well as aerodynamic behaviour in extreme situations (e.g. tendency to shoot forwards). For travelling, the Montana 2011 easily fits into hand luggage. The new Montana 2011 has a new color Design and is available in sizes 22, 24, 26, 28, 30. The glider has received the certification EN/CLTA 1-2. Series production began in April. Contact us for a test flight and special offers on this model.

Comparitive musing

2011-05-05T23:13:00.010+01:00

I have watched the ever growing M4 Thread on PG forum ( like many others probably) with avid interest. And have flown along side the first few M4's in the Uk. My immediate impression was ozone have created a nice wing which is certainly an improvement upon its predecessor (which of course is how it should be).
It is my observation the obvious benefit to the M4 pilot is its into wind performance - As said somewhere amongst the many reams within that thread, it is like climbing stairs- forward and up. However this benefit in my view, is only realised when wing loading is fully optimised. This is certainly becoming more critical across this particular class as designers are developing their designs and apply more refinement to their models so is the need to find that precise sweet-spot in the weight range to fully maximise the benefit, and is now something I am taking a more critical eye, so that I match my weight to my intended flight plan for the day and anticipated conditions.
I have been flying the XC3 since it first came out and I certainly felt I had the edge on the M3 though not always in weak thermic conditions (I don't think size was the advantage as this pilot was on a 28 but he was also very current have just completed a PWC season).

Since then the M4 has been released where I am flying at 115kg on my size 30 ( very lightly weighted) I have lost out a bit on the into wind performance to a mid weight loaded M4, but am still better than a comparatively similarly loaded M4.
The trim speed of the XC3 is slightly faster and it seems to turn tighter but that maybe because the M4 pilot I generally do a lot of my flying with is very proficient at thermaling flat and wide.
Is the M4 a class beater? In my view it is not on the same parallel as the R10 was in the open class. But volume of sales will muddy this picture a bit.

Interestingly in 'lumpy' pre-frontal air where the air can feel a bit like a holey Swiss cheese ( generally solid but with occasional bits missing). I felt at home, reassured by the solidity and feedback, without the need to overly control or contain the wing. This has been the immediate impression I got from the very first flight, where I was keen to see what the wing was like in what others felt were not ideal conditions to fly let alone go xc on. The wing behaved impeccably and I realised after years of flying open and prototype gliders how now unnecessarily busy my flying style had become. Now I could fully enjoy hands free flying (not that I do much with my free hands) but I am able to free up my concentration efforts which were given over to wing control to more strategic decisions of say route choice. I cannot say this is the same for the the M4 as I have not flown one, but I have had other well respected pilots comment to me saying that they seem to be going OK when conditions become more demanding. Back to the lumpy pre-frontal day neither wing collapsed but only one of us decided to stay in the air. This is not to say I am a pilot with more balls or that I was being more reckless (in fact I believe we have a very similarly matched outlook to our flying, albeit he is often more strategic to my intuitive nature ).

So what am I getting at - well there are a number of good wings on the market just be sure you are choosing the right wing for your needs and style of flying - it is all too easy to simply follow the herd, and if there is one piece of ozone advice I would take, it is... sometimes being the Black sheep can reap its rewards. Follow the herd and you will remain just another number.

2011-03-26T15:19:00.003Z

Gradient's Golden3 has now passed the paramotor homologation in size 24 and 26. The wing passed all certification testflights without problems. The paramotor version of the Golden3 is equipped with special multi purpose risers. These risers offer trimmers as well as different points of attachements for the karabiners, with this multi purpose system the Golden3 can be used for both free flying and paramotoring. So, the Golden3 is an ideal choice for free flight and paramotor pilots who'd like to keep their minds open for new horizons.

Tanto Light

2011-02-25T12:25:00.011Z

We have just received the new launch photos for the Tanto light and Ava have released this new harness for production. Although, this has not yet been certified we are confident that this will be completed by the end of March then will be ready for the UK market.
We have been informed that Tanto light L is about 3,9 kg with XL and M are approx. 500 gr. More/less.

For those that are less weight concious we also have the Standard Tanto in stock now.

New developments from Gradient

2011-02-15T12:13:00.010Z

The Gradient team are now working on two further releases which follow on from the recently certified Bright 4 which was launched last Month .

The "Aspen 4" (Not sure whether it will be called this but it will supersede the Aspen 3 in performance and innovation). I believe this is targeted to be on the market in November/December 2011. Will post more news when we hear about it.

There is also news that the team is in the final stages of development of their new acro wing which will replace the highly acclaimed Seven. More new to follow regarding planned release dates.

Bright 4 is released

2011-01-06T11:00:00.003Z

Gradient have announced the release of the Bright 4 The Bright 4. It is the 4th glider of the Bright generation. It has passed the EN A certification in size 24, 26, 28 and 30. All sizes are available. The Bright4 22 will follow in February-March 2011.

The focus for The Gradient team was to create a wing for a wider range of beginners. Pilot safety is always the main priority for Gradient director and developer Ondrej Dupal, so time was invested in field testing the prototypes in the rough conditions of world record spot "De Aar", South Africa. The aim to create a new glider which has the right characteristics to achieve an effective and fast learning progress among the pilots. With easy launch and stable flight fit for beginners this is a glider that will provide the developing pilot with a relaxed paragliding experience.

The Bright 4 comes complete with a new design image and in a brand new colour design: The classic Gradient under-surface has been replaced by the big G logo .which matches with the upper sails colour combinations. Test reports will be available soon on DHV and main Gradient website during next few days.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T12:04:00.002Z

Wishing all our customers a great festive period and a fantastic 2011

Ava Tanto Harness has arrived

2010-12-07T16:56:00.003Z

We now have the Ava Tanto harness in stock but be quick as with the VAT hike Jan 2011 these harness are flying out. Call now to avoid disappointment

Uk XC season round up

2010-11-09T10:37:00.002Z

Another xc season has come to a close and again we see Gradient Pilots and their gliders at the top of the stack. Congratulations to you all.

Uk national XC league 2010 champion Richard Westgate clocked up and inpressive total of 837.5 km in six flights. Richard spent the season on board either the Aspen 3 or the Axax Xc3. He was also the runner up in the national weekend league.
While in the Sports class Mark Jones was runner up (Xc2) and a creditable 9th overall. With Phil Wallbank thirdon his new Aspen 3 ( 15th overall)
The Uk winter league was won again by David Thomson onboard his trusty Avax Xc2. While I was the runner up on board an avax proto.

