The Concertina Bag Ultralight by NOVA is specifically engineered as a minimalist concertina packing solution designed to meet the exacting needs of paraglider pilots who prioritize ultralight gear and efficient packing. Weighing only 155 grams, this bag offers an exceptionally lightweight option to reduce carried weight during alpine or hike-and-fly adventures. The 260 cm length and 37 cm width dimensions cater well to the "regular" paraglider wing size when packed carefully in a concertina fold, preserving the structural integrity of the wing cells.
Design and Functionality
The defining feature of the Concertina Bag Ultralight is its accordion-style design, intended to allow the paraglider to be packed cell-by-cell rather than being stuffed in tightly. This method helps maintain the shape and condition of the leading edge, a crucial component for flight safety and performance. Integrated clips secure the cells during packing, streamlining the folding process and preventing twisting or undue compression of the wing's leading edge. The product reflects NOVA's focus on practical functionality and extreme weight savings, foregoing extraneous features like zippers, stiffeners, or heavy fabrics.
Compatibility and Suitability
This bag suits paraglider wings with a chord width up to approximately 3 meters, provided pilots fold the trailing edge inward prior to insertion. This sizing aligns well with many standard and lightweight wings in small to medium ranges. NOVA’s own example references the VORTEX M size fitting the Concertina Bag Ultralight perfectly at full length, offering users a practical benchmark for compatibility. Pilots with larger or wider chord wings might find this bag less suitable.
Weight and Packing Efficiency
With an ultra-reduced weight of just 155 g, the bag caters perfectly to alpinists and hike-and-fly pilots, where every gram carried counts. Its compact packing volume facilitates integration into small rucksacks and ultralight kits, enabling efficient transport without sacrificing the safety or condition of the wing.
Material and Durability Considerations
As is typical of ultralight paragliding accessories, the Concertina Bag Ultralight opts for less padding and simpler materials to save weight. While this minimalism suits careful handling and specialized uses, it might offer less abrasion protection compared to heavier, more robust concertina bags. Pilots who frequently handle their gear roughly or travel extensively are advised to consider this trade-off.
Customer Feedback and Market Position
Direct public customer reviews for the Concertina Bag Ultralight are scarce, limiting specific user feedback insights. However, related NOVA concertina bags such as the "Light" and "Mini" versions receive positive comments in paragliding communities for their ease of use, light weight, and fabric quality. Moreover, the wider market for ultralight concertina packing bags features high satisfaction ratings, with similar products like the TryFly Concertina Bag earning perfect scores and the Gin Yeti Compress Bag widely recommended for lightweight hike-and-fly applications.
From this market context, the NOVA Concertina Bag Ultralight is reasonably expected to deliver comparable benefits and user satisfaction in terms of weight savings, packing neatness, and protective qualities within the ultralight category.
Conclusion
The NOVA Concertina Bag Ultralight emerges as a specialized accessory for paraglider pilots seeking maximum weight reduction and efficient packing with sufficient wing protection through concertina-style folding. While it does lack heavier structural reinforcements and extensive organizational features, this is a deliberate trade-off for hikers and minimalists who prioritize lightweight gear without compromising the paraglider’s structural integrity.
Before purchasing, pilots should verify wing compatibility considering the chord dimension and consult with dealers or fellow pilots for practical sizing advice.
For more detailed information about this innovative product, be sure to visit the manufacturer's website. If you're ready to upgrade your packing system, you can order this equipment through Paragliding.me for trusted service.