The Loxia² by ICARO Paragliders is a tandem pilot harness designed specifically for professional and frequent use in commercial tandem paragliding operations. It builds on the original Loxia model, optimizing compatibility with the Batis² passenger harness and the Parus² tandem paraglider, making it an integrated part of a complete tandem system tailored for durability, practicality, and comfort.
This harness features a hybrid geometry combining leg loops with a seat board, which evenly distributes the pilot’s weight while allowing significant freedom of movement. This design enhances natural mobility during critical phases like take-off and landing and facilitates an easy transition from running to a stable seated position. Additionally, its upright seating geometry provides an improved field of view essential for safety awareness and effective passenger supervision.
Comfort and Ergonomics
A key strength of the Loxia² is its focus on comfort, suitable for long flights and extended daily use by tandem pilots within a height range of 160 to 195 cm. The leg loop and seat board combination together with a carefully calibrated suspension height of 37 cm supports a secure yet comfortable seated posture. The 41 x 22 cm seat board and foam padding provide an effective balance between tactile feedback from the wing and passive safety, minimizing fatigue during multiple successive flights.
Safety Features and Durability
Safety is paramount in the Loxia²’s design, evident in its integrated reserve parachute container embedded within the harness body, offering protection from dirt, moisture, and mechanical wear while maintaining easy accessibility. The harness's underside is equipped with a replaceable protective film that protects against abrasion during frequent landings on rough terrain, a thoughtful feature for commercial applications where the harness often endures hard wear. Foam protection for impact mitigation is standard, and the harness conforms to certification under EAPR-GZ-0050.
Operational Practicality for Commercial Use
The harness is adapted with tandem pilots’ operational needs in mind, including a standard selfie-stick holder to facilitate in-flight flight documentation and a spacious, ergonomic radio pocket embedded in the shoulder strap for accessible communication equipment storage. The reserve parachute release handle is configurable on either side of the harness, accommodating individual pilot preferences or operational protocols.
Weight and Certification
Weighing approximately 3.5 kg and rated for a maximum takeoff weight of 120 kg, the Loxia² requires a routine check every 24 months, consistent with its professional-grade certification, underscoring its reliability for intensive commercial tandem use.
Customer and Professional Feedback
Customer reviews and expert insights generally position the Loxia² as a dependable and practical harness tailored for professional tandem pilots. It is praised for its comfort during long, repetitive flights and practical features designed to facilitate commercial operations. Users appreciate its robustness and daily usability more than luxury appeal, highlighting that the harness is engineered first and foremost for functionality and efficiency in real-world professional settings. The integration with ICARO’s own tandem glider and passenger harness adds to its appeal for schools and commercial operators managing complete, standardized tandem setups.
Considerations and Limitations
Given its design focus on professional tandem pilots, the Loxia² may be less suited for recreational solo pilots, potentially representing over-specification for that demographic. Personal, long-term independent user reviews remain comparatively limited, suggesting that prospective buyers should ideally undertake test flights or rentals prior to investing. Minor practical issues with adjustment ranges or harness feel during prolonged land carries may emerge as more pilots accumulate hands-on experience.
Conclusion
Overall, the Loxia² stands out as a robust, safety-conscious, and comfort-oriented tandem pilot harness optimized for commercial and professional tandem use. Its thoughtful combination of ergonomic design, safety features, and operational details make it well-suited for professional tandem pilots conducting frequent flights. The harness’s durable construction and convenient work-related features reinforce its role as a reliable everyday tool for the demanding tandem flying environment.
For more detailed specifications and purchasing information, visit the manufacturer's website. You can also conveniently order this equipment through Paragliding.me.