Nova Performance Paragliders has revealed the Xenon 3, a new EN/LTF D-certified two-liner aimed at experienced cross-country pilots and hike-and-fly competitors. Pre-orders are open, with deliveries scheduled from April. The wing is based on the platform that won the Red Bull X-Alps 2025 with Aaron Durogati.
The canopy concept remains largely unchanged from the previous Xenon 2 prototype, but Nova has introduced several refinements. These include adjustments to the leading edge construction, more precise Nitinol rod guidance and revised 3D shaping. According to the manufacturer, these updates improve inflation behavior and performance at full acceleration.
A key update is the redesigned brake system. Each size features a specifically tuned brake geometry intended to provide clearer feedback and more defined brake pressure. The aim is to offer better control during high-speed XC and competition flying.
The Xenon 3 has 73 cells, a flat aspect ratio of 6.8 and weighs from 3.05 kg in size XS. It is certified EN/LTF D, with size L listed as EN C. The wing covers take-off weight ranges from 60 to 110 kg, depending on size.
Nova states that durability was a design priority, with a reinforced internal structure and Dominico 20D fabric used in the leading edge to maintain long-term structural stability. As a result, the Xenon 3 is slightly heavier than some direct competitors, such as the Zeolite 2 from Ozone Paragliders, in comparable sizes.
Update: SRS also has an aspect ratio cap, so the Xenon 3 will still not be usable in the competition despite its EN-C-rating in size L.
According to Ozone’s Instagram, the Vibe GT is a new EN-B paraglider designed for progressing pilots. It combines precise handling with good safety and cross-country performance, while its construction balances low weight with everyday durability.
A notable feature is its rear-steering riser system, a first for a 3-liner wing. This gives pilots more control in thermals and XC flights, while helping them prepare for higher-category 2-liner wings. Further specifications and other information will be announced later.
French brand Ascendant has introduced the Calixte, a new fully padded, submarine-style XC paragliding harness designed for comfort, durability, and functionality.
The Calixte is heavier than Ascendant’s previous hike-and-fly-oriented Zian. It features dual side zips for two reserve parachutes, increased storage capacity compared to the Zian, and simplified adjustment systems. Pilots can choose between inflatable or foam protection, as well as a carbon or polypropylene footplate. Final weight is estimated between 3 and 3.5 kg. Available sizes are M and L, with color options in bronze and black.
Pricing ranges from €2,690 to €2,890 depending on configuration, and first deliveries are scheduled for mid-March.
Nova has unveiled the Nivo, a completely new EN/LTF A paraglider positioned between the Prion and Aonic in the brand’s lineup. Designed from the ground up, the 3-liner aims to accompany pilots from their first ground handling sessions through training and into early thermal and even freestyle flights.
With 40 cells and a flat aspect ratio of 4.87 (projected 3.50), the Nivo balances passive safety with performance. Weighing from 3.75 kg (XXS), it covers certified take-off weights from 54 to 130 kg across six sizes. Nova deliberately increased structural complexity compared to a typical school wing, adding more cells to enhance handling precision while maintaining calm, predictable reactions.
Positioned as “more than a classic student glider,” the Nivo targets both flight schools and newly licensed pilots seeking a durable, progression-friendly wing. Nova highlights its forgiving stall behavior, clean brake pressure distribution and suitability for early SIV maneuvers such as SAT and helicopter, underlining its ambition to extend well beyond basic training use.
Advance has officially unveiled the TAU DLS, a new high-end EN C two-liner aimed at ambitious cross-country and competition pilots. Marketed as a sports-class racer, the wing is designed to deliver maximum performance, precise handling, and high aerodynamic efficiency. First deliveries are scheduled for the end of April.
The TAU DLS comes in six sizes (19–27), covering certified take-off weights from 60 to 127 kg. With an aspect ratio of 6.5 and 73 cells, the glider is clearly positioned at the sharp end of the EN C segment. Glider weight ranges from 4.0 to 5.4 kg depending on size, and construction features lightweight Skytex fabrics, DOKDO 10DSF on the lower surface, and Technora risers. The wing is certified EN/LTF C.
According to pricing from Parapente Pro Shop, the regular retail price is 6 682,88 €, while the promotional price is 6 264,55 €. Even at the discounted rate, the TAU DLS is the most expensive EN-C glider on the market.
The cost raises questions about the trajectory of paragliding prices in general.
This could mark the start of a broader trend: as materials, R&D, and manufacturing costs rise, high-end wings may increasingly carry “premium taxes.” Whether other manufacturers will follow with similar ultra-premium pricing remains to be seen.
Dune Rider has introduced the Hopper, a new parakite designed to make high-performance dune flying more accessible. Built on the same foundation as the brand’s previous flagship Scraper, the Hopper refines the concept with easier inflation, lower stall speed and more progressive brake feedback, targeting ambitious pilots who want confidence without sacrificing performance.
Positioned below the Scraper in terms of raw intensity, the Hopper focuses on predictable handling and strong low-speed glide. It auto-levels after dives, offers solid depower and maintains clear feedback through the brake range, making it suitable for marginal lift and varied conditions.
The Scraper remains in the range as the high-energy option for experienced pilots seeking aggressive dives, sharp turns and maximum energy retention. With the Hopper, Dune Rider aims to lower the threshold to dynamic dune flying while keeping performance firmly in focus. You can compare the two parakites on Dune Rider’s website.
The Hopper is now available for order through the manufacturer’s online store in three sizes:
BogdanFly has revealed its lightest submarine-style harness yet, the X Zeppelin. The harness, ready to fly, weighs only 1.49 kg with soft links or 1.57 kg with carabiners in size M (175–180 cm). The packed size, shown in the video below, is also very compact.
