Advance, 3 times world champion constructor, true to

their principles, only deliver a wing to magazines a few

months after it’s gone into service, to build a reputation

before a press test. The Epsilon 6 doesn’t break this

tradition . . .

This Epsilon, sixth edition, a wing intended for leisure pilots who regularly

fly in thermals, successor to the 5. Comparisons: aspect ratio up from 5

to 5.25, cells up from 50 to 51. Longer lines, 4 sizes - the 25 becomes a

26, pushing its weight range up by 5 kgs.

As usual the same attention to detail. Each size with its own riser length,

cells narrowing progressively, internal seams, compression straps between

the ribs at A and D level, diagonal reinforcements, leading edge fabric

aligned with the loads, brake handles with swivels and magnetic clips,

velcro cleaning slots at the wingtips, ring system at the wingtips to

improve the braking, carrying bag (3 sizes) and a nice user manual, repair

kit with all your colours. On the Advance website a superb film to present

this Epsilon 6, with magnificent scenes of high mountains.

Just set up a harness at 45cm, and let’s go!

On the ground the 3 stage lines are easy to sort and the leading edge sits

up and open, ready to fill. In nil wind the wing comes up slowly, in one

piece, and clearly slows at 75% of the way up. Not a hard point exactly,

but the wing needs leading to the overhead. In a stronger breeze this

reluctance is just what you want, and the wing stops in the vertical with

little work from the pilot.

In the air the Epsilon 6 is tight – no noises or vibration. Hands up speed

39 kph. The speed bar, easy to adjust, allows you to set the gearing by a

nifty adjustment of the gear changing balls. There’s a clever cursor on the

back of the risers, and the intuitive logos tell you how much accelerate

you need for the conditions. This system, called SPI, is a simplified

application of the McReady theory. Foot pressure is moderate, then

noticeably harder for pedal-to-the-metal, pulleys choc-à-bloc. This gives

you 50 kph, - pretty useful. At this speed the wing behaves itself with a

similar increased pressure on the controls.

The brakes are just as firm, with a load of about 2.5 kgs at around 30

kph, normal climbing speed. A few hours under this beauty encourages

me to say that the Epsilon is relaxing to fly – accurate for turning but not

nervous. Pitching is very damped, and a handful of 70 cm+ of brake gives

you a turn that is no more awkward than a gentle 10/15cm: from the

beginning the wing banks, then takes up the angle you’ve selected with

your brake. No uncomfortable sideways lurches, and exemplary steering,

whatever the speed. The wing does move around noticeably in roll

without this being uncomfortable.

Best glide is 8.7, measured with a reclining seat, speed bag etc. Under

normal conditions, ordinary seat etc, you’ll get other kinds of

approximations. The speed bar degrades the glide angle rapidly, but really

does have its uses at every speed.

Today, 8/8 blue and a light NW wind, in other words a dry airmass,

turbulent and invigorating! The Epsilon deals with all of it! In one place

there’s a brief burst of 10m/sec, which goes away as soon as it appears.

A kick in the backside guarantees a good test. The Epsilon 6 doesn’t

flinch, with plenty of control in hand, when being pushed all over the sky. I

get driven under a lee by violent gusts and strong wind, and stuck on a

spur for several long minutes. A few collapses, some crazy dancing, then

some big deflations: I have to say that the Epsilon rebuilds itself very

quickly, very well and will reassure an inexperienced pilot.

Accelerating into the wind, the Epsilon 6 shows its performance

limitations compared with higher category wings like its Sigma big sister.

Fast descents: big ears are perfect, with the quick snap (split A-risers

with magnets). Modest size. The sail sits exactly on its haunches, and

after the risers are released goes back lazily, and this can be speeded up

with a touch of brake. At the low speed end the Epsilon flies down to 23

kph and parachutes well. The stall is mainly signalled by a very clear

hardening of the brakes, then a sudden softening marked by the wingtips

going back, not that much.

Notice as well that the Epsilon 6 is perfect for learning the acro basics,

thanks to its excellent coordination and safety margins when it reacts.

Stalling, wingovers and other manoeuvres are comfortable, even when the

pilot’s coordination is not good. All the same, never fire the guns unless

you have good coaching and the right training environment!

Spirals get going quickly, and once the wing’s looking down dives out of

the sky (like all gliders). Stopping needs outside weight and brake, and

the exit has to be piloted, for sure. The vertical speed goes readily

beyond 10 m/s if you wish. Landing has enough energy, not too much.

CONCLUSION

The Epsilon 6 is a very approachable wing, reassuring, with a

useable performance range. It gives confidence in thermals – at

the same time a blow-out (it can happen – oh yes!) is easily

recovered. The EN rating, which gives a B for 3 tests – spirals

and asymmetric collapses – shows a well-behaved character.

This wing is cool, straightforward, without worries for someone

who likes to fly relaxed. A top quality wing, for sensible pilots.

Also certified for paramotoring.

+

• Finish

• Solidity in turbulence

• Ease of use

• Speed and big ears systems

-

• Brakes could be a bit lighter

Measurements

Epsilon 6 /26 weight range 70/95 kgs

Test takeoff wt 91 kgs

Test wing loading 3.49 kgs/m2

Max speed hands up 39 kph

Max speed accelerated 50 kph

Min sink speed 1.13 m/s at 34.9 kph control load 2.5 kgs

Max glide ratio 8.7 at 36.3 kph

Stall speed 24 kph (load more than 3 kg)

EN Certification

Size 26 classification B

All tests A except B for:

• Spiral

• 50% asymmetric collapse

All details on www.advance.ch

Assessments

* Bad ** Mediocre *** Good **** Excellent ***** Perfect