After test flying Mac Para EN-D, The Icon, here is the Eden 6 in size 26 for a test flight. I flew the Eden 26 from 93 to 98 all up. Take off is quite straightforward for a B, despite the high aspect ratio of 5.9, the Eden 6 inflates as a block and very easy without any delays or even shooting forward. Files for Mac can be run on all versions of OS X. You need to uncompress the 7z archive using the proper software (please use Keka to avoid problems). If the archive contains a DMG, double click it to mount the disk.
I REVIEWED the Eden’s EN-C big brother, the Elan, in issue 159 and then flew it for a year in the British comps. The glider gave a comfortable ride but with plenty of performance, allowing me to enjoy the ride home on the goal bus on several occasions.
This year saw the introduction of the latest incarnation of the long-running Eden series. The similarity in looks between this and the Elan are obvious, so would it have performance to match? And would this come at the cost of EN-B ease of use?
First outings
I first got my sweaty hands on the Eden 6 during the Kössen testival in early summer. Glider in hand I headed up the cablecar to launch. There I found the wind rather fickle, and as I set up I watched a few rather interesting take-off performances (search ‘Kossen Takeoffs’ on YouTube and you will find a compilation).
I first got my sweaty hands on the Eden 6 during the Kössen testival in early summer. Glider in hand I headed up the cablecar to launch. There I found the wind rather fickle, and as I set up I watched a few rather interesting take-off performances (search ‘Kossen Takeoffs’ on YouTube and you will find a compilation).
I managed to keep myself out of the video thanks to the easy launching characteristics of the Eden. Doing a forward launch it rose easily overhead with very little control needed to stop it overshooting. A few steps and I was off, heading towards the masses thermalling in front. This easy launch behaviour was repeated every time I flew with the Eden 6.
Taking off from Kössen often involves making a quick decision on which side to find your first thermal; the wind is often on the northerly slope but the sun is on the southerly. Do you go for easy-but-gentle or strong-but-leeside? Spotting a glider climbing quickly in the sun, I threw myself into the lee side.
As I hit the sharp edge of the leeside thermal the wing bit in nicely rather than being kicked back as some older wings do – a sign of the modern nose design Mac Para have used. Once inside, a good dose of weightshift and brakes and I had the wing cranked up. This was not time to explore the handling – what was important was turning tightly to stay in the core till I had ridden out of the lee.
Being on the wing was like coming back home and the family likeness was immediately noticeable. In the rough climb the precise handling of the wing made it easy to keep in the best parts of the lift.
As the summit of the mountain fell away and the thermal widened and smoothed out I could let the turns widen. The brakes have an instant effect and are nicely progressive. The first part of the travel will give a good flat and efficient turn that has obviously been carefully trimmed. It has a similar feel to the Rook 2 in this respect, but I found it a little easier to crank over when the need arose. Like the Rook 2 it has less roll than a Mentor 4 or a Base.
Heading off on glide and feeling right at home on the wing straight away I was able to push into the bigger mountains to the southwest, a range I had always wanted to get up close to in previous years. The wing’s immediate feel of security is a boon as you head into big country. It doesn’t stress you out, instead leaving you relaxed and able to get on with the job in hand.
Heading back I made full use of the bar, which has light enough pressure to use all day. The wing seems secure on the bar, cutting through any turbulence rather than being blocked by it and floating in the lift. There is an absence of any C-handles on the Eden; there is little need for them but you can control the wing by direct pulls on the risers.
The design
Although the Eden and Elan look similar in the air, up close you can see obvious differences in the technology used. The flat aspect ratio has seen an increase over the Eden 5 from 5.6 to 5.91, sitting below that of the Elan that sits above the 6.0 mark. This puts it higher than the Ozone Rush 4 and Nova Mentor 4 but less than the UP Summit XC3 and GIN Carrera Plus. The Carrera Plus and Summit XC3 both have an A/R of more than 6.0 and are arguably aimed at higher-level pilots.
