After 50hrs on my A-wing and much consideration, i finally upgraded to my first b-wing - the Epsilon DLS. Great at launching and responsive to break input, it makes me feel right at home and in control - be it on the ground or in the air. I live in the Alps (lucky me) so it was important to have wing with a good amount of feedback that is still forgiving if I am too slow or hesitant with my active flying. After 15 hours on it, among it my first serious xc flight in strong spring thermals, I can confirm this is a really fine wing for any beginner who has learned the basics of active flying. PS. Flying it at the top of the weight range of the smallest size (22).
I've had this wing since late January after having a great experience in Mexico on a loaner Epsilon 9. I've flown it in Utah, Colorado, and Oregon in a variety of conditions as well as done a bunch of ground handling sessions. I agree with all your comments and although this is my first Epsilon, I think there is a pretty good chance I may become one of those "Epsilon Pilots" :)
I've had my Epsilon DLS 30 since April 2023 and it's excellent. It's the perfect combination of performance and stability. I got my first Epsilon 5-31 in 2005 and replaced that with an Epsilon 7-30 in 2014. Like Carlo and Nancy, I loved the handling and the lightweight DLS construction. In windy conditions in Algo last April, I was on big-ears and full bar for ages without any problems. I'm flying it with the Advance Progress harness which is unusual in that it has no waist-strap but it's well-suited to the Epsilon. Strongly recommended for pilots looking for light-weight construction, safety and performance in a mid-B!
Thank you for the great review...and thanks AGAIN for the quick shipment (to the USA) of my order and in this case my Epsilon DLS that was coincidentally delivered today! I have owned the Epsilon 8 & 9 and though I have flown other wings, the Epsilon series has always been my favorite wing, and I'm very excited to fly the newer & lighter DLS model...especially after your review. Cheers from San Diego, California.
I’d really love to hear your thoughts comparing it to the Phi Beat Light. It sounds like you really enjoyed both gliders, but it’s been very hard to draw a comparison in the low/mid B class - super grateful for your opinion!
Hi. In brief, even easier and more sorted all-round behaviour, even nicer handling, even better for thermalling, even more fun to fly (even bigger smile factor), even better performance (mainly glide, also climb), slightly lower pilot demands, at least as well made (if not even better), lighter and more compact but seems just as durable. If you want even more detail than this, and detailed comparisons then for this we offer our Flybubble MATCH service - flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service
I've got EPSILON DLS color spectra size 30 after 6 months of waiting and now I'm out of size range as I'm lighter comparing to last winter.If anyone interested the wing is factory new.
Sorry your new is too small now. The best would be to find someone who wants to exchange the same or similar wing. If you're still looking to exchange this then email us at crew@flybubble.com and we'll see if we can help you out.
Hi. Thanks for the request. Nancy and I have already tested the BGD BASE 2 and BASE 2 LITE quite a bit, including a nice 120 km XC on the BASE 2, and we may publish a video review if time etc allows, like all gear we test... However even we don't have time to publish reviews of everything! 🪂🪂⏲⏳⌛
To give an idea we only manage to publish reviews of around 5-10% of the gear we actually test... and of course the video reviews only give a snapshot summary of the things we happened to remember to say whilst filming! 🤓
Advance Eps is a safe-shot ;) nice review! Can you do the AirDesign Loco next? It's the only 2-liner with 16m2. Would love your opinion. And don't forget about the Moustache ;P
Hi. From my testing, I feel both the Buzz 6 and Geo 6 are low B wings, at the lower end of the low B class, offering a calm and dampened feeling, suited for pilots seeking reassurance. On the other hand, the Epsilon DLS provides a more sporty feel with better all-round performance. The choice between the two depends on whether a pilot values calmness or sportiness in their flying experience. If you require more detailed comparisons, we offer our Flybubble MATCH service. Visit flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service for more information.
You mentioned the Skywalk Tequila 4 but I'd be interested in a comparison to the tequila 5, do you have any input on that? Which is better for what discipline etc. 😢 That price tag though...
