The BGD Anda EN/LTF-A paraglider stands out as a super-light, beginner-to-intermediate wing crafted for hikers, travellers, and pilots embracing high-mountain or hike-and-fly adventures. Its focus on a very safe, versatile flying experience combines low weight and compact pack size with robustness suitable for diverse flying conditions.
Designed as the quintessential “take everywhere” glider, the Anda occupies the lightweight EN-A segment, blending beginner-friendly safety with adventure readiness. With five sizes spanning from XS to L, it supports a broad weight range of 50 to 130 kg, even extending certified EN-A limits. This flexibility lets pilots adapt between standard loading for steady thermalling and higher wing loading for quicker, more dynamic mountain descents, all while retaining the reassuring EN-A safety standard.
Technical and Design Highlights
The Anda’s technical specs underscore its intent: a moderate 4.8 aspect ratio and 37 cells promote a stable, easy-to-handle wing rather than one chasing extreme performance. Its 9:1 best glide ratio, trim speed of 38 km/h, and top speed approaching 50 km/h offer commendable capability for EN-A hike-and-fly wings, enabling pilots to safely manage challenging mountain launches and glide to distant landing zones. A minimum sink rate of about 1 m/s reflects solid thermalling aptitude within this class.
Weight savings are impressive—smallest sizes weigh under 3 kg, with the largest still only 3.54 kg, paired with small packing volume ideal for mountain backpacks and even airline hand luggage. This lightweight feature notably broadens opportunities for spontaneous flights in remote or travel contexts.
Material and Construction
BGD has balanced durability with weight reduction using proven materials like double-coated Porcher Skytex 27 fabric and targeted reinforcements in the leading edge. Internally, weight-optimized ribs and triple finger diagonals support shape retention while trimming excess mass. The use of unsheathed Kevlar Edelrid Pro Dry 8001 lines with hydrophobic treatment enhances performance and reduces water absorption, albeit demanding more careful handling from pilots. The riser system includes Kevlar webbing, Dyneema components, magnetic brake handles, and softlinks, combining lightness with functionality and pilot-friendly design.
Handling, Safety, and Pilot Feedback
The Anda employs BGD’s Parasim technology to ensure “Progressive Stability” with a stable central section combined with softer, communicative wingtip behavior for clear pilot feedback and passive safety. Pilots report excellent launch ease—even in light or tailed winds—the wing “floats” above the head with minimal effort. Brake action is intuitive with increased pressure near stall, reducing inadvertent spins or stalls. In standard loading, turns are easy, predictable, and efficient even in weak lift; extended loading allows faster, sharper handling suited to strong winds or descents but requires more pilot skill when thermalling.
Customer and Instructor Insights
- Launch and Handling: Universally praised for effortless inflation and forgiving launch characteristics across wind conditions.
- Weight and Portability: Highly valued for sub-3 kg small sizes and compact packing, facilitating easy hike-and-fly and travel use, including as airline cabin baggage.
- Safety: Certification across both standard and extended weight ranges as EN-A assures pilot confidence, simultaneously supporting both thermalling and dynamic mountain flying.
- Performance: Offering a surprisingly effective glide and climbing capability relative to its weight class, enabling modest cross-country flying and secure mountain flights.
Considerations and Limitations
As a lightweight EN-A wing, the Anda’s delicate materials demand attentive care to avoid accelerated wear, particularly from abrasive terrain or handling. Though EN-A certified across weight ranges, the higher wing loading range increases speed and sink, making thermalling more challenging. The Anda is not intended as a rugged, all-day school glider but rather as a personal high-mobility wing for pilots who value lightness and versatility. Pilots expecting advanced XC performance should look toward higher certified wings.
Ideal Users and Use Cases
The Anda best suits:
- New pilots who want a safe, lightweight wing for both initial flights and mountain hikes.
- Experienced pilots seeking a reliable, light travel or backup wing with strong passive safety.
- Hike-and-fly enthusiasts prioritizing compactness and ease of launch without sacrificing safety.
Summary
The BGD Anda EN/LTF-A paraglider adeptly blends very low weight and volume with high safety and solid performance for its category. It shines in ease of launch, packability, and flexible operation across weight ranges. While requiring mindful handling and not built for intense pilot training abuse, it fills a valuable niche for pilots integrating flying with hiking and travel adventures.
For more information, visit the manufacturer's website. To order your BGD Anda equipment, explore options at Paragliding4.me.