In the local club leagues to Gradient pilots did well

Cumbria - yours truely with flights on board the Xc3 and Avax protos Tony Bradley the sports class victor on board his Xc2
SMPC - Winner Ian Miskin Xc2
SPHF - A clean sweep for Xc2 pilots 1st Julian Robinson, 2nd Ian Miskin 3rd Dave Thomson
Dales - Dominated by neighbouring Cumbrian Pilots with yours truely managing a 4th place from only three visits
Pennine - Ist sports Class Mark Wilson (Aspen 3) and 4th place overall.

Not only that Gradient pilots across the country continue to be at the top of the stack
Well done to you all and roll on the 2011 season

The New Student (NG) Harness from Ava Sport

2010-09-23T09:27:00.013+01:00

Three years of research and development, The design team from AVA Sport have found an innovative solution to provide the lightest and simplest School harness. Very functional design, that incorporates many new innovations and refinements.

The new Student^NGHarness is only 2.8 kg complete with carbon seat and incorporates Ava's new generation of air protector (^NG), which aims to put an end to the heavier foam and voluminous Cygnus protectors yet offers no compromises in terms of pilot protection or comfort. A new revolution has now begun.

We are offering PG Schools special discounts on this new Harness. - Call for details.

British Paragliding Cup 2010

2010-09-23T08:37:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to Richard Butterworth (Gradient Avax XC2) on winning this years British Paragliding Cup. A close second was Tony Spirling (Avax XC2). Local Pilot Tony Bradley managed to come a way with best new competitor with his 8th place (Avax XC2) Well done Tony.
Alan Ford took best EN-B and Sheryl Cameron the 2nd female place on Golden2 and Aspen2 respectively. Congratulations to these winners
The racing highlights this year seem to have been a good race task from the Long-Mynd and pilots are still talking about the sublime cloud surfing which was had in Snowdonia.

Gradient pilots held 9 positions within the top 20.

2nd Tony Spirling Gradient Avax XC2
7th Dave Thomson Gradient Avax XC2
8th Tony Bradley Gradient Avax XC2
13th Raffaele Lagrutta Gradient Avax XC3
15th Gary Jackson Gradient Aspen 2
16th Mark Riches Gradient Aspen 2
17th Alan Ford Gradient Golden 2
19th Malcolm Grace Gradient Avax XC2

Sheryl Cameron was 2nd best female on her Gradient Aspen 2 in 22nd

New demos have arrived

2010-07-14T13:28:00.003+01:00

Just to let all who have eagerly been anticipating , we now have demos of the New XC3 in sizes 28 and 30, We also have aspen 3 demos in 28 and 26 and the size range of the golden 3

Triangulation by xc2 pilots

2010-06-15T16:42:00.002+01:00

XC2 pilots again prove that the Scottish Highlands is the ideal place for big triangles
Following on from Julian Robinson's excellent 53.1km triangle from Squrr Finnisg-aig on 25th May onboard his Gradient XC2, Ian Miskin has just flown a 54.4km triangle from Glencoe, also on an XC2. Well done guys!

XC3 Vid

2010-06-15T09:07:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Felix for providing yet more great footage of the new XC3

Going XC on the 3

2010-05-19T09:49:00.004+01:00

Monday the 17th was to be my second flight on the new XC3 and hopefully a chance to get a comparison against the very sorted M3 from Ozone. Taking off ( simplicity itself) into a good cycle soon had me exploring the site ( a new one for me) and it was not long before I was making my move to the next suitable ridge 10km downwind. The glide was excellent though again I was unable to do a comparison as the wing had me floating downwind on a buoyant line without company.
The flight itself was technical and with the wing very much looking after itself I was free to make tactical decisions on where best to fly. Transitions crosswind to avoid spread-out seemed simple just point and go. The speed bar is easy to apply and feels very solid even on 3/4 bar it also did not seem to degrade my glide much. Doing 3 figure flights from the Lake District is still a very uncommon thing, However I think like our political scene, we are at a time of change. My second flight on this wing was only the 6th 100+km flight completed from the Lakes and the 3rd this year. This wing above anything else allows the pilot to spend more time on making the most from your decisions rather than spending valuable energy on flying the wing.
The XC3 is what flying PG should be all about.

Here is a link to the test results. http://www.para-test.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=4&id=30&Itemid=37

Infinity and beyond!

2010-05-17T08:45:00.002+01:00

Antoine Montant is captured performing the first infinity to ejection, on board his Gradient Seven, Totally sick, but ultimately wicked, enjoy the spectacle.

Infinity Drop - Première mondiale

XC3 First Flight

2010-05-16T07:47:00.006+01:00

One of the first xc3's to arrive turned up on my doorstep on Thursday, though It wasn't until Saturday that I could get it out of the bag, and even then it was very much on the windy side and had reservations about whether to fly or not.
However, I have been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this wing ever since the first protos were being talked about.
What I can say, well this is a neatly constructed wing with great attention to the detail, this was immediately noticed by the two pilots with me, which also included a founding partner for another PG manufacturer.
Considering it was a top end day, this wing is a real pussycat at ground handling, it comes up with only a light pull and is very easily controlled. the next thing that struck was the lightness on the brakes and the responsiveness to my inputs is just superb.
There were reservations about taking to the air on such a top end day and on a site which can be unpleasant to say the least when its also a bit off, but playing with the wing on the ground gave me so much interest to see what its like in the air, I had to give it a go so cautiously I allowed myself to take to the air.

Immediate impression, Oh this is good! and certainly nothing like as demanding to fly as my other wings. - A real confidence boost that I was under a very sorted design. Now the day was difficult to gauge speed and to be honest there were times I was simply parked, but as height was gained it became clear that this is a very solid wing, even though I was on the lighter end of the weight range 114(I'm guessing) on the size 30. Speed bar is lighter to push than my Avax SR8 and its effect is immediate. In turns it is nimble needing less adjustments to the outside than what I have been used to, though this may have been more about the day. It certainly felt that I was able to hook the climbs a lot easier under this wing.

It short this wing gives confidence, I was definitely with a wing that was not on the edge of giving one more excitement than required.

