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Gradient have a hard act to follow in the original Aspen but we are pleased to announce the imminent arrival of the Aspen 2, and it looks good....very good! It must have been a difficult task to improve on a design that has been a world leader in the DHV2 class but Gradient claim significant improvement in several parameters.
The development has resulted in an improved sink rate and glide angle at normal speeds while retaining the agility and high top speed of the original. Feedback from the test team says the new Aspen 2 proves even easier to pilot with a slightly more "direct" feel to the breaks and more resistant to turbulence.
The market point is the same... recommended to all competent pilots who want a high performance glider on which to really enjoy their flying; whatever their style.
Here is what Gradient have to say about the Aspen II
After three years of popular acclaim, excellent reviews and over 1200 Aspens sold world-wide, Gradient are replacing the Aspen with a new glider, The Aspen 2, the next generation in the DHV 2 category. Our target is clear. To create an even better glider that will satisfy a similar pilot sector, keeping the comfortable but dynamic flying characteristics of the original Aspen but increasing the already high performance and safety margins. This is our way for the Aspen II.
The Aspen II has a new airfoil section and canopy curves; special focus has been given to the position, area and shaping of the air entry ports to ensure high stability over a very wide speed range (angle of attack). The forces in the wing are carefully calculated and balanced to give a flawless sail presentation and an intuitive feel to the flying. Gradient has paid attention to details too with new low drag micro attachment points on the wing tips and a new rucksack, inner bag and riser bag etc.
Several new materials are used in the construction of the Aspen II. The suspension system is constructed of a new generation of Edelrid line, the 7443 series; and a new narrower webbing has been selected for the riser system. The sail is our proven combination of Porcher Marine Skytex S 9092 water repellent (45g/m2) for the upper sail and Porcher Marine Skytex S 9017 (45g/m2) for the lower surface. The main ribs are of Porcher Marine Skytex.
The Aspen II is presented in five attractive colour ways with a new design style and two new colours:- orange and dark silver. Five standard sizes are available that together span a weight range of 65-130kg total weight, each size certified DHV2. |
