The equipment, gear, and accessories used in hang gliding and paragliding are the focus of this part of our web guide.
Hang gliding and paragliding are both extreme sports and forms of free-flight aviation, but they are separate sports.
Hang gliding involves a rigid frame and fabric wing, with the pilot suspended from a harness and controlling the glider through weight-shift movements. Paragliding uses a more flexible wing without a rigid frame, and the pilot is suspended below the wing, controlling it with brake lines.
Both sports rely on thermal currents and wind to stay aloft, but hand gliders typically achieve higher speeds and longer distances, while paragliders have more maneuverability and are easier to set up and pack away.
This is the shopping area of our guide so we'll concentrate on the products involved in the sports here. Further information and resources can be found in the corresponding category in our Sports & Recreation area.
Hang gliding involves flying a non-motorized, fixed-wing aircraft called a hang glider. There are several components of a hang glider.
The wings are the most critical part. They are made of lightweight materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, or fiberglass, and are designed to provide lift and stability during flight.
Worn by the pilot, the harness attaches the pilot to the glider. It is designed to be comfortable and secure, allowing the pilot to control the glider with their body movements.
Also known as the base bar, the pilot uses the control bar to steer the glider. It connects the wings and allows the pilot to adjust the glider's pitch and roll.
Helmets are worn to protect the pilot's head in the event of a crash or collision. Helmets should be lightweight and provide adequate protection from impacts.
A reserve parachute is an accessory used in case of an emergency or equipment failure.
Major manufacturers of hang gliding equipment include Gradient Paragliders, Ozone Paragliders, and Wills Wing.
Paragliding involves flying a non-motorized, free-flying wing called a paraglider. It also has some components.
Paraglider wings are made of lightweight materials like ripstop nylon and are designed to provide lift and maneuverability. They are more flexible and easier to pack compared to hang glider wings.
Paragliding harnesses are similar to those used in hang gliding, in that they also provide comfort and security for the pilot. They also include a back protection system to absorb impact forces during landing.
Like hang gliding, paragliding requires a reserve parachute for emergencies. It is packed in a small backpack and can be deployed quickly if necessary.
Helmets protect the pilot's. head during paragliding. Helmets should be lightweight and provide adequate impact protection.
A variometer is an optional accessory that measures the rate of climb or descent of the paraglider. It helps the pilot make informed decisions during flight.
Manufacturers of paragliding equipment include Nova Paragliding, Ozone Paragliders, and Skywalk Paragliders.
These and other manufacturers and retailers of equipment and other products for hang gliding or paragliding are appropriate for this category, along with websites featuring product reviews or comparisons.
Recommended Resources
Maintained by Paul Voight, a master-rated hang glider pilot and advanced-rated paraglider pilot, Fly High provides lessons, tandem flights, and equipment for sale, particularly Wills Wing and their line of flying equipment, and Flytec USA and their line of flight instruments. Gliders, flight gear, cameras, parts, components, and accessories are available. The website also features galleries of photographs and videos, biographic data, links to relevant manufacturers, and contacts.
https://flyhighhg.com/
Flytec is a known brand of high-quality instruments designed for hang gliding, paragliding, and ballooning enthusiasts. They offer a range of products that include GPS devices, flight computers, and software for flight planning and analysis. Its brands include the Omni, Oudie N and Oudie N Fanet+, Blade, and Volirium P1. Flytec is the North American distributor of Flytec, Naviter, and Volirium products. The company also offers accessories, apparel, and support services.
https://flytec.com/
Founded in 1982 by Betty Rothman, HES began its business by manufacturing hang-gliding harnesses and accessories that soon expanded into other safety systems, including the Quantum line of emergency parachutes. Its harnesses are custom-made to order and designed specifically for the client's needs, and manufactured to follow quality standards: ASTM-D-6193, ASTM-F-1193, ASTM-F-1772, ANSI-Z-359, and NFPA-1983-17. A telephone number, email address, and an online contact form are available.
https://highenergysports.com/
In business since 1967, Moyes Delta Gliders is a well-known Australian company specializing in performance hang gliders sold to more than thirty countries worldwide. Its hang gliders include the Litespeed RX, Litesport, Gecko, and Malibu. The company also produces a line of hang glider harnesses (Matrix Race, Matrix, Contour, Eaze), and the Conar Metamorfosi reserve parachute. Spare parts may also be available. Other resources include a photo archive and product registration.
https://moyes.com.au/store
Based in France, Ozone Gliders Limited specializes in designing and manufacturing paragliders in the form of ready-to-flight aircraft. It manufactures a line of paragliders for easy gliding, competition, and freestyle. The company also produces equipment for paramotors, speed flying, wingsurfing, snowkiting, and kitesurfing. Its website highlights its products, including descriptions, photographs, and videos. Resources for learning to fly are included, and a list of dealers is included.
https://flyozone.com/paragliders
Based in Defford, Worcester, England, the online retailer features hang gliders from several manufacturers (including Aeros, Avian, Ellipse, Finsterwalder, Icaro2000, Moyes, and Wills Wing), reserve parachutes, helmets, instruments, harnesses, powered harnesses, camera and instrument mounts, carabiners, wheels, accessories and hardware, repair materials, clothing, and other merchandise. Shoppers may browse by product or by manufacturer. Contacts and a blog are included.
https://www.flypureair.co.uk/
Rotor Harness is a company specializing in hang gliding equipment and harnesses. The company offers a range of products, including the Havana S, their flagship racing harness. In operation for more than thirty-five years, the company exports its products to over thirty countries. Other harnesses include the Shadow, Vulto, Breeze, Cocoon, and Basic, each featured and made available for purchase from the company's website, along with hang gliding accessories and custom products.
https://rotorharness.com/
Legally named Sport Kites, Inc., Wills Wing is a US-based manufacturer of hang gliders in the form of ready-to-fly aircraft and hang glider harnesses and accessories. Founded by brothers Bob and Chris Wills in 1973, the company sells a line of hang gliders, including training and beginner gliders, intermediate, and competition wings. Its line of hand gliders and harnesses are featured on the website, including options, features, specifications, and dealer contacts.
https://www.willswing.com/
Wing Seller is a free online classifieds website for buying or selling hang gliding and paragliding equipment in the United States. No fees are charged to the buyer or seller, and the site does not act as a middleman between them. Shoppers can browse by state or category for hang gliding (wings, gear, wanted) or paragliding (wings, gear, wanted) or search the site by keyword. Photos, descriptions, asking prices, and contact information are published for most items.
https://wingseller.com/
