I have completed over 100 jumps on my Sabre 2 170, wing loaded at 1.3:1. It is my first canopy, so I have nothing to compare to other than a lot of jumps on rented transition gear - Pilot 210, Sabre 190 and Triathalon 190. I absolutely love this canopy! I don't know what the recovery arc is like because I'm not swooping yet, but I will tell you this; I have tested the flight characteristics of this baby quite extensively in all kinds of wind conditions. It can get you back from a long spot, glides extremely well on landing with minimal toggle pressure, and turns are very snappy with front, rear risers and toggles.
After more than 100 jumps on it, I have NEVER had end cell closure, NEVER had line twists, and, most importantly NEVER had anything but a beautiful, soft opening. Once in a while it opens slightly off heading if I have done a sloppy pack job. Bet for those who say the Sabre 2 has hard openings, check the line trim charts on the PD website. Talk to your rigger about getting new lines. Just don't blame the canopy. It has treated my like a king, and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the novice/intermediate range.
