Advance LIGHTNESS 3

Technical data

¹ Depends on pilot body width (no seatboard).

² Harness weight standard is with the Speedbag Standard and full standard delivery package (see Package).

³ Harness weight light is with Speedbag Light (optional extra) and SAS-TEC back component (~ 270 gm) removed. Same comfort as LIGHTNESS 2 with improved flight stability.

* Optional Windshield only compatible with Speedbag Standard (not Speedbag Light).

Sizing chart guide

Colours

• Spectra Green / Fusion Yellow

Package

Standard delivery includes:

• Advance LIGHTNESS 3 harness
• Foam protector underseat (~ 450 gm)
• SAS-TEC protection in the back (~ 270 gm)
• Comfort foam (~ 150 gm)
• Speedbag Standard (same size as harness)
• LIGHTNESS 3 soft speed system
• Neoprene covers on leg straps
• 2 Edelrid ALIAS karabiners
• Ronstan ball bearing pulleys for the speed system
• Reserve bridle V-connection and reserve handle
• LIGHTPACK 3 backpack (83L for LIGHTNESS 3 S and M, 91L for LIGHTNESS 3 L)
• COMPRESSBAG (compressible zipped inner bag)
• LIGHTNESS 3 Cockpit Panel (Flybubble: max dimensions ~ W 298 x H 133 mm in centre)

Optional extras

• Advance LIGHTNESS 3 Speedbag Light (~ 250 grams lighter)
• Advance LIGHTNESS 3 Windshield (only compatible with Speedbag Standard)
• Advance Radio Holder Top (radio pocket for mounting on shoulder strap)

LIGHTNESS 3 – Ready to Transit

Comfortable: All-embracing comfort

Redesigned suspension and chest strap geometry distinguishes the LIGHTNESS 3 by its excellent comfort in flight – especially when accelerated – and high stability. The seat shell fits every pilot’s body perfectly, and protects it where necessary. Dealing with the harness on the ground, e.g. speedbag adjustment, is entirely straightforward.

Scalable: Modular System

The new options and configuration choices make this third generation of LIGHTNESS modular and flexible as never before. Considering prepared weight alone, the possible variance of the S size (2.75 kg up to 3.37 kg) suggests a large range of use – for example a several day bivouac expedition or, perhaps, a new cross country record.

Refined: Useful Details

The LIGHTNESS 3 incorporates a number of important details, including SAS-TEC back protection, ample back pocket, drink pouch holder, optional speedbag access line, relief tube channel, cockpit power cable access and loops for fixing to the chest strap, and easy-to-move setting balls for adjusting the Standard speedbag length.

Technologies & Features

Protector and SAS-TEC back protection

More protection with each generation: the first LIGHTNESS only had comfort foam, then came the LIGHTNESS 2 with a certified foam protector under the seat. Now, the LIGHTNESS 3 also has removable visco-elastic SAS-TEC crash protection along the whole back.

Even more comfort

Among no-seatboard light XC harnesses the LIGHTNESS 2 set the standard for comfort. The LIGHTNESS 3 is even better. As a result of reengineered suspension and chest strap geometry this third generation of LIGHTNESS has a perfect balance between harness damping and wing feedback.

Using the optional Windshield

The optional Windshield reduces windchill factor on the pilot and markedly reduces undesirable body cooling. In transition flight it also reduces the continuous wind noise level, especially when accelerated. The Windshield therefore significantly reduces pilot tiredness due to persistent noise on very long cross country flights.

LIGHTNESS 3 Speedbag Light (optional extra)

The LIGHTNESS 3 comes as standard with the LIGHTNESS 3 Speedbag Standard. The LIGHTNESS 3 Speedbag Light is available as an optional extra. With the LIGHTNESS 3 Speedbag Light and the SAS-TEC back component removed, the LIGHTNESS 3 size S weighs only 2.75 kg, the size M 2.90 kg and the size L 3.15 kg. This gives the same comfort as the previous LIGHTNESS 2, but with the new design and improved stability in flight.

LIGHTPACK 3

The LIGHTNESS 3 comes with a LIGHTPACK 3 backpack. At a weight of 740 gms (size 83L), with ergonomic shoulder straps and padded mesh back the LIGHTPACK 3 conforms to the lowest weight/highest comfort principle. The LIGHTPACK 3 is available in two sizes (83 and 91 litres), and is 100 grams lighter than its predecessor, the LIGHTPACK 2.

As a rough guide, the LIGHTPACK 3 can take a normal size paraglider, the LIGHTNESS 3 plus reserve, helmet and typical clothing.

Standard issue for the LIGHTNESS 3 is a LIGHTPACK 3 size 83L for the S and M harnesses, and the L harness gets the 91L version.

