Choosing a wing
When you're first getting started in powered paragliding, the choice is simple. Start with a wing that's easy to launch, a "beginner" wing. When choosing your second wing, your decision will depend much more on your flying style and habits.

In general, the factors to consider in choosing a wing are...

Bolero

ParaToys

Beginner
When getting started in powered paragliding, most pilots choose a paraglider that qualifies as a "beginner" wing. However, new pilots may be concerned that they may quickly out grow a so-called beginner glider. However, most pilots wear out their entry level gliders before moving up to an intermediate glider. In fact, many pilots buy the same model for their second wing.

New pilots tend to struggle with a more advanced glider and progress more quickly with a beginner glider. This is because the most challenging aspect of powered paragliding is the launch, not the flying. Starting with an easy launching beginning glider enables you to quickly discover all the little nuances that make launching easier.

And don't worry about out growing your beginner glider. Though beginner gliders are more docile on the ground, the difference in the air is not noticable to newer pilots.

An intermediate glider can sometimes be a reasonable choice for a first wing. It depends on a number of factors including...

• how much time you have for training
• quality of instruction
• your physical abilities

Intermediate gliders tend to be more sensitive and quick during ground handling. Though a joy for experienced pilots, these responsive gliders can veer off to one side or overshoot before a less experienced pilot can correct the situation. You know your limitations. If you want to make the learning process easy, start with a beginner glider.

If you are set on starting with an intermiate glider, plan to send some extra time on ground handling. If you approach the intermiate glider with the idea that it's going to take longer, you will eventually reap the benefits of that glider. In any case, ground handling is the key to enjoying paramotoring. The more time you spend ground handling, the more you'll fly.

Remember that what ever wing you choose, you won't be stuck with it forever. Wings have limited lives, lasting around 500 hours. Sunlight is the primary factor. In a few years, when you're ready for a new wing, you'll have the opportunity to move up, or not.

Intermediate
For intermediate pilots choosing a new wing, this is a very exciting time. Performance and safety just keep getting better. Gliders introduced in the past few years are far more efficient, faster, responsive, and safer than previous intermediates.

The variety of intermediate glider types means that you can choose a glider that fits your flying style. Whether you like long cross countries, wanging around the field, or just low and slow, there's a glider that's just right for you.

The advantages to intermediate gliders include:

Regardless of your choice, stepping up to a new intermediate wing always seems to have the same effect. After your first flight, you'll land with a big smile on your face.

Advanced
The demand for advanced gliders is small. Most experienced pilots are very happy with the performance of intermeidate gliders and don't feel the need to trade safety for a small increase in performance.

However, for the right pilot, an advance glider can be an excellent choice. Whether it's the super responsiveness of the Spice, or the speed of the Action GT, an advance glider can transform your the sport to a whole new level of fun and excitement. In general, advanced gliders do everything that the intermediate gliders do, but even better.

Of course with the good characterists, there are some trade offs. Advanced gliders can be more challenging to launch, or too responsive for some pilots. And no matter what the literature says, advanced gliders are not as safe as intermediate and beginner gliders.

If you are ready for an advanced glider, you know it. If you're not sure, give us a call. We have experience flying all these gliders and we'll help you make the right decision.

Iceland

Chooising the right size wing is important because it ensures proper glider performance and safety. A glider that is too big will be prone to collapses in turbulent air. A wing that is too small means your take off run will be too long and your landings will be too fast.

Here are the factors that affect your wing size...

The primary factor in determining your wing size is your in flight weight. Manufacturer's list weight ranges. Total inflight weight includes...

Weight ranges indicate the certified weight range. This means the glider's flight characteristics were tested at these weights by certification organizations like DVH, AFNOR, and CEN. Typically, paramotor pilots should choose a wing that places them as close as possible to the upper end of the weight range.

It is best to be heavy on the wing for a responsive and safe wing. It is acceptable to be 15% over the top of the range for beginner gliders and 20% over the top for intermediate gliders. The intermediate gliders have more performance, enabling them to carry heavier loads.

In addition to weight, launch altitude also effects your weight range decision. If you live in Denver at 5000 feet, the air is thinner and your glider will have less lift than it has at sea level. It's best to be at or below the top of the weight range when flying at higher altitudes.

Climate can effect glider size. In windy climates, be heavier on the wing. In light wind climates, avoid being too far over the top.

If you are physically challenged due to age or previous injuries for example, stay below the top of the weight range. A lighter wing loading will give you slower launches and landings.

Finally, if you are launching primarily on wheels, stay above the top of the weight range. Because you are taking off and landing on wheels, higher landing and takeoff speeds are not an issue. At the higher wing loading, you'll enjoy additional responsiveness and safety.

With all these factors, choosing the right wing size can be complicated, especially when considering several glider models. Give Lite Touch a call. We help pilots choose the right size glider every single day.

Action GT

Reflex wings have been around since the beginning. But only recently have they become practical and easy to fly.

The advantages of reflex wings are that they are faster and more resistant to collapses at high speeds. On a traditional paraglider, the faster you fly, the higher the risk of a collapse in turbulent air. However the reflex wings actually get better at collapse resistance at higher speeds.

The disadvantage to the reflex wings is that they are more difficult to ground handle and steering is somewhat less responsive, especially at faster trim settings. Reflex wings are typically also more expensive.

Some beginners learn on reflex wings, for example the Revolution and the Speed Demon. Though these wings are safe, they will require a bit more effect to learn to launch. Once again, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, you will be rewarded.

If you’re considering a used wing, make sure it’s in good condition, it's the right size, and appropriate for your experience level.

Wings have limited lives. Sunlight, moisture, and abrasion degrade the wing material and lines. Older wings become porous or have improper line lengths due to shrinkage, issues, which are invisible to a casual inspection.

Buying a used wing at half price is a bit like paying half price for a gallon container of milk that is half empty. You really aren't saving any money in the long run. And with a paraglider, it's worse because you are buying the last half of the wing's life. So you'll be flying the worst half AND not saving any money. If a wing is in poor condition or worn out, it will be frustrating to launch and could be dangerous.

If you can afford it, buy a new wing. You'll get the latest technology, you'll start with a fresh new wing, and you won't have to guess about the wing's history.

If you do buy a used wing, it is best to buy from a reputable source like a powered paragliding school. Have the wing inspected. Most wing dealers can suggest a reputable location. Rising Air is an excellent facility. After you’ve purchased your wing, annual inspections will help insure performance and safety.

Paragliding without the paramotor, known as "flight flight" or simply "paragliding", is considered by many to be the icing on the cake. Which sport is better? That's a very personal question. The majority of pilots out there choose to do only one or the other.

Paramotor pilots typically shy away from paragliding because of the additional dangers, or because they don't live near areas that offer opportunities to paraglide. Many paraglider pilots find the idea of paramotoring distasteful because of the noise, and others see motoring as a betrayal of the purity of free flight. Pilots who are fortunate to enjoy both find they wouldn't want to have to choose between them.

The sports can also be combined by soaring with the paramotor shut off. Motor gliding is a more advance skill but very rewarding. It's even possible to search for free flight sites with the paramotor.

The age old question is, "Can I get one wing for both?" The answer is definitely yes. Any wing can be used for both. However, reflex wings are less desirable for free flight. There are other subtle factors to consider when optimizing your wing choice for free flight alone or combining free flight with paramotoring. Consult with us or your instructor.