Choosing Beginner Gear: Glider, Harness, Reserve (Incl. Used)

Once your solos are stable you'll put together your own kit. For beginner gear, margin of safety is the most important criterion.

Glider (wing)

Beginners typically fly the passively-safe EN-A class. Prioritize recovery behavior and ease of handling over performance. The rating system is covered in the paraglider EN rating guide. (Hang gliders use the DHV system — hang glider guide.)

Harness

For beginners, choose for seating comfort and protection (airbag/protector). A size that fits your build matters.

Reserve

An emergency parachute needs periodic repacking. For general lifespan and inspection guidelines, see equipment lifespan management.

Used-buying checklist

Used gear is a good way to cut cost, but always check:

• Hours flown and storage condition
• Line and cloth damage, UV degradation
• Reserve repack history
• An instructor or expert inspection if possible

Keeping gear maintained

After buying, you need to track cumulative hours and inspection/repack timing. Register your gear in FlyWise and it sums hours automatically per flight and tells you when service is due. (How to manage equipment)

Gear choice is a safety matter. Always make the final call with your instructor.