Although the Eden and Elan look similar in the air, up close you can see obvious differences in the technology used. The flat aspect ratio has seen an increase over the Eden 5 from 5.6 to 5.91, sitting below that of the Elan that sits above the 6.0 mark. This puts it higher than the Ozone Rush 4 and Nova Mentor 4 but less than the UP Summit XC3 and GIN Carrera Plus. The Carrera Plus and Summit XC3 both have an A/R of more than 6.0 and are arguably aimed at higher-level pilots.
A lot of attention has clearly been lavished on the leading edge, and the construction is a lot more complicated than the previous Eden or the Elan. As you would expect these days there is a sharknose.
On the top surface you will find three seams that are used to create the 3D shaping, an increase from the previous model. This is done to avoid creases in this vital part of the aerofoil. The Eden 6 also borrows technology from the old Magus comp wings and the new EN-D Icon in the shape of the GIN-patented Rigifoils in the centre of the top surface of each cell.
Explaining this, designer Petr Recek said: “Clean leading and trailing edges are always the key for aerodynamic performance. The Rigifoil gives the Eden 6 a solid leading edge and although it is costly it offers a better glide in accelerated flight. As soon as you go on bar you can feel the difference.” At the back the wing has mini-ribs.
All this technology hasn’t meant a heavier wing. In fact it’s a few grams lighter than its predecessor. The weight ranges have also seen an increase in the top weights.
Eden 6 riser-set
The line-set has been further optimised and the Eden 6 is a true three-liner, unlike the Eden 5 that had D attachment points coming off the C-risers. This reduction of line and corresponding drag hasn’t come at the cost of wrinkles in the area of the Cs, which Mac Para have managed to keep very clean.
The upper cascade on the new Eden is unsheathed, but as these lines normally lie on the wing on take-off this shouldn’t cause any problems. Paraglider design is all about compromises Petr said: “Even with a lower aspect ratio and safer aerofoils the use of the rigifoils and thinner main lines gives us a better glide when accelerated, over the Elan.”
Eden Forman
The risers are thin race-style and use good quality components including Harken pulleys on the speed system. The different risers and sheathed lower lines are coloured, making it easy to see what is what. Some might like the brake handles to be a bit bigger and better padded but I found they fit well in my hands.
Flying Circuits
Back home in the southern Alps I was able to take the Eden out for some circuits. Flying the size 26 right at the top of its weight range (78kg-100kg) meant I had more authority in the strong climbs. When climbing out from launch though I found myself at no disadvantage in the climbs, emphasising the great climb ability of the wing.
Back home in the southern Alps I was able to take the Eden out for some circuits. Flying the size 26 right at the top of its weight range (78kg-100kg) meant I had more authority in the strong climbs. When climbing out from launch though I found myself at no disadvantage in the climbs, emphasising the great climb ability of the wing.
In thermals the Eden 6 gives a good level of information about the position of the core, through the risers, without it being a jittery ride. In fact, everything feels very smooth and calm and you are ushered towards the best lift by a push at your hips. That combined with the precise handling meant I very quickly was able to thermal without particularly concentrating on it, freeing my mind to look at the route possibilities ahead and assessing the general conditions.
The wing is trimmed towards cross country, but that’s not to say you can’t have fun on it. Adding more brake and weightshift brings out its sporty and dynamic side. While the Eden 5 had a good climb, especially in the weaker stuff, it feels like this wing bites into the stronger stuff better and rides the bubbles rather than being knocked back by them.
That feeling is echoed when you go on bar. All that leading-edge technology particularly shines when pushing along lifty lines on half-bar or more. Heading up past St André I used areas of convergence to cross from one valley system to another. The Eden felt secure on the bar and floated through the lift rather than being pushed about. Pitching is also well managed and very rarely did I feel the need to use the Cs to control it, despite choppy conditions on some of the transitions. It all adds up to very useable performance.
Facts and figures
Taking the wing out for an early morning speed test in still air gave a trim speed of 36km/h on the Flymaster TAS with a top speed of 50km/h. An increase in speed that is consistent with other wings in the same category.
Taking the wing out for an early morning speed test in still air gave a trim speed of 36km/h on the Flymaster TAS with a top speed of 50km/h. An increase in speed that is consistent with other wings in the same category.
