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SPRING
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EN/LTF-B
The ideal paraglider for your first big flights, and a fun all-rounder for seasoned pilots.
Size
m²
| XS | S | M | ML | L |
| 21 | 23 | 25 | 27 | 29 |
Specs
| XS | S | M | ML | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear scaling factor | 0.96 | 1 | 1.04 | 1.08 | 1.12 |
| Projected area (m²) | 17.9 | 19.6 | 21.2 | 22.8 | 24.5 |
| Flat area (m²) | 21 | 23 | 25 | 26.8 | 28.9 |
| Glider weight (kg) | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Total line length (m) | 210 | 230 | 250 | 268 | 289 |
| Height (m) | 6.7 | 7 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Number of main lines (A/B/C) | 3/4/3 | ||||
| Cells | 42 | ||||
| Flat aspect ratio | 5 | ||||
| Projected aspect ratio | 3.6 | ||||
| Root chord (m) | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 3 |
| Flat span (m) | 10.2 | 10.7 | 11.2 | 11.6 | 12 |
| Projected span (m) | 8 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.07 | 9.4 |
| Trim speed (km/h) | 38 | ||||
| Top speed (km/h) | 50 | ||||
| Min sink (m/s) | 1 | ||||
| Best glide | 9 | ||||
| Weight range (kg) | 50-65 | 60-80 | 75-95 | 90-110 | 105-125 |
| Certification (EN/LTF) | B | ||||
Info
Designed to satisfy your uncontrollable urge for flying, the EPIC is an intuitive, safe and graphically appealing paraglider. Bruce has packed lots of high-tech design solutions into the EPIC so you can enjoy your journey at your own pace.
Designed for peace of mind no matter what you meet on your journey, she will reassure while you slay that flaming dragon thermal, and see you safely past the snaking valley breeze. A shark nose, mini-ribs, light and efficient speed bar, elliptical tips and a safe but sharp brake range work together for optimal safety, handling, and performance.
The EPIC will give you the confidence to make your journey over the highest mountains, across the deepest valleys and to the ends of the earth and back.
Tech
Baby A-riser
We have added a 'big ears' A riser which is also on a ½ ratio with the rest of the A lines. This facilitates easy use of big ears while helping speed and stability while on bar. The speed system is light and simple without reflex really helping glide at speed.
Chord Cut Billow (CCB)
Chord Cut Billow technology has been developed to improve the form friction, glider stability and overall performance of our paragliders. Two seams run chord-wise across the top panels of the leading edge. They accommodate the panel ballooning that happens when the wing is inflated. Without CCB, up to five centimetres of excess material is created on the sides of an inflated flat panel when it bends over a wing profile. This results in wrinkles. Chord Cut Billow technology removes this excess material and the 3D panel has fewer ripples and improved rib profile shape and stability.
BGD Feedback
Gliders that talk are safer. Safer gliders make pilots perform better. Better performing pilots fly further. Further flying pilots are happier pilots. BGD Feedback produces happier pilots!
Impeccable Spiral Behaviour
The spiral behaviour is astounding – spiral stability can be a problem with low aspect-ratio beginner wings, but we have tested the paraglider extensively, with different inclinations and sink rates, and never, ever has it stayed in a spiral, once! This is very unusual for a school glider and is a big safety bonus.
Integrated Line Layout
The line layout of our gliders is fully integrated into the wing design. Sail and lines are designed together, holistically. The cell widths and the internal straps that transfer the load though the sail are all designed according to the line layout. Even the panel shaping is matched with the line layout through detailed CAD simulation. The result is simple: fewer lines and stronger, faster, safer gliders.
Progressive Stability
Using ALULA, BGD gliders are designed to have a stable and solid centre with progressively softer tips. This teaches pilots to predict and avoid deflations and stay aware of the air.
Snap Locks
Snap Locks are lightweight, compact attachments that connect the brakes to the risers. A small focused magnet inside the catch and an internal locking system hold the handle in place, releasing only if the handles are pulled down towards the pilot. This unique design feature means the handles don’t fall off while kiting, packing, or performing manoeuvres. The Snap Lock system solves many of the problems associated with press-studs and magnets.
Triple finger diagonals
Triple Finger Diagonals create a more solid and durable wing. Across the whole chord of the profile, three-piece diagonal supports pass through holes in the ribs. They ensure structural integrity by avoiding the cloth being loaded in the bias direction. This is particularly important near the trailing edge where the profile is thin and shallower diagonal ribs supporting high loads.
Weight-optimised ribs
We have maintained the strength and rigidity of the ribs while removing unnecessary material. This means less weight for no increase in cost or reduction in strength of the wing. The hole positioning and size depends on the loads taken locally by the sail, and it is thanks to recent developments in our software that it is now possible to accurately calculate this.
Target
Once upon a time in a land far, far away (1989 on the Isle of Wight, UK), a younger Bruce Goldsmith toiled night and day, cramming all his ideas into the Black Magic. This paraglider was to fulfill his dreams and take him into the history books.
Now, with the EPIC, fellow pilots can follow on his flight path and embark on their own epic journey. If the passion for flight burns inside you, the EPIC will set you free with, literally, flying colours. The EPIC is ideal for pilots about to leave their house thermal for the first time, and a fun all-rounder for seasoned pilots.
Designer's notes
I know how privileged I am to have found such an extraordinary sport. During my own journey I have worked out exactly what a pilot preparing to embark on their own such voyage needs. I wrote a list of requirements and designed the EPIC with this in mind.
The easy aspect ratio of 5.0 is the perfect balance between safety and performance. With only 42 optimised cells the EPIC is a simple, rugged, and very clean paraglider. I gave the EPIC an easy pitch profile and arc for a high degree of passive safety, allowing the pilot to concentrate on the flying.
I wish I could have had an EPIC when my story began!
Material
| Top surface | Dominico D30 42g/m² |
|---|---|
| Bottom surface | Dominico D20 36g/m² |
| Internal structure | Porcher Skytex hard finish 40g/m² |
| Nose reinforcing | Plastic wire 2,3 / 2,7mm |
| Risers | 13mm Kevlar / nylon webbing |
| Pulleys | Harken |
| Top lines | Liros DC |
| Middle lines | Liros DSL – sheathed Dyneema |
| Lower lines | Liros TSL |
| Brakes | Liros DSL |
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