Hi. In brief, both are superb low/mid B progression paragliders. The Tequila 4 is quite different to the Tequila 5 (see our reviews of these), I think because Skywalk realised that the T4 was a bit too sporty for most of the target pilot group. Great for pilots who wanted low-mid B safety (except for the sporty handling and tendency to go into a spiral with heavy-handed inputs) with mid-high sportiness/feeling. Whilst as an advanced pilot I personally enjoyed flying the T4 a lot, in retrospect IMO this isn't really quite right for most of the pilots that level of wing is aimed at (however many pilots loved the T4, which is a great wing for pilots looking for that slightly unusual combination). Back to your question: Actually you should be able to work out the differences from watching our reviews of the T4, T5 and E-DLS. In brief summary, the main difference is that the T5 is more 'solid' and dampened feeling, with calmer, more 'steady' handling; it's very calm and reassuring - quite different to its predecessor (pilots who loved the T4 tended to not love the T5; pilots who found the T4 too spicy tended to prefer the T5). The E-DLS has lighter handling, and a generally lighter feeling, is more responsive and has better performance; I'd say the passive safety is similar, however the T5 feels more calm and reassuring. If you want even more detail than this, and detailed comparisons then for this we offer our Flybubble MATCH service - flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service
@@flybubblecarlo brilliant thank you so much for the comprehensive response, glad to hear the T5 is rated highly and has kind of confirmed what I thought. The Advance does look good.
Personally I'd only ever wash my flying gear by hand using fresh water, avoiding using excessive water or friction - only as much as is needed, and never enough to cause wear. Some stains e.g. nasty cow poo just won't come out; here prevention is better than cure! Some manufacturers say it's okay to use a neutral soap, if just pure water isn't enough. Never use solvents, they will likely ruin your gear! Hope this helps. For a wealth of free-fight info and tips, check out the Flybubble Knowledge Base: flybubble.com/knowledge-base
Hahaha, only kidding. 😜 As a rough estimate, the IOTA DLS outperforms EPSILON DLS in glide, speed, and accelerated glide by around 10%. Both are top performers in their classes, low B (with mid B handling and performance) and high B. 🤓 For more detailed comparisons and expert buying advice, check out our Flybubble MATCH service at flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service.
Glad you love the Epsilon DLS too! 😁 We say Low B because that's where we put the pilot demands, as explained in this review. 🤓 The aspect ratio (flat 5.14, projected 3.67) also suggests a Low B wing, as does Advance's own description: "After training, a direct change from the ALPHA to the EPSILON is possible without any problems." Mid B would just mean the pilot demands are higher i.e. the passive safety is lower. 🪂
Valery at Advance believes the EPSILON DLS is more of a mid-B wing rather than a low B. I'm unsure if he means this from a safety or a performance point of view. I believe the safety is the deciding factor when categorizing a wing. So I personally categorize the EPSILON DLS as a low B based on pilot demands, but I agree that its handling and top performance are more aligned with a mid B wing. 🤓
From my testing, I believe the pilot demands of the Epsilon DLS are lower than its predecessor, the Epsilon 9, which I also consider more low B than mid B. The Epsilon 8 had slightly higher pilot demands than the Epsilon 9, leaning towards low-mid B, and the Epsilon 7 had even higher demands, more mid B. The Epsilon series has been progressively improving in safety with each iteration, enhancing performance and behaviour. 🪂🪂🪂🪂🪂🪂
I've got EPSILON DLS color spectra size 30 after 6 months of waiting and now I'm out of size range as I'm lighter comparing to last winter.If anyone interested the wing is factory new.
Wondering which is the right and best wing, harness or reserve for you? See our Flybubble MATCH service - flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service
After 50hrs on my A-wing and much consideration, i finally upgraded to my first b-wing - the Epsilon DLS. Great at launching and responsive to break input, it makes me feel right at home and in control - be it on the ground or in the air. I live in the Alps (lucky me) so it was important to have wing with a good amount of feedback that is still forgiving if I am too slow or hesitant with my active flying.
After 15 hours on it, among it my first serious xc flight in strong spring thermals, I can confirm this is a really fine wing for any beginner who has learned the basics of active flying.
PS. Flying it at the top of the weight range of the smallest size (22).
What do you think... who had more fun with the Epsilon DLS: Carloor Nancy ?
