The Lite Biplace is a lightweight round rescue parachute designed specifically for tandem paragliding by ICARO. It adapts the proven technology and materials from ICARO's single "lite" reserve parachutes into a tandem (biplace) configuration, supporting a maximum certified load of 220 kg. This model prioritizes maintaining stable flight and low sink rates through a large canopy area of 66 m² made up of 36 cells, without sacrificing weight or safety. It features a round, head-central-line design with a drawn-in vertex, where use of high-quality lightweight materials allows the preservation of canopy surface without the need to reduce size to save weight.
This reserve parachute stands out for its easy handling during packing and deployment, rapid opening times, and high descent stability with a sink rate under 6.5 m/s at the maximum load, meeting stringent EN 12491 certification standards. Weighing just 2.9 kg including its container, it also boasts a compact pack volume (27 × 27 × 20 cm), which is relatively small for a tandem reserve. These attributes especially appeal to tandem pilots who desire a light, reliable rescue system without compromising safety for their flights.
Product Identity and Market Context
The Lite Biplace or sometimes called "Light Biplace" is marketed as a dedicated lightweight tandem reserve parachute by ICARO, a reputable manufacturer in paragliding equipment. It is targeted mainly at professional tandem pilots and enthusiasts who value light equipment to reduce carry weight during hike-and-fly or commercial tandem operations. The product fits into a niche where other "light tandem" gear such as BGD Dual Lite wings also compete, with pilot discussions about "biplace light" equipment providing insight into user expectations and real-world use benefits.
Manufacturer Insights and Key Features
While public, direct customer reviews for the Lite Biplace reserve parachute are currently absent on major paragliding retail or forum sites, the manufacturer and vendors consistently emphasize several main selling points:
- Low Weight and Compactness: At 2.9 kg with container and a small pack size, it reduces pilot load without compromising performance.
- Ease of Packing and Deployment: Designed for straightforward packing and reliable, quick deployment in emergencies.
- Fast Opening and Stable Descent: Offers rapid canopy inflation and stable descent with a sink rate below 6.5 m/s at max load, enhancing pilot confidence.
- Conservation of Canopy Surface Area: Uses lightweight materials to maintain full canopy area (66 m²) for improved stability and low sink rate, unlike some competitors that reduce size to save weight.
User Experience and Indirect Feedback
Although no direct published testimonials for Lite Biplace reserve exist, insights derived from pilot communities suggest positive reception of lightweight tandem gear overall. For example, forums report that light tandem wings like the BGD Dual Lite offer easier inflation and manageable handling in various wind conditions, boost pilot endurance by reducing carried weight, and maintain predictable takeoff and landing behaviors. These benefits likely translate indirectly to pilot appreciation of similarly lightweight tandem reserve parachutes, as the operational priorities in tandem flying demand reliability and manageable equipment weight.
Evaluation and Considerations
Given the available data, pilots considering the Lite Biplace reserve can expect a modern tandem rescue parachute that aligns with current safety standards and offers significant weight and size advantages. The absence of adverse reports or warnings from retailers indicates a lack of serious issues in operational use among flying professionals, reinforcing trust in the system’s build quality and manufacturer reputation.
However, it is important to note that there are no publicly documented actual deployments or extensive user feedback detailing real-life emergency performance. Rescue parachute deployment is a rare and last-resort maneuver, making widespread practical review challenging. Therefore, before adopting this model, consulting with local tandem instructors, commercial tandem pilots, or experienced packers familiar with the Lite Biplace is recommended to gain personal insights on repacking, handling, and confidence in the product.
Summary
In summary, the ICARO Lite Biplace offers a cutting-edge, lightweight tandem reserve parachute option combining low weight, compact packing, rapid and stable deployment, and full canopy area preservation. While direct customer reviews are not yet available, the technical specifications and positive parallels with other light tandem gear create a compelling case for its reliability and pilot benefits. Tandem pilots looking to minimize carried weight without compromising safety will find the Lite Biplace an attractive rescue system choice.
For more detailed information and technical specifications, visit the manufacturer's website. To order the Lite Biplace or other paragliding equipment, you can visit Paragliding.me.