COMPRESSBAG

The LIGHTNESS 3 comes with a COMPRESSBAG. This replaces the usual glider inner bag and results in a compact backpack with more spare stowage space. It exactly matches the LIGHTPACK 3 measurements and so further improves backpack carrying comfort.

Harness Features

Backpack Features

Weight spectrum from 2.75 kg (size S)

LIGHTNESS 3 FAQ

Are the speedbag sizes interchangeable with the different harness sizes?
Yes. Although in most cases matching the LIGHTNESS 3 harness and speedbag size is best, any size LIGHTNESS 3 harness can take any of the LIGHTNESS 3 speedbag sizes.

Are the speedbags interchangeable with other ADVANCE harnesses?
No, only within the same model series. A LIGHTNESS 3 cannot be fitted with a LIGHTNESS 2 or IMPRESS speedbag, for example, because of different protector thicknesses and other harness dimensions.

Can the optional Windshield also fit the light speedbag?
No. For weight reasons the optional Windshield is only intended for the standard speedbag.

Why does the light speedbag not have a detachable cockpit panel?
The Light speedbag cockpit has a sewn-in panel. The weight saving priority excludes an extra detachable addition. But a cockpit plate can be fitted to the Light speedbag, and can be obtained separately.

Can all paraglider models be packed in the COMPRESSBAG?
Basically yes, but maybe not 2-liners with extra-long leading edge and C wires.

What is the inflating neck section for?
The LIGHTNESS 3 has an inflating neck collar, like the LIGHTNESS 2. This streamlines the dead air region behind the pilot’s head and reduces afterbody drag. In addition it improves the look of the harness silhouette. During flight this LIGHTNESS 3 collar fills automatically from a small ram air intake on the harness side. This self-filling system allows the pilot full head freedom on the ground – convenient when looking overhead during a reverse pull up.

How robust is the LIGHTNESS 3?
The LIGHTNESS 3 is made from light materials. These also demonstrate the maximum robustness obtainable for their weight, but in terms of lifetime, resistance to abrasion and UV light, cannot be expected to achieve the values of conventional materials. The advice therefore is: Handle with care.

Why is a LIGHTPACK 3 and COMPRESSBAG included in a LIGHTNESS 3 purchase?
LIGHTNESS 3, LIGHTPACK 3 and the COMPRESSBAG were intended to go perfectly together, and create a compact unit. The backpack was designed around the harness so that the total equipment requires minimal space. The weight of the backpack then sits close to the carrier’s back when walking. The harness back pocket is also designed to ideally accept the LIGHTPACK 3. This allows space inside, next to the LIGHTPACK 3, for other important things like clothes, supplies, telescopic hiking poles etc. during flight.

The full potential and efficiency of this system can only be enjoyed if all three components (LIGHTNESS 3, LIGHTPACK 3 and COMPRESSBAG) are used together. Compared with a reversible harness (harness and backpack as one) the LIGHTNESS System provides significantly more flexibility.

Flybubble reviews of the LIGHTNESS 3

For discerning intermediate to advanced paraglider pilots, looking for an exceptionally well-built and supremely comfortable yet lightweight and compact hammock-style paragliding pod harness—who aren't fixed on the idea of a seatplate—and are primarily focused on recreational and cross-country flying, rather than competitions or acro, the LIGHTNESS 3 is a truly superlative option.

– Carlo, Flybubble (full Flybubble review)

I feel a really good flow with this harness. It connects beautifully with the movements of the wing and allows me to feel the air, move with it, but keep my balance.

The LIGHTNESS 3 is a beautifully made cross-country harness that is extremely well designed and supremely comfortable. For paraglider pilots looking for an all-round recreational XC harness for hike and fly, volbiv and travelling, the Advance LIGHTNESS 3 provides a compact and lightweight solution based on a hammock-style pod harness (no seat plate). If your primary focus is on fun XC flying, and you want all your kit to be light and compact yet comfortable and durable, this is a fantastic option.

– Nancy, Flybubble (full Flybubble review)

The LIGHTNESS 3 is an excellent comprehensive package of harness for pilots who fly regularly. It is a magnificently built harness that is very comfortable. The LIGHTNESS 3 is a compact and light solution for all pilots who are looking for a versatile adjustable harness for XC, Hike & Fly, Volbiv and travel.

– Greg, Flybubble

Other LIGHTNESS 3 reviews

The LIGHTNESS 3 is in fact a really excellent piece of equipment. Construction of the finest quality, a high level of back comfort, light to carry after long cross country flights – and, in my opinion, it looks robust for a light harness.

– Ziad, Dust of the Universe

The LIGHTNESS 3 is an extremely high-quality harness. The added back protection, unrivalled in-air comfort and improved stability are enough for LIGHTNESS 2 owners to seriously consider the upgrade and the windshield is more than a gimmick - it works brilliantly.

– Hugh, XC Mag

Downloads

• Advance downloads