I was unable to compare glides etc as the others were unable to take off due to the gusty and unpredictable wind. Now I know i was lucky in choosing my take off slot but once in the air this wing was giving everything I wanted to feel assured that I hadn't just made a big mistake.

Cannot wait till this front clears today and I can get back on it hopefully with others on Monday.
My overall impression was -Why oh why, have I been flying so long on wings where you really had to keep on top of them at times when here I could simply enjoy the great experience of xc.

If you are planning to change wings this year foro something with EN D performance this wing seriously needs to be on your short list.

Swallows and Swifts are back!

2010-04-20T08:34:00.007+01:00

While trying to get a quick flight in yesterday - I noticed the return of the first Swallows and Swifts of this year. These are great thermal markers as they go about catching insects in the rising air. Now these birds are back, it's truly open xc season once more.

Our New Avax is now ready

2010-04-15T14:09:00.003+01:00

Received news today that the AvaxXC3 has attained its predicted EN D certification (size 28) and that sizes 24, 26, and 30 are ready for certification as well.

Certification in progress for AVAX XC3

2010-03-29T11:15:00.004+01:00

The certification process has now begun for Gradient's new high performance glider the AVAX XC3 . We have been told The tests are going-to-plan and we should expect production to begin with sizes 28 and 26 asap in April with other sizes to follow.
We have heard on good authority that the Avax XC3 is a 3 liner, and includes rigifoil, and makes use of the 'Gibus arc' on the rib at the height of the B, it also makes use a the new diagonals as first seen in the Aspen 3, and has an aspect ratioof 6.8. Overall handlling quite similar to XC2, theough even more agile This Italian Importer who was there at Bassano during final tests states this is very 'nice'! He states the leading edge gives the impression of great solidity. The ppeed system uses 2 pulleys, it is not an effort to apply and the wing speeds up a lot just touching it lightly. Speed increase is considerable.
Ondej Dupal is happy with the result; he said the leading edge is very stable and he tested the wing up to 68 km/h (though this won't be the final trimming for certification). He states that for Gradient this is an innovative wing with big performances and is very nice to fly.

To whet your appetite for the Golden 3

2010-03-09T13:48:00.006Z

This short video was taken on the beautiful Island of Madeira. See in action the latest intermediate glider from Gradient. - Golden 3

Enjoy!

Lighten up for 2010 with the Ava Sport Tanto

2010-02-22T12:29:00.009Z

The all new AVA Sport harness -TANTO has been designed for the cross country pilot who is conscious about pack weight yet does not want to compromise on comfort or performance. The New TANTO is packed with many new features and innovations which aid to a very simple and functional design.
Firstly the new harness belt system makes the regulation of the whole unit very easy and simple to use.
Secondly there is a new design and construction method for the reserve parachute container, which provides a very sleek storage solution, yet offers a very quick deployment, should it be required.
The TANTO has 17cm back protection, but unlike other products on the market, The TANTO harness will integrate a new generation of protector, which aims to put an end to the heavier foam and voluminous 'Cygnus' protectors currently in use. Made entirely of a (dare I say, rather secret) new high quality material, which is being manufactured using the latest technology within the textile industry. Using this revolutionary new material AVA Sport Design and Manufacturing teams are working hard on a new weight record for this type harness 4,5-4,8 kg. This will place the TANTO in a new class of cross country harness for all Pilots wanting to minimise yet not compromise!

We are expecting full certification of this new harness around mid March. The harness comes in 5 sizes and with three different colour options. It is currently available (by special order) at an amazing weight of only 5.2 kg with the standard foam back protector, The retail price £735 includes postage.

Ava have also informed us that they are also going to produce this harness in an eye catching material which resembles the weave of carbon. It seems carbon will continue to be the talk on launch for 2010 Call for details.

Digifly New for Jan 2010

2009-12-17T11:43:00.005Z

New Digifly Leonardo Plus GPS – Vario £384.00
The Leonardo Plus is a new low-cost combined GPS - vario unit for non-competition hang glider and paraglider pilots. It has all the safety and flight evaluation benefits of a combined GPS - vario, but the Leonardo Plus software does not have the waypoint-task management option required for competition use. However, it can easily be upgraded by the customer by purchasing the software from Digifly for Euro 80.
Availability: Jan 2010.

Despite the return to 17% VAT on the 1st Jan 2010, We are likely to keep our prices slightly lower due to the improved £/€ currency rates & a recent restructuring of prices by Digifly in Italy.

Other Digifly News
The Digifly Cartesio Pro BT model has now been discontinued.

Flight Equipment / Accessories from Ava Sport

2009-12-16T13:14:00.005Z

Click on picture to enlarge.

Ava Sport has a 'nifty' range of ancillary flight equipment. (Have a specific instrument which needs protecting just give us the model or instrument dimensions and Ava will make it).They also produce some general travel accessories to suit the Après pilot.

Golden 3 28 now certified!

2009-12-16T13:07:00.004Z

Just received the news that Gradient's Golden3 size 28 has successfully passed EN-B certification ! Sizes 24, 26 and 30 will follow soon.
After a worldwide success of the predecessor model Golden2 Gradient's new intermediate glider Golden3 comes up with certification EN-B, LTF 1-2. The glider will be available in five sizes (22-30). So, the whole weight range of pilots is covered.

The Golden3 is a completely new development that has risen from the final comparison of different prototypes. Concerning the Golden3's handling -the Design and Test-Team's target was to achieve a sensitive sportclass characteristic to give maximum feedback to the pilot. So, the pilot will be able to react precisely on air movement and turbulence.

Like all other models from Gradient ; Their wing construction method helps reduce the gliders weight and further improves the wing's flight characteristics in extreme manoeuvres, turbulent air and thermals.

The Golden3 has been designed as direct replacement of Golden2 and in term of pilot skill is not anyhow more demanding to fly. The colourful glider range comes with a new design and has the Gradient-Logo on the upper sail. Gradient will continue to offer a custom colour choices Giving the pilot an opportunity for a personalised combination. (Talk to us for details).

We expect the start of serial production on the beginning of January 2010. So we should see demos in the Uk from the end of January. The other sizes 24,26 and 30 are ready for certification and will be certified as soon as the weather will allow the mandatory test flights. Size 22 is at the moment in stage of final preparations, so will follows shortly.

New Travel sack!

