I was paragliding for a few years before I started paramotoring in 2015. I'm 68 now so started when I was around 63. The key is to really learn kiting and become very proficient before taking to the skies...and good training. Thanks for watching!
I live in Belgium, 70kg (155lb) just turned 67 and received my Scout Enduro with Atom 80 last week. I start my paramotor lessons at the end of this month. Your videos help convince me to go for the Atom 80 instead of the 185 Moster. Since I know I won't be doing acro (not permitted in Belgium anyway) and the northern part of Belgium where I live is pretty flat and not much above sea level, I saw only advantages to go with what is looking to be pretty much an ideal paramotor engine. Thanks for your videos Lou.
Thanks for the video Lou. I also have the Fly Products Eclipse and so far the only problem I've had is with the kill switch. That being said, I flew my #101 flight yesterday morning. And I'm also a member of the Old Guy Paramotor Club at 68. PS: flight #96 was into a powerline and I landed hard in the creek below.
Young man (someone else coined you that way, very appropriately), Another great clip! I’m on military duty overseas, but am already coordinating for a training when i get back. But since I’m nursing a bad back, I’ve enjoyed watching your evolution to the lightweight Eclipse/Atom80 combo. I light weight myself, so I think it would be a good starter (and forever) PPG for me too! Thx for sharing!!!!!
Lou Serrano , what helmet do you use? I’m looking at the Nerv Solar X, seems a well thought out helmet that can be configured with good comms and fit almost any headset. Thoughts?
@@kcrowe8211 I do have an Icaro helmet and I was able to attach a good PTT comm unit on it with no problems. I did add a bit of padding inside but is very comfortable. You can always buy a helmet with the comms already attached though a retailer like Litetouch, Aerolight or Trikebuggy. Best wishes!
You handled the gusty conditions very well & I liked your touch-and-go as much as your stubborn streak about getting a landing you knew you could better show your skills...nice job, I hope to follow your lead on the light weight configuration, if not the skill pursuit. Many thanks!
I've got my Scout Enduro Atom80 and ran it in today. I first did a hang test to check the prop was vertical, and then sat in the swing for the run-in procedure. I got a max. rpm of 9400 with the Helix prop that Vittorazi approves. Seemed plenty of thrust to me as I could only just hold it with my legs angled in front om me and feet on concrete paving stones.
I saw some videos with you on a Parajet Maverick -- why the switch to the Fly Products Eclipse Atom 80? Or do you just want a backup :) I have a parajet maverick moster 185 fwiw
@@RussellWHanson I actually did not plan on selling it but the buyer for my older Epsilon 8 wing expressed an interest and I was doing more straight paragliding so away it went. When I saw the Fly Products Eclipse Atom 80 (and its very low weight), I decided to buy it. The Parajet was very nice but I also really enjoy the Eclipse. Thanks for watching!
Hi Lou. Re your comment about the difference in cruise rpm of the Moster (5000) and Atom 80 (6500-7000). I checked the stroke of both engines to get the average piston speeds of both engines to compare them. At 5000 the Moster piston (stroke 54mm) travels 9.0 meter/sec. At 6800 the Atom 80 piston (stroke 44mm) travels 9.8 meters/sec. which is about 10% faster. That's not what you would think when you just compare the rpm! Actually the Moster at max 8600 rpm has a piston speed of 15.5 meters/sec and the Atom 80 at 9500 has a piston speed of 13.9 meters/sec which is 10% less than the Moster. So first impressions can be deceiving. This might be the reason after break in that Vittorazi allow the Atom 80 to use a 1.5% oil mixture but the Moster needs 2.0%.
