BGD EPIC FREESTYLE

Technical data

Colours

Standard colours: Raspberry, Blueberry, Gooseberry.

Package

• Paraglider
• Giveaway
• Manual card
• Rucksack
• Repair material
• Stuff Sack
• Riser bag
• Compression strap
• BGD stickers

EPIC FREESTYLE: THE SPIN DOCTOR

Target

The EPIC FREESTYLE is the wild child of the original Epic, much loved by acro and SIV instructors as the perfect wing to learn freestyle, acro manoeuvres and fly XC on. BGD brought it back with bells on. No shrinking violet, it’s feisty in pink and is for all pilots looking for a safe, forgiving and energetic wing to cut their freestyle teeth on. It’s your new best mate, egging you on to be as wild as you dare but keeping you out of sticky situations. It likes you to think it’s a fearless devil, but inside it’s still a safe, versatile, and friendly “easy EN-B”.

Designer's notes

"Like the original, the EPIC FREESTYLE is a safe and easy wing, with the 5.0 aspect ratio a sweet spot of safety and performance.

EPIC 2 or EPIC FREESTYLE – which to choose?

Both are certified EN B.
EPIC FREESTYLE: If your priority is to learn glider handling skills, SIV, freestyle and acro manoeuvres. Of course you can site-fly, thermal and go XC too.

EPIC 2: is honed more for XC, tuned for performance with slightly more refined handling and rear-riser steering. If XC is your priority, this is your ride. You can do SIV and freestyle manoeuvres too.

We always recommend you fly in the weight range. Some instructors recommend being slightly over the weight range if you have mastered all the SIV and acro basics to progress on to the more complex manoeuvres. Please speak to your instructor."

- Bruce Goldsmith

BGD EPIC FREESTYLE vs EPIC

What are the differences between the new BGD EPIC FREESTYLE and original BGD EPIC?

• To allow for Acro, the lines of the EPIC FREESTYLE are stronger than those on the EPIC, but the same diameter.
• The attachment points of the EPIC FREESTYLE are stronger than those on the EPIC, but it remains within the original certification.
• The colour schemes of the EPIC and EPIC FREESTYLE are different.

Flybubble Note: Compared to the original BGD EPIC, the new EPIC FREESTYLE has stronger lines (same diameter) and attachment points, to allow for Acro, but remains within the original certification, EN and LTF B (low-mid B). Otherwise the two models are the same, other than the different colour schemes, and so they launch and fly very much the same, if not identical. This is also what we found in our testing. If you're looking for a very nice and highly versatile low-mid B wing for soaring, thermalling, XC and beginner-intermediate Acro, and don't mind not having the latest tech, then we highly recommend the EPIC FREESTYLE as a really great option.

From our testing, the PHI BEAT is also an exceptionally great option for this - see our film Paragliding - ART OF COLLAPSES .

Features

VERSATILE ACRO AND XC

Designed for to Acro and SIV with equal XC potential, the Epic Freestyle is the ultimate wing for pilots wanting to progress their glider control with an easy all-rounder.

SNAP LOCKS

Snap Locks are lightweight, compact attachments that 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.

PROGRESSIVE STABILITY

Using ALULA, BGD gliders are designed to have a stable and solid centre with progressively softer tips. This teaches pilots to predict and avoid deflations and stay aware of the air.

CHORD CUT BILLOW (CCB)

Chord Cut Billow technology has been developed to improve the form friction, glider stability and overall performance of BGD paragliders. Two seams run chord-wise across the top panels of the leading edge. They accommodate the panel ballooning that happens when the wing is inflated. Without CCB, up to five centimetres of excess material is created on the sides of an inflated flat panel when it bends over a wing profile. This results in wrinkles. Chord Cut Billow technology removes this excess material and the 3D panel has fewer ripples and improved rib profile shape and stability.

WEIGHT-OPTIMISED RIBS

BGD 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 BGD software that it is now possible to accurately calculate this.

TRIPLE FINGER DIAGONALS

Triple Finger Diagonals create a more solid and durable wing. Across the whole chord of the profile, three-piece diagonal supports pass through holes in the ribs. They ensure structural integrity by avoiding the cloth being loaded in the bias direction. This is particularly important near the trailing edge where the profile is thin and shallower diagonal ribs supporting high loads.

IMPECCABLE SPIRAL BEHAVIOUR

The spiral behaviour is astounding – spiral stability can be a problem with low aspect-ratio beginner wings, but BGD have tested the paraglider extensively, with different inclinations and sink rates, and never, ever has it stayed in a spiral, once! This is very unusual for a school glider and is a big safety bonus.

BGD FEEDBACK

Gliders that talk are safer. Safer gliders make pilots perform better. Better performing pilots fly further. Further flying pilots are happier pilots. BGD Feedback produces happier pilots!

Materials

Risers

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