2009-12-02T16:17:00.006Z

Just received the new 18 ltr travellers back pack designed by Gradient.

This is a very smart small back pack which fits somewhere between a walkers day sack and an urban communter travel sac, promoted as having a handy compartment for a laptop (It does manage to make my laptop feel quite archaic as you would not get a standard laptop to fit)

Gradient 2009 UK XC League Results

2009-11-16T10:25:00.007Z

Gradient 2009 XC League Results
Congratulations to all participants in this years' UK XC League for making it a record year. In terms of total KM flown, the top three pilots would have won any previous year.
Best place Gradient Pilot was Philip Wallbank in 5th with 576.5km and he also wins a prize for the longest flight on a DHV2 wing, 151km from Eyam Edge on 22nd August on his trusty old Aspen. This was also the 7th best flight of the year! Julian Robinson was 6th with 554.4km and Ian Miskin 9th with 548.2km on their XC2's. Judith Mole was 3rd best Woman with 270.9km on her Aspen 2.
Gradient continue to be the most popular brand amongst xc pilots in the UK

In the Local Club Leagues:

Cumbrian League: Burkitt Rudd Avax SR8 2nd, Ben Keayes Avax XC 3rd.
Pennine League: Philip Wallbank Aspen1 1st.
SHPF League: Julian Robinson Avax XC2 1st, David Thomson Avax XC2 2nd, Ian Miskin Avax XC2 3rd.
Northumbria League: Chris Foster Avax XC2 2nd, Jim Bittlestone Golden 2 1st in the 1/2 class and 4th overall (not too bad for his first season).
Avon League: Martin Nichols Aspen 2 3rd.
Gap League: Mark Jones Avax XC2 2nd.
Wessex League: Paul Hawkins Aspen 2 1st, Gary Puhl Aspen 2 2nd, Shamus Pitts Golden 2 3rd.

Thanks to Richard Westgate for providing this analysis

Ondřej testing in De Aar

2009-11-16T09:00:00.015Z

Ondřej Dupal has returned once again to one of his favourite winter testing locations, De Aar. With him, he has Gradient’s expected replacement to the highly successful Avax XC2. The design brief for this replacement is a new high-end wing that’s resolutely targeted within the EN D category. We are anticipating a very high performance serial racer to take on the best of the rest in this hotly contested category, combined with all that ‘sweetness’ in both handling and feedback which has become a trade-mark for Gradient.

Photo credit - Triantafyollos Gkikopoulos

News has recently been supplied to me that Ondřej is very pleased with performance tests of the proto XC3's. Though, it is not yet clear which of the two protos they have with them is proving to be the 'sweetest' performer. What is known is the Gradient team has two protos with diffferent aspect ratio one of 6.5 and the other 6.8. However news about line consumption / layout etc is still a mystery.

Looking ahead, this wing should be ready for certification, in the early part of 2010.

Here's a couple of links to recent flights by Ondřej on the likely Xc2 replacement.

http://www.xcontest.org/world/en/flights/detail:ondrejjd/14.11.2009/11:01

http://www.xcontest.org/world/en/flights/detail:ondrejjd/17.11.2009/10:30

Ava Sport X Alps Harness - A Pilot's Review

2009-09-30T09:32:00.009+01:00

Brendan Reid has flown with the X Alps harness throughout the 09 season; though this harness was not new when he bought it (the previous owner is contemplating getting another as he now regrets selling it). Brendan has provided an honest account of this harness strengths and weaknesses that we thought we should share.

Straps and Buckles
1) legs/chest straps are the old pass through buckle type. I got these replaced by Supair light buckles but this turned out to be pricier than expected. the originals are a bit fiddly especially if cold or with gloves etc. I have used other pass through type buckles that were easier. (Kitt added- Ava now supply this harness with either austrialpin buckles or the slightly lighterweight charly buckles - the click buckles with one red button in the middle).
2) Strap layout is a separate strap for each leg and one for the waist. There is no safe-t-bar. I think that's fine and in keeping with the "light" target market.

Pod Stuff
1) As with any lightweight pod it isn’t as sleek as a true comp harness but its pretty good. Must be a fair bit better than Altirando xp even with the windsock as this has an airbag bump under your bum
2) Pod is made of light nylon rather than heavy neoprene - it will flap a bit if you don't have your legs extended to keep the shape right but normally is very clean and stable
3) It does a great job in cold weather at keeping you warm (tested up to 6500m )

Weight-shift and comfort
1) when you first sit in it you think hmmnn this is a bit wierd as your bum seems to be off the back of the seat-board but after a few flights this feels ok and works quite well for weight-shift. I would say quite a bit more weight-shifty than a WV x-rated 4 (quite a stable full race pod harness) and less than my old Supair Vamp (a very weight-shifty comp harness with stirrup from 2003 or so). I sat in a Supair altirando xp 2009 version recently (didn't fly it) and it seemed very comfy but very high hang points (poor weight-shift?)
2) Comfort is such an individual thing I hesitate to comment on it here but i am 1.75m and 75kg and multi-hour flights are fine for me and it’s actually better for me than the WV (which I didn't really like).

Durability
1) Overall harness durability is good
2) The harness is designed to be flown either with or without pod
3) The pod is light and is the flimsiest piece but stands up to abuse quite well
4) The pod footplate is supposed to velcro around the stirrup as part of the fly with or fly without pod. Some of the velcro gives up after a while and I sewed it in place. It has now come apart again so will need to sew again. Sewing it up means no hassles with the footplate moving around at the start of your flight but means you cannot detach the pod without undoing your sewing job (not a problem for me).

Safety
1) Reserve handle is at the limit of distance you want it from you.... you wouldn’t want it further away and trying to get it during high g's
2) The mousse airbag supplied with my harness is about 10cm and not worth much. (Kitt added - this has since been updated, the harness now comes with a slightly bigger volume 15cm mousse Airbag). There is considerable space in the harness and have no doubt I could fit a bigger one..... or bivvy kit.... or ballast
3) The pod attaches in a bit of a weird way underneath the harness close to the cloverleaf under-seat reserve. It took some time to get my head round it!

Angle of dangle and performance
1) I have it set up to have my body semi-upright
2) Leg angle of dangle should probably be down a bit for best aero performance but that’s not my biggest concern
3) The harness geometry slides when you apply speed bar (rotating your body back to a more reclined position) and works well but not as well as dedicated race harnesses. If you are a comp pilot on speed bar 50% of time then this would probably get to you.