Nice glad to hear your positive points I'm just ordering the same with the 130cm prop I'm looking at the reserve thinking how can it be so light for a 120kg rating I think I will be ordering one 😁 thanks for the independent views
@ aussiemotorman. I've only done an hour on my Atom 80 in a swing while on the ground but I needed to change the rpm. 6/7/8 and 9000 rpm during the run-in. In the beginning I had difficulty getting it to stay at 6000. Either it was 5800/5900 or it would rev up to 6300. After the third run-in session I did manage to get it to 6000 and stay there. It really is just adding pressure without noticing any movement on the throttle. Although I haven't flown yet I'm guessing you'd chose a rpm that seems right for the flight condition you want without needing to have a particular rpm. Also being stationary with prop close to the ground I'm guessing has a different airflow into the prop than when you are flying which could also have an effect on the throttle position. I kept with the Vittorazi throttle as Lou had already commented here that he liked the feel of it in his hand and that the kill switch button was easy to reach with his thumb. Although I'm right handed I chose a left hand throttle set-up (either can be done with same throttle) so I could use my right hand for touch devices, camera etc. when needed. Since the throttle is left hand I presume that is why my starter cord (Scout Enduro) is on the right which is certainly better for me because my right arm is stronger. Although I used to be a pretty fit guy (done nothing the last 10 years) I was surprised how little strenght I had available to pull the cord. The Atom 80 has the reputation to start very easily but my first one handed attempt told me my triceps were probably no stronger than a young girls'... Had to use both hands to get the necessary momentum. Boy am I glad I didn't buy something like the Moster 185 as I'm damm sure I'd never be able to start it on my back. In any case I've decided that it is a good reason to get back some physical fitness by doing some daily pushups and other exercises. In my younger days I could do 100 pushups. Now maybe 10? For what it's worth I grew up at Main Beach on the Gold Coast in Oz. and remember the first "skyscraper" (7 stories) going up in Surfers Paradise. That will give you an idea of my age ; -)
Another great video, you make it look quite easy. As you said, ground handling and kiting is everything. I will keep following, here in UK we wait for the better weather, end of covid restrictions and looking forward to completing my training. Im 85kg (13st 6lbs, 188 lbs, naked weight) what engine will I need? Thanks, oh I have got a Ozone Roadster 2 28 m . cheers.
Ask your instructor but the Atom 80 could work depending on your launch altitude, type of flying you want to do (such as aerobatics or just plain cruising). I LOVE the ease of starting the Atom 80 and its lightweight. The Ozone wing should really help get you in the air, also. I am fortunate that my location and weight makes this a good choice for me. Thanks for watching!
Electric is the dream and I'm intrigued by the potential of the X4 but right now the battery life is too short to make it anything but a novelty! Maybe ten years from now though.... The SP140 is an improvement but the X4 concept is what really interests me. If each of the four engines is individually powered by its own battery and the unit can sustain flight should one or two engines go down then overall reliability in PPG will increase dramatically! Alas, such an arrangement with the X4 would probably lead to an even shorter flight time and, as I'm getting on in life, I suspect by the time the tech has improved to make this idea a reality I'll be flying in the clouds with my ancestors! Looks like for us mature pilots the Eclipse/Atom 80 MY20 is still the best way to go for the near future!
I would love to get off fossils fuel for my PPG as I did with my car. But the weight and duration of flight is just not there for me yet. Perhaps soon, but I also fear that by the time there is a 40 lb. unit that will fly at least 2 hours I will not be running around wanting to foot launch...but who knows!
Another thing. Do you check the torque on the prop bolts Lou? I've found I had to retighten them (3x) to the recommended 10-12Nm after these initial runs.
Initially, I did have to check and tighten them after each run. After about 4 hours now, I still check after every flight but much less adjustment needed. I also just go by the manual recommended torque of 10-12 Nm.
I started out with a Mac Para Muse 3 which was a very nice beginner wing; then went to an Ozone Swift 3 lightweight but traded that for a Advance Epsilon 8 which I loved. I also flew a Niviuk and Dudek but did not work for me (I believe there is a video on those wings a while back). The Spyder was very nice but I always came back to the Epsilon which is now the Epsilon 9 which has hybrid risers for switching between PG and PPG. Hope that helps.
So far I still really like it. Very small and minimal like the rest of the set up. No plans to change it. Initially I thought I would switch to the Vittorazi throttle but not now....but it sure is kind of "ugly" in a cute sort of way! :-)
About 6500-7000 depending on whether trims are in or out. I have not flown with full trims out yet to keep the rpm a bit lower during the break in period when just cruising. Quite a difference from the short period of time when I flew the Moster at around 5000 rpm! But the the little Atom 80 seems to handle things quite well.
That's Carmel Valley Road that goes all the way from Highway 56 to the west to Interstate 15 to the east. The road used to dead end about where the Little Black Gliderport launch entrance was located and you just parked right beside the road at the dead end. Absolutely no housing at that time but didn't paramotor back then either. Long time ago and progress marches on. Thanks for watching!
I was paragliding for a few years before I started paramotoring in 2015. I'm 68 now so started when I was around 63. The key is to really learn kiting and become very proficient before taking to the skies...and good training. Thanks for watching!
I live in Belgium, 70kg (155lb) just turned 67 and received my Scout Enduro with Atom 80 last week. I start my paramotor lessons at the end of this month. Your videos help convince me to go for the Atom 80 instead of the 185 Moster. Since I know I won't be doing acro (not permitted in Belgium anyway) and the northern part of Belgium where I live is pretty flat and not much above sea level, I saw only advantages to go with what is looking to be pretty much an ideal paramotor engine. Thanks for your videos Lou.
Thank you! Happy to hear you'll be flying soon. The Scout sounds like a really nice unit. Best wishes on your flying!
