The BGD Anda EN/LTF-A is a super-lightweight paraglider designed to meet the unique demands of hike-and-fly, travel, and high-mountain paragliding adventures, while still being accessible to cautious beginners as their first wing. Incorporating an impressive balance of low weight, compact packing volume, and broad certified weight ranges, the Anda addresses pilot needs ranging from security and ease of use to meaningful real-world performance.
Technically, the Anda offers five sizes (XS to L) that cover all-up pilot weights from 50 to 130 kg, including extended ranges up to 130 kg. The wing’s modest flat aspect ratio of 4.8 and 37 cells combine to ensure manageable handling characteristics, and a remarkably light overall weight below 3.5 kg even in the largest size. This featherweight construction substantially reduces the carry burden during long hikes or while traveling, promoting greater freedom and spontaneity in flight opportunities.
Performance is notable for an EN-A wing, with trim speeds around 38 km/h and top speeds near 50 km/h, delivering a strong glide ratio of about 9. This efficiency provides pilots with ample margin for landing options and decent climb capabilities in weaker thermals. The performance profile is tailored to suit mellow cross-country flights and easy soaring, rather than aggressive or high-speed flying, thus matching the safety-first ethos typical of this certification class.
BGD’s design philosophy for the Anda emphasizes a pragmatic, safety-oriented balance between lightness, durability, and pilot feedback. Rigorous in-house CFD and Parasim modeling optimize the profile and internal line layout, reducing drag and improving structural integrity with fewer, lighter lines. Durable yet lightweight materials such as double-coated Porcher Skytex 27 and reinforced central leading edge cells enhance longevity without adding unnecessary weight. The use of unsheathed Kevlar lines with water-repellent treatment boosts performance in challenging alpine conditions, although they require careful handling to avoid abrasion and tangles.
Pilot-centric features extend to the riser system with Kevlar webbing and Dyneema for lightweight handling, industry-standard snap-lock brake handles for safer ground control, and metal-free softlink connections offering flexibility and weight reduction. Crucially, the wing exhibits progressive stability with a sturdy center and softer tips, providing predictable feedback that helps pilots develop active flying skills safely. Launch characteristics are exemplary, with the wing rising evenly in light winds and resisting sudden overshoots, a distinct advantage on demanding mountainous take-offs.
Customer Feedback and Pilot Experience
User reviews for the BGD Anda consistently praise its exceptional launch ease, lightweight and compact form, and trustworthy EN-A behavior. Pilots appreciate the wing’s stability and gentle recovery from stalls, making it ideal for beginners and low-intermediate flyers looking for a reliable glide without overwhelming complexity. Hike-and-fly enthusiasts highlight the Anda’s small pack size and light weight, which transform long treks by reducing fatigue and allowing easy carriage alongside essential gear.
The Anda’s ability to operate across a broad weight range is another frequently mentioned asset. Pilots confirm that flying near the top of the extended weight range boosts speed and wind penetration, adding versatility for mountain descents or stronger wind conditions. However, in these settings, climb performance in weak thermals diminishes, and handling becomes notably more dynamic, which pilots consider an advantageous trade-off when fast descents take priority over thermal hunting.
Strengths
- Launch and Ground Handling: Smooth, clean inflation that is manageable under various wind conditions, lowering stress on technical launches.
- Weight and Packing: Ultra-lightweight design packs into very small volumes, capable of fitting into hand luggage and minimizing carry weight during hikes or travel.
- Safety and Predictability: Responsive yet gentle feedback with EN-A certified passive safety, suitable for newer pilots or flying in turbulent alpine air.
- Performance: Surprisingly efficient glide and speed range for the EN-A class, enabling early-morning and evening soaring as well as modest XC flights.
- Handling and Enjoyment: Light and precise brakes with a fun feel that support confident flying without sacrificing stability.
- Extended Weight Range: Flexibility to increase wing loading for faster, more dynamic handling to suit more experienced pilots or challenging conditions.
Limitations
- Durability Concerns: The lightweight materials and unsheathed lines necessitate careful handling and are less well-suited to the rigors of commercial training schools or abrasive launch sites.
- Performance Ceiling: While competitive within EN-A, the Anda trails higher-class EN-B and EN-C wings in glide and speed, limiting ambitious XC flying potential.
- Extended Range Considerations: Flying at top weight sacrifices some float and thermal climb rate, requiring pilot awareness and skill for active flying at this loading.
- Calmness for Experienced Pilots: Advanced pilots seeking sporty, highly dynamic wings may find the Anda too mellow and less responsive than miniwings or EN-B hike-and-fly models.
Who Should Choose the BGD Anda?
The Anda is well-suited for a variety of pilots focused on mobility, safety, and simplicity rather than extreme performance. Ideal users include:
- Hike-and-fly beginners who want a genuinely EN-A certified ultralight wing with forgiving behavior.
- Traveling pilots requiring a compact and versatile wing adaptable to multiple flying sites and conditions.
- More experienced pilots seeking a reliable, safe, and light second wing for mountain descents, bivouac trips, or relaxed soaring.
Conversely, it might not be the preferred choice for paragliding schools that demand robust, heavy-duty training wings or for competitive cross-country pilots prioritizing maximum speed and glide efficiency.
Conclusion
The BGD Anda EN/LTF-A paraglider stands out as a thoughtfully engineered, modern EN-A wing that masterfully balances ultralight construction, pilot-friendly handling, and practical performance. Its strengths in launch ease, low weight, and passive safety make it an excellent fit for pilots prioritizing mobility and risk mitigation. While certain trade-offs related to material durability and performance limits are inherent to this category, the Anda delivers consistent, safe flying experiences favored by both beginners and mountaineering enthusiasts alike.
For more detailed information, specifications, and purchasing options, visit the manufacturer's website and order your equipment conveniently through Paragliding4.me.