For a paragliding flight either in free flight or with an instructor in tandem, there are different types of gliders used by paragliders. Among all those available, there are the so-called Light gliders.
Light paragliders are gliders that are characterized by being lighter than standard gliders. To achieve this, paragliding manufacturers have identified key factors to differentiate between Light gliders and the standard gliders used for flying.
The first factor is the quality of the materials used. By quality, we do not mean good or bad craftsmanship, but rather the weight of the fabric, the diameter of the lines, whether they are sheathed or not. Standard gliders are generally made with Ripstop fabric weighing about 40 grams per square meter, but Light gliders can be made with lighter fabrics weighing as little as 27 grams per square meter. Another main factor involves the lines of the glider, which are generally thinner and less sheathed than those of standard paragliders. Finally, other parts of the glider, such as the risers, may use lighter materials like Dyneema, or webbing that is 12mm wide instead of 20/25mm, or quick links connecting the risers to the lines, which may also be made of Dyneema instead of metal.
The second point optimized by paraglider manufacturers concerns the construction of the glider. Designers of Light paragliders have done everything possible to optimize the ribs, reduce the surface area of the glider without compromising its behavior or performance. The goal is that every square meter of fabric saved translates to weight savings. Additionally, manufacturers can also optimize the line plan to achieve the desired result while minimizing the number of lines used.
One might wonder why Light gliders have several subcategories. This might seem inconsistent, yet there are real differences.
Light gliders often correspond to constructions equivalent to standard gliders or slightly optimized in their construction. The goal of these gliders is often to have performance equivalent or close to that of standard gliders. This is achieved through a mix of light and standard fabrics. For the lines, manufacturers tend to use a mix of sheathed and unsheathed lines. The risers will also be thinner than those on standard gliders.
Ultra-light paragliders are designed for hiking and flying enthusiasts and mountaineers who wish to descend by flying from the summits they have just climbed. However, these gliders are not excluded from more traditional flight practices with moderate travel. It's simply not their primary purpose. These paragliders are clearly designed to be the most optimized in both design and materials. Thus, it is easy to achieve gliders weighing less than 3 kilograms.
Beginner pilots will find happiness with these gliders, as there is often a wide range of sizes available to provide a glider behavior suitable for beginners to fly safely. Thus, it will be quite easy for beginner paragliders to fly over all types of sites such as mountains, lakes, etc., and feel comfortable in the air. With various paragliding courses and improvement, it will be possible to switch to smaller gliders. For more experienced pilots, these gliders are also often available in very small sizes, to obtain a fun and dynamic "Swiss Army knife" glider that can be used in different aerological and weather conditions, providing thrilling sensations during flights.
Currently, single-surface paragliders are the best in terms of weight and volume compromise. These gliders are built without an intrados, meaning a significant reduction in fabric compared to a standard double-surface light glider! Thus, it is easy to achieve gliders weighing less than 2 kilograms, even less than one kilogram for the lightest glider ever created. However, the behavior of these gliders in flight and their performance are lower than those of standard gliders. This makes them an ideal tool for hike and fly, as inflating these gliders is extremely easy and often doesn't even require running. Inflation then becomes a simple task for the paraglider! The advantage of having such a glider on a short and rugged takeoff located at the top of a mountain is easy to imagine. However, the main drawback of these gliders is their penetration against the wind. Indeed, this is a typical behavior of almost all single-surface gliders. In headwind conditions, piloting will be slightly more technical as these gliders tend to descend quite quickly. It is therefore necessary to anticipate this before or during the flight to ensure enough glide to reach the landing area.
Light gliders are a popular choice for paragliding enthusiasts looking to explore new terrain and fly longer. At Air et Aventure, we offer a wide selection of light gliders at the best prices on the market. Our products are made by reputable brands and designed to offer superior maneuverability and an unforgettable flight experience.
Ordering your Light paragliders directly from our online store Air et Aventure has many significant advantages. Indeed, with just a few clicks, you can access our product catalog offering a wide range of prices, styles, and technical features. Our product pages provide detailed information and specific characteristics that are important to know before making a purchase. Additionally, our expert paragliders have selected high-performance light gliders for you, which have often been tested in the field, ensuring the quality of the products sold in the store. You will find recognized brands known for their expertise and the performance of their gliders, such as Gin, Supair, Niviuk, and Skywalk.
Once you have chosen your Light glider, you just need to make the purchase. We have set up a very simple and intuitive process on our online paragliding shop. You simply add your product to your cart directly from the product page. Then, go to your cart, click on "proceed to checkout," and follow the different steps of the ordering process.
We have implemented several delivery methods for your order to facilitate your purchase. For example, you can have it delivered directly to your home, to a pick-up point, or collect your products in-store for free. Additionally, you can also pay for your order using various payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, or check).
Finally, for any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Our advisors will be happy to guide you in choosing light gliders.
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