TONI'S TIPS There is more than LTF / EN when choosing a Wing
Especially for you, the readers of the NOVA newsletter, Paragliding legend Toni Bender writes the series „Toni’s Tips“. Here, the test pilot and multiple German champion in hang and paragliding passes on advice and tips from his experience of three decades of free flying.
„For the past year, I am travelling a lot for the programme “Toni on Tour”, visiting paragliding schools, clubs, and events with a set of NOVA demo wings. Its hardly surprising that I am mainly asked about low-level EN B / LTF 1–2 wings. It still seems as if the certification is the most important criteria when choosing a new wing.
However, there are various other really essential facts, which have to be taken into account, the aspect ratio for example. The higher a wing’s aspect ratio, the more demanding is its handling in strong thermals. A high aspect ratio demands active flying in turbulent air, because the danger of collapses tends to be higher than with low aspect ratio wings. This is truly irrespective of the certification, because the certification tests refer to what is happening after its collapse!
Another factor is the wing curve. All high-arc paragliders tend to go into stable spirals, while flat wings tend to lever in thermals (you feel like being pushed out of a thermal).
I hope my guidance is clear:
•It isn’t too helpful when the collapsed wing opens after 180 degree without your input, if you crash into the slope after 90 degrees.
•I strongly advise to enquire carefully about how often a wing collapses and how easily you can stabilize it when collapsed. Can you turn away from the slope with a collapsed wing? And how does it collapse: does it collapse to the trailing edge or only the front? Does it collapse smoothly or with a strong impact?
•In addition, you should ask about the weak points of the specific model and size.
For all that, you need a really trustworthy dealer. One who flies a lot himself and gives advice beyond classification. Because only with the right wing, you will also enjoy strong spring thermals. Let’s get started!"
See you in the air
Toni
By the way, “Toni on Tour” can be booked by clubs and paragliding schools (with certain limitations depending onthe country). Please send your requests to info@nova-wings.com.