Thanks for the video Lou. I also have the Fly Products Eclipse and so far the only problem I've had is with the kill switch. That being said, I flew my #101 flight yesterday morning. And I'm also a member of the Old Guy Paramotor Club at 68. PS: flight #96 was into a powerline and I landed hard in the creek below.
Oh my…glad all ok after your encounter with the power line! Continued good flying and thanks for watching!
Young man (someone else coined you that way, very appropriately),
Another great clip!
I’m on military duty overseas, but am already coordinating for a training when i get back. But since I’m nursing a bad back, I’ve enjoyed watching your evolution to the lightweight Eclipse/Atom80 combo. I light weight myself, so I think it would be a good starter (and forever) PPG for me too! Thx for sharing!!!!!
Thanks so much...I know what a sore back is like! Recover soon and hope you are in the air ASAP... Thank you for your service and stay well!!!
Lou Serrano , what helmet do you use? I’m looking at the Nerv Solar X, seems a well thought out helmet that can be configured with good comms and fit almost any headset. Thoughts?
@@kcrowe8211 I do have an Icaro helmet and I was able to attach a good PTT comm unit on it with no problems. I did add a bit of padding inside but is very comfortable. You can always buy a helmet with the comms already attached though a retailer like Litetouch, Aerolight or Trikebuggy. Best wishes!
Nice one Lou! Glad your enjoying it!
Thanks...so far very nice.
You handled the gusty conditions very well & I liked your touch-and-go as much as your stubborn streak about getting a landing you knew you could better show your skills...nice job, I hope to follow your lead on the light weight configuration, if not the skill pursuit. Many thanks!
Thanks so much! Lots of kiting and paragliding really helps thanks to some great teachers I had. Best wishes on your own flying!
Nice one Lou. Enjoyed that. Glad you got the landing you wanted in the end 😁🤟
I am planning on a 2-3 day trip to the Salton Sea to do a LOT of take off and landings...just as soon as the fall cooler weather arrives. Thanks!
I've got my Scout Enduro Atom80 and ran it in today. I first did a hang test to check the prop was vertical, and then sat in the swing for the run-in procedure. I got a max. rpm of 9400 with the Helix prop that Vittorazi approves. Seemed plenty of thrust to me as I could only just hold it with my legs angled in front om me and feet on concrete paving stones.
Sounds like the experience I had with my Atom 80. I can just hold it full throttle as long as I am in the correct posture. Best wishes!
No, I actually sold it a little while back. Flying the Epsilon 9 now with the hybrid risers. Really love this set up!
I saw some videos with you on a Parajet Maverick -- why the switch to the Fly Products Eclipse Atom 80? Or do you just want a backup :) I have a parajet maverick moster 185 fwiw
@@RussellWHanson I actually did not plan on selling it but the buyer for my older Epsilon 8 wing expressed an interest and I was doing more straight paragliding so away it went. When I saw the Fly Products Eclipse Atom 80 (and its very low weight), I decided to buy it. The Parajet was very nice but I also really enjoy the Eclipse. Thanks for watching!
Hi Lou. Re your comment about the difference in cruise rpm of the Moster (5000) and Atom 80 (6500-7000). I checked the stroke of both engines to get the average piston speeds of both engines to compare them. At 5000 the Moster piston (stroke 54mm) travels 9.0 meter/sec. At 6800 the Atom 80 piston (stroke 44mm) travels 9.8 meters/sec. which is about 10% faster. That's not what you would think when you just compare the rpm! Actually the Moster at max 8600 rpm has a piston speed of 15.5 meters/sec and the Atom 80 at 9500 has a piston speed of 13.9 meters/sec which is 10% less than the Moster.
So first impressions can be deceiving. This might be the reason after break in that Vittorazi allow the Atom 80 to use a 1.5% oil mixture but the Moster needs 2.0%.
Nice glad to hear your positive points I'm just ordering the same with the 130cm prop
I'm looking at the reserve thinking how can it be so light for a 120kg rating I think I will be ordering one 😁 thanks for the independent views
Also how are you finding the throttle?
