Nova Mentor 6 (EN-B) First Impressions - SIV maneuvers and cross-country

One day on the Nova Mentor 6, trying out some SIV maneuvers (asymmetric & symmetric collapses, big ears, full stall, SAT, wing-overs) and pushing some kilometres on two short cross-country flights. In the end I was quite impressed by the wing and I had a whole lot more fun than I anticipated. Some conclusions:

easy launch behaviour (forward and reverse)
- nice handling and agility (Top 3 in high B)
comfy and reassuring while thermaling and on bar
- high pressure and damped canopy
tiny ear collapses in turbulence without consequences
- B-C control a bit stiff; speed-system easy to push

Big thanks to Flugschule Hochries for the demo! ❤️
https://www.flugschule-hochries.de/

Wing: Nova Mentor 6 XS
Harness: Supair Acro 4 / Strike
Take off weight: 85 - 89 kg

Follow me on Instagram: @benproebster
  / benproebster  

-------------------------
Some notes on the frontal collapse. Unfortunately I didn't try the mentioned technique but it was no problem anyway. The Mentor 6 manual reads:
"During an induced frontal collapse using the A-risers it is difficult to also collapse the wing tips because the outermost A-attachment points are fitted to the stabilo line or the B-riser (see line plan, page 83). Only the centre of the wing collapses and the wing tips continue flying. In an extreme case this could lead to a cravat. If this behaviour is observed (i.e. that the wing tips do not collapse and fly forwards), this can be resolved easily with a quick symmetrical pull on the brakes. [...] This wing behaviour only affects frontal collapses induced by pulling the A-risers. To avoid this behaviour during induced collapses, we recommend not just pulling the A-risers diagonally downwards, but pulling them simultaneously inwards. This makes it possible to collapse the wing tips as well. This is only pertinent to non-accelerated frontal collapses. Due to the increased energy in accelerated frontal collapses, the wing tips usually fold themselves inwards. This means an induced, accelerated frontal collapse is easier to manage than a frontal collapse at trim speed. Generally a quick, symmetrical pull of the brakes, which are immediately released, will hasten the reinflation of the collapse."
-------------------------

Camera: GoPro MAX
https://amzn.to/2peOV53

#novaparagliders #GoProMAX #paragliding