I've had this wing since late January after having a great experience in Mexico on a loaner Epsilon 9. I've flown it in Utah, Colorado, and Oregon in a variety of conditions as well as done a bunch of ground handling sessions. I agree with all your comments and although this is my first Epsilon, I think there is a pretty good chance I may become one of those "Epsilon Pilots" :)
Thanks for sharing!
I've had my Epsilon DLS 30 since April 2023 and it's excellent. It's the perfect combination of performance and stability. I got my first Epsilon 5-31 in 2005 and replaced that with an Epsilon 7-30 in 2014. Like Carlo and Nancy, I loved the handling and the lightweight DLS construction. In windy conditions in Algo last April, I was on big-ears and full bar for ages without any problems. I'm flying it with the Advance Progress harness which is unusual in that it has no waist-strap but it's well-suited to the Epsilon. Strongly recommended for pilots looking for light-weight construction, safety and performance in a mid-B!
Thank you for the great review...and thanks AGAIN for the quick shipment (to the USA) of my order and in this case my Epsilon DLS that was coincidentally delivered today! I have owned the Epsilon 8 & 9 and though I have flown other wings, the Epsilon series has always been my favorite wing, and I'm very excited to fly the newer & lighter DLS model...especially after your review. Cheers from San Diego, California.
Our pleasure Lou, have fun! 😁
Advance EPSILON DLS currently in stock at Flybubble in size 24: flybubble.com/advance-epsilon-dls
Thank you for the detailed testing! :)
Thanks for the great review : )
Im stuck betwenn epsilon dls and the ion 7. i saw you tested them both, what are your thoughts?
I’d really love to hear your thoughts comparing it to the Phi Beat Light. It sounds like you really enjoyed both gliders, but it’s been very hard to draw a comparison in the low/mid B class - super grateful for your opinion!
For that we offer our Flybubble MATCH service - flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service
How does this wing compare to the Epsilon 9?
Hi. In brief, even easier and more sorted all-round behaviour, even nicer handling, even better for thermalling, even more fun to fly (even bigger smile factor), even better performance (mainly glide, also climb), slightly lower pilot demands, at least as well made (if not even better), lighter and more compact but seems just as durable. If you want even more detail than this, and detailed comparisons then for this we offer our Flybubble MATCH service - flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service
I've got EPSILON DLS color spectra size 30 after 6 months of waiting and now I'm out of size range as I'm lighter comparing to last winter.If anyone interested the wing is factory new.
Sorry your new is too small now. The best would be to find someone who wants to exchange the same or similar wing. If you're still looking to exchange this then email us at crew@flybubble.com and we'll see if we can help you out.
I might be interested. Have you flown it yet?
Please do a review of the BGD Base 2 Lite
Hi. Thanks for the request. Nancy and I have already tested the BGD BASE 2 and BASE 2 LITE quite a bit, including a nice 120 km XC on the BASE 2, and we may publish a video review if time etc allows, like all gear we test... However even we don't have time to publish reviews of everything! 🪂🪂⏲⏳⌛
To give an idea we only manage to publish reviews of around 5-10% of the gear we actually test... and of course the video reviews only give a snapshot summary of the things we happened to remember to say whilst filming! 🤓
Advance Eps is a safe-shot ;) nice review!
Can you do the AirDesign Loco next? It's the only 2-liner with 16m2.
Would love your opinion. And don't forget about the Moustache ;P
Do you have a comparison to the Ozone Geo 6 ? Are the two comparable?
Hi. From my testing, I feel both the Buzz 6 and Geo 6 are low B wings, at the lower end of the low B class, offering a calm and dampened feeling, suited for pilots seeking reassurance. On the other hand, the Epsilon DLS provides a more sporty feel with better all-round performance. The choice between the two depends on whether a pilot values calmness or sportiness in their flying experience. If you require more detailed comparisons, we offer our Flybubble MATCH service. Visit flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service for more information.
its a charming glider
Agreed! 😁
You mentioned the Skywalk Tequila 4 but I'd be interested in a comparison to the tequila 5, do you have any input on that? Which is better for what discipline etc.
😢 That price tag though...
