Nova BANTAM (PAST MODEL)

Technical data

Colours

Standard colour: Peacock

Custom colours are available.

Package

• Ultralight compression bag
• Holding pins
• Simple flag
• Repair kit
• Manual

BANTAM - made for para-mountaineers.

Three-liner | 33 Cells | Aspect Ratio 4.4 | Weight 1.65 kg - Size 12 (EN/LTF D)

A little rebel in its own weight class. At only 1.65 kg (size 12), this little power pack can be carried in a conventional hiking backpack and it has enormous fun potential. Its excellent glide was demonstrated at the Dolomitenmann 2019 when Chrigel Maurer and his team won the overall rankings. If you like it less dynamic or have a higher take-off weight, the BANTAM size 14 is the ideal partner for para-mountaineering adventures. Nova's 320 grams MONTIS harness (size M) is the perfect match for the BANTAM. In size 12, wing and harness have a combined weight of only 2000 grams.

Let your ambition fly. Climb high peaks and instead of descending on foot, why not opt for a few barrel rolls on your way to the valley. If that’s your thing and you have the BANTAM in your pack, you can experience the mountains more intensively from now on. The low aspect ratio and extremely short lines make the launch simpler and handling more direct. Even at trim speed, the BANTAM is fast and the speed increase at full acceleration is impressive. Nevertheless, the stability in turbulent air remains remarkably high. Even if you are not a Dolomitenmann, Rise&Fall, etc. competitor, the BANTAM can help you achieve your hike & fly personal best. And the best thing… in comparison to single-surface gliders, its flare characteristics are a particular advantage of the BANTAM. This offers a safety reserve even during adverse landing conditions.

By professionals for professionals. The BANTAM was weight-optimised where possible without neglecting any of the technical details. It features extra short mini-ribs and an upper surface vector tape. With a line length of only four metres (size 12) - the best value in this glider class - the glider can be laid out well even on the smallest launch site. The focus in terms of brake geometry was on precise handling and optimal flare behaviour. This, of course, helps during landing, but also during takeoff, because with some brake the glider generates a lot of lift and takes off even at low speed. And once in the air, it’s full speed ahead. Brake travel is very long and its top speed is correspondingly high.

Pilot target group

The BANTAM (EN/LTF D) is not suitable for beginners or instruction and is aimed at experienced pilots who want to be on the move with as little weight as possible during hike & fly, mountain running, vol biv or competitions. Flown with a high wing-loading, its very direct handling and dynamic flight characteristics enable manoeuvres such as barrel rolls. Also in extreme situations, the BANTAM requires precise control inputs and active intervention by the pilot. If you are unsure whether EN D paragliders are right for you, contact Flybubble for advice. 

Short and compact

Weight-optimised cloth

Nova only uses the highest quality sail cloths in all Nova wings, and Nova not only tests the cloth for durability (high porosity or reduced tear resistance through UV damage or wear) but also for mechanical robustness, for example stretching. For quality control purposes Nova regularly take samples during serial production. The BANTAM is made from the lightest cloth currently available on the market. It is also characterised by its small packing volume and high UV resistance.

Mini-ribs

Mini-ribs increase the number of cells in the rear wing area and thus provide an aerodynamically optimised trailing edge. The mini-ribs of the BANTAM are particularly short - another measure to keep the paraglider as light as possible.

Upper surface vector tape

This tape reduces the crease that is created when braking. This markedly increases climb performance and handling. In the BANTAM, this vector tape runs just in front of the mini-ribs, which, for the sake of weight optimisation, are as short as possible.

Light risers

The Light Risers are ergonomic and like the paraglider itself, are designed to save weight on equipment. A pair of risers weighs only 160 g.

Holding pins

By means of small loops and wooden pins, the paraglider can be easily secured for take-off in very steep and slippery terrain - e.g. on snow. This prevents the glider from sliding down while being laid out. If you inflate the canopy, the pins will release automatically. Detailed instructions on how to use the holding pins can be found in the manual.

Technology

Air scoop

Under pressure. Nova Air Scoop is an optimised air intake, which increases the internal wing pressure. Nova's Air Scoop principle is similar to the ram-air inlet duct on a sports car: increased airflow produces higher pressure. Higher internal pressure in a paraglider means improved performance through increased structural stability and collapse resistance.

Low aspect ratio

More compact. The aspect ratio of a glider is not the only factor in passive safety, but still a very important one. A high aspect ratio favours cravats after asymmetric collapse resistance.

Zig-Zag 3D Shaping

Zig-Zag 3D-shaping is the next step to an even smoother wing nose. As well as Double 3D-Shaping, two parallel seams which stretch the entire length of the upper surface span, each cell located at the nose has further diagonal 3D-Shaping seam. This forms a striking Zig-zag pattern. This means the seam runs more cleanly and is more aerodynamically advantageous.

Materials

Downloads

• Manual
• Line plan
• Product presentation

Nova service info & FAQ

Read Nova service info and answers to FAQ.

Nova Bantam mini wing reviews

“For me, the BANTAM sets a benchmark for this type of wing because it glides better and clearly has a better top-speed. The handling is simpler and I feel comfortable, which means I can use all the available performance."

- Christian Maurer (aka "Chrigel the Eagle")