Other minor stuff
1) The container for the rucksack at the back of the harness in flight is slightly on the small side. Rucksack (gradient) plus some spare clothes plus some water plus is all a bit of a squeeze.... but the zip seems good quality
2) There are lots of nice touches e.g. the Velcro on straps which prevent buckle slippage are very effective - this can make in air adjustments more tricky though
3) You can either do up all the pod straps before you take off (slightly harder to get your legs in and you might need to reach down with one hand to get the first foot in) or leave 2 straps free (easy to get legs in) and then do two plastic clips (needs 2 hands) up in the air.

Overall, I think it’s a good harness (not perfect) and a pretty fair compromise which is after all what it sets out to do.

Thanks Bren for a very honest review.

The harness currently retails for £520 and we get them in on a made to order basis, which means there is a 3 week lag to anyone’s confirmed order. ( we currently have one in stock - large 16-03-10)

The Golden 3 is coming!

2009-09-24T11:58:00.014+01:00

Gradient's Director and Chief Test Pilot,Ondrej Dupal has just released this photo of the all new Golden 3. Gradient aim to start putting the Golden 3 through the certification process within the next month starting with the size 28.

We have yet to get all the info about this new model, but we are lead to believe it will be faster on trim, slightly more damped but with, according to Ondrej, "perfect turning".

What's certain, is it will supercede the very popular Golden 2 which certainly has been a real success within the area in which we serve; with many of our 'newer pilots' having chosen this wing, they have found themselves with a near perfect flying partner, which have regularly taken them to the 'top-of-the-stack' above their local sites; instilling confidence and opening up great new vistas for them. One delighted customer, said to me recently "I'm really enjoying mine, 4th in our local league, soon to be 3rd and winning our new 1-2 comp by 35km so far! Amazing in my first year too".

With Gradient's impressive track record in producing exceptional, class winning models. It is going to be a much easier decision this Christmas as to what to place on this years 'Dear Santa Letter' !

Golden3's launching at St Hilaire Sept 2009

End of Season Bargins!

2009-09-07T09:34:00.011+01:00

We are looking to sell off our demo's and some Harnesses all at reduced prices

Gradient XC2 size 28 Sangria -2ohrs SOLD
Gradient XC2 size 26 Sangria - 20hrs SOLD
Gradient Montana size 26

We also have a couple of open class wings from Gradient size 28 , Avax RSE, & SR7

Harnesses

Gradient Comet Large (SOLD) and Medium (New)
Ava Sport Samurai large (Demo) SOLD
Ava Sport Tangra -Cygnus size xl (Unused).

We also have a couple of Digifly Leonardo's Combined GPS logger and Vario.

Call us for more info about any of these offers.

Gradient Comet harness size large

New World Out & Return Record on his Bi Golden

2009-07-30T11:45:00.002+01:00

I have just received news that Toby Colombe on the 26th July set a new O&R world record from the Julian Alps Solvenia on board his Bi-Golden Tandem. His claim distance is just shy of 168km and out and return distance is 170km.
Track log and flight discription here.

- Well done Toby.

Aspen3 Review - by Toby Colombe

2009-07-28T20:29:00.003+01:00

Toby Colombe had a really good run in Piedrahita in the British Championship's 2nd round at the end of June. Toby flew consistently at a very high standard to win the Sports and Serial Class on his Aspen3. He since has wrote an excellent Pilots review for the Aspen3 which he posted on PG forum. We have simply cut and pasted it.

Background:
I have about 400 hours on the Aspen1 and 100 or so on the Aspen2. I have also spent hundreds of hours on other wings including the Freestyle, Artic 1, Golden2 , Mantra 1 and 2, the XC2 and several other wings. I am also a keen tandem pilot and fly regularly. Over the last two weeks I have spent about 30 hours on the Aspen 3. Flying in both the French Alps and flat lands of Spain, I have munched up a total of over 600 kilometres and also had several soaring and “play“ flights.

Performance:
Claims about performance are so difficult to verify even by professional test pilots. Although I very strongly suspect that it outperforms its predecessors I haven’t been able to prove this –whistling lines or otherwise. I’ll let others guess its glide and speed.
More importantly here’s how it compares with other wings in some qualitative respects:
A brief comparison with the A1 and A2.
The Aspen 1 was without doubt an all time classic wing and will always be remembered as such. Its main plus points were its agility and light handling. It’s weak point in my opinion was its nervousness. A great wing to learn on with lots of feedback but just a little bit too nervous? I had the feeling I needed to reign it back a lot of the time – a bit like a horse that’s too keen. In contrast the Aspen 2 was less agile and although once again a superb glider it lacked a little of the original’s panache. More stable in both roll and pitch it needed “forcing” to bank-up into the smaller thermals. The increased stability over the A1 did however mean you could let it fly hands high (less reigning in required) and therefore it probably glided better through the rough stuff. As has now been proved with hours and hours of flying it was certainly not a dangerous glider as Jerome had claimed on this forum early on.
Before flying the A3 I had read this thread and also heard a few things on the grape-vine. I have put many concerns to rest and all in all I have to say that the A3 is an absolutely outstanding glider. Congratulations to Gradient: In my opinion you’ve got this wing spot on! In short it has every thing I like about both the A1 and A2 without any of the gripes.

Main handling features:
Lighter handling than the (already light!) A2. It’s so light, delicate and precise throughout the brake range. The brake pressure is still progressive but very light along the whole range of brake travel. Great on a long flight and top marks from me.
Less pitchy than the A1 means its easier to launch. You can let it fly. Nice and stable but with enough pitch to use. It’s certainly less roll stable and took me by surprise initially: lean in and turn. So responsive I almost wing-overed my first turn! In thermals just roll it in. I find that I have to come off the inside so it doesn’t wind in too tightly sometimes. That’s not really a negative but just shows how manoeuvrable this toy is. A real joy. I’d have to say its “easy”, but then its still an LTF2 wing and we haven’t talked about collapses yet!

