christian

In my experience, wooden props are tougher. I live in SW France, so a bit of a shlep for you. But you are welcome if ever you are down in this neck of the woods. Have you tried the Facebook UK Paramotor group? Between this forum and Facebook you should be able to find some pilots local to you. And the guy who runs the FB group is both very knowledgeable and a Miniplane fan.....if that's not a pun Fly safe, Christian

Having suggested e-props, I wonder whether a timber prop wouldn't be better for you at this stage. Only because they are cheaper and therefore there's just a little less stress when you are taking-off. I know that when I started out that the last thing that I wanted was an expensive prop behind me. Just saying.........

I have a 'large' frame, designed for the 1250mm prop, but I've had a 1300mm prop on it for years without a problem. As for the actual model number, that will depend on your gearbox ratio. The ratio will be marked on your gearbox. Also, e-prop have recently launched a newer model, scimitar I think. If I was buying a new prop today, I would get the new model. If you are not sure, give Annie a call. Christian

I have had a Miniplane since 2011, a lovely machine. E-props make a good prop. It's very light. I am not sure how much additional thrust is generated, but because it is so light it spools up very quickly. I wouldn't be without one. e-props are in France, but Annie speaks good English and is very helpful. I think that there are some e-prop dealers in the UK Mecafly have really good exploded diagrams of the Top80, which makes it easier to order the correct part, even if you don't buy from them. And you will not find a better resource of tutorials and 'how to' videos for the Top 80 than Southwest Airsports Fly safe, Christian

Poz is really a japanese gangster, he's only posing as a paramotorist as cover

There's nothing wrong with going for 2nd hand equipment and there's loads of good stuff on the market. But there's also lots of rubbish, so the important thing is to find someone experienced who can advise you, so you don't end up with shite or inappropriate stuff. Good luck. Christian

I bought a 2nd hand Technofly Octagon (same as the Nitro) and have been pleasantly surprised at the fuel economy. For the last seven years I have flown a Miniplane Top 80, the fuel burn doesn't seem to be an higher on the Octagon. It came with a 3 bladed Peszke prop, which might help. Last weekend I went up with my Octagon with a mate on his Top80 and we both burned the same amount of fuel.

My flying buddy and I have both had e-prop 130's on our Miniplane Top80's for several years. The speed of spool up is really nice, but it's a long time since I changed from a wooden prop, so I can't remember how much extra thrust is generated. We are talking about a 'big improvement', but not a 'game changer'. Annie, at E-props speaks English, which will make dealing with them easy.

I never found mine anything but docile. And landing speed was lower than I expected. Hope that you have as much fun on yours as I had on mine.

Adam, I am not sure that I can give you a useful comparison because I dropped from a 24m2 Sirocco to to a 22m2 Speedster, besides there are a thousand and one other variables. I normally fly with a friend and we got our Siroccos together and he's still on his. I notice that I catch up much quicker than I used to, but let's be realistic, it's still like a race between two Reliant Robins. I think that the Speedster 2 has a broader speed range and I can fly really slow. For me the most important feature of a wing is not it's speed, but it's launch characteristics. It doesn't matter if a wing is fast if launching in nil wind is difficult. I found the Sirocco really easy to launch in nil wind. From my own experience, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Sirocco.

I had a Sirocco for just over a year. I thought it was a great wing. I replaced it with a Speedster 2 and I am not entirely convinced that it was an improvement.

Flying Monkey? That's very old school. We all use Lamas

No problem at all. I wear mine under ear-defenders, I am not sure how the QC20's would be without them.

No, I'm not using it upside down. It's just a different pattern of fencing stake, I didn't realise that they were different in the UK. You can get 10 for €20 here https://agrifournitures.fr/piquets-metal/312-piquet-de-fer-avec-isolateur-queue-de-cochon-gallagher-10-unites.html Or get a local blacksmith to make you one. Or you could use these ones. https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/4ft-Plastic-Fencing-Stake-Event-Horse-Paddock-Poles-Safety-Mesh-Post-5-Colours-Orange-10/1612685505?iid=221347002730 but they are not as robust in my experience.

I tape an extending fishing rod (less than €10 from Decathalon) to a temporary fencing stake. They are very cheap, especially when nicked from wife, but could be bought at agricultural stores. To get them into the ground you can either stand on them, or bash them with a hammer. Christian