- The Spin Doctor -
RASPBERRYRASPBERRY

Epic Freestyle

EN/LTF-B

“All I know is that to me you look like you're havin' fun!” - You spin me round like a record, Dead or Alive

Size

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 27 29
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

Master your stalls, spins, SATs and Heli then move onto the transitions, like Spin to Heli, SAT to Heli. Dance, Misty and Mactwist your way around the sky and then easily thermal back up to do it all again.

EPIC FREESTYLE can do the manoeuvres and the transitions but its real beauty, and the reason instructors love it so much, is that it’s really forgiving. It will let you explore and master all these things, but will save your butt if you get the timing a bit wrong. It looks after you by behaving like any other EN-B if you get your timings wrong, and stops shooting before it goes too far.

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Tech

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!

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.

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.

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.

Versatile ACRO and XC

Designed for to Acro and SIV with equal XC potential, the Epic Freestyle is the ultimate wing for pilots wanting to progress their glider control with an easy all-rounder.

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

The EPIC FREESTYLE is the wild child of the original Epic, much loved by acro and SIV instructors as the perfect wing to learn freestyle, acro manoeuvres and fly XC on. We brought it back with bells on. No shrinking violet, it’s feisty in pink and is for all pilots looking for a safe, forgiving and energetic wing to cut their freestyle teeth on. It’s your new best mate, egging you on to be as wild as you dare but keeping you out of sticky situations. It likes you to think it’s a fearless devil, but inside it’s still a safe, versatile, and friendly “easy EN-B”.


Designer's notes

Like the original, the EPIC FREESTYLE is a safe and easy wing, with the 5.0 aspect ratio a sweet spot of safety and performance.

EPIC 2 or EPIC FREESTYLE – which to choose?

Both are certified EN B.
EPIC FREESTYLE: If your priority is to learn glider handling skills, SIV, freestyle and acro manoeuvres. Of course you can site-fly, thermal and go XC too.

EPIC 2: is honed more for XC, tuned for performance with slightly more refined handling and rear-riser steering. If XC is your priority, this is your ride. You can do SIV and freestyle manoeuvres too.

We always recommend you fly in the weight range. Some instructors recommend being slightly over the weight range if you have mastered all the SIV and acro basics to progress on to the more complex manoeuvres. Please speak to your instructor.

Flying Level / Style

Package includes

Paraglider / Gift / Manual card / Rucksack / Repair material / Stuff sack / Riser bag / Compression strap / BGD stickers

Material

Top surface Porcher Skytex 38g/m²
Bottom surface Porcher Skytex 38g/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