Steve

10 minutes ago, Scott Harcourt said:

Did you have to pay any duties Steve?

I didn't, Scott - it arrived duty-free.

Can't say for sure whether that would always be the case but I've had other things from the states which have got through without any issues. 

16 minutes ago, Lee Jackson said:

Great write up and great pics Steve... you're wasted down the docks!

I love my friends so much ... 

5 minutes ago, Lee Jackson said:

As ever, an awesome write up Steve... and you're quite the photographer too! Not too sure it's wise to have used 'Simon' and 'God' in the same sentence though. His divine weather powers can't last forever... can they?!?!

Photos is me job, innit. 

As for Simon, I'd suggest we build a shrine and start worshipping immediately. Anything to get more of that perfect weather. 

"... arrogant know-it-all paramotor pilots ..." 

Wasn't replying to your Nitro comment. Obviously. 

On 11/08/2018 at 21:22, AndyB said:

Just get a nitro. I have no problem at all with torque steer at take off or in flight. This machine is clearly very well set up. After much discussion with some who use those little plastic flappy things our conclusion was that if you have a well set up machine and don't do acro, then you will never notice what those do for you. If you do extreme acro moves then they do make  a difference.

Much as I value the opinion of someone who has never used lamels despite 'much discussion' with people who mysteriously use them despite the fact that they don't notice the difference - and calls them 'little plastic flappy things' - I refer you to the first paragraph of the article.  

Thanks for the comments guys.  

16 hours ago, AndyB said:

Brilliant write up and your photos really capture the event.  

Thanks Andy, glad you enjoyed the weekend.  

17 hours ago, reactionjackson said:

Bloody good write up as ever Steve. God I love this picture...

 

I thought you might, I'm always reminded of our friendship when I see a urinal.  

Thanks Jamie, was good to see you too mate. Would be good to do some Beacons skimming together some time.  

These article do take a lot of work but I hope they are interesting enough for everyone to justify the work. And thanks for noticing Stu!  Hope it didn't get too soggy in the tub. 

Blazewear seem to have added a 15% discount, don't know how long for. Add #blazewear at the checkout in the discount box for it to be applied.  

Hi Hann, 

I've not actually used the gloves when not flying so can't comment, other than after having landed sometimes I keep them on if it's very cold on the ground and then I have noticed my hands getting warm. In flight with the lower temperatures at altitude, wind chill, etc. they do a good job of keeping my hands 'neutral' so they don't hurt and can be used normally without discomfort. That's all I need and they do that very well. Yesterday I flew in 1 degree C (not allowing for wind chill which would put it well below zero) and my hands and fingers were fine when I landed after 87 minutes - My fingers could not have handled that length of time without the liners. I have no experience of more extreme sub-zero temperatures (using the liners) but would guess that, as you say, more powerful options would be better - but probably less simple. For what most UK pilots do in winter I think they have a p[lace. For me, they mean I can stay up much longer than otherwise.

There's a very interesting US company called Ravean and their products (although limited as they are a new company) look worthy of testing. I particularly like the look of plug-in gloves for their jacket. Prices are very good if their reliability and longevity is good ... although the shipping costs are immense to the UK, strangely.  https://ravean.com/shop/womens/womens-jacket-battery-gloves-combo/

I liked and endorse your final comment Hann!  

7 hours ago, DJ69 said:

It's worth noting, the comment "buy cheap buy twice" is very true however it's worth bringing to attention the sport we love is flying which due to its 3rd dimension is far less forgiving than almost all other hobbys "buy cheap and you are gambling with your life" ! Is saving a £1000 worth risking your life over ? Pissing the wife off now is better than the cost of another friend going down... 

Very well put. 

1 hour ago, ek2000 said:

All images of the top-of-the-line factory motor in this frame show it without a cooling shroud. They put the cooling shroud on the mid-level version, but not on the factory motor version? Or did they not spec it to save a few more grams?

According to Parajet there should be a cooling shroud on the Sport and Pro models but they weren't available when the photos were taken. The photos are likely to be updated shortly.

Cheers all.

As previously, if you spot a picture of yourself let me know if you want a high-res copy. Or if you remember me taking a pic of you and it's not shown here give me a shout and (if it came out!) I'll send it to you.  

Apologies to all, I was hoping to have this ready last week.  

If anyone spots/wants a picture of themselves, drop me a message and I'll send you a high res copy. 

Welcome to paramotoring, you'll love it. Just sorry to hear you left caving behind - however you'll find equal amounts of bollocks to talk about in paramotoring!