The ICARO Paragliders Square 115 is an emergency reserve parachute specifically designed for paraglider pilots seeking a balance of safety, lightness, and compact packing. With its square-shaped canopy and advanced engineering, it claims to offer enhanced in-flight stability and reliable deployment, appealing especially to cross-country and hike-and-fly enthusiasts. This review article provides a detailed analytical overview based on manufacturer data and the general context of similar products, noting the current lack of user reviews for this exact model.
Design and Key Specifications
The Square 115 features a 36.2 m² projected canopy area made from high-grade UTT parachute fabric and equipped with premium Liros lines, making the total weight including container just 1.3 kg. Its square planform is enhanced by corner air slots intended to improve pendulum stability, meaning the paraglider experiences less lateral swinging when suspended under canopy compared to traditional round or oblong reserves. This increased stability directly translates to reduced impact forces at landing and improved control of body position, critical for pilot safety.
Functionally, the manufacturer claims a slower sink rate compared to oblong-shaped reserves. Certified for a maximum pilot load of 115 kg, the Square 115 achieves a sink rate of approximately 5.46 m/s in accordance with EN 12491:2015 and German LTF regulations, which is within acceptable norms but still requires pilots to be proficient in proper landing techniques like the Parachute Landing Fall (PLF).
The inner container design contributes to safety by facilitating clean and sequential line deployment, a critical feature for ensuring fast and reliable parachute opening in emergencies. The compact packing dimensions of 24 × 24 × 10 cm suit modern harness rescue compartments without excessive compression, thus preserving consistent deployment characteristics over time.
Certification and Market Position
The Square 115 has undergone rigorous certification processes by Air Turquoise, including EN 12491 and LTF standards, providing pilots confidence in its tested stability, sink rate, and opening times. It sits at a mid-to-upper price point of around 711 EUR, reflecting its use of premium materials and contemporary cross-reserve design features.
Insights from Broader Context and Indirect Sources
Currently, there are no published customer reviews or direct user feedback specific to the ICARO Square 115 model. Retailers list it with zero reviews, mirroring the situation for similar ICARO cross reserves. Thus, understanding pilot perceptions relies on inferences drawn from reviews of other square or cross-canopy reserves and related ICARO products, such as the lighter Square Light version.
Presumed Advantages
- Pendulum Stability: Square designs with corner vents are reputed to offer less swing and more vertical descents, increasing pilot confidence and safety—especially in turbulent or close-to-terrain conditions.
- Rapid and Reliable Opening: The line management pockets in the inner container, a hallmark in cross-canopy designs, suggest fast deployment. This feature is often well-reviewed in analogous products though not yet proven for this exact model.
- Weight and Volume Efficiency: At 1.3 kg, the Square 115 is lighter and more compact than many classic round reserves with comparable load ratings, benefitting hike-and-fly pilots who value every gram and centimetre.
- Brand and Certification Trust: ICARO is established and trusted, and the rigorous testing by Air Turquoise adds a layer of assurance for quality and safety.
Potential Limitations
- Weight Not Ultra-Light: While lighter than older generation reserves, the Square 115 is heavier than some modern ultra-light cross reserves like the ICARO Square Light or U-Turn Backup X.
- Non-Steerable Design: The parachute is not steerable, which can be a drawback for pilots who prefer rogallo-type directional reserves for potential terrain avoidance.
- Lack of Deployment Reports: The absence of user deployment stories or post-emergency reviews means there is uncertainty about real-world performance nuances.
What Remains Unknown
Without authentic user reviews or deployment feedback, aspects such as real-world opening times, packing ease, deployment reliability in emergencies, or subjective impressions like fabric feel and build quality remain unverified. There is no current data on malfunction rates or long-term durability specific to the Square 115.
Practical Guidance for Potential Buyers
Choosing the Square 115 should consider the pilot's total flying weight against the 115 kg certification, the harness container size compatibility, and individual preference for square cross-canopy design versus other reserve types. Given the lack of direct reviews, consulting local SIV instructors, riggers, or safety trainers familiar with ICARO reserves can provide invaluable insights and hands-on advice.
For more detailed information, specifications, and ordering options, visit the manufacturer's website, and secure your equipment conveniently through Paragliding4.me.
Summary
The ICARO Square 115 represents a modern, safety-focused, square cross rescue parachute with certified performance, high pendulum stability, and reasonable sink rate, designed to suit solo pilots up to 115 kg. It fills a niche for pilots seeking a compromise of compactness, reliability, and brand confidence. However, the current absence of user reviews means decisions should weigh certification data and expert advice heavily, and consider alternative newer models if ultra-light weight or steerability is a priority.