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The Paratoys beginner wing is based on the popular Muse with some changes to the risers, lines and color scheme. The single
stripe in the center makes it easy to see where the wing is overhead during launch and layout. The risers are labeled for clarity, a feature new pilots may appreciate.
Handling (6): This glider has sporty handling for a beginner wing. Light brake pressures and good responsiveness make it a joy to fly. Letting the trimmers out increases the required pressure but it's still decent. And you'll need those trimmers if you're flying with buddies (see speed).
Inflation (5.5): Like the muse, the Paratoys inflates quite well although slightly slower. It has the same tendency that, if it starts to come back down, it's going to finish
coming down. It's very easy to keep centered
using brakes alone. Those pilots who look up to see the glider overhead
will find the the center line helpful. It's also helpful for centering
when standing in a forward launch position. Kiting (6): It's
easy to right the wing when it goes off kilter, it doesn't tend to
overfly and comes up with ease. Brakes are responsive without tip
stalling. Efficiency (4): This wing is slow for its size and does not store energy
as well as some other beginner wings.
It's efficient, however, in power required to keep it aloft when trimmed slow but you won't be going very fast. In a power-off landing you won't have a lot of time to finesse it, feeling for the
ground, even with fast trimmers. The sink rate is enough higher with
trimmers fast that you'll need the energy to arrest the sink and still
won't have enough for a "slider" landing.
Speed (3): Speed is largely what you give up for it's great handling and easy inflation. I
did a speed test with another pilot to confirm similar speeds to the
Muse.
Construction (5.5): This seems slightly more stoutly built than the Muse. The A's, for example, seem a hair thicker. It has snaps instead of magnetic clips which, if you live in an area with iron-infested soil/sand, you'll appreciate.
The risers are clearly labeled "A" and "B" which is
helpful for new pilots. Being slightly heavier may be why it doesn't
inflate quite as easily as the Muse in super light winds.
Certification & Safety (8): The 28 Paratoys size is certified as a DHV 1 glider so it should behave predictably in a collapse. Handling is crisp and heavier loaded pilots should be aware that it's going to be quite responsive.
Other sizes may not be certified which makes them less appropriate for new
pilots.
Overall: The Paratoys 28 is a great first wing that most will
enjoy until it wears out. If you fly with other pilots a lot you may be disappointed
by the speed unless you're real heavily loaded (over the weight range). |
 Paratoys
Beginner wings kiting and flying at the Salton Sea Paratoys show. |
