Magic 2 Paraglider Review: Safe, Fun, and Progression-Friendly Wing
Discover the Magic 2 paraglider by BGD, a safe and fun EN-A wing designed for new and progressing pilots advancing into thermalling and XC flights.

Magic 2 Paraglider Review: Safe, Fun, and Progression-Friendly Wing

The Magic 2 paraglider, produced by Bruce Goldsmith Design (BGD), is a thoughtful blend of safety, performance, and usability tailored for new and progressing pilots seeking their first true flying wing beyond basic training. This EN/LTF-A certified wing, available in sizes from XS to L, is designed to offer maximum passive safety while also delivering satisfying handling qualities and respectable glide performance. The Magic 2 promises a reliable and enjoyable flying experience that grows with the pilot’s skills, making it a versatile choice for those advancing towards thermalling and beginner cross-country flights.

Design and Certification

Magic 2 holds the EN/LTF-A certification across all five sizes, ranging from 21 m² to 29 m² of flat surface, accommodating pilots weighing from 50 kg up to 125 kg. With a moderate flat aspect ratio of 4.9 and 38 cells, it clearly targets the beginner and early progression market segment but does so without compromising on aerodynamic efficiency. The glide ratio of approximately 9.1 to 9.5 and a usable speed range from about 37 km/h (trim speed) to 50 km/h provide pilots with enough performance to enjoy thermalling and initial attempts at cross-country flying.

Flight Characteristics and Safety Features

The paraglider’s key emphasis is on forgiving handling and ease of use. Launching is described as super easy, without tendencies to “hang back” or overshoot, which is especially reassuring for pilots still perfecting ground skills. The design carefully manages stall behavior through long, progressive brake travel and increasing brake pressure near the stall point, providing intuitive feedback to pilots and reducing the likelihood of accidental stalls. Importantly, spiral dive behavior has been engineered to ensure the wing self-exits spirals quickly, increasing safety for less experienced flyers.

Handling is intended to be stable and predictable rather than lively, decreasing pilot workload and making the wing friendly for learning and development. Yet it retains enough responsiveness and “beautiful handling” to keep flights engaging as skill improves.

Construction and Materials

BGD balances durability with lightweight design in the Magic 2. The wing’s top surface uses Porcher Skytex 38 g/m² fabric while the bottom employs Eazyfly 40 g/m², complemented by Skytex 40 g/m² hard finish for internal surfaces. Nose reinforcement comes via PA6.6 rods. The medium size weighs about 4.8 kg, a manageable weight that eases ground handling without making the wing fragile. The risers combine 20 mm Kevlar/nylon webbing for strength, and the lines are a performance- and durability-optimized mix from Liros, featuring sheathed lower lines for longevity and thinner unsheathed lines higher up to reduce drag.

Innovative Design Features

The Magic 2 benefits from BGD's Performance Project and simulation-driven design approach using Parasim CFD tools. Features such as the Chord Cut Billow (CCB) on the leading edge reduce excess ballooning material, thus stabilizing the profile and improving aerodynamic fidelity. Elliptical cell openings ease inflation and re-inflation after collapses, enhancing safety and handling. A high-tapered planform improves glide efficiency while “Progressive Stability” gives pilots a stable center with softer tips that help teach anticipation and control of small wingtip movements.

The line layout is streamlined for aerodynamic cleanliness with fewer lines overall, improving glide and reducing drag. Internal wing structure balances rigidity with weight savings through triple finger diagonals and optimized ribs. A dedicated “baby A-riser” simplifies big ears deployment, and the speed system is light and uncomplicated to maintain predictable bar response.

Who Should Choose the Magic 2?

The Magic 2 is more than a training wing – it is positioned as the natural progression from a school glider, suitable for pilots aiming to graduate to thermalling and cross-country flying while maintaining safety as the highest priority. Its performance and handling qualities allow pilots to enjoy soaring with confidence and develop their flying skills comprehensively on a single wing.

Package and Support

The complete Magic 2 package caters well to beginners’ expectations: the wing comes with a compression strap, riser bag, inner bag, rucksack, repair cloth, stickers, a small gift, and a manual card. Additionally, downloadable manuals, line plans, and certification documents for all sizes emphasize the thorough testing and mainstream nature of this wing.

Conclusion

In summary, the Magic 2 offers a robust, forgiving, and relatively lightweight EN-A paraglider that masters the balance between safety, progression potential, and enjoyable handling. It is an excellent choice for pilots stepping up from their initial training gliders and looking for a wing that supports their growth into confident thermalling and beginner cross-country flight. The thoughtful design, quality materials, and aerodynamic refinements ensure that the Magic 2 remains a loyal companion throughout a pilot’s early flying journey.

For more detailed information about the Magic 2 paraglider, visit the manufacturer's website. Ready to advance your paragliding experience? Order your equipment with Paragliding.me today.