Gin Atlas Small Paraglider Review 2013

Finally got my hands on a new crispy Gin Atlas size Small from our local shop SuperFly Inc.

This paraglider is a joy to fly and definitely cutting edge design in the easy B paraglider choices.  It inspires confidence with its tight direct feeling above you.  It does not rock around too much and feels solid going in and out of thermals.  The Gin Atlas, I would say, is a must buy purchase for the paraglider seeking a second wing after school.

Highlights

• Great color schemes and build quality Gin is known for.
• Very few lines!!  Super easy to clear and lay out your lines.  They are sheathed too, so this wing can go anywhere including your local rocky hike and fly.
• Felt rather light weight compared to other wings I've flown recently.
• Can do a flat turn on a dime.
• Roll and pitch feel dampened which for me is a much more fun and relaxing flight when in rough air.
• Brake pressure felt high, took a lot of pressure to put into a spiral which starts out slow but then after a few rotations hold on as it will go into turbo spirals.
• Performs really nice wing overs.
• Climbs soooo easily, this wing will get you up to the top of the pack as well as any wing any level.
• Glide performance is amazing, I almost completely missed my landing field first time landing this great wing, it just keeps gliding and gliding.
• The low friction loops are awesome, say good by to that squeaking brake pully!
• Front openings are nearly impossible to close thanks to the creative design of the front wires which naturally keep the vents open.  This also makes inflation off the ground very easy.
• I did not feel any difficulty in launching or overshooting tho I'm in the habit of moving towards my wing on launch.  

Challenges

• Folding the wing with both front and rear plastic wires can be a challenge if you want to pack your wing up small.
• Brake pressure is a bit high for a really long flight or if you like to fly dynamically.
• Speed bar pressure felt heavy as well and my legs got a bit tired holding it for more than a short time.

Conclusion:

I like this wing a lot.  It provides amazing performance and feels very secure.  One of the biggest problems in paragliding is pilots getting in over their head with performance which lowers how much fun they have and sometimes scares them out of the sport or leads to injury.  This wing provides both performance and a real feeling of security.

credits to the awesome: Gin Paragliders, SuperFly Inc and Rob Chrisholm.