Wing Sizing is Important

The Primary factors in determining your wing size is your total flight weight, location & weather conditions. Manufacturer's always list their gliders weight range in there technical specifications.

Calculating your Total Flight weight accurately is the most important factor when selecting a paraglider wing, the wings weight range indicated & is usually the certified weight range, this means the glider's flight characteristics were tested at these weights by certification organizations like DVH, AFNOR, and CEN. Typically, paramotoring pilots should choose a wing that places them as close as possible to the upper end of the wing's weight range. It is best to be heavy on the wing for a responsive and safe wing. It is commonly acceptable to be 15% over the top of the range for beginner gliders and 20% over the top for intermediate gliders. The intermediate gliders have more performance, enabling them to carry heavier loads.

In addition to flight weight, the launch altitude also effects your weight range decision. If you fly at 1'500 mt (5000 feet), the air is thinner and your glider will have less lift than it has at sea level. So, it may not be better to be below the top of the wings weight range when flying at higher altitudes.

Climate can also effect glider size, in windy conditions it is usually better to be heavier on a wing. In light wind conditions avoid being too far over maximum wing weight as you will increase the sink weight.

If you are physically challenged due to age or previous injuries for example, stay below the top of the weight range. A lighter wing loading will give you slower launches and slower landing speed.

If you are launching primarily on wheels, stay above the top of the weight range because you are taking off and landing on wheels, higher landing and takeoff speeds are not an issue on smooth ground. At the higher wing loading, you'll enjoy additional responsiveness and safety. With all these factors, choosing the right wing size can be complicated, especially when considering several glider models.

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