The IMPRESS 4 is the first fully-equipped cross country harness with an aerodynamically optimized rear fairing which will fit in any normal paraglider rucksack. This High-End product is more comfortable and sophisticated than ever before – intended for leisure cross country use right up to the cross country champion and competition pilot.

Perfect aerodynamics received the highest attention for this High-End harness. The ideal shape results from innumerable CFD analyses in the virtual wind tunnel. An own-design air intake tube of minimal diameter with non-return-valve ensures a solidly inflated tail spoiler. The result is a crease-free, streamlined silhouette for maximum performance.

The especially compact IMPRESS 4 will fit in any normal paraglider rucksack – a new characteristic for a fully-operational cross country harness with a drag-reducing tail spoiler. A folding line across the back makes it convenient and easy to pack in the rucksack.

The IMPRESS 4 boasts another revolutionary feature: it can be flown with or without its seatboard, requiring no special restriction or change of settings. With the seatboard you have a harder, more sporty feeling, conveying higher directional stability and direct feedback from the wing. Without it you can enjoy a comfortable and more damped Cruiser-Feeling, conveniently enclosed in the body-conforming seat shell.

Technology & Features

More protection and comfort than ever: now the IMPRESS 4 pilot’s body is completely surrounded by SAS-TEC components within the seat shell. These memory foam parts effectively protect against impacts and external hard objects and match themselves to an individual’s personal ergonomics. A generous foam protector under the seat and Comfort-Foam in the back share the credit for both comfort and protection.

Minimal air intake area and maximum internal pressure in the rear fairing – a contradiction? Not for the IMPRESS 4, which has a single, side air intake of only 5 cm diameter to maintain a solidly inflated tail section. A non-return valve does not allow the fairing to deform or empty, even under large changes of relative airflow.

The IMPRESS 4 has many practical pockets and compartments.

The Anti-G pocket is at hip level, and can be opened from either side. It can be activated in one simple movement and the chute restowed with similar ease. This pocket could also be used as additional storage of personal items or ballast.

The 5 litre capacity ballast compartment is under the seat.

The two-loop speed system is very straightforward to use. Wide straps mean that perfectly positioned feet are simple to arrange, and centering the speed lines is very easy. Speed loop geometry has been arranged so that those many kilometres of continuous accelerated flight become effortless.

The especially handy cockpit has a large easy-to-see instrument panel as well as several pockets. The main cockpit can be easily opened in flight – even with gloves. Several cable accesses lead to an external battery pocket. The instrument panel can be detached and instruments can be protected with a neoprene cover.

It can be flown with or without its seatboard, with no additional restriction – and without having to change a setting or adjustment. With seatboard in place you experience that stiffer sports-suspension feeling: maximum tracking stability and direct feedback from the wing. When you remove the seatboard – simplicity itself – you can enjoy a comfortably damped Cruiser-Feeling and feel pleasantly enclosed in the all-encompassing seat shell.

An important factor for both comfort in flight and the flawless silhouette of the IMPRESS 4 is a correct speedbag length. Flexible material means that a majority of pilots will find the speedbag corresponding to their harness size to be satisfactory. (S, M, L). But nature may have different ideas (e.g. long body/short legs or vice versa) so a speedbag of a different size to that of the harness can be ordered.

The windshield reduces windchill and therefore a significant loss of body heat. Continuous wind noise on long transits – especially while accelerated – is reduced. This makes a great contribution to the achievement of long flights without excessive tiredness.

The IMPRESS 4 has two reserve container compartments under the seat, separated by an internal partition. Compartment size can be adjusted to suit reserve volumes. If you use a single reserve this can be fitted for right or left deployment. Delivery includes a foam spacer and securing pins for the empty side.

I achieved my FAI record flight in 2019 with a pre-series IMPRESS 4. I was still relaxed and comfy after 11 hours of flying and 343 km. Such a comfort in a cross country harness is unmatched so far!

My first flight with the IMPRESS 4 was impressive. I felt comfortable from the beginning. The rear spoiler inflates amazingly fast and has a very high internal pressure. It is filled to the brim during the entire flight and hardly moves at all.

Reduces windchill – therefore minimising pilot cooling. Suppresses annoying wind noise during transit flight. Both of these reduce tiredness, and encourage long distance flights.

It’s up to you. There is no advantage or disadvantage, this is entirely a matter of personal preference. The seatboard gives you a stiffer sports suspension feeling, with maximum directional stability and direct canopy feedback. Without the seatboard you can enjoy an agreeably damped Cruiser-Feeling and relax comfortably supported in the body-conforming seat shell.The IMPRESS 4 seatboard is very quick and easy to fit and remove. We recommend that you try both options and make your own ‘with or without’ decision.

Yes. Any IMPRESS 4 size can be fitted with different sized Speedbags.

If the Speedbag lines are not fully tensioned this can be the case during flight. Check your harness settings and adjust as necessary. It could be that your Speedbag stretch it at its limit. This means it is too small. You may need a different speedbag size. Any IMPRESS 4 can be combined with any of its Speedbag sizes. If not sure go to your dealer.

A well-filled and crease-free spoiler is a notable feature of the IMPRESS 4. However there are a number of things which can prevent this. You should check the following:1. Make sure the tail spoiler zip is fully closed.2. Stretch the spoiler lower edge out before takeoff because the internal profiles could get tangled up when the harness is packed..3. Make sure you have a smooth and coordinated harness adjustment, especially relating to the angle of the back.

The linked document gives a detailed explanation of these points.Download Servicebulletin

When it comes to comfort, the IMPREss 4 is perfect. its a peace of art! advance put a huge amount of time and effort into each particular feature.

Summary review (after two seasons)

Explaining the IMPRESS 4

ADVANCE produced a very comfortable, very well made, impressive-looking harness with the smallest thinkable details.

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Harness Weight
S: 6.00 kg | M: 6.50 kg | L: 7.00 kg
As delivered (approximate).