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The new low-end DHV 1-2 from U-Turn is selling as fast as we can get them. Ian Currer gives his first impressions. 

Last season the U-Turn Infinity 1 was our best selling wing to the first time buyer.  This wing  boasted excellent performance,  but, (like the Arcus and some other leading models) scored a 1  in the trim speed DHV tests and a DHV1/ 2 in  the accelerated tuck, giving it a 1 /2 overall rating. Thanks to the AFS design (a unique panel shaping cut,) and the resulting pitch stability, the security was class –leading.- This wing needed pretty powerful persuasion to get it to tuck in the first place!

For 2006 U-Turn have released the Infinity 2, - basically the same wing with a few tweaks and improvements, particularly in the glide and  top speed  (which is an astonishing 55kph- by far the fastest wing in the “first time buy” category). Even more imprtantly the trim speed is an impressively nimble 39 km/h.

How would the new and faster model compare?  I had a chance to put through its paces last week.

First impressions were promising, it was beautifully packed with the new  “flat cell wall” system that enables very clean and crease free folding of the wing, something that is sure to improve performance and longevity.  The wing launched very easily with the same reluctance to overshoot that its’ predecessor had shown. In fact initially it felt pretty much the same, which is good news.

Once clear of the hill I tried an asymmetric collapse, the recovery was very quick and the wing was dead easy to hold in a straight line with minimal weight shift and opposite brake. When you let the controls up to the keepers it is noticeable that trim speed  is a little quicker than many beginner wings. The glide at trim speed feels very flat, just like a top end 1/2 wing, maybe a Mistral 4 or a Mamboo for example - without measuring the glide all one can say is that it is good!

The speed bar seems a bit ineffective initially, but when your legs are locked out the wing  really shows its character, and feels like it is really shifting, and the impression is once again that this is a pretty hot glider. Stability is good,  and it seems to resist overshooting just as the original Infinity did, but there is no doubt that flying accelerated in turbulent air is going to be quite dynamic  and  will need appropriate reactions from the pilot.

Turning is very sweet and co-ordinated, I did not have a chance to thermal it, but a couple of 360s felt very smooth.

The build quality is superb, these wings are made at the same factory as Gin models and it is fair to say that the output of that company is fast being recognised as among the best in the industry.

So the bottom line is that in my opinion this is a brilliant wing! The exceptional speed and stability also make the Infinity 2 the top choice if you fancy a bit of powered flying. (It has DULV rating with trimmer risers)  For pilots like me who have a few hours and want good performance and great stability this is a very good choice. For first timers, although it is designed to be suitable I would say it is really only suited to those who are naturally coordinated, ambitious and prepared to build up their hours before flying it in rougher air. U-turn describe it as good for the first time buyer,  but it is definitely more of a thoroughbred than most of the wings on offer to the beginner. And this is reflected in the DHV certification which is liberally sprinkled with 1 /2 ratings.

Postscript:  We have had one or two pilots test flying the Infinity II returning it dissapointed. In each case the pilot seems to be confusing the Infinity II with a top-end DHV 1-2 or 2. The Infinity II is certainly not this, but offers the average pilot exceptional performance with excellent inherent safety; isn't this what we all want?