Hi , Yes the link 2 is still comparable to the R3, And for my students this is what I would recommend, However If you have flown for a few hrs and are looking for a wing that will last a long time ( something that progresses with you) then I highly recommend the Qubik,
The link 2 is definitely a step up from the Gin in all areas but it lacks Tip steering ,
To put the wing into perspective, I'm a Niviuk comp pilot and fly a competition wing based on the Kouger 2 and doberman 2 but Since I've had the Qubik this is all I fly, Its just as efficient, not quite as fast (4kph slower) but has a lot more stability even in really rough conditions, It's very pitch stable and no oscillation, The perfect wing for going places.
The Niviuk R&D team have really upped the game with the current models