The ADVANCE PIBI Light Tandem Paraglider offers a unique proposition in the tandem paragliding world by blending lightweight portability with full tandem flying capabilities. Designed with the “PI philosophy” of minimizing weight and volume, the PIBI aims to serve pilots seeking a tandem wing that is much lighter and more compact than traditional commercial tandem gliders but without compromising safety, comfort, or handling quality.
Design and Technical Features
The PIBI is offered in a single size of 37.2 m² with EN/LTF B certification, suitable for a wide takeoff weight range of 100–180 kg. This flexibility accommodates many pilot-passenger combinations while maintaining an extremely portable profile with a glider weight of only 4.8 kg. Its moderate aspect ratio of 5.4 and 53 cells emphasize safety, comfort, and predictable handling over outright performance, making it approachable for tandem pilots with experience who desire a more lightweight setup.
The construction incorporates a clever mix of Skytex 27 and 32 fabrics to reduce weight yet retain durability where it matters most, such as on the leading edge. The unsheathed Edelrid A-8000U lines further reduce drag and weight but require meticulous maintenance and pre-flight inspection, indicating the PIBI is best suited for pilots familiar with lightweight equipment care rather than beginners.
Lightweight System Components
Beyond the canopy, the PIBI package includes several weight-optimized components that underline the comprehensive lightweight approach:
- Light spreaders with reserve connection (~180 g)
- Two FORAS carabiners (~102 g total)
- COMPRESSBAG Light (~150 g)
- Weight-optimized 3-level risers (~345 g) with softlinks and low-friction brake rings
The presence of trimmers with an 8 cm adjustment range is especially valuable in tandem flying, allowing pilots to fine-tune speed and pitch for different loadings and landing approaches.
Positioning and Pilot Profile
Positioned between heavy commercial tandems and ultra-minimal bivi wings, the ADVANCE PIBI is a “proper” tandem wing that feels agile and dynamic, similar to a solo EN-B wing. It is well-suited for hike-and-fly tandem pilots who prioritize portability without sacrificing the full tandem flying experience. However, it is not intended for first-day tandem pilots or heavy commercial school use, due to its lightweight fabrics and unsheathed line care requirements.
Customer and Pilot Feedback
Takeoff and Ground Handling
Pilot testing reveals the PIBI inflates easily and evenly, even in low wind conditions, with an inflation behavior reportedly easier than EN-A solo wings. Takeoff is smooth and responsive with good brake feedback, aiding in precise control during launch runs. However, the unsheathed, thin, and mostly same-colour lines can complicate untangling and pre-flight checks, requiring extra attention from the pilot.
Handling and Flight Characteristics
In the air, the PIBI exhibits a small, agile feel akin to solo wings in the EN-B class. However, when flown lightly loaded (around 130 kg all-up), brake travel is long, and handling feels somewhat vague and physically demanding during thermalling. It is recommended to fly the wing heavier—ideally above 150 kg—for more direct brake feedback and livelier handling. The trim system also offers a wide and usable speed range, enhancing the dynamic and fun flying experience suitable for mountain and hike-and-fly tandem pilots.
Safety and Certification
The PIBI holds EN/LTF B tandem certification and is approved for solo flights, ensuring a solid safety profile. The wing’s design focuses on safety and comfort rather than extreme performance, making it suitable for experienced tandem pilots who appreciate the trade-offs of a lightweight system. The need for careful line and fabric maintenance means it is not optimized for high-cycle commercial use.
Weight, Durability, and Trade-offs
Weighing just 4.8 kg, the PIBI is exceptionally light for its size, with a pack volume comparable to solo wings. This makes it highly attractive for pilots accessing remote or alpine launch sites on foot. However, the lightweight Skytex fabrics and unsheathed lines may wear faster under rugged commercial conditions. Extra care during pre-flight inspections and line untangling is necessary, which might not be ideal for rushed or novice tandem operations.
Review Landscape and Market Availability
Interestingly, formal customer reviews and ratings for the PIBI are scarce across major online retailers. Most available detailed insights stem from a French retailer’s pilot test report and manufacturer/dealer descriptions. While this limits broad user feedback, the qualitative data from experienced pilots consistently highlight the PIBI’s strengths in lightweight portability combined with capable tandem flying traits.
Summary and Recommendations
The ADVANCE PIBI Light Tandem Paraglider stands out as a full-size, safe, and certified tandem wing that dramatically reduces the traditional weight and bulk associated with tandem flying. Its key benefits and limitations are:
- Strengths: Exceptionally light and compact; easy inflation and takeoff; dynamic, solo-like handling when flown in the upper weight range; wide speed range with trims; tandem and solo certified.
- Considerations: Long brake travel and less precise feel when under-loaded; unsheathed lines require diligent pre-flight care; lighter fabrics may reduce lifespan under intensive use; limited user reviews currently available.
It is best suited for experienced tandem pilots focused on recreational mountain and hike-and-fly flying who value portability and flight quality over maximum ruggedness or commercial durability.
For more detailed information, visit the manufacturer's website and order your equipment securely through Paragliding.me.