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.
Aerodynamic Excellence and Innovative Design
This harness features a CFD-optimized tail shape with a minimal side air intake protected by a non-return valve, ensuring the rear fairing remains firmly inflated and crease-free across varied flight conditions. This design reduces drag and enhances glide performance, especially during prolonged accelerated flights, crucial for both leisure cross-country pilots and competitors.
Dual-Mode Seating for Personalized Flight Feel
One of the IMPRESS 4's standout features is the dual-mode seating concept, allowing pilots to fly with or without a seatboard without altering any settings. Using the seatboard results in a stiffer, sportier feel offering increased directional stability and sharper wing feedback. Conversely, flying without it provides a hammock-like, more relaxed experience. This adaptability lets pilots tailor the harness feel to their flying style or comfort preferences.
Advanced Protection and Ergonomic Support
Protection is paramount; the pilot is encased largely in SAS-TEC memory foam components integrated directly into the seat shell. Combined with a robust foam protector under the seat and additional back cushioning, the design prioritizes impact resistance and ergonomic support. The IMPRESS 4 meets EN/LTF certification standards up to 120 kg, ensuring safety without compromising comfort.
Compact Packability and Practical Flight Features
Despite its full fairing and extensive features, the IMPRESS 4 packs relatively compactly. A folding line along the back facilitates easy packing into conventional rucksacks, supported by the included 130-litre COMFORTPACK 3 rucksack designed specifically for the impress edition. Pilots benefit from practical storage options like a bilateral hip-level Anti-G chute pocket, a 5-litre under-seat ballast compartment, various small pockets, and a dedicated radio pocket to organize essentials efficiently during flight.
Optimized Speed System and Smart Cockpit
The two-loop speed system uses wide straps to promote comfortable and accurate foot placement, critical for extensive accelerated bar use. The harness's detachable instrument panel, dubbed the "smart cockpit," features ample space for multiple instruments, cable pass-throughs, and an external battery pocket. Its design enables easy access even with gloves and offers protection for instruments when not in use, aligning perfectly with modern cross-country flying demands.
Comfort-Driven Fit and Windshield Innovation
Available in three harness sizes (S, M, L), the IMPRESS 4 offers interchangeable speedbag sizes to accommodate pilots with varying body proportions, enhancing ergonomic fit and preserving aerodynamic efficiency. A unique windshield ahead of the pilot reduces windchill and ambient noise, directly contributing to reduced fatigue and enhanced endurance on long flights.
Safety Features and Robust Materials
For redundancy, there are two under-seat reserve parachute compartments separated by a partition, allowing pilots to install one or two reserves with customizable deployment sides. High-quality, load-bearing materials like 25 mm polyester webbing rated to approximately 800 daN and sturdy Cobra Safe-T buckles underlie the harness's structural integrity. The comprehensive package includes numerous premium accessories and features right out of the box, reducing the need for aftermarket additions.
Pilot Feedback and Build Quality Recognition
Experienced pilots and reviewers laud the IMPRESS 4 for its superior build quality, describing it as a craftsmanship "work of art." Test flights report exceptional comfort on long-duration flights, with reduced physical fatigue compared to other high-performance competition harnesses. The inflated tail fairing is praised for its swift and stable inflation, enhancing glide and handling. The adjustable seatboard feature is generally favored with pilots opting to fly primarily with it engaged, appreciating its sportier feel.
Flight Handling and Aerodynamics
The harness handles well with balanced in-flight feedback, offering a slightly less aggressive roll authority than pure race harnesses but delivering precise wing control. The aerodynamic tail fairing is estimated to improve glide ratio by roughly 0.5 to 1 point, a significant gain in cross-country performance. Additionally, pilots are impressed by the harness’s packability—it fits into standard-sized rucksacks, unlike many bulky race-oriented pods.
Practicality and Storage Considerations
The thoughtfully designed cockpit and storage compartments suit the needs of long-distance and competition pilots, though some have noted the ballast compartment under the seat as somewhat limited in size. Dual reserve compartments and anti-G chute pocket offer versatile and safety-focused configurations. The inclusion of a windshield also enhances practical comfort by mitigating wind noise and chill.
Minor Critiques and User Suggestions
Some pilots have pointed out that the pod closure magnet could be stronger to prevent accidental openings during movement. The lightweight pod material, while aiding comfort and packability, may require more careful handling during rough launches or when traversing rocky terrain. The supplied rucksack volume is compact but might feel tight for pilots wanting easier packing of additional gear like helmets or instruments. Lastly, ballast capacity may be a drawback for heavy ballast users seeking more space.
Who Should Choose the IMPRESS 4?
The IMPRESS 4 is clearly targeted at experienced cross-country and competition pilots who prioritize aerodynamic efficiency, comfort on extended flights, and versatile safety features. Its premium price reflects engineering excellence and thoughtful design rather than mere branding, making it a worthy investment for pilots committed to serious cross-country performance.
For more information, visit the manufacturer's website, and order your equipment with confidence through Paragliding.me.