Bar:
I have spent several hours barring this machine through the thermic air. If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these then behaviour on bar is probably a key quality. So how is it? In short: fantastic! The bar is like butter. Smooth easy and nice and light: It’s such a pleasure to use! Just squeeze and play the pitch. Even after extensive use my legs were hardly tired at all. (In contrast to the XC2 where after a couple of hours flying you’re knackered!) On full bar I found it to be very stable and the leading edge doesn’t quiver in the same way as the A1 used to. The wing does however wobble along its chord – the wing tips moving forward and aft like its breathing. Mildly disconcerting at first I soon got used to it and don’t really know if it’s a disadvantage or not. On full bar it seems to wobble most of the time. That movement has a name but I’ve forgotten it for now. I’ll call it the “accordion wobble”. Apparently it can be tamed out by tightening the C’s. Even in normal flight it seems to quiver just a little bit (like it’s not as solid along the tail edge) but according to wing designers I’ve spoken to this makes the tips more sensitive to the air and helps in finding thermals. It seemed to work… most of the time. (when it didn’t I’ll take the blame!)

Other stuff
Surely the ease of manoeuvrability of this wing has to make the A3 Freestyle a likely successor to the A2 Freestyle! Wing overs, SATs, loops, asymmetric spirals and all that agile stuff are so easy with this wing. Wow! If you’ve ever flown a wing too small for you, you’ll know it makes everything easier (though more agile!) on the ground and that little bit more dynamic in the air. That’s how it feels on the A3 – like I’m on a wing that’s a little too small for me: easy and dynamic. And yet the handling is super light. Strong wind launches are a breeze (no pun intended). In terms of pure feeling, I think Gradient have got this wing just right.

Collapses and recovery
I tend to go pretty easy through the rough stuff but did get one 60-70% asymmetric on full bar which took me by surprise and swung me round pretty quick. I caught it at 90degrees and it seemed to behave and recover smoothly and predictably. Recovery on normal speed asymmetrics and one full frontal seemed pretty standard.
The last two or three cells are a little soft and tuck in from time to time rather like the A2 and as seen on most high arc and high aspect wings (the A3 is neither of these). Nothing to worry about just an observation. They roll out by themselves. See EN reports for full still air recovery characteristics.
In real life air the A3 is not prone to collapses and although with any wing in this category an active flying style is essential I found it had nothing untoward or unexpected to say: I quickly felt very much at home. If you’re looking for a new “2” I’d definitely recommend you put this on your test flight list.
_________________
Toby

Air-Play supports the Antigravity -Acro Team

2009-07-16T09:03:00.009+01:00

We are delighted, to be supporting the Uk's Antigravity-Acro Team with the latest Acro-Pro harness from Ava Sport. Both Adam Ingram and Terry Stubbs Jnr recently came to the Lake District for the Lakes Charity Classic and gave us all a great show, despite the less than ideal conditions for flying, never mind acro. They are true professionals. - It's a real pleasure to be supporting you guys.

Here's a short video of Adam (Gradient Seven) and Terry on a variety of different wings putting in some training above Nepal, Turkey and Scotland!

AAT from Antigravity Acro Team on Vimeo.

The Lake District's flying 'Holy Grail' unlocked.

2009-07-13T10:39:00.014+01:00

I first began my flying obsession in the Lake District nearly 20 years ago and have been lucky to fly with some of the sports luminaries as well as many of what I consider to be 'top draw xc hounds' who have visited the area. During this time, while other areas in the U.K began clocking distances over the Magical 100km; the Lakes area continued to hold off giving up its main prize; till last Saturday.

Nigel Page was first to come close in the early 90's, clocking an impressive 90 km flight from Jenkin fell, this record stood for over 10years as the area's longest Pg distance; Untill Ali Guthrie made his strong wind flight from Great Mell Fell which lies on the edge 0f the main mountains of the Lakes in 2005. Only to be caught out by Newcastle airspace.

80km on above Moffat.
Photo Credit~ M Cavanagh

For me this flight of Ali's seemed to provide a bit of a key for achieving such a distance from this area; As lovely as it isto be flying amongst the hills and dales of this area, progress through this terrain can be painfully slow, as you need to often battle with either the prevailing wind; terrain orientatition; as well as, the often technical influences of sea breeze which surround the county on three sides. The key for me, seemed to be, to take off near the edge of the hilly area similar to what Ali had done, and so began my obsession with sites like Brigsteer and Barkin, as both these provided easy access to the flat land terrain, taking away some of the added complication which appeared to make achieving better distances from this area just that bit more tricky.

In 2007 I was lucky enough to lay claim to the longest straight line distance from the lakes (flying from Brigsteer) with 3 flights each a little over 95km (completed on consecutive days.) and although one of these, through the turnpoint xc rule, took past the magical and invisible 100km line The xc score, in reality was still short of my 100km straight line holy grail.

The following year I was again fortunate to extend the longest flight distance claim by another km and achieve the Uk's earliest 100km xc score in a season (19th March) but again this was achieved through the now standard turnpoint flight claims. More annoyingly this could well have been the 100km straight line distance holy grail, if I had been better prepared with regard to knowing the actual restrictions of the Leeds Bradford airspace. I had chosen to turn north in an attempt to circumnavigate the approaching airspace. However, If I had simply chosen to fly straight, stepping down my height as I past over Skipton and accepting this as my final glide I could have achieved my ambition. But in reality, flying for me it is really about continuing the great experience of free flight than simply laying claim to a first.

Later that season, flying initially in the company of my good friend Mike Cavanagh, I made another attempt at my Holy Grail; this time from Barkin, but again with no avail. Landing a frustratingly few 100metres short of the Scottish border and again only a couple short of that elusive 100. Ah-well, the search will continue next season.

On the 11th July the day after a great but painfully slow late afternoon/ early evening xc. We headed North once more to collect our vehicles where I chose to get my vehicle to a garage for some much need TLC, as on the journey to site the day before my car started to not fire on all its cylinders. While Mike and Ben Keayes where able to in the enviable position to be free of any such burden they simply had to decide which site they should fly from - finally selecting Blease Fell.

Blease is an interesting site as it is a very much a mountain site though in a position which is on the edge of the main fells and adjacent to Jenkin – the site of the areas first big pg distance claim. It appears that Mike managed to do what Nigel had previously done, by slipping off the side of the range with not that much height he carefullu made good progress over Calbeck then Carlisle, crossing the Solway and the Scottish Border and more importantly into a much improving sky. Following the M74 Mike made a steady track northwards passing the old Victorian Spa town (Moffat) at the 80km mark, knowing now he was in a good position for the 100km distance. This is what Mike had to say. (Full report here scroll down to 6th post).

