Ozone, Delta 2 impressions. May 8th 2013, Bir, India
I have had the Delta 2 SM since April 23rd 2013. During this time I have been mostly flying Billing, with one flight from Solang to Bir. I have flown the glider over 30hrs, in strong windy conditions, and mellow weak lift. I set my personal best distance of 176km on it, a flight that took more then 7.5 hours. Also I flew from Solang, near Manali, to Bir, possibly for the first time ever. I have experienced a wide range of different conditions on the glider. My previous glider was the Niviuk Peak 2, so I will use it as a reference for some of my observations. I have been flying the glider between 93kg and 97kg.
Launching: It seems to do exactly what it should, very predictable.
Landing: Exceptional low speed characteristics, its doesn't want to stall. Landing in tricky top landing situations is a lot more reassuring on this glider then the Peak 2.
Handling: Intuitive. If I think turn right it turns right. It is a fun glider, thats dynamic and progressive. Asymmetric spirals and wing overs are a joy. The great intuitive handling makes it much more reassuring to bring it into tight tricky landing situations.
Performance.
Glide: The glide seems to be at least as good as the Peak 2 in tail wind, no-wind and moderate head-wind conditions. Controlling through the Cs gives me good communication, and collapse avoidance/recovery with the glider. The glider feels more and more stable with the more speed bar I apply. It gives me the confidence to keep the speed bar pegged till I am fully in the core of a thermal.
Thermaling: At the top of the weight range it seems to still climb very well in weak scattered conditions. In strong rowdy climbs it is rare to get bucked out of the core, it usually keeps its edge and allows me to keep my weight-sift. When entering lift it communicates to the pilot about where the core is. It usually self-initiates a turn towards the liftier side. The Peak 2 might give more information to the pilot, due to its longer A/R, and I am still learning the subtle differences in the information the Delta 2 is giving me.
Speed: The whole speed range is very usable. I have been using at least 1/2 bar on all but the liftiest glides. It seems to glide very well on the whole speed range, at least as good as the Peak 2. It might have 4-5km less at top speed then the Peak 2, but I think I fly faster on the Delta 2, the stability, and lower A/R might give me more confidence.
Comfort: Just before I received the Delta 2 I had a number of big long flights on the Peak 2. I am way less tired and stressed flying in big conditions all day on the Delta 2. I enjoy the whole flight, instead of enjoying some of it, and being highly stressed during some of it. I don’t think I would have enjoyed the flight from Solang to Bir on the Peak2. On the Delta 2 I enjoyed the flight and did not have any doubts about my ability to keep the glider flying in strong turbulent air. I have had two 30% asymmetric collapses that recovered quickly, in 30+ hours of flying big air. This glider is stable and very possible to keep open. I have yet to purposely induce stalls or collapses on the D2.
Conclusion: I decided to get the Delta 2 because I wanted a glider that was less stress to fly, take-off and land then the Peak 2, and I was having to ballast up to fly the Peak2. I am getting more and more interested in Bivy/adventure flying, and I think that for me less stress will mean more fun, on these trips, and flying in general. The Delta 2 is exactly what I want. It is a joy to fly, it has great performance, and it doesn't stress me out. I find myself appreciating the incredible view, the wind on my face, and the magic of what we do, more.