Instruments for paragliding : a complete guide to the right equipment
During your flight, it's crucial to choose the right flight instruments. This article will guide you through all the different questions about flight instruments. From the flight instruments you'll need for paragliding, to the different prices and differences between an alti variometers and a GPS, this guide is here to help you make the best choice for your needs.
ARE FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS ESSENTIAL FOR PARAGLIDING ?
That's a very interesting question ! It's creating a lot of debate !
Clearly, flight instruments are not indispensable for free-flight paragliding ! There may even be cases where they can hinder a pilot's progress, such as using the vario to roll up when the pilot is just beginning to learn or perfect thermalling.
They can become essential in certain conditions to achieve certain performances, but for most configurations we can't speak of them as indispensable for piloting or as a guarantee of safe flying.
WHAT FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR PARAGLIDING ?
However, when it comes to paragliding, certain instruments quickly become necessary aids to improve your flying. Of these, the altimeter, GPS and variometer are the most important.
The altimeter, often combined with a variometer to form an alti variometer, helps you measure your altitude and rate of climb or descent. These instruments are very useful when operating thermals.
Attached to the harness, the GPS is essential for navigation and can be coupled with the variometer for advanced functions, as in the Syride Sys Nav and Sys Nav XL models or the Flymaster GPS M and Nav C.
In short, there are a multitude of flight instruments available for your flying activities. The key is to make your final choice according to the activity you want to do. So think carefully before you buy to determine your needs.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PARAGLIDING INSTRUMENTS ?
Choosing the right equipment means understanding your specific needs. Beginners may prefer to fly without instruments (which is often recommended at the start to get the feel of the paraglider and the air mass), or with a simple, easy-to-use flight instrument. Screenless variometer like the Syride Sys One or the Stodeus Minibip are all suitable for this type of pilot. For experienced pilots, a more advanced GPS variometer offers advanced features such as performance tracking and navigation. It's also important to consider factors such as battery life, screen legibility, and whether or not the unit is solar-powered, especially for longer flights.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ALTI VARIOMETER AND A GPS ?
There is indeed a difference between a vario altimeter and a GPS. A vario altimeter, as its name suggests, combines an altimeter and a variometer to measure altitude and changes in vertical speed (rate of climb or rate of sink). A GPS provides location and navigation information. Some models, such as the Flymaster Nav C or the Syride Sys Evolution, integrate these two functions, offering a flight experience richer in information and control.
HOW TO USE AN ALTI VARIOMETER GPS FOR PARAGLIDING ?
Using an alti vario GPS requires some familiarization with its various functions. Basic settings include altimeter calibration, variometer threshold setting and GPS parameter adjustment. Models such as the Syride and Flymaster range of instruments offer intuitive user interfaces to facilitate these settings. It's also important to select useful data and get used to reading them quickly in flight, for better management of your route and altitude.
WHAT ARE THE BEST VARIOMETER GPS FOR PARAGLIDING ?
When it comes to choosing the best GPS alti variometer flight instrument for paragliding, the Syride range is clearly the most widely used tool on the market. The flymaster range of instruments is also very comprehensive and well thought-out. These instruments offer a combination of precision, reliability and useful features, as well as easy set-up thanks to software that lets you easily configure your displays. Flight performance analysis is easy, and Bluetooth connectivity enhances the user's experience by allowing them to complete their set-up with their smartphone. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences, your level of experience and the type of flying you plan to do.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU BUDGET FOR A PARAGLIDING VARIO GPS ?
The price of a flight instrument can vary considerably depending on its features and brand. Factors influencing price include instrument accuracy, screen quality, additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, and brands' market positioning strategies. It's important to compare detailed prices, and to consider buying products in stock to benefit from rapid product availability.
Here's a brief summary of average prices for flight instruments by category :
Altivariometer without BipBip display : 50 to 100 euros
Alti Variometer with display : 200 to 300 euros
Alti Variometer GPS : 350 to 500 euros
Alti Variometer GPS competition : 500 to 1000 euros
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