“As I was over Moffat I knew it was about as far as people had got on previous flights and although my clouds were petering out, they looked like they would get me the 100km! Tinto was also beckoning and the motorway was on the track! Decision made and off I glided into the roughest of thermals, a bit of a wake up after the nice climbs I had got used to. There was an 8mps lurking around in there which gave me quite a tussle, but ultimately it got me back high. Meanwhile those clouds had petered out faster than I hoped and my next glide turned into my final one as the last decaying cloud failed me. I thought about heading for a hill to wait, but looked at the distance on my gps saying 98km; hopefully just carrying on with the glide and landing by the road would get me 100km in a straight line. It was bit closer than I expected as I touched down by the pub at Crawford – 101.75km. I had a big grin on my face and hoped the machine was telling me the truth”.

Although this Holy Grail may have alluded me, I will continue my quest to fly 100km (straight line) from the lakes. I must say a Big Congratulations to Mike. Who unknowingly to me had this this also as a goal for his XC flying as well.
“It was a bit of a holy grail for me to, I am amazed it had not fallen earlier. I was starting to think the lakes were too difficult to get that far. So maybe the fact that from there you can escape the mountains very quickly is key (I've always had that in the back of my mind), although you often have more sea air to contend with”.

Mike has continued to be a great xc sparing partner since the early days and he's a great sportsman who has helped me to greatly improve my own flying as a by-product of our friendship. - What should our next ‘Holy Grail’ be Mike; the 100mile distance?

AVA SPORT DESIRE MF

2009-07-02T09:41:00.008+01:00

I have just received a bit more information regarding the new multifunction harness from Ava Sport.

The Desire MF is a harness and packsack all in one. It has a airbag protector, which has already been tested by EN (European norms) in Germany. The harness is very adjustable, the seating position is semi-reclined - striking a good balance between pilot comfort, streamlining and maintaining a good position from which it is easy to make a safe landing. The harness has an integral reserve pocket, which is located on the right hand side and underneath the seat.
The Desire MF has lightweight auto clip buckles with a 'T' bar security system. It is a light harness offering all the pilot security of your traditional harness combined with the versatility of the reversible harness /sack harness The harness is a about 4.8 kg. And it is possible to carry your canopy inside the pack ( not a tandem ) .
What else… it is good for mountain climbing. We are looking forward to getting our first models in shortly.

Main colour is black with various colour stripe options (red, blue, gray, green, yellow, white, orange).

Price £485

New Bi-Golden 2 tandem is released

2009-06-15T10:00:00.007+01:00

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

2009-06-15T09:27:00.006+01:00

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

Super trip!

2009-06-03T18:13:00.003+01:00

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.

X- Scotia 09

2009-05-30T23:02:00.006+01:00

http://www.llsclub.org.uk/llsc_xscotia.html

Photo Credit ~ Matt Church

The second ever X-Scotia event is currenty underway this weekend the 30th and 31st May 09. This is a Paragliding and hiking adventure race, based at Loch Earnhead and involves rounding the 3 Munros of Ben Vorlich, Ben More and Meall nan Tarmachan with an approximate distance of 70km - Our Man, Paul Myerscough arrived at goal in second place(for the 2nd year running and flying). Paul was flying a Montana and was reportedly looking remarkably fresh but quite tanned. Not sure yet how much flying was achieved as the winds looked quite fresh.
Steve Nash celebrates his second victory in this events history arriving 79 mins ahead of Paul. WELL DONE TO YOU BOTH!

New Firmware updates for the Digifly Leonardo series

2009-05-27T09:31:00.008+01:00

(Standard Leonardo and Lithio Version) http://www.digifly.com/discontinued/discontinued-downloads.htm

(Leonardo PRO and BT version ) http://www.digifly.com/leonardo-pro/leonardo-pro-downloads.htm AND http://www.digifly.com/leonardo-pro-bluetooth/leonardo-pro-bluetooth-downloads.htm

Aspen 3 in Action

2009-05-26T07:50:00.004+01:00

Great photos by Peter Volf of the new Aspen 3 in action
We now have demo A3's in sizes 30, 28 and 26

XC2 leads current standings in the 2009 UK XC league

2009-05-15T08:50:00.004+01:00

Julian Robinson is currently sitting at the top of the UK's XC League with his Avax XC2. Jules first got our attention with his impressive flights during the 2007 XCeará while on board the Aspen 2. On his return Jules moved onto the XC2 and continued to demonstrate his natural xc skills with some bold xc's across some of our remotest terrain in Scotland. Last year Jules was crowned 'Best newcomer ' in the Uk Championships and he's the current UK 'sport's class' champion.
At present he also leads the Uk XC league with 456.1km and his impressive 108.5km in the company of an other XC2 pilot Paolo Bellezze across the Highlands ,which is for the time being on track to winning the prize for 'Highest Scoring Turnpoint Flight on an EN C' in the league.

Keep it up Jules!

A good day at Broughton and the Start of this seasons BPCup

2009-05-12T21:51:00.023+01:00

Another happy customer got to show to the rest of the field what still can be done on his trusty Aspen 2. The Borders British Paragliding Cup/ Scottish Open competition got this year's Uk XC comp scene underway and although only one day was possible, due to the great british weather.

Photo Credit S.Ethrington

This is what BPCup pilot Andy Plimmer (1st sports class and 2nd placed in the BPCup) had to say.

"After a wet and windy first day, conditions soon transformed into what turned out to be an epic days flying. The task a 46k race to goal at Hawick seemed ambitious initially as the very light WNW breeze played havoc with the field coming from all directions but the right one. A chance thermal from right of launch gave a slow scrabble up for a lucky few, one of whom was myself, this enabled connection with proper thermals and the game was on."

His plan was to try to stay high,based on the fact that the route had some long crossings of high remote moorland and to fly conservatively which hopefully would avoid any hot-slog walkout to the nearest road if he tried to rush to much.

