Paragliders by Weight & Construction
Choose between Regular durability for daily use or Lightweight construction for Hike & Fly. Filter by material type to match your flying style and local terrain.
The Trade-Off: Durability vs. Packability
Modern paragliders are generally split into two construction categories. The geometry and design of the wing might be identical (e.g., the BGD Epic vs. the BGD Echo), but the materials used change the wing's character significantly.
Regular Weight Wings
These are built for longevity. They typically use 38g/40g cloth on the top and bottom surfaces and feature sheathed lines (lines covered in a protective coloured polyester layer).
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Pros: Resistant to UV, abrasion, and dragging on rocky launches. Lines are easy to untangle.
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Best For: Winch launching, dune soaring, rocky sites, and pilots who prioritize gear lifespan over pack weight.
Lightweight Wings (Hike & Fly)
These wings use high-tech, semi-transparent fabrics like Porcher Skytex 27g. They often use unsheathed lines (Kevlar/Dyneema cores with no protective coating) and soft-links instead of metal maillons.
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Pros: Significantly lighter (often 1kg+ savings), smaller pack volume, and easier inflation behaviour in nil-wind.
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Best For: Vol-Bivouac adventures, Hike & Fly racing, and travel.
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Care: Requires careful ground handling to avoid tearing the lighter fabric on thorns or rocks.
