(02.03.2010)
What wing loading is recommended on the Prion?
The perfect wing loading depends on the individual likes and on the flying conditions:

If you like weak thermals and if you want a damped flying behaviour, you should fly the PRION in the lower half of the weight range. The handling characteristics are still responsive and enable very efficient thermalling; no matter if the conditions are strong or weak. In weak condition the small minimum sink rate is an advantage to climb well. If a big collapse occurs in very strong conditions, the PRION reacts even more moderate than on top of the weight range.


If you like a livelier characteristic and if you want to fly dynamic manoeuvres, like wing overs, you should fly the PRION in the upper half of the weight range. The turning behaviour is more dynamic and the glider flies a bit faster. (At trim speed and at maximum speed) If the wind is strong this is an advantage. (Especially at take off in strong wind.)

In very turbulent conditions a high wing loading offers more stability, so collapses occur less likely. If the wing collapses the reaction is slightly more dynamic than on bottom of the weight range.

For beginners it might be helpful to ask yourself, what kind of likes you have in other sport: For example: Do you go skiing or cycling for the feeling of speed and dynamic or do you like the calm pleasure about it?

Probably it is the same in paragliding. So go for the top of the weight range, if you want a dynamic and lively behaviour and choose the bottom half of the weight range, if you want a damped and calm enjoyment.