PARAGLIDING IN SA  |   FLYING SITES  |   REVIEWS  |   AIRLORE  |   STORIES  |   GALLERY |   CARTOONS How to read my reviews The art of reading between the lines. by Greg Hamerton Greg has been flying since 1992 and has flown over 100 wings. He prefers responsive handling and agility but rates passive stability highly as he enjoys taking photographs and snoozing whilst gliding.  The Skyblaster Lemon-rind is a piece of ^*#*, and will kill you if you try to fly it. What happens if I write this about a certain paraglider? Some people get very upset. They've worked for months on creating the best aerofoil they can. They've slaved over sewing-machines, and spent thousands of dollars on equipment, factory space, labour, marketing, DHV or AFNOR testing, and maybe even some research. They're probably pilots, like you and me, and had a dream of joining the elite world of paragliding manufacture. Now along comes Greg Hamerton, and at no cost or effort, signs their doom with the negligent stroke of a pen. I'm a positive kind of guy, and like the world to be a happy place for everyone. But I believe in speaking the truth. So when I do it, I'll do it gently - you've got to look closely at the text, and consider every word. If I begin to describe the handling as 'challenging', or a certain collapse tendancy as 'surprising', the turns as 'sluggish' and the ground-handling as 'strange', you know I didn't like the glider very much. I fly each glider for 2-4 hours, in varied conditions, and perform those collapses and DHV maneouvres I deem necessary to bring out the character of the wing. I ground-handle, launch, thermal, land, and often fly xc. Yet this is not enough time to learn everything possible about the wing. Performance comparisons are the most difficult area - there are so many variables in pilot weight, harness drag, and air currents as to make the comparison rough, at best. Only after a long, hard season of competition flying does the true performance of the wing come out. The reviews are thus my impression, and I am well aware that the conditions may affect my judgement. Hence, I can seldom make a damning comment, because it might not have been the fault of the glider that I didn't enjoy the day. But if I think I've found a problem, I'll go back and test it over and over until I'm sure.          I always make an effort to contact the manufacturer before the review goes to print. Sometimes they respond, and give me useful feedback about why the glider does what it does. Sometimes they condemn themselves with ill-considered answers. But they always get a chance. I do not stock any brands, and don't sell equipment. I do not get paid to write the reviews (apart from infrequent publication in magazines). This avoids a conflict of interest. I hope to maintain this neutral stance in the sport, and hope my reviews are useful to the free-flying community. I write them because they help to expand my knowledge, and I enjoy testing the latest in the market-place. This article has no bearing at all on the photo in the top left corner. That's the Airwave Magic, and she is the best glider in the whole world. Oops! I can't say that either, can I? Because then I'll lose credibility - I'm basically saying that all the other gliders are worse. I haven't even flown them all! So even with positive comment, I must remain objective, and strive for simple, honest words that let you know the character of the wing. I choose them carefully. ;-) But then I did use the words "smooth, precise, reassuring, and perfect" in the Magic review.. You might also like to read: Other paraglider reviews on this website.