EN-A Gliders

What's the best EN-A paraglider?

It's hard to say which is the best EN-A paraglider for beginners, but choosing a classic double-surface wing is a pretty good idea. The lines will be generously sheathed and clearly visible with their fluorescent color, which greatly limits wrenching and makes for a safe and efficient pre-flight. Their smoothness and glide will also be close to what you've seen at school, so you won't be surprised when you make your first take-offs with your new glider at flying sites you already know.

It's often easiest to look for the same model as the glider you used during your beginner's course. You're already familiar with the glider, its 3-axis behavior and glide ratio, and there's really no readjustment phase required. Your first flights with the new equipment will be a breeze, once you've tried it out during an inflation session.

Freedom tip: Always remember to do an inflation session before trying out a new glider, or after any workshop operation (overhaul, recalibration, repair)!

What is the price of a new or used EN-A paraglider?

Overall, the price of a new EN-A paraglider varies between €2,500 and €3,000, depending on the brand. It is sometimes possible to take advantage of the arrival of a new glider version to find new wings at a lower price. This was the case, for example, with the new Koyot 4, which found itself at a bargain price after the release of the Koyot 5.

If, on the other hand, you want to get started with a good-quality used EN-A glider, the price varies between €1,700 and €2,500. At Freedom, we regularly offer good-value used paragliders, so you can start out with good equipment without breaking the bank.

How do you choose the PTV of your first glider after your training course?

Choosing an EN-A school glider is the same as choosing any other paraglider. You need to take into account its GVW (total flying weight), which includes the weight of the pilot and all his equipment (including the wing), and try to stay in the middle of the range indicated by the manufacturer. Flying in the middle of the range is ideal for first flights. Overloaded, the paraglider is quicker and faster and requires a little more piloting, whereas flying on canopy induces more flapping at the wingtips and a little lower speed, which is not a good thing either.

In conclusion:

If you're a paragliding beginner, EN-A approved wings are the ideal choice for you. With their great stability, ease of piloting and high level of safety, these wings will enable you to discover free flight in complete serenity. And what's even more amazing is that the new models are now gliding and gliding beautifully. We're still a long way from the performance of cross-country gliders, but the flight quality of the new EN-A gliders is really interesting.