"By climbing when able and progressing steadily I got past the worst bit until a long glide across the last valley left me a bit desperate 10km from goal. Some bumpy air and sniffs of lift drifted me on until a good climb from cut forestry got me up in company with an other lucky pilot. Now goal was in site and it was a calculated gamble to leave before my friend and dash for the cylinder. He stayed climbing for two more circuits which was just enough to give me 20 seconds lead and 2^nd place in the Cup. An entertaining landing in the middle of a cricket match was improved by several beers from the pavilion. Later pilots had the full hailstone and big lift experience as the day over-developed as predicted, this caused several to ping into airspace at over 5500ft".

"Brilliant views of both East and West coasts will stay with me for a long time and I really recommend the area if you get a chance."

Good to see the Aspen 2 can still do the business.

First official 100km in Ireland

2009-05-05T17:15:00.012+01:00

Two years ago Mark Piggot bought one of my demo's Aspen 2's - Today I heard that he has completed the first official 100k flight in Ireland.
Mark launched from a hill called The Playbanks near Sligo and landed near Eglington in Derry for a distance of 106.8k last Sunday. This beats the previous official 65k made last year by a long way. Enda Murphy completed a 140k flight a couple of years ago but unfortunately clipped Dublin airspace and so the flight was not officially recognised.
It appears there may well be a lot of very frustrated pilots in Ireland at the moment! As all those at the Celtic Cup never got to fly despite a very good forecast and they were on what should have been a better site. He was the only one of the group in Fermanagh that managed to catch the last lull of the day to launch – so his was the only flight that day.
Well done that man!
Mark's tracklog can be viewed on the xc league page of the UHPC website http://www.uhpc.co.uk

Spring time flying

2009-05-05T14:25:00.007+01:00

Just received this; - This is Spring time flying above the Lake District at its best. It was shot during the recent fantastic spell of flying weather, which some of us were lucky enough to be able to experience.
Enjoy!

Temporary Enlightenment from pimple queens on Vimeo.

This vid was taken above Blencathra (Blease fell site).

Aspen 3 gets it first UK airing!

2009-04-24T07:30:00.006+01:00

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

2009-04-18T09:32:00.008+01:00

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

2009-04-17T10:36:00.000+01:00

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'

2009-04-02T10:48:00.013+01:00

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

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?

2009-04-01T21:13:00.009+01:00

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).

He's a man with a mission!

2009-03-31T11:54:00.007+01:00

If you are a regular observer to the UK Paragliding XC league you cannot fail to have noticed the Scottish Borders Pilot - Dave Thomson.

He is frequently out scouting the skies in search of that early season winter/spring thermal and as a result he's a regular contender for the top spot in the early season ‘winter league’ competition. Having finished within the top 3 twice during his time on his trusty (and now very worn out) Aspen; He's since moved on board the Avax XC2, claiming the top spot last year and is looking well placed to do the same again this year.

This is what he has to say about his wing choice.

“I've flown 140 hours and 1200 km of XC, almost all in Britain, on the Avax XC2 since I got it 10 months ago. I certainly felt that I got to know it very quickly, having flown the Aspens for years before that. To fly it actively, it needs much faster and accurately timed responses than the Aspen, but it gives very clear information about what’s needed to keep it level.”

“The weight range suited me great as I went from being at the lower end of the Aspen 26 to middle of the Avax 24 - less weight for fly / walking and it can turn really tightly. The best feature is the auto-pilot - I've no idea how it works but if there's a thermal anywhere near, it indicates very clearly which way it wants to go, and its best to let it go where it wants.”

“Bad points - If you drop the glider into burnt heather, the lines are a nightmare”.

All we can say Dave, is keep your wing flying - you and it are doing great; and should the burnt heather slopes cause you as snag. Give us a call and we will sort you out.

The shape of things to come!

2009-03-31T10:10:00.016+01:00

The all new Katana from Ava Sport is a fantastic harness with some great 'wee' innovations. This more streamlined race pod features an integral ‘vest’, which effectively eliminates all those dead pockets of air which other harnesses have, making this harness a real contender for being probably the most comfortable and windproof harnesses on the market. This wrap over 'vest' will ensure maximum body heat is retained, ensuring warmer glides at altitude yet on the ground it is remarkably unrestrictive.

The second 'wee' innovation is through the incorporation of the ‘wrap over’ part of the ‘sock’and 'vest' to secure the instrument deck, providing a very clean, clear and stable platform for all your flight instruments. All this is achieved with the minimum of additional weight, early proto’s where only 200 grams heavier than the ever so popular Samurai which means a weight of 7.5kg which is considerably lighter than the ImpressII. Back protection is a reassuring 17cm foam ‘mousse’ airbag which continues Ava Sports’ tradition of no compromise back protection.

As an introductory offer I am giving a 20% reduction on price till the beginning of May along with all other harnesses from the Ava Sport range. Call us for prices.

Montana

2009-03-30T23:47:00.003+01:00

Gradient's latest Lightweight Glider

Introducing the Montana - the light weight glider from GRADIENT, successor of the legendary Delite. Last During 2007, the first prototypes of the new glider were tested in South Africa and Australia. The Montana has 40 cells and, although it uses similar materials to the Delite it is 400 grams lighter. With thinner risers these new gliders are perfect for the exploration of the mountains and other 'off the beaten path' sites and for ideal for travellers looking to reduce weight yet not to compromise on performance.

The Montana is En B /LTF 1/2 rated and comes in 4 sizes (24 m ², 26m ² 28m ² and 30m²) with a weight range from 58 kg to 125 kg.

Demo's currently available

2009-03-30T17:40:00.007+01:00

Currently available (other sizes and models by arrangement)
Wings

Aspen 3 Size 30
Avax XC2 Sizes 28, 24
Golden 2 Size 28 (sold)

Harnesses
Gradient Comet M & L
Ava Sport Samurai L
Ava Sport Tangra 'Cygnus' XL

Instruments
Digifly Leonardo Pro (Back in)

We also have a selection of used equipment and ex demo stock available

Gradient X-lite Harness

2009-03-30T16:36:00.006+01:00

Gradient has released a superb light weight reversible harness called X-lite, harness which offers the weight reducing feature of ‘cygnus airbag’ back protection.
Available sizes are S, M and L, colour combination is: red-grey-black. The X-lite is ideal solution for travelling pilots, mountain pilots or fun flyers. Weight of the harness is a very back friendly 2,8 Kg for the medium size.

I am offering this harness as part of a package with Our recently released 'lightweight glider' the Montana. Call for more details quoting ‘mountain flyer package’