Sirocco 3 Review

What is the Sirocco 3?

The Sirocco 3 is an intermediate to advanced reflex glider that excels at XC. It is more dynamic and efficient when compared to the Spyder or Roadster but is the “last stop” before progressing into the fully unrated slalom glider territory.

Much like the Spyder and Roadster, the Sirocco is the lightweight version of the Speedster. Everything in this review can be applied to the Speedster, except the inflation characteristics. Again, I recommend the Sirocco to pilots who take good care of their gear and often do zero wind launches. I recommend the Speedster to pilots who may fly from rough terrain or rarely do zero wind launches.

I have a handful of hours on both the Sirocco and Speedster, both foot launch and on my trike.

Who is the Sirocco 3 for?

The Sirocco fulfills two roles really well. First, it is an excellent all around glider for the intermediate pilot. It excels in dynamic low level carving, has a very wide speed range, and offers a higher level of efficiency when compared to the Spyder or Roadster. This makes it a great forever glider for those who want a little more performance than the Spyder or Roadster but don’t want to accept the demands and risks of a slalom glider. 

Second, it is a great intermediate XC focused glider. Its long trim range and lack of oscillations make it great for long distance flights. Its passive safety will give you peace of mind if you encounter rough conditions on an XC mission.

At any rate, I recommend spending some time on a B rated glider before transitioning to the Sirocco. Going from an A rated glider to the Sirocco would be too big of a jump. You should have mastered the basics as well as advanced energy management before transitioning to the Sirocco.

Price, Colors, Options, and Sizing

The Sirocco costs $4,450 due to the lightweight fabric. The Speedster comes in at $4,150. The Sirocco comes in four different color options, all of which utilize the new Ozone scheme as well as the colored bottom skin. The same can be said for the Speedster. Custom colors can be added for $250 extra.

The Sirocco can be ordered with a TST or 2D option. On the TST version, the tip steering is tied to a small independent toggle just like the Spyder. This option is more ideal for an XC pilot as it allows you to easily change direction with the TST handle while accelerated. On the 2D version, the tip steering is tied into the main brake. This option is more ideal for the sport pilot who values handling.

Much like the Spyder and Roadster, I like to load the Sirocco at 80-100%. I will note, though, at 100%, it seems to become a bit more power hungry and less efficient.

I do like that Ozone offers the Sirocco in an 18m which is very appealing to lightweight pilots.

Risers, Lines, and Cells

The Sirocco uses a 4 liner system with a reflex profile. The trims are significantly longer on the Sirocco which makes it ideal for XC. You are able to set the trims and cruise at significantly faster speeds. The neutral position is denoted by the first green line. Again, I rarely ever close the trimmers fully on a glider like this. There is a double red line which tells you to not pull the main brake past this point. Once you trim out past the double red line, you can only use the tip steering and weight shift. It is important to only fly in this configuration in smooth conditions at an appropriate altitude. If you were to take a collapse at this speed, you would have to trim back in before piloting the glider with the main brakes. Interestingly, the 18m Sirocco has a shorter trim that does not include a double red line.

Most of the additional speed on the Sirocco comes from the trims. They offer 23cm while the speed bar offers 17cm. Similar to the trims, you need to be cautious using the main brake past a certain speed, however, it is much harder to define that speed while using the speed bar. I would just say, in general, do not use the main brake while using the speed bar.

I have found the brake lines to be a little long on the Sirocco, but you must use caution if you decide to shorten them. Due to the very long speed range, it is easy for the main brakes to engage at full speed if you do shorten them. To be safe, I would recommend against shortening them at all.

The Sirocco has a flat aspect ratio of 5.6 and a cell count of 56. This incremental increase compared to the Spyder and Roadster adds efficiency and speed. The Sirocco also utilizes shark nose technology as well as a more aggressive reflex profile to reach higher top speeds.

Inflation and Launch

Much like the Spyder, the lightweight Sirocco inflates like a dream. Ozone does a really good job of making their full weight gliders easy to inflate and launch. The Spyder and Sirocco are just on another level due to their lightweight fabric.

Because the Sirocco is a faster glider than the Spyder or Roadster, you want to be very competent with your launches before flying it. Like all Ozone gliders, you can get pretty deep into the brakes to aid in a slower launch.

In Flight Handling

The Sirocco likes to track straight, even without winglets. This makes it really ideal for hands off XC cruising. When you want to get aggressive, the Sirocco will show its playful side. Building energy and rolling more effortlessly. It is a fun glider to fly, especially with the 2D steering option. For this reason, you should be comfortable with maximum energy management before getting on a Sirocco.

This glider feels very solid in turbulence with a high level of resistance to collapses. It absorbs bumps in a way that makes the glider feel rigid.

Safety and Collapses

While the Sirocco falls within the C category, it is not officially rated. Ozone notes that their internal testing has shown that the glider conforms to EN C requirements, but has not been independently tested. I’m not sure why this is. I’ve heard the testing process can be expensive. Or maybe it wouldn’t pass in every category? I’m not sure, I am not an expert in these tests. But for all intents and purposes, I would put it into the C category.

The Sirocco is the last glider in Ozones lineup that retains this passive safety. This makes it ideal for pilots who do not want to take on the demands and risks of something like a Freeride, Viper 6, or Viper XC. Personally, I believe that if you are not taking full advantage of the performance these mentioned gliders offer, there is no sense in accepting the risk. That is where the Sirocco comes in.

Landing

Landing the Sirocco comes with no surprises. It will come in faster than a Spyder but gives you a more powerful flare. I’ve had no issues getting it slowed down for a gentle landing.

Trike Use

I flew the Speedster on my trike for quite a few hours. It made for a really dynamic fun trike wing. At the max loading, it rolled fast and swooped hard. But also was a bit power hungry.

Free Flight Use

Once again, Ozone mentions that the Sirocco can be thermalled and soared but I don’t know how I feel about that. There are much better gliders for thermalling, in my opinion. I wouldn’t mind doing sled runs or dune soaring with the Sirocco but that’s about it.

Advanced Skills

By the time you get to a Sirocco, you should be pretty comfortable with advanced skills. So the Sirocco will just be a natural progression, making all of those maneuvers feel more effortless. The Sirocco feels like it is on rails through wing overs. Barrel rolls are now easy to achieve, especially with the 2D steering. It inspires confidence through slalom turns and is just a lot of fun for an all around glider.

Cons

One con I can note is the inability to really shorten the brakes. I like to have my brakes set a little higher, but you cannot risk it on this glider. It is a small con, as flying at the stock brake length is no issue. Additionally, I wish it wasn’t as power hungry at the max loading.

Conclusion

The Sirocco is an ideal intermediate glider. It strikes a great balance between performance and passive safety. It fulfills the role of an all around sport glider or an XC machine. It is extremely versatile, fun, and agile.

Speedster 3 Official Review