Hi. In brief, both are superb low/mid B progression paragliders. The Tequila 4 is quite different to the Tequila 5 (see our reviews of these), I think because Skywalk realised that the T4 was a bit too sporty for most of the target pilot group. Great for pilots who wanted low-mid B safety (except for the sporty handling and tendency to go into a spiral with heavy-handed inputs) with mid-high sportiness/feeling. Whilst as an advanced pilot I personally enjoyed flying the T4 a lot, in retrospect IMO this isn't really quite right for most of the pilots that level of wing is aimed at (however many pilots loved the T4, which is a great wing for pilots looking for that slightly unusual combination). Back to your question: Actually you should be able to work out the differences from watching our reviews of the T4, T5 and E-DLS. In brief summary, the main difference is that the T5 is more 'solid' and dampened feeling, with calmer, more 'steady' handling; it's very calm and reassuring - quite different to its predecessor (pilots who loved the T4 tended to not love the T5; pilots who found the T4 too spicy tended to prefer the T5). The E-DLS has lighter handling, and a generally lighter feeling, is more responsive and has better performance; I'd say the passive safety is similar, however the T5 feels more calm and reassuring. If you want even more detail than this, and detailed comparisons then for this we offer our Flybubble MATCH service - flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service
@@flybubblecarlo brilliant thank you so much for the comprehensive response, glad to hear the T5 is rated highly and has kind of confirmed what I thought. The Advance does look good.
How would you suggest cleaning the lines on a paraglider wing? We live in the northern US where it’s quite dusty and rocky. Thank you
Personally I'd only ever wash my flying gear by hand using fresh water, avoiding using excessive water or friction - only as much as is needed, and never enough to cause wear. Some stains e.g. nasty cow poo just won't come out; here prevention is better than cure! Some manufacturers say it's okay to use a neutral soap, if just pure water isn't enough. Never use solvents, they will likely ruin your gear! Hope this helps. For a wealth of free-fight info and tips, check out the Flybubble Knowledge Base: flybubble.com/knowledge-base
Do you have a sense of the performance differences between epsi and iota dls?
Yes, I do. 😉😜😏
Hahaha, only kidding. 😜 As a rough estimate, the IOTA DLS outperforms EPSILON DLS in glide, speed, and accelerated glide by around 10%. Both are top performers in their classes, low B (with mid B handling and performance) and high B. 🤓 For more detailed comparisons and expert buying advice, check out our Flybubble MATCH service at flybubble.com/flybubble-match-service.
It's actually a mid B :D but yes, I love it too!!
Glad you love the Epsilon DLS too! 😁 We say Low B because that's where we put the pilot demands, as explained in this review. 🤓 The aspect ratio (flat 5.14, projected 3.67) also suggests a Low B wing, as does Advance's own description: "After training, a direct change from the ALPHA to the EPSILON is possible without any problems." Mid B would just mean the pilot demands are higher i.e. the passive safety is lower. 🪂
Valery at Advance believes the EPSILON DLS is more of a mid-B wing rather than a low B. I'm unsure if he means this from a safety or a performance point of view. I believe the safety is the deciding factor when categorizing a wing. So I personally categorize the EPSILON DLS as a low B based on pilot demands, but I agree that its handling and top performance are more aligned with a mid B wing. 🤓
From my testing, I believe the pilot demands of the Epsilon DLS are lower than its predecessor, the Epsilon 9, which I also consider more low B than mid B. The Epsilon 8 had slightly higher pilot demands than the Epsilon 9, leaning towards low-mid B, and the Epsilon 7 had even higher demands, more mid B. The Epsilon series has been progressively improving in safety with each iteration, enhancing performance and behaviour. 🪂🪂🪂🪂🪂🪂
how many times did you say "very good" ....? and why do you say Low B?
Some? 😏 We say Low B because that's where we put the pilot demands, as explained in this video. 🤓
Thanks for the review! I have another 7 days to wait until my wing will arrive. I cannot wait to Fly with it! 🪂🪂
Have fun!
I've got EPSILON DLS color spectra size 30 after 6 months of waiting and now I'm out of size range as I'm lighter comparing to last winter.If anyone interested the wing is factory new.