The “Reserve” accessories from Advance are a specialised set of high-quality components designed to support the installation, packing, and deployment of paraglider reserve parachutes, critically enhancing safety in emergency situations. These accessories include various inner containers, covers, containers, rubber bands, and stainless steel carabiners tailored primarily for the COMPANION SQR series reserves and compatible harness integration.
Each product serves a crucial role: the Inner container with handle acts as a deployment bag integrated with an ergonomic handle making reserve extraction intuitive and reliable. The Inner container SQR, optimized for the COMPANION SQR reserves, facilitates correct folding and deployment, with clear packing guides to reduce errors, especially for those transitioning from classic round pods. The Neoprene Cover V-line protects the vital V-line bridle from abrasion and UV damage, neatly managing line tidiness without hindering inspection when properly installed.
Among these, the Frontcontainer ZIP light is the best-documented and most praised accessory. Lightweight at around 116–120 grams and designed with distinct ergonomic features such as neoprene closure flaps, a compressible zippered design, and a bright, easily accessible reserve handle, it is highly suitable for pilots using lightweight or strapless harnesses. Its integrated Velcro patch for mounting instruments further adds to its appeal. Despite a lack of extensive direct customer reviews typical for such life-safety gear, feedback aggregated from specialist shops and pilot forums suggests strong satisfaction with its design and function within its niche. The main noted limitations relate to its volume compatibility and unsuitability for steerable reserves, which are clearly outlined by the manufacturer.
Rubber Bands SQR for 50 packings are seen as a practical consumable for securing lines within the inner container, appreciated for their quality consistency and the manufacturer’s packing cycle recommendations, a meaningful safety practice. The Carabiner Inox versions—square and oval—are both robust stainless-steel connectors praised for corrosion resistance and strength. Square carabiners offer twisting resistance and a cleaner load path, preferred in specific rigging scenarios, while oval carabiners provide versatile, familiar integration with mixed harness systems. The primary trade-off for these stainless options is weight compared to aluminium alternatives, but durability and strength for reserve deployment are valued more highly by most users.
Overall, the Advance Reserve accessories are viewed as a cohesive system of trusted, well-engineered, and safety-focused components. While formal star-rated reviews are scarce due to the specialised nature and safety-critical application of the products, insight from riggers, packers, pilot forums, and dealer descriptions highlight meticulous construction, thoughtful design integration, and user-centric ergonomic features that support correct packing and reliable deployment. No significant reports of safety issues or product failures have surfaced publicly, with critiques largely focusing on compatibility nuances and typical material trade-offs.
For pilots and paragliding technicians invested in using or maintaining COMPANION SQR reserve systems, these accessories represent essential, dependable infrastructure rather than optional add-ons, contributing positively to safety culture and operational confidence. If you want to delve deeper into any specific product or explore ordering options, visit the manufacturer's website and find quality paraglider reserve equipment easily orderable through Paragliding.me.