Good video! On a personal mark, my gradient bright 3 lasted until 5 days ago( since 2006!!!) Flying in harsh costal conditions. I was the 3rd owner. And my brother uses an old airwave sport 2, tested it last year, still 800+ seconds and perfect tear result! So my next gradient, as heavy duty grade fabric as I can get
Lightweight wings actually can last longer than regular heavier paragliders due it is much much easier to lift and handle and as result light paragliders are less subject of dragging and handling on the ground than regular paragliders. You just drop light paraglider mushroom on the ground, lift it and fly avay with minimal struggling and significantly less abrasion and dragging. You don't even need to lay lightweight paraglider on the ground likewise you have to do with regular wings, lightweight wing can pop up without any proper laying, just from mushroom shape like it goes out of concertine with minimal or no wind. No dragging, no abrasion. Abrasion stress is the one of the most aging factors on paragliders, and lightweight wing just experience less of such stress.
I'm looking for a normal paragliders because lighter paragliders seem to inflate too easily in strong wind. Maybe the issue is not about durability but security. And if you are more in control on the ground, you might avoid some incidents with dragging and so on... and improve durability? I don't fly in the mountains, I need stronger wind to make the best of the sites, I might need a heavier wing. A different reasoning might imply in the mountains.
What about the risers & lines? Do the lightweight gliders also use lighter materials for lines? Hike & fly in the west often involves time spent in weeds and bushes, where unsheathed lines can be a nightmare.
Look for double coated light fabrics. Airdesign gliders has this fabric. UP Kangri has super fabric also. Light but durable. Advance light wings has shorter life like my 27gr p m2 oxa2
❤ had no idea thx Cisco
Thanks guys! Iv been thinking about a super lightweight set up for a long time... Maybe even single skin
Good video!
On a personal mark, my gradient bright 3 lasted until 5 days ago( since 2006!!!) Flying in harsh costal conditions. I was the 3rd owner. And my brother uses an old airwave sport 2, tested it last year, still 800+ seconds and perfect tear result!
So my next gradient, as heavy duty grade fabric as I can get
Great info, thank you!
Very informative! Thank you so much 🥰
Lightweight wings actually can last longer than regular heavier paragliders due it is much much easier to lift and handle and as result light paragliders are less subject of dragging and handling on the ground than regular paragliders. You just drop light paraglider mushroom on the ground, lift it and fly avay with minimal struggling and significantly less abrasion and dragging. You don't even need to lay lightweight paraglider on the ground likewise you have to do with regular wings, lightweight wing can pop up without any proper laying, just from mushroom shape like it goes out of concertine with minimal or no wind. No dragging, no abrasion. Abrasion stress is the one of the most aging factors on paragliders, and lightweight wing just experience less of such stress.
Illa Great Point! 👍🏼
I'm looking for a normal paragliders because lighter paragliders seem to inflate too easily in strong wind. Maybe the issue is not about durability but security. And if you are more in control on the ground, you might avoid some incidents with dragging and so on... and improve durability?
I don't fly in the mountains, I need stronger wind to make the best of the sites, I might need a heavier wing. A different reasoning might imply in the mountains.
Hey Chris
Great video!
What's your thoughts on buying a second hand ozone ultralite 3 19 as a first paraglider..?
What about the risers & lines? Do the lightweight gliders also use lighter materials for lines? Hike & fly in the west often involves time spent in weeds and bushes, where unsheathed lines can be a nightmare.
If you hike and fli on sides with maintained launch it should not be an issue.
Look for double coated light fabrics. Airdesign gliders has this fabric. UP Kangri has super fabric also. Light but durable. Advance light wings has shorter life like my 27gr p m2 oxa2
? I must treat my gliders really well
Chris is my Alpha 6 a lightweight glider?
No