Packing using a concertina bag helps to preserve your paraglider by protecting it from moisture and mud when packing, and keeping the leading edge section neatly folded. Gin produce an ultralight version, the Concertina Compress Bag, which Carlo tested during a flying trip to Colombia.
The Nova SECTOR is a mid-level EN-C rated wing (Sports Class) that aims to provide easy handling with stability and good performance. It is a step up from Nova’s popular MENTOR range and is intended for pilots with a few years of flying experience. Carlo flew it extensively in Colombia.
Supair make several different sizes of the TREK rucksack, ranging from 35L to 160L. I used the 90L which is perfect for a lightweight harness and a semi-light medium wing. I tested it out over a two week trip in Colombia.
ADVANCE's strapline for the SIGMA 10 is "Epic XC". In terms of pilot demands its predecessor, the SIGMA 9, was a low end 'easy C'. Since then ADVANCE have added a new 'high B' wing to their range, the IOTA. Consequently the SIGMA 10 has moved up to the middle of the C class, with a higher aspect ratio and more cells, sitting nicely between the IOTA 2 and OMEGA XALPS 2. ADVANCE claim that the performance increase is noticeable. But is it really, and what's it like on the ground and to fly?
The X-Rated 7 is Woody Valley's top-of-the-range comp harness. It has 'All the Mod Cons' with many amazing features packed into a surprisingly low weight. The XR7 is very well put together, you can tell just by looking at it that the build quality is exceptional.
Looking to buy used (second hand) equipment for freeflight? Flybubble generally have a wide range of used paragliding, paramotoring, speed flying and hang gliding kit available in stock.
The Flybubble crew have now flown Skywalk's new high-end EN B wing, the CHILI4, a good amount in a variety of conditions. Carlo was charged with getting to know the CHILI4 intimately and then publish his findings. After numerous flights, lots of ground handling, and much poking and prodding, here they are.
Thermals over the sea? How can it be? UK winter flying can be surprisingly good. We explain how to identify a good day for sea thermals, where to look for them, and what to do with them once you find them.
The Niviuk ROLLER is a mini wing designed to extend your flying range into high wind soaring, beyond what you can safely fly in using a standard sized paraglider.
What is the handling like? And what kind of pilot is it really suitable for?
We took the Flybubble demo wings out for some extensive testing.