Introduction; Your Paraglider; Technical Description - Gradient Golden4 User Manual

1.

1. Introduction

Congratulations on buying your new GRADIENT Golden4!
The new Golden4 is the latest wing from the Gradient development team. The wing is the
follow-up to the most successful Gradient model ever, the Golden series. The result is pure
style, an aerodynamic design with an incomparable variety of uses and the potential to meet
the demands of all kinds of pilots.
The agility, lift, performance and speed of the Golden4 are backed up by strong
passive safety. Gradient's typical sensitive handling and immediate feedback means
pilots relax and quickly start to fly in harmony with the wing. It makes the Golden4
a truly reliable partner. Flying becomes intuitive, leaving your mind free to concentrate on
making decisions about your flight.
Flying the Golden4 starts with the typical, easy take-off characteristics Gradient pilots all over
the world appreciate. In the air, the Golden4 thermals flat, even when flying small circles.
The wing reacts immediately to weight shifting and has precise brakes. Well-balanced wing
dynamics and a defined stall point give this intermediate glider typical Gradient handling.
The glider also behaves in a calm and predictable way in extreme situations, leaving you
confident of your safety while you regain normal flight – no matter if it was you or turbulence
that caused the trouble.
The Golden4 is another high-end product, the result of Gradient's successful design
philosophy that in the air, progress means simplicity. Finding elegant solutions to creating
that simplicity is the art of building a Gradient wing.
We believe that you will love your new glider's flight characteristics and construction.
This manual provides information which will help you fly safely and keep your wing in good
condition. If, after reading this booklet, you have any further questions or uncertainties,
please do not hesitate to contact Gradient directly or any authorised Gradient dealer and we
will gladly answer all your questions.
When you have become familiar with your Golden4 we would welcome any feedback that
you might have about your new paraglider.

2. Your paraglider

2.1. Technical description

Gradient's well-proved DDsystem, as used on the Aspen4 and Nevada gliders, have made
it possible to develop an intermediate glider without compromises in stability, behaviour
or performance for its class. The result is a light glider with aerodynamic improvements in
safety and performance too.
The Golden4 has three main line levels, a system Gradient has uses for years.
Careful selection of lines and materials means the wing-loading is optimised in flight in
any situation. Progressive line diameters along the span and chord are already standard in
Gradient wings and this combined with a self-trimming system and different line materials
mean the glider keeps its long-term geometry.
The main C-lines are connected to the karabiners through loops, allowing for easier
adjustment when your glider is serviced.
The Golden4 is certified to be flown with a foot-operated speed system. The standard
speed system comprises two pulleys for each side with a working range of 14 cm
(size 28).
Meanwhile, optimal cell opening sizes and position ensure efficient air intake at a very wide
angle of attack.