The Eden 6 seems to have a good degree of resistance to collapses. Flying a 100km circuit on my second flight on the wing on a day when most of the other pilots complained about choppy conditions I didn’t get any collapses. I was flying heavily loaded but still, I was impressed with the secure feeling the wing gave in the rough stuff and even more so that it doesn’t come at the expense of feel.
When approaching clouds big ears were effective, especially with bar applied, at escaping the suck. I found they had to be held in but then they opened again in a fairly leisurely fashion; a quick pump will have them out more quickly. The wing stays stable and calm with them on, with no adverse roll.
Spirals build up rotation quite quickly but are easy to control with the progressive brakes. I found I had to keep pressure on to keep it spiralling, as it wants to flatten out on its own. Exiting is best done by bleeding the energy off over a complete 360 or more as the wing converts energy into lift well, so you could find yourself climbing back into your own wake if you come out too quickly.
With its progressive handling I enjoyed playing with the wing in asymmetric spirals as an alternative descent method with reduced consistent Gs.
Conclusion
The Eden 6 continues the tradition of the series with great performance combined with a secure feeling and refined handling. Petr and the design team at Mac Para have used the latest technology to get the best performance out of the wing without compromising ease of use. Its climbing ability is top level but it is the glide that has seen the biggest improvement, especially in real-life scenarios such as pushing into wind where it seems to float through any turbulence like a high-class wing rather than getting knocked back. This performance puts it up there firmly with the best gliders in the category.
The Eden 6 continues the tradition of the series with great performance combined with a secure feeling and refined handling. Petr and the design team at Mac Para have used the latest technology to get the best performance out of the wing without compromising ease of use. Its climbing ability is top level but it is the glide that has seen the biggest improvement, especially in real-life scenarios such as pushing into wind where it seems to float through any turbulence like a high-class wing rather than getting knocked back. This performance puts it up there firmly with the best gliders in the category.
It could be argued that it is a little more demanding of the pilot than its predecessor, but it is still a true EN-B wing that fits alongside its counterparts in terms of skills required as well as performance, without stepping into C territory. Interestingly, Mac Para have now released the Illusion, a lower-end B that further cements the Eden in the higher end of the B class.
The secure ride this wing gives will ease the stress when you find yourself flying through big terrain, making it a great ride for adventurous expeditions. A new lighter version, the Passion, was announced at St Hilaire, and with the characteristics of the Eden 6 I expect this will be a great wing for vol-biv adventures.
In summary, this is a carefully-crafted wing that sits with the best of the class in terms of performance and feeling. The handling is a delight and trimmed to get the best out of lift easily, but retaining a dynamic side when needed. It’s a wing that will happily devour the kilometres without demanding too much of the pilot, yet is engaging enough to put a smile on your face. A firm contender if you are looking for this class of wing.
****
Manufacturer’s specifications
What Mac Para say: “The Eden 6 is a high-end EN B designed for ambitious cross-country pilots. Its new performance features, handling and safety will convince many pilots in search of the perfect XC paraglider”
Pilot level: Regular XC pilots and adventure pilots
Sizes: 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 33
Flat area (m2): 21.5, 23.8, 25.6, 27.8, 30, 33
Take-off weight (kg): 55-75, 70-90, 78-100, 90-112, 105-130, 115-145
Cells: 56
Flat aspect ratio: 5.91
Weight (kg): 4.65 – 6.20
Certification: EN B (except 33)
macpara.com
What Mac Para say: “The Eden 6 is a high-end EN B designed for ambitious cross-country pilots. Its new performance features, handling and safety will convince many pilots in search of the perfect XC paraglider”
Pilot level: Regular XC pilots and adventure pilots
Sizes: 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 33
Flat area (m2): 21.5, 23.8, 25.6, 27.8, 30, 33
Take-off weight (kg): 55-75, 70-90, 78-100, 90-112, 105-130, 115-145
Cells: 56
Flat aspect ratio: 5.91
Weight (kg): 4.65 – 6.20
Certification: EN B (except 33)
macpara.com
Reviewer Marcus King flew the 26 and 28 sizes over 15 hours in thermic conditions at an all-up weight of 100kg-103kg using an Impress 3 harness and Sup’Air Strike.