@ aussiemotorman. I've only done an hour on my Atom 80 in a swing while on the ground but I needed to change the rpm. 6/7/8 and 9000 rpm during the run-in. In the beginning I had difficulty getting it to stay at 6000. Either it was 5800/5900 or it would rev up to 6300. After the third run-in session I did manage to get it to 6000 and stay there. It really is just adding pressure without noticing any movement on the throttle. Although I haven't flown yet I'm guessing you'd chose a rpm that seems right for the flight condition you want without needing to have a particular rpm. Also being stationary with prop close to the ground I'm guessing has a different airflow into the prop than when you are flying which could also have an effect on the throttle position. I kept with the Vittorazi throttle as Lou had already commented here that he liked the feel of it in his hand and that the kill switch button was easy to reach with his thumb. Although I'm right handed I chose a left hand throttle set-up (either can be done with same throttle) so I could use my right hand for touch devices, camera etc. when needed. Since the throttle is left hand I presume that is why my starter cord (Scout Enduro) is on the right which is certainly better for me because my right arm is stronger. Although I used to be a pretty fit guy (done nothing the last 10 years) I was surprised how little strenght I had available to pull the cord. The Atom 80 has the reputation to start very easily but my first one handed attempt told me my triceps were probably no stronger than a young girls'... Had to use both hands to get the necessary momentum. Boy am I glad I didn't buy something like the Moster 185 as I'm damm sure I'd never be able to start it on my back. In any case I've decided that it is a good reason to get back some physical fitness by doing some daily pushups and other exercises. In my younger days I could do 100 pushups. Now maybe 10? For what it's worth I grew up at Main Beach on the Gold Coast in Oz. and remember the first "skyscraper" (7 stories) going up in Surfers Paradise. That will give you an idea of my age ; -)
Lou, Did you ever fly the Ozone Spider again, especially with your Eclipse rig?
Another great video, you make it look quite easy. As you said, ground handling and kiting is everything. I will keep following, here in UK we wait for the better weather, end of covid restrictions and looking forward to completing my training. Im 85kg (13st 6lbs, 188 lbs, naked weight) what engine will I need? Thanks, oh I have got a Ozone Roadster 2 28 m . cheers.
Ask your instructor but the Atom 80 could work depending on your launch altitude, type of flying you want to do (such as aerobatics or just plain cruising). I LOVE the ease of starting the Atom 80 and its lightweight. The Ozone wing should really help get you in the air, also. I am fortunate that my location and weight makes this a good choice for me. Thanks for watching!
Electric is the dream and I'm intrigued by the potential of the X4 but right now the battery life is too short to make it anything but a novelty! Maybe ten years from now though....
The SP140 is an improvement but the X4 concept is what really interests me. If each of the four engines is individually powered by its own battery and the unit can sustain flight should one or two engines go down then overall reliability in PPG will increase dramatically! Alas, such an arrangement with the X4 would probably lead to an even shorter flight time and, as I'm getting on in life, I suspect by the time the tech has improved to make this idea a reality I'll be flying in the clouds with my ancestors!
Looks like for us mature pilots the Eclipse/Atom 80 MY20 is still the best way to go for the near future!
I would love to get off fossils fuel for my PPG as I did with my car. But the weight and duration of flight is just not there for me yet. Perhaps soon, but I also fear that by the time there is a 40 lb. unit that will fly at least 2 hours I will not be running around wanting to foot launch...but who knows!
Another thing. Do you check the torque on the prop bolts Lou? I've found I had to retighten them (3x) to the recommended 10-12Nm after these initial runs.
Initially, I did have to check and tighten them after each run. After about 4 hours now, I still check after every flight but much less adjustment needed. I also just go by the manual recommended torque of 10-12 Nm.
I'd show a video /pictures here if I see how to upload them.
Do you have much experience flying other wings?
I started out with a Mac Para Muse 3 which was a very nice beginner wing; then went to an Ozone Swift 3 lightweight but traded that for a Advance Epsilon 8 which I loved. I also flew a Niviuk and Dudek but did not work for me (I believe there is a video on those wings a while back). The Spyder was very nice but I always came back to the Epsilon which is now the Epsilon 9 which has hybrid risers for switching between PG and PPG. Hope that helps.
How are you finding the throttle?
So far I still really like it. Very small and minimal like the rest of the set up. No plans to change it. Initially I thought I would switch to the Vittorazi throttle but not now....but it sure is kind of "ugly" in a cute sort of way! :-)
Another question Lou.. When you are cruising what is the typical rpm of your Atom80?
About 6500-7000 depending on whether trims are in or out. I have not flown with full trims out yet to keep the rpm a bit lower during the break in period when just cruising. Quite a difference from the short period of time when I flew the Moster at around 5000 rpm! But the the little Atom 80 seems to handle things quite well.
What HWY is that? Where does it start and end?
That's Carmel Valley Road that goes all the way from Highway 56 to the west to Interstate 15 to the east. The road used to dead end about where the Little Black Gliderport launch entrance was located and you just parked right beside the road at the dead end. Absolutely no housing at that time but didn't paramotor back then either. Long time ago and progress marches on. Thanks for watching!
What the age when you learn to fly paramotor ,sir?
Gm, inspiring me, btw how old are u sir ?
I'm 68 years and feel all of it on some days. 😎 Thanks for watching!
Love the 70's porn music! LOL
I see it more as "retro funk"...
@@loums52 lol cool