BGD KISS (PAST MODEL)

Technical data

Flying level / style

Sizes & in flight weights (kg)

The KISS' roots are in hike-and-fly but it’s an excellent soaring and thermaling wing for lighter pilots, or loaded up in the hands of more experienced pilots, it’s an agile, big-grin machine, perfect for strong-wind soaring. The smallest, 16m size can be flown by 50kg pilots with excellent passive safety; but it can also be flown at 90kg, where it will be fast and dynamic, the realm of experienced pilots.

The graphic below is meant as a guide to help you choose the right size. If in doubt, seek expert advice!

Colours

Colours: Mint, Peach

Package

• Paraglider
• Concertina-packing bag
• Repair kit
• Riser bag
• BGD T-shirt
• USB stick with manual
• BGD stickers

Options

• Softlinks

KISS: keep it simple (stupid)

The KISS is an ultralight, small-packing wing for mountain adventures. Simple, safe and fun, its roots are in hike-and-fly but it’s an excellent soaring and thermalling wing for lighter pilots, or loaded up in the hands of more experienced pilots, it’s an agile, big-grin machine, perfect for strong-wind soaring.

• Twin B-Tabs
• Triple finger diagonals
• Variable Cell Widths
• Weight-optimised ribs

Pack size

The KISS can be comfortably packed to the following dimensions:

• 16m: 30cm x 30cm x 13cm
• 18m: 35cm x 35cm x 15cm

Tech

Eyes wide-open safety

Gliders that talk are safer. Safer gliders make pilots perform better. Better performing pilots fly further. Further flying pilots are happier pilots. Eyes Wide-open Safety produces happier pilots.

Cord Cut Billow (CCB)

Cord Cut Billow technology has been developed to improve the form friction, glider stability and overall performance of our paragliders. Two seams run chord-wise across the top panels of the leading edge to accommodate the panel ballooning that happens when the wing is inflated. Up to five centimetres of excess material is created on the sides of an inflated flat panel bending over a wing profile. Cord Cut Billow technology absorbs the material with a 3D panel resulting in fewer ripples and improved rib profile shape and stability.

Triple finger diagonals

Across the whole chord of the profile we have designed three-piece diagonal supports that pass through the holes in other ribs. They ensure structural integrity by avoiding cloth bias from the ribs and creating a more solid wing even when brake is applied. This is particularly important near the trailing edge since the profile is thin and the diagonal ribs are shallow supporting higher loads.

Weight-optimised ribs

We have maintained the strength and rigidity of the ribs while removing unnecessary material. This means less weight for no increase in cost or reduction in strength of the wing. The hole positioning and size depends on the loads taken locally by the sail, and it is thanks to recent developments in our software that it is now possible to accurately calculate this.

Twin B-tabs

Following our structural analysis and many simulations, we found that by increasing the number of B tabs, but using fewer tabs (and lines) overall, we could improve the structural stability of the sail while reducing drag and improving performance.

Elliptical cell openings

We have found that elliptical cell openings give better lower surface tension making for smoother inflation, and re-inflation after collapses.

Variable cell widths

By using cell openings of different widths, we have been able to precisely balance the forces on the glider while keeping weight to a minimum

Snap locks

Snap Locks are lightweight, compact attachments that effortlessly connect the brakes to the risers. A small focused magnet inside the catch and an internal locking system hold the handle in place, releasing only if the handles are pulled down towards the pilot. This unique design feature means the handles don’t fall off while kiting, packing, or performing manoeuvres. The Snap Lock system solves many of the problems associated with press-studs and magnets.

Light, simple, strong risers

We know a riser that is light, simple, and feels strong is important. The KISS features narrow webbing risers with a speed system and weight-saving low-friction speed rings. As standard the KISS will be delivered with steel maillons, but pilots can shave a further 80g by replacing these with softlinks (which can be ordered separately).

Baby A-riser

We have added a 'big ears' A riser which is also on a ½ ratio with the rest of the A lines. This facilitates easy use of big ears while helping speed and stability while on bar. The speed system is light and simple without reflex really helping glide at speed.

Target

It’s 5:30am. The birds are singing and your sleeping bag is damp, speckled with droplets. The sun is just KISSing the top of the cliffs above you; they are rimmed with gold. A few more minutes of snooze and it will start to warm your bivvy spot and dry the wet grass. Time for coffee. It’s a new day, the adventure continues!

The KISS was made for pilots who love to wake up in the mountains with their paraglider; to hike hills or climb snowy peaks.

It’s mountain-hardy, made from light but durable materials with very wide weight ranges for maximum versatility. The smallest, 16m size can be flown by 50kg pilots with excellent passive safety; but it can also be flown at 90kg, where it will be fast and dynamic, the realm of experienced pilots.

Bruce's notes

The KISS was initially conceived for a group of BGD Team pilots who needed a light but rugged mountain wing for a project in the Alps this summer. They needed something easy to carry and simple to use in wide-ranging conditions, that could handle tough mountain terrain and tricky launches.

The KISS is a unique design, not based on any other BGD glider. We wanted a simple and elegant structure, to give it the uncomplicated launch and outstanding ease of use. For the project, 16m and 18m sizes were ideal – small to carry, light and versatile to cope with different wind strengths. The sub-70kg pilots in the team will fly the 16; 70kg+ will take the 18.

We opted for Porcher 27 cloth for the sail and ribs, with 32 for extra durability on the upper leading-edge, and designed the leading edge with minimal use of plastic reinforcements to achieve easy launch characteristics without compromising its packability.

The structure was optimised to save weight, with new Twin B-tabs, developed with help of our CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis software. Narrow webbing risers with a speed system and weight-saving low-friction rings, and unsheathed Kevlar top and middle lines complete the spec.

Note: As standard the KISS will be delivered with steel maillons, but pilots can shave a further 80g by replacing these with softlinks (which can be ordered separately).

Materials

Pilot feedback

"I have the 18m Kiss and I love it. Such a versatile and fun wing. I've been flying for 25 years, the [Kiss is the] best launching wing I've ever handled. The fun factor is so, so good for an 18m mini wing! In stronger winds it handles exceptionally, giving confidence. It cuts into thermals and climbs fantastically. I had a 16m Ozone Firefly 2 and this is so much sweeter and similar in speed at 2m larger. What a multi-use fun wing!" - Christian Brinkmann

After a few months owning the BGD Kiss, BGD team pilot Leonard Siclon shares his impressions about it in the following video (language English, subtitles EN/FR):

Downloads

• BGD KISS brochure