To stay up to date and read our reviews first, subscribe to Cross Country
description
Eden 4: Sporty Performing All-rounderThe Eden series from MacPara continues with amazing success in the paragliding community. After many prototypes and design adjustments, the MacPara Team has transformed the Eden 4 into a highly sought after paraglider that many pilots enjoy. Better climbing performance in thermals and new tuned brakes for a better feel. The Eden 4 is a fan favorite packed with fun features that appeal to pilots looking for an exceptional intermediate sport glider.
Why is it so Popular?The Eden 4’s popularity has made it one of the most copied paragliders because of its ease of use and great all-around performance. The Eden 4 is a fun and safe paraglider in the intermediate sport class for every day flying! It’s a paraglider that will help you perfect your skills and keep you enjoying the sport. Compared to the Eden 3, the Eden 4 has been designed with better glide, more direct handling and increased glide in accelerated flight.
Boost Your ConfidenceThe most impressive highlight of the Eden 4 is that it gives you the feeling of confidence both on the ground and in the air. The inflation is smooth and constant in any wind speed. It gives you the ability to get off the ground faster because of its friendly handling by consistently coming up overhead. In simple terms, the Eden 4 floats above your head waiting until you are ready to run off launch. It just waits for the pilot’s directions and responds quickly to pilot’s inputs. The Eden 4 is very predictable and offers no scary surprises.
In FlightIn the air the Eden 4 provides agile handling and responsiveness. Pilots will enjoy flying this safe paraglider as aggressively as they want with decent speed. It responds to your every move if you want to core a thermal or just relax and let it fly itself on autopilot while you’re out flying your local site. The Eden 4 will give you stories you have been hearing from epic flights on a paraglider!
A Performance Pleaser with StabilityWith a high glide ratio of 8.5 the Eden 4 lets you explore places you have always wanted to see without slowing you down. It features excellent stability throughout the full weight and speed range it is intended for. In the event of turbulence or rough air the Eden 4 has a stability features that give you a feeling of comfort. It is designed to withstand collapses and keep you on level flight in bumpy air to offer security that most pilots look for. Flying this type of glider puts a smile on your face because of how fun and easy it is to use. It truly lets you enjoy each flight because of this built in safety.
How it’s Made and Built to LastThe Eden 4 paraglider has 52 cells which get thinner closer to the wing tip which makes it easier to control. The slim elliptical shape of the canopy has an aspect ratio of 5.23. This means it offers plenty of performance while keeping a stable shape above your head at all times. The line configuration helps maintain a clean smooth canopy also assisting in how well it flies through the air. Diagonal V-tapes and a system of load-bearing supporting tapes give the canopy incredible stability in the event of extreme maneuvers. As technical as this may sound, the Eden 4 is very resistant to collapsing.
Built In Safety and More Design FeaturesIn the event of an induced collapse such as heavy turbulence, the Eden 4 will not rotate quickly and will usually reopen within 50 degrees. This allows less inexperienced pilots time to regain control of their glider. The Eden 4 uses the same brake system as seen in the Envy model paraglider to make the handling precise. Once you set the angle and radius of a turn it does not change if you continue to hold the brake in a constant position. It obeys the pilots command. The light brake pressure allows pleasant turns during long flights, but increases progressively toward the end of its travel to act as a warning system to let you know you are approaching the danger zone. The Eden 4 is equipped with comfortable brake handles with a swivel and magnetic clips. Velcro closures on the wingtips make access easier to remove any sand, grass or small stones from the glider. The Eden 4 is also equipped with split “A” risers to facilitate “Big Ears” which helps with safe altitude decent.
Paramotor Configuration is a Bonus!As a bonus the Eden 4 is also an excellent paramotor paraglider as well! You can order your Eden 4 with DULV risers (two hang points). The transition from free flight to powered flight with DULV risers is very simple. All that you need to do is to hook up your carabineers into higher position for motor flight and then go powered paragliding! No need to extend the brake lines. More information about this exciting feature can be found in the user manual for more clarification.
