| Gliders for beginners to experienced pilots, tandem, mountain, paramotor and acro wings |
| Harnesses from ones with airbags to aerodynamic pods, tandem pilot and passenger, mountain and acro harnesses |
| Accessories including reserve parachutes, instrument cockpits and backpacks |
| Gliders | |
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Gradient was formed in 1997 by world-renown designer and competition pilot, Ondrej Dupal. He is complimented by Vaclav Sykora who contributes over 20 years of experience in aeronautical design. The company is based in the Czech Republic (EU) and is one of the few paragliding companies who still manufacture their products in Europe. On the international competition scene, they are represented by some of the world's top pilots including Luca Donini (European Champ 2006), Kaspar Henny (X-Alps winner 2005), and Achim Joos (PWC Champ 2003). Ondrej and his team of test pilots are no strangers to SA, making regular trips to our national competitions to test their new prototype gliders. By employing the newest, innovative technologies and latest materials in their designs, Gradient have earned an international reputation for producing paragliders of exceptional quality, performance and value for money. For more information on their products (sizes, colours, etc) visit their comprehensive website. www.gradient.cx * The recommended retail prices listed below are for indication only (subject to ROE) and are given for the more popular 26 (medium) size. For gliders unavailable ex-stock, the delivery time is typically five weeks. All Gradients come with a valuable 1 year repair warranty: if you damage your glider in one way or another within a year of purchase, they will repair it free of charge! And they live up to their promise. A quick word on gliders: IMHO, the most import point when choosing a new glider is that one must feel comfortable and confident on it. This confidence will be tested when one flies into trouble. If the pilot is merely a passenger in the ordeal, the scare will put them back several years in their paragliding career. Since most agents in SA offer demo gliders to test fly, it is recommended that pilots looking for a new glider take advantage of this service, to find a good match for them. |
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Bright 3 (Beginner pilots - Novice class) The Bright 3 is an entry level paraglider suitable for new or low airtime pilots. Although the main focus of its design is safety, it still offers good handling and performance. A simple three riser system makes set up and launches easy. With all sizes certified DHV 1, this glider is suitable for students and Basic licenced pilots. Available in four sizes, covering an all-up weight range from 60 to 130 kg. Price: R 19,000 |
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Golden 3 (Recreational pilots - Intermediate class) The Golden 3 is Gradient's latest intermediate wing, following on from the popular Golden 2. Like its pre- decessor, it is fitted with thin lines as standard and thus offers sports class performance. The handling is very light and precise, the speed is quite fast and the glide is excellent! It has three risers only, with one bifurication of the C's, minimising line drag. The speed system comprises a pulley setup between the A and B risers, resulting in a linear adjustment when pressing speedbar, thus conserving the glide at speed. For big-ears, the risers have split A's. Gradient have certainly put their effort into this design. Furthermore, all sizes have passed DHV 1-2 certification. Within the intermediate class, this glider sits in the middle and is thus suitable for Basic licenced pilots with 50 flights or more. Available in five sizes, covering an all-up weight range from 60 to 130 kg. Demo 26 and 28 available. Price: R 22,500 |
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Aspen 3 (Experienced pilots - Sports class) The Aspen family have proved to be a great success both here in SA and abroad. At home, John Broderick's 335 km SA record set from De Aar in December 2005 still stands for the furthest distance on a Sports class glider! The new Aspen 3 comprises a new leading edge profile, a slightly higher aspect ratio and a thinner line set of new generation Edelrid lines. Compared to the original Aspen, the glider is more stable whilst compared to the Aspen 2, the handling is more agile - a perfect mix. The thinner line set results in a faster wing with better glide. Certified DHV 2, it sits on the warmer side of the Sports class and is suitable for Basic licenced pilots with 150 flights. Available in five sizes, covering the 65 to 130 kg all-up weight range. Demo 24 and 26 available. Price: R 24,000 |
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XC3 (Cross country pilots - Serial class) The XC3 has evolved from the Avax XC2. The XC2 was certified EN-C and has a reputation of being a tame Serial class glider (despite technically being Sports class certified). The XC3 was designed for experienced pilots competing in the Serial class. It is certified EN-D and is on the hotter side of the class. It has a higher aspect ratio than the XC2 and has a three-line system. For experienced cross country pilots or serial class competitors, this is the glider to beat. The per- formance is top of its class with no sacrifice in stability. The handling is very sensitive and direct. Suitable for pilots with a sports licence and 300+ flights. Available in five sizes, covering the 65 to 130 kg all-up weight range. Demo 28 available. Price: R 25,000 |
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BiGolden 2 (Recreational pilots - Tandem glider) The BiGolden 2 is Gradient's dedicated tandem glider. Sharing a similar planform to the Golden 2, this tandem subsequently shares the same handling, agility and stability. Since most tandem flying is done for pleasure with inexperienced passengers, the focus during its design was for a glider that is easy to launch, safe and enjoyable to fly, and simple to land. Available in two sizes, for lifting cargo from 115 to 210 kg all-up. Price: R 27,000 |
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