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The Eden is a beginner/intermediate
glider that I consider appropriate for a raw beginner wing. Plus, great
handling and high efficiency make it one that a pilot can fly until it
wears out. I've flown
this wing using a number of machines but this test was on Mike Bailey's
unique Flattop SD.
In flight weight was 235 pounds. That's a 75 pound motor (including
reserve), 145 pounds of me and the wing's 15 pounds. Area is 28 m²
flat, 25 m² projected so my projected wing loading was 235 lbs / 25
m² = 9.4 lbs / m².
Handling (6): Handling is great and it carries enough energy so
that pulling on the brakes allows you to trade speed for several feet of
altitude. Responsiveness is not quite as crisp as a same-sized
Muse but I still like its handling more because of the energy issue. It's nowhere near as "busy" as the Spice.
Inflation (7): It comes up about as good as the Muse, maybe not quite as quickly, but it has less fall-back tendency.
That makes it far more reliable to launch in my opinion (and observation).
There are precious few wings that are easier to inflate.
Efficiency (6): Here is where the wing shines. For being so stubby (relatively speaking) it has good glide and speed. I can come in, power off, and do a nice 5 to 10 foot slide along the ground while bleeding off speed.
Speed (6): A nice compromise. It's not the speediest thing out there but is noticeably faster than a same-sized muse.
I've flown these a fair amount because they're ubiquitous at events.
Unfortunately, I haven't had the GPS with me to do the official tests.
Construction (5): It seems well built although, like all Macpara
models, it's fairly lightweight. It does come with those infernal magnets.
They clog and become worthless.
Certification & Safety (7): It DHV 1-2 certified in most
sizes so it should be reasonably predictable. It is ideal as a first
wing.
Overall: I like this glider a lot. It's good for new pilots
through advanced motorheads. It should be good for soaring, too. Beginners since you can learn
and then enjoy it for years. Plus, in most cases, you'll keep up with your flying
buddies and won't need a direct Saudia Arabian feed to do so. |