What Size?The Eden 4 is certified by registered authorities and approved according to LTF, EN/B guidelines. It is produced in 5 certified sizes to suit various sized pilots. References for the suggested safe weight ranges for the Eden 4 can be found under the specifications tab located at the top of this page.
Colour ChoicesThe new and improved Eden 4 is available in 5 new colours applied to both the top and bottom surfaces given it a more professional look in the sky. Pick your favorite colour by checking out the design tab on the top of this page.
Test Mac Para Eden 4 from magazine Thermik MAC PARA’s Performance-Intermediate glider the Eden now appears in the fourth edition. After the successful Eden 3 we were looking forward to testing the new Eden 4. Although Mac Para is well known on the international market due to their successful competition and high performance gliders, the Eden range has been the biggest selling model. Most recent was the Eden 3, with DHV 1-2 homologation, which continued to write the successful history of MAC PARA. The release of the 4th version of the Eden, should prolong, if not surpass this success. In addition to a completely new design, which can be found on all new MAC PARA gliders, 10 months of design and testing work has been invested in developing this performance intermediate glider, the Eden 4. From a technical perspective the Eden 4 is a combination of its predecessor, the Eden 3 and its bigger brother, the Envy (DHV 2). The objectives were clear: to improve climb and to increase the glide performance at higher speeds (using the speed-system). Design and manufacturing The manufacturing standard and workmanship of the Eden 4 is through and through exemplary and clean. They use only the best materials to ensure durability and longevity of the canopy. It is the leading edge, where the fabric is most stressed. For this area Skytex 45 with E85A coating is used. For the less stressed areas of the canopy the well known and time-tested lighter fabric Skytex 40 with E38A coating is used. The ribs and diagonal segments use Skytex 40 with E29A 'hard finish' coating. This combination gives the benefit of a canopy that is both lightweight and durable. ' Take-off behaviour. When front launching, pre-flight checks can be done quickly due to the good layout of the suspension lines. The Eden 4 requires only a light initial impulse to fill the canopy. With a little guidance, the canopy rises cleanly and holds its position over the pilot. Stabilization at the apex is effortless with the Eden 4, and even inexperienced pilots will be able to keep the canopy easily and playfully overhead. This should give sufficient time for a visual inspection of the canopy and the decision to continue with take-off. Thanks to the relatively low take-off speed you can make successful and effortless launches in zero or crosswind situations. Even with a slight tail wind you don’t need to be an ace sprinter to get the Eden 4 into the third dimension. Rear launches are pure pleasure. The canopy rises cleanly with a little input, keeping its position. Using the wind it is easy to hold the Eden 4 over the pilot. When ground-handling on take-off, even the less talented pilot shouldn’t be kited. The pilot can safely use the brakes, or in a strong wind the D risers. Flight behaviour In flight, the Eden 4 gives immediate confidence. The canopy is clean and stable in the air, even when fully accelerated. Response to control inputs is hardly delayed and is quickly and cleanly implemented. In the 'work area' the Eden 4 has slightly higher brake pressure then similar gliders. Nearing the stall point the brake pressure increases markedly, and warns even heavy-handed less talented pilots safely and reliably of an impending, unwanted stall. When turning in thermals the Eden 4 is exemplary as it spirals upward. The glider is easily steerable and can’t be thrown off course. In weak thermals, it is recommended to apply outer brake to achieve better flatter turns. Even under turbulent conditions or ragged lee side thermals the canopy stays inflated and stable in the air. Also thanks to these features, during our test flights it didn’t experience any unintended canopy collapses. Simulated collapses (and it