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See also: An Overview On
reflex wings
MacPara has a reputation for making gliders
for motoring so it's fitting that jumped into a more standard Reflex
model with the MacJet. Unfortunately I didn't have a GPS so I couldn't
do speed tests. I've ordered a Garmin Foretrex 401 that should help
solve the problem and be able to always do speed tests on wings.
Handling: With trimmers in handling is
very good. At fast trim the handling is noticeably stiffer, as you would
expect, but a bit more responsive than average for a reflex wing. Don't
use the brakes at fast trim, though, I did so intentionally while
maneuvering to see how it behaved and took significant collapses. They
really mean it when they say it's better to use the tip steering instead
of brakes.
The Tip steering works extremely well -- as
good as the Dudek Plasma which puts it among the most effective of the
tip steering systems out there.
Nice dive behavior, too. I really like
wings that can dive easily. You can always turn flat by using opposite
brake but some wings aren't as inclined to yaw into the turn which
helps. It's part of the reason why the Spice is my favorite handling
wing.
Inflation: Inflation was good, a bit
easier than average for a reflex wing.
Risers: I didn't get a chance to note
details about the risers beyond them being a pretty typical 4-riser set.
Efficiency: Seems good. I had good
energy in the flare but would love to get sink rate measurements.
Speed (-): No GPS but this seemed like
a pretty full reflex wing and likely has decent performance.
Construction (-): Typical MacPara
lightweight which is part of why the inflation tend to be brisk in nil
wind.
Certification & Safety (-): Not
certified and pay close attention to the manual! Like many reflex
gliders there are some things you really don't want to do. In
turbulence, with the trimmers fast, they really are more collapse
resistant but you must only be using the tip steering since brake use is
destabilizing while trimmed fast.
Overall (-): Quite satisfying for the
experienced pilot who wants to go fast on a motor and enjoys good
handling.
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