The BGD Adam 2 EN/LTF-A paraglider is designed as a modern, beginner-friendly and school-oriented wing that guides pilots safely from their first flights through early cross-country flying stages. It is a successor to the initial Adam model, refined to enhance safety, comfort, and ease of use while retaining the forgiving, user-friendly nature essential for novice pilots.
This paraglider comes in five different sizes to accommodate a broad range of pilot weights, from 50 kg (XS) to 125 kg (L), featuring a flat wing area spanning 21 to 29 m². Its aspect ratio of 4.8 and 36 cells position it conservatively in the EN-A category, offering sufficient span and structure so it feels more like a genuine wing than a mere training canopy. Typical performance includes a trim speed around 37 km/h, a top speed near 48 km/h, minimum sink rates close to 1 m/s, and a best glide ratio of about 8.5, making it suitable for basic thermalling and modest cross-country flights under favorable conditions.
Design Philosophy and Flight Characteristics
The Adam 2 emphasizes simplicity and clarity in its design to support beginner pilots. Features such as fully sheathed, color-coded lines and ergonomic, color-marked risers facilitate easy recognition and handling—particularly vital for training scenarios. Launch and ground-handling are standout strengths, with smooth inflation and stable pitch, roll, and yaw characteristics that prevent abrupt overshooting or wing dropbacks. Its long brake travel, combined with progressive stall feedback, greatly assists students in maintaining control without inadvertently stalling the wing, notably enhancing safety during low-speed maneuvers and landing approaches.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount in the Adam 2’s design. Independent pilot feedback and manufacturer testing consistently praise its passive safety, especially its solid and confidence-inspiring flight behavior for low experience-level pilots. The wing demonstrates excellent spiral stability with no tendency to lock into dangerous spins, a critical advantage for training wings. Progressive Stability technology ensures the center of the wing remains resistant to deformation while the softer tips provide subtle feedback, allowing pilots to sense air movements without encountering aggressive wing reactions.
Handling and Pilot Feedback
The wing’s handling balances safety with “fun BGD style” responsiveness. Pilots note predictable, progressive turns that encourage learning proper roll control and basic thermalling techniques without overwhelming new flyers. The brake system’s design includes a clear stall point that builds progressively, reducing accidental stalls. This control precision extends to accuracy and spot-landing disciplines as well, where pilots benefit from the wing’s responsiveness at low speeds and during flares.
Technical Design and Durability
Developed with advanced aerodynamic modeling tools like BGD’s Parasim CFD software, the Adam 2 features innovations such as Chord Cut Billow (CCB) to limit leading-edge ballooning and wrinkles, and elliptical cell openings to improve internal pressure and inflation ease. The CAD-optimized line layout further reduces drag while maintaining robust structural integrity.
Material selection favors durability critical to the school environment: Dominico D30 and Porcher Skytex fabrics are used in top and bottom surfaces and internal structures for proven robustness. Liros PPSL and DSL lines augment strength and longevity. Despite the durable build, weight savings have been achieved compared to the original Adam model, improving launch handling and transport convenience.
Motorized Version: Adam 2 Motor
The Adam 2 is also adapted for motorized flight as the Adam 2 Motor, designed to withstand the rigors of repeated powered launches and rough handling associated with paramotoring training. Users appreciate its roll-stable, low-stress platform and the ability to seamlessly transition between free flight and powered flight without changing equipment.
Visual Style and Instructor Benefits
BGD retains its bright, multi-colored aesthetic for the Adam 2, with distinctive colorways like Amber, Quartz, and Diamond. The new colored undersurfaces improve visibility from below, aiding instructors in tracking individual students during crowded training sessions—an important safety and operational advantage in school environments.
Performance Limitations and Target Audience
As an EN-A wing, the Adam 2’s performance is modest, offering sufficient speed and glide for entry-level cross-country flights but not competitive with higher-category gliders. It is ideal for pilots prioritizing safety, comfort, and predictability over top-end speed or advanced maneuverability. This makes it particularly well-suited for schools, first solo pilots, and accuracy competitors at the beginner level. Pilots aiming for fast progression in cross-country soaring or acro will likely outgrow it and consider upgrading to EN-B wings later.
Summary of Customer and Pilot Feedback
- Safety and Passive Behavior: Highly praised for solid, reassuring flight characteristics, especially in spiral and stall behavior.
- Launch and Ground-Handling: Easy inflation and takeoff with intuitive, color-coded line and riser organization highly valued by instructors.
- Brake and Handling Feel: Progressive, forgiving brake travel; fun yet safe handling that teaches good flying habits.
- Comfort and Feedback: Wing is informative but not nervous, helping new pilots develop active flying skills without overload.
- Durability and Build Quality: Robust materials and construction withstand heavy school training use, including paramotor applications.
- Performance: Suitable for modest XC and accuracy training but not aimed at high-speed or acro pilots.
- Visual Identification: Colorful, distinctive design aids instructor oversight during training.
While the Adam 2 has relatively few classic star-rating reviews online so far, qualitative feedback from schools, retailers, and pilots is consistently positive with no recurring design complaints. It is positioned as a highly reliable, easy-to-fly, and durable school wing that meets the needs of its target audience effectively.
For pilots and instructors seeking maximum passive safety, intuitive handling, and proven durability in a beginner-friendly EN-A paraglider, the BGD Adam 2 stands out as an excellent choice. Those interested in exploring the full details or ordering equipment can visit the manufacturer's website, and arrange their purchase conveniently through Paragliding4.me.