I have flown several different canopies in the last 6-7 months looking for a good "all-around" canopy. I would find one that opens great, but has no lift. Then I would find one that had excellent lift, but would spank my ass on opening, then, and you knew this was coming, I would find one that would open halfway descent, land o.k., but was boring in flight. Well, not anymore, I have been introduced to perfection. The Cobalt was my answer all along. I fly a Cobalt 120 with a loading of 1.6. Granted, conciderably modest compared to some of these other "crazies" loading at 2.something to 1. I'm here to tell you that no other canopy opens like the Cobalt. Smooth, on heading openings are here to stay. I've tried to completely trash pack this thing and it still opens on heading and slow. I've dumped in a full track, in a stand-up, and sit and it still is smooth as silk. I did, however find out that a larger pilot chute might hurt you a little. So, keep that in mind. Now to the performance. What can I say, I am completely speechless. This canopy has the best in flight performance of any canopy I have ever flown. With my wingloading, I am comfortable, but fast. Turns are out of this world, and the "recovery arch" is quicker than any other elliptical canopy out there making a hook turn a breeze to recover from. I had the opportunity to see one of my "spirals" on video this past weekend and I'm wondering how my legs remained on my body. Man, talk about quick turns. And finally, the landing. One word- "gravy"... These canopies have the best lift I have ever experienced. Yes, much better than the Sabre. I swore by Sabre for 8 years for that very reason. Make no mistake about it, these canopies are the product of perfection. On landing, whether you are smoking in on a no wind day, or coming in with heavy winds, you are going to surf. And surf far. The greatest mistake you could possibly make is to think that you have to "run" this canopy out. It has got so much lift, that all you have to do is fly the canopy out until you can just "put you feet down"... Here is the best part. They are made with the South African Z-P, which makes packing a breeze. I bought mine brand new and did not have a single problem getting it into the bag and closing it up. To end this review the way it should be ended, I absolutely love this canopy. I have bought and flown at least 9 different canopies in the past 2 years, and I am happy to say, I do not have to buy any more. I am completely sold on the Cobalt. Way to go Atair and Thank you for making my skydiving experience a pleasurable one!!!
