When developing a new wing, the glide angle is a decisive factor, of course. Test flights with the MENTOR 2 confirmed that it has an extremely good L/D. So we also compared it with a current EN-D wing over Achensee (the lake where we do all our testing). Result: The MENTOR 2 won this internal contest in accelerated flight.

Hannes posted this in the forum (Link). Of course, some pilots wouldn’t believe it. Therefore, Hannes and Tom Payne (world class pilot, X-Alps participant, and forum moderator) decided to have an L/D comparison in Saint Hilaire. It was about a beer for Tom or a glass of milk for Hannes – and above all – honour!
When developing a new wing, the glide angle is a decisive factor, of course. Test flights with the MENTOR 2 confirmed that it has an extremely good L/D. So we also compared it with a current EN-D wing over Achensee (the lake where we do all our testing). Result: The MENTOR 2 won this internal contest in accelerated flight. Hannes posted this in the forum (). Of course, some pilots wouldn’t believe it. Therefore, Hannes and Tom Payne (world class pilot, X-Alps participant, and forum moderator) decided to have an L/D comparison in Saint Hilaire. It was about a beer for Tom or a glass of milk for Hannes – and above all – honour! Showdown was Saturday at 7.30 a.m. Tom Payne and our test pilot Alex Höllwarth were armed with wing, harness and a scale (for identical wing load). Tom flew a Gin Genie harness WITH POD, Alex a UP Fast (without pod). Alex used the MENTOR 2 (size S) during his first flight and Tom the 2010 EN-D wing, they switched wings for their second flight.

Results (according to Tom Payne’s post):
·  At trim speed, the EN D wing is slightly faster and glides slightly better than the Mentor 2 S.
·  At high speed (full speed on the Mentor 2 S, 75% on the EN D wing) the Mentor 2 S glides noticeably better than the EN D wing.
·  The EN D has a higher top speed than the Mentor 2 S.
Tom duly gave Hannes his glass of milk.

A few commentaries:
·  both wings were standard 'over-the-counter' items.
·  We knew these would be the results. Otherwise we would have been more discrete beforehand and Hannes isn’t the type of guy to make empty promises…
·  Performance is good but not everything! Therefore, we want to emphasize once again that the MENTOR 2’s real strength is in the “normal” flight – just like the MENTOR 1. We designed it to be the top EN B wing for cross country flying and not to win some strange L/D contests.
·  We intentionally DO NOT max out the EN B category with the MENTOR 2. Actually, it has a lower aspect ratio than the MENTOR 1 and it is less demanding to fly than the MENTOR 1.
·  As we have received many questions concerning the Polyamide rods on the leading edge: They do NOT need any special care or packing, as they are very robust and flexible.
·  Finally, don’t trust any paraglider manufacturer’s marketing claims! (Like Hannes always says…)
With that in mind: Should you be interested in the MENTOR 2, try it out yourself! Here, you find our information: (Link)