Skyward Chronicles: Latest Reviews in Paragliding Gear

The AIX³ from Icaro Paragliders stands out as a robust, compact all-round harness designed with beginners and leisure pilots in mind. Its design emphasizes an upright, seated flying position rather than the more reclined pod-style harnesses, catering to pilots who value comfort and support in that posture. The latest generation notably trims weight compared to its predecessor while maintaining durable and resilient construction, making it a preferred choice for repeated training hill use, paragliding schools, and for casual recreational flights.

The Buteo XC stands as an innovative EN-B certified cross-country paraglider from Icaro, designed to bridge the gap between mid-range safety and high-performance flying typically offered by EN-C and EN-D class wings. Developed over two years based on the Gravis architecture, it targets ambitious pilots seeking extended cross-country distances without exposing themselves to the elevated risk profiles of classic high-end wings. This analytical review delves into the technical design, flight characteristics, user feedback, and market positioning of the Buteo XC.

Tandem spreaders serve as essential accessories for tandem paragliders, creating the correct spacing and attachment geometry between pilot and passenger. In broader agricultural contexts, tandem spreaders predominantly refer to tandem-axle manure and fertiliser spreaders used in farming operations for distributing horse, cattle, sheep, and pig manure, pen-pack bedding, compost, and various fertilisers. Their design prioritizes stability, durability, and versatility in handling heavy loads across diverse terrains.

The “Reserve” accessories from Advance are a specialised set of high-quality components designed to support the installation, packing, and deployment of paraglider reserve parachutes, critically enhancing safety in emergency situations. These accessories include various inner containers, covers, containers, rubber bands, and stainless steel carabiners tailored primarily for the COMPANION SQR series reserves and compatible harness integration.

The Gravis² paraglider by ICARO is positioned as the “heart of the B-class,” designed to blend above-average performance with high passive safety and user-friendliness. It caters to a broad range of pilots, from hike-and-fly enthusiasts seeking lightweight gear to newcomers to cross-country (XC) flying and experienced pilots preferring mid-B safety without major performance trade-offs. Additionally, it appeals to flatland pilots as an all-rounder and is paramotor-certified in select sizes.

The NOVA ION 7 is an EN/LTF B certified intermediate paraglider that boasts versatility, safety, and performance for a wide range of pilots. Designed using NOVA's advanced simulation-driven software, this three-line wing offers a synthesis of solid construction, aerodynamic innovation, and user-friendly features that make it both trustworthy for newcomers and capable for progressing pilots.

The PROGRESS 3 paraglider harness by Advance presents itself as a versatile, compact, and reversible harness-rucksack tailored to meet the diverse demands of paragliding pilots. It caters especially to those seeking a single, multi-functional system that comfortably supports travel flying, thermalling, short hike-and-fly tours, freestyle maneuvers, and training, all without the need for changing equipment. This innovative design blends full protection and comfort with notably low weight and minimal pack volume.

The Icaro Pandion is a thoughtfully designed basic to intermediate EN-B paraglider, aimed at pilots transitioning from school wings or entering B-class flying. It is positioned as a dependable “climber” with a completely new concept focused on delivering rich yet comfortable flying sensations with current technology. Targeted at thermal enthusiasts and leisure flyers, it offers easy and intuitive handling combined with strong passive safety and reliable performance, ideal for learning, thermalling, and first cross-country flights.