Early production models of the Gin Gingo Airlite 4 and Gin Verso 3 harnesses have been noted to have issues with the rescue handle being too short. This may cause the handle to work loose after prolonged agitation of the harness due to transportation or ground handling. To determine if your model is affected, please refer to the PDF which gives details of the recommended action.
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Supair have identified an ACRO 4 harness with missing safety stitching. One of the shoulder webbings was not correctly sewn with the ventral cross strap, but only pre-glued before the automatic manufacturing phase. Although Supair perform two inspections of their harnesses, the procedures for the ACRO 4 were less rigorous before September 2019, so all ACRO 4 harnesses produced before September 2019 should be inspected!
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In two seperate incidents, A lines have separated in flight on the Supair SORA 42 tandem glider. While investigations are underway, Supair advises all pilots to stop flying this wing.
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The Advance EASINESS 3 is a reversible harness/backpack with a wind-filled impact protector under the seat. Amongst its competitors, the EASINESS 3 is #2 on price and #1 on being lightweight which is remarkable given the robust construction and refined appearance. It’s only 2.3kg in the M size: backpack and harness. On your back it will make your paragliding kit appear to be as compact as a hiker’s bag.
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The Triple Seven KNIGHT is made “to make the entry into the world of thermal- and XC flying as easy, intuitive and safe as possible” which is a noble goal and matches the aspirations of the largest group of paraglider pilots: the ‘weekend warriors’. Low airtime pilots need a wing that will help them with their progression, and that’s where the KNIGHT fits into the Triple Seven range, between the ‘high A’ Pawn and the ‘high B’ Rook 2. Does it offer the right balance of passive safety and agility for the average EN-B pilot?
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Carlo had the opportunity to try out the Skywalk X-ALPS4. Like its predecessor, X-ALPS4 is an ultralight 3-liner with 6.99 aspect ratio, nylon wires, complex internal design, and certified EN/LTF D. Skywalk explain that they deliberately chose a 3-line concept for the X-ALPS4 because they feel this is currently the best symbiosis of high performance, low weight and ease of use.
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I have enjoyed testing the Gin BONANZA 2, which is a modern reinforced Sports Class wing. For the last couple of years I have been flying my Niviuk Artik 4, which I know very well, so this is mainly a comparison between the two, to give a flavour of these two sports class gliders and an idea of how new wings have progressed in the past few years. Over the few weeks I had the Bonanza 2 I managed 25 flights ranging from 2-90 minutes and a total of 10 hours airtime over three different sites. These were in conditions varying from light to strong and thermic to soaring with a couple of short (17km) XCs.
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I first flew the LEAF 2 on an inverted and gusty ‘low down’ day that required fast reactions and high agility. Paired with the very stable ALTIRANDO LITE harness, I found the LEAF 2 unresponsive. It felt entirely ‘average’ and I was worried I couldn’t find anything unique or outstanding to comment on. It just kind of flew around.
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Comparison of Syride freeflight instruments: SYS'One V3, SYS'Alti V3, SYS'GPS V3, SYS'Nav V3 and SYS'Evolution.
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This modern semi-reclined harness features an inflatable crash protection, which helps to reduce the weight and makes the packing size tiny. It has an integrated reserve pocket, split leg support (without a seatplate) and a lot of storage space in the rear pocket. What makes it really unique is the modular approach that allows you to zip off the protector and reserve and reveal an ultralight mountain harness.
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