does not matter if on trim speed or accelerated) open quickly, independently and with a max of up to 180° of turn. The speed of rotation and dive forward are low. Even front stalls are within completely predictable parameters. The canopy reopens automatically, balanced and gently. This process starts from the centre. The Eden 4 dives slightly forward and returns to clean flight. The speed system of the Eden 4 works smoothly and produces a speed increase of about 13 km/h. Thanks to this valley transitions should not be an insurmountable obstacle. Descent methods Big-ears: With split “A” risers it is easy to perform big ears. Effortlessly, the wingtips can be easily collapsed and held in position for a long period. The canopy remains very stable, and the folded parts keep quiet. Using weight shift during the manoeuvre allows the Eden 4 comfortable control without the need for acrobatic movements. We measured during the tests - sink rates of about -2.8 m/s to -3.4 m/s (accelerated). After release the wing opens mostly independently and instantaneously without intervention from the pilot. Only occasionally did we have to help with a light brake input. B-Stall: When initiating a significant resistance has to be overcome. Maintaining the B-stall requires significantly less power. The Eden 4 shows little or no tendency toward turning away. After rapid release of the B-risers, the canopy dives forward only slightly and returns cleanly and balanced into the flight again. Spiral-dive: Daring brake input and weight shift to one side is all that is required to initiate a spiral-dive. After only one turn the Eden 4 readily develops the correct angle of bank and speed. Both can be easily and cleanly controlled and corrected by outer brake input. Termination of the spiral turns out to be smooth. The termination of the large sink rates should be actively carried out using multiple turns. Summary The Eden 4 is through and through a balanced, harmonious glider that will appeal to a wide range of pilots. Although the smooth course of take-off is very friendly to novice pilots, the very attractive performance potential of the Eden 4 combined with a high degree of passive safety will be appreciated by pilots during XC flights. Due to the agile handling the fun and pleasure should not be neglected. Not least, the Eden 4 is also visually eye-catching.
Measuring instruments: 2 x Aircotec XC-Trainer |
materials
Surface Top Leading Edge: | Skytex 9092, Coating E85A 45 g/m2 |
Surface Top Trailing Edge: | Skytex 9017, Coating E38A 40 g/m2 |
Surface Bottom: | Skytex 9017, Coating E38A 40 g/m2 |
Main ribs: | Skytex 9017, Coating E29A 40 g/m2 |
Diagonal ribs: | Skytex 9017, Coating E29A 40 g/m2 |
Minor ribs: | Skytex 9017, Coating E38A 40 g/m2 |
Upper lines: | Edelrid Aramid/Kevlar 6843 – 80 kg, – 120 kg |
Main lines: | Edelrid Aramid/Kevlar 6843 – 240 kg, – 200 kg, – 160 kg |
The Eden 4 is manufactured using the paragliding industries well established lightweight material with excellent durability; Skytex 40, from Porcher Sport (NCV). Because for any glider, the part that always wears out first is the leading edge, we use Skytex 45 with evolution coating E85A for this. For the less stressed areas of the sail we use Skytex 40 with E38A coating. For the supporting and diagonal ribs we use Skytex 40 with “hard finish” coating E29A. This gives the advantage of a sail that is both lightweight and very durable.
specification
Eden 4 23 | Eden 4 25 | Eden 4 28 | Eden 4 30 | Eden 4 33 |
91.2 | 95.5 | 100 | 104.3 | 109.3 |
23.32 | 25.57 | 28.04 | 30.5 | 33.5 |
20.88 | 22.9 | 25.12 | 27.33 | 30.01 |
11.04 | 11.55 | 12.1 | 12.62 | 13.22 |
5.22 | 5.22 | 5.22 | 5.22 | 5.22 |
2.62 | 2.74 | 2.87 | 3 | 3.14 |
52 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 52 |
5.8 | 6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 |
62-82 | 77-97 | 85-110 | 100-130 | 115-145 |
137-181 | 170-214 | 187-243 | 220-287 | 254-320 |
23-25 | 23-25 | 23-25 | 23-25 | 23-25 |
36-38 | 36-38 | 36-38 | 36-38 | 36-38 |
48-50 | 48-50 | 48-50 | 48-50 | 48-50 |
8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
1.15 | 1.15 | 1.15 | 1.15 | 1.15 |
EN B | EN B | EN B | EN B | EN B |
* pilot equipped = weight naked + cca. 20 Kg
Certificate reports |