Advance IMPRESS 4

Technical data

¹ Carabiner height¹ with seatboard.

² Weight with protector, ready to fly.

Sizing chart

Package

IMPRESS 4 scope of delivery, all-in-one:

• IMPRESS 4 harness with speedbag
• IMPRESS 4 COMFORTPACK backpack (130L)
• IMPRESS 4 windshield with protective cover
• IMPRESS 4 carbon seatboard (removable)
• IMPRESS 4 speed system
• IMPRESS 4 carbon foot plate
• IMPRESS 4 detachable cockpit
• 2 Edelrid «Alias Speed» carabiners
• 2 Ronstan 30 mm speed system pulleys*
• Advance radio pocket
• Advance hook knife
• Air intake with NRV
• Certified foam protector
• Comfort foam in the back
• 4 SAS-TEC foam elements
• Drag chute pocket (with foam blank)
• 2 reserve containers with integrated handles (left and right)
• 2 reserve connection lines (one fitted)
• Reserve compartment blank
• Blank reserve nylon pins

* If desired, it's possible to remove the 30 mm Ronstan speed system pulleys and replace them with 40 mm Ronstan ratchet block pulleys, mounted on the grey speedline tensioner loops.

Optional extras (Related Products)

• Reserves
• Helmets
• Bags
• Connectors
• Harness Spares
• Clothing

IMPRESS 4 – accessible throne

The IMPRESS 4 is the first full-on competition and XC paragliding harness from Advance offering two reserve compartments (left and right), removable carbon seatboard and full aerodynamic rear tail-spoiler. Other features include a drag parachute pocket and ballast compartment.

Streamlined: best possible aerodynamics

Perfect aerodynamics received the highest attention for this High-End harness. The ideal shape results from innumerable CFD analyses in the virtual wind tunnel. An own-design air intake tube of minimal diameter with non-return-valve ensures a solidly inflated tail spoiler. The result is a crease-free, streamlined silhouette for maximum performance.

Compact: a place for it in any paraglider rucksack

Any normal paraglider rucksack will have room for the exceptionally compact IMPRESS 4, which weighs from 6.4 kg. The aerodynamically optimised tail spoiler is a first for a fully-operational cross country harness. A folding line across the back makes the harness easy and straightforward to pack in any normal paraglider rucksack.

Dual mode: with or without seatboard

The IMPRESS 4 boasts another revolutionary feature: it can be flown with or without its seatboard, requiring no special restriction or change of settings. With the seatboard you have a harder, more sporty feeling, conveying higher directional stability and direct feedback from the wing. Without it you can enjoy a comfortable and more damped Cruiser-Feeling, conveniently enclosed in the body-conforming seat shell.

Technologies & Features

All-round protection includes maximum comfort

More protection and comfort than ever: now the IMPRESS 4 pilot’s body is completely surrounded by SAS-TEC components within the seat shell. These memory foam parts effectively protect against impacts and external hard objects and match themselves to an individual’s personal ergonomics. A generous foam protector under the seat and Comfort-Foam in the back share the credit for both comfort and protection.

Stable shape, firmly inflated tail spoiler

Minimal air intake area and maximum internal pressure in the tail spoiler – a contradiction? Not for the IMPRESS 4, which has a single, side air intake of only 5 cm diameter to maintain a solidly inflated tail section. A non-return valve does not allow the spoiler to deform or empty, even under large changes of relative airflow.

2 Reserves: left, right or both

The IMPRESS 4 has two reserve container compartments under the seat, separated by an internal partition. Compartment size can be adjusted to suit reserve volumes. If you use a single reserve this can be fitted for right or left deployment. Delivery includes a foam spacer and securing pins for the empty side.

Drag chute Pocket

The Drag chute pocket is at hip level, and can be opened from either side. It can be activated in one simple movement and the chute restowed with similar ease. This pocket could also be used as additional storage of personal items or ballast.

Useful ballast compartment

The 5 litre capacity ballast compartment is under the seat.

Pockets & Compartments

The IMPRESS 4 has many practical pockets and compartments.

Smooth Acceleration System

The two-loop speed system is very straightforward to use. Wide straps mean that perfectly positioned feet are simple to arrange, and centering the speed lines is very easy. Speed loop geometry has been arranged so that those many kilometres of continuous accelerated flight become effortless.

Easy to pack

The especially compact IMPRESS 4 will fit in any normal paraglider rucksack – a new characteristic for a fully-operational cross country harness with a drag-reducing tail spoiler. A folding line across the back makes it convenient and easy to pack in the rucksack.

Smart Cockpit

The especially handy cockpit has a large easy-to-see instrument panel as well as several pockets. The main cockpit can be easily opened in flight – even with gloves. Several cable accesses lead to an external battery pocket. The instrument panel can be detached and instruments can be protected with a neoprene cover.

Windshield for even more flying comfort

The windshield reduces windchill and therefore a significant loss of body heat. Continuous wind noise on long transits – especially while accelerated – is reduced. This makes a great contribution to the achievement of long flights without excessive tiredness.

