Skyward Chronicles: Latest Reviews in Paragliding Gear

The ICARO Pro-Handle is an innovative steering handle system designed specifically for paragliding pilots seeking to enhance comfort and control during flight. This combination of a soft neoprene “pillow” grip with a solid aluminium stick mounting aims to alleviate hand fatigue and increase steering precision, making it especially beneficial for longer, intensive flights.

Echo 2 Paraglider by BGD: Lightweight Versatility for Safe and Enjoyable Flight

The Echo 2 is BGD’s lightweight EN/LTF-B certified paraglider designed as a light version of the Epic 2, offering the same safety level and handling focus but with reduced weight and pack volume. Spanning sizes XS to L with flat surface areas of 21 to 29 m², this wing caters to a broad spectrum of pilots—from new low-B category flyers to experienced cross-country and hike-and-fly enthusiasts seeking a single, versatile wing for local flight, XC, travel, and vol-biv adventures.

The PRION 6 – Escape the ordinary is an EN/LTF A certified beginner and school paraglider designed specifically for new pilots and flight schools. It aims to be a first wing that is highly forgiving yet offers above-average performance for its class. This 3-liner wing features 35 cells, a flat aspect ratio of 4.9, and is produced in sizes from XXS to L, accommodating take-off weights between 55 and 130 kg depending on size. Its design priorities are very high passive safety, ease of handling throughout all flight phases—including preparation, launch, flight, landing, and packing—and enough capability for initial thermalling and cross-country (XC) style flights.

The IMPRESS 4 by Advance stands out as a high-end, fully equipped cross-country paragliding harness designed to merge top-tier aerodynamic performance, pilot protection, and comfort. Remarkably, its aerodynamically optimized rear fairing fits compactly into a standard paraglider rucksack, an rare feature in this performance category.

The NOVA MENTOR 7 Light – Hybrid 2.5-liner is a sophisticated cross-country (XC) paraglider designed for experienced EN/LTF B class pilots who seek a blend of high performance and manageable handling. Combining innovative hybrid line technology with lightweight materials, this wing pushes the envelope in the EN-B category with a 66-cell wing structure, a moderate aspect ratio of 5.5, and a notably low weight starting at just 3.65 kg for the XXS size. Its design prioritizes “actually usable performance,” offering XC pilots a capable machine that excels especially at speed while remaining accessible to competent B-class pilots.

The UP Makalu 5 is a thoughtfully designed low-end EN/LTF B paraglider that bridges the gap for pilots moving up from beginner A-class wings, offering a safe yet sporty option for everyday flying and cross-country (XC) adventures. It enhances its predecessor, the Makalu 4, by delivering improved glide and a higher top speed while maintaining easy and reassuring handling characteristics throughout all flight phases, from takeoff to thermalling and accelerated flight. This performance balance makes the makalu 5 an excellent choice for progressing pilots, occasional flyers, and safety-conscious XC enthusiasts.

Introduction to the Icaro Pica²

The Icaro Pica² is a new EN-A class paraglider designed by ICARO specifically for beginner pilots and training schools. It is the successor to the original PICA, offering several improvements geared towards safety, ease of use, and confidence-building. Its design combines a lightweight, durable construction with enhanced take-off behavior and high passive stability, making it suitable not only for training but also for early cross-country (XC) and recreational flying.

The DOUBLESKIN 2 Ultra-light utility paraglider by NOVA represents a thoughtful evolution in the realm of lightweight mountain wings. Crafted for pilots who demand versatility, compactness, and ease of use, this EN/LTF A certified 3-liner offers notable improvements over its predecessor, catering especially to hike & fly aficionados, mountain travelers, and beginner pilots seeking reliability and safety.