With or without a seatboard

It can be flown with or without its seatboard, with no additional restriction – and without having to change a setting or adjustment. With seatboard in place you experience that stiffer sports-suspension feeling: maximum tracking stability and direct feedback from the wing. When you remove the seatboard – simplicity itself – you can enjoy a comfortably damped Cruiser-Feeling and feel pleasantly enclosed in the all-encompassing seat shell.

Speedbag Size Choice 3x3

An important factor for both comfort in flight and the flawless silhouette of the IMPRESS 4 is a correct speedbag length. Flexible material means that a greater majority of pilots will find the speedbag corresponding to their harness size (S, M, L) to be satisfactory. But nature may have different ideas (e.g. exceptionally long body and short legs, or vice versa) so a different size of IMPRESS 4 speedbag to that of the harness can be ordered. Any size of IMPRESS 4 harness can be fitted with any size of IMPRESS 4 speedbag.

Alias Speed Carabiners

In cooperation with German hardware manufacturer Edelrid custom carabiners were developed specifically for the IMPRESS 4. These have an additional lug to locate the speedbag loops. This provides a higher speedbag bracing point, requiring less leg load to achieve a secure footplate feel. The main support system is also suitable for QuickOuts.

Hook Knife

The Hook Knife is stowed in a pocket under the cockpit and secured with a leash. It can be used in an emergency situation to cut belts or lines.

The IMPRESS Legacy

The IMPRESS series heralded a new era fifteen years ago and made the reclining harness accessible to a wide section of the public. Incidentally, the initial product was the work of a young Chrigel Maurer. Success did not have long to wait, and the IMPRESS quickly spread within the paragliding world. We continue this tradition with the IMPRESS 4. It is the first dedicated High-End cross country harness with aerodynamically optimised tail spoiler that will fold away in any normal paraglider rucksack. It is intended for leisure cross country pilots up to the champion XC and competition pilot.

FAQ

What are the Windshield’s advantages?

Reduces windchill – therefore minimising pilot cooling. Suppresses annoying wind noise during transit flight. Both of these reduce tiredness, and encourage long distance flights.

Should I fly my IMPRESS 4 with or without the seatboard?

It’s up to you. There is no advantage or disadvantage, this is entirely a matter of personal preference. The seatboard gives you a stiffer sports suspension feeling, with maximum directional stability and direct canopy feedback. Without the seatboard you can enjoy an agreeably damped Cruiser-Feeling and relax comfortably supported in the body-conforming seat shell.

The IMPRESS 4 seatboard is very quick and easy to fit and remove. We recommend that you try both options and make your own ‘with or without’ decision.

Are the available speedbag sizes interchangeable with the different harness sizes?

Yes. Any size of IMPRESS 4 harness can be fitted with any size of IMPRESS 4 speedbag. However, flexible material means that a greater majority of pilots will find the speedbag corresponding to their harness size (S, M, L) to be satisfactory.

My speedbag does not close correctly, what can I do?

If the speedbag lines are not fully tensioned this can be the case during flight. Check your harness settings and adjust as necessary. If you are sure everything is adjusted correctly then it could be that the speedbag stretch is at its limit, which means the speedbag is too small. You may need a different size speedbag. Any size of IMPRESS 4 harness can be fitted with any size of IMPRESS 4 speedbag. However, flexible material means that a greater majority of pilots will find the speedbag corresponding to their harness size (S, M, L) to be satisfactory.

What do I do if the tail spoiler does not inflate properly, e.g. looks dented?

A well-filled and crease-free spoiler is a notable feature of the IMPRESS 4. However there are a number of things which can prevent this. You should check the following:
1. Make sure the tail spoiler zip is fully closed.
2. Stretch the spoiler lower edge out before takeoff because the internal profiles could get tangled up when the harness is packed..
3. Make sure you have a smooth and coordinated harness adjustment, especially relating to the angle of the back.

The linked document gives a detailed explanation of these points. Download Servicebulletin 

Flybubble review

"The IMPRESS 4 is beautifully made, luxuriously comfortable, fully-featured and sexily sleek. Considering the wealth of fantastic features if offers, and its robust construction, it's also surprisingly compact and lightweight for such a high-end, high performance and full-faired pod harness. I have also been very pleasantly surprised by how easy I've found it to be on the ground--launching, kiting, slope landing etc--inhibiting my freedom of movement far less than other high-end competition harnesses."

- Carlo Borsattino, Flybubble

Video: Advance IMPRESS 4 review (after two seasons)

Pilot feedback

"I achieved my FAI record flight in 2019 with a pre-series IMPRESS 4. I was still relaxed and comfy after 11 hours of flying and 343 km. Such a comfort in a cross country harness is unmatched so far!"

- Chrigel Maurer, 6 times X-Alps winner, FAI triangle record holder (flight)

"My first flight with the IMPRESS 4 was impressive. I felt comfortable from the beginning. The rear spoiler inflates amazingly fast and has a very high internal pressure. It is filled to the brim during the entire flight and hardly moves at all."

- Aaron Durogati, Paragliding World Cup (PWC) overall winner, X-Alps participant (video)

Video: IMPRESS 4 harness adjustment

Video: IMPRESS 4 reserve setup (right hand side)

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