Despite its lightness, the X Zeppelin comes with an inflatable protector with lumbar support (29G). As one might imagine, the new harness is designed for serious hike-and-fly racing or XC missions, where shaving every gram matters. The Zeppelin range also includes the slightly heavier Zeppelin Lite and the regular Zeppelin.
The X Zeppelin can be ordered directly from BogdanFly via bogdanflyy@gmail.com. The manufacturer promises a discount for those pilots who order the new harness before spring.
When paragliding, I try to avoid shuttles and gondolas if possible. Hiking up to the launches has many benefits: it’s free, I get good exercise, and I can go whenever I want without worrying about whether the shuttles or gondolas are running.
For me, another added benefit is that after a great hike up, the flight is just a great dessert. Even if the conditions are bad and the flight is just a glide down, at least I got to spend time in nature and sweat a little.
I first saw the Expe Race while working at the Red Bull X-Alps 2025, where I was conducting the pre-race gear checks for the athletes. Used by Niviuk’s team pilots, like Jean de Biolley and Celine Lorenz, the backpack seemed simple and effective. While the athlete’s version is slightly modified from the regular Expe Race 50, most of the design remains the same.
As someone who carries all their gear up on foot almost every time and also likes to run with paragliding gear, I find the backpack a crucial part of my flying gear. Thats why I decided to give Niviuk’s Expe Race 60 a try.
Ready for another day of paragliding!
Overview
Niviuk Expe Race has a pretty straightforward, “dry bag”-type of design. There is a singular zipper running through the middle of the backpack. At the top, there is a roll-top that is secured with two buckles.
The fabric and the zipper are made out of waterproof material. I have not been caught in the rain yet, but I think the contents of the backpack would stay dry, as long as the roll-top is rolled up properly.
The backpack is closed with a roll-top.
The material seems quite fragile, at least to punctures. I managed to get a couple of small holes in the fabric after only a few days of use. Luckily, the rips have not started to spread, at least so far.
According to Niviuk’s data sheet, Expe Race 60 weighs 467 grams and has a volume of 60–70 litres (80 x 50 x 22 cm). For Expe Race 50, weight is 455 grams and size 50–60 litres, with dimensions of 75 x 40 x 20 cm.
My previous paragliding backpack was Advance’s Lightpack ULS 70. While I was generally happy with the Lightpack, it was slightly too big for my gear. When jogging, the contents would bounce around uncomfortably, so I went ahead and downsized a little.
Design and features
Advance’s Lightpack ULS has a “regular” zipper that loops around the backpack. I prefer the single-zipper solution in Niviuk’s backpack because it is easier to close the backpack without anything getting caught in the zipper, and the other side does not slip while you close it. Also, the single zipper seems a bit more heavy-duty, which hopefully makes it less likely to fail.
My typical loadout for a regular summer paragliding day consists of an Advance Weightless harness with foam protector (size L), BGD Lynx 2 (ML) in Supair’s compress bag, helmet, pair of poles, a light synthetic down jacket, gloves, and some small bits and pieces like a radio and snacks.
Packing the harness and wing into the backpack is effortless…
While my stuff left a little too much room for the Lightpack ULS, with Niviuk’s backpack, it is now the opposite problem. The harness and wing fit in perfectly, but the helmet does not. It is possible to jam the helmet in with a bit of force, but as the upper part of the backpack with the roll-top creates kind of a “neck”, my helmet is just a tiny bit too big to fit in nicely. It is annoying, as otherwise the whole kit is very close to a perfect fit to my liking.
…but stuffing the helmet is not.
The usable space in the Expe Race 60 is definitely smaller than in the Lightpack ULS, even though the data sheet says the Expe Race can be stretched to 70 litres.
Unlike the Lightpack ULS, there is no additional net to keep the helmet outside the backpack, so, at least so far, I have not been able to find a better solution than stuffing everything in with a bit of force and fiddling around.
There is only one extra pocket with a zipper.
In general, Expe Race offers only a few extra pockets and features. There is only one zip pocket at the long side of the backpack, where you can stuff something small like car keys, wallets or similiar stuff. There are also two open stretchy pockets on the sides, where you can stuff for example a water bottle or a jacket. There are also loops to attach poles or ice axe.
There is a large lycra pocket on the other side…
Shoulder straps have load lifters, a bit of velcro, and pockets for two soft flasks, that are easy to drink from. There are also two stretchy pockets in the hip belt for snacks.
…and a slightly smaller one on the other.
For the users of water reservoirs like Camelback, there is no specific pocket or hole for the tube. I personally prefer soft flasks, but for some people, this may be a deal-breaker.
Comfort
The shoulder straps are like those found in running vests
I find Expe Race 60 generally good to carry around. Big part of the comfort comes from the very tight fit of my gear inside, as nothing is moving inside even while jogging.
Compared to the Lightpack ULS, the Expe Race 60 is taller and narrower. I personally like this, as it brings the weight closer to my body.
I am very tall, 200 cm, so the backpack could be slightly longer for me. Now the hip belt sit too high on my waist. Unfortunately, as far as I know, none of the paragliding backpacks come in different sizes.
This is something manufacturers should work to address, as one size definitely does not fit all. The same backpack can’t be comfortable for someone my size or for a shorter woman at the same time.
The grooves in the pack panel help with breathability.
The back panel is made of a stiffer material and has small grooves that improve breathability. They work, and the back panel is much more breathable compared to the Lightpack ULS. The material feels good against the back, even without a shirt on.
The shoulder straps and hip belt are made out of two “strips” of material, and have a slit between them. This makes them breathe well. I find the strap design comfortable overall.
The hip belt is quite minimalistic.
The shoulder straps and hip belt feel similar to those of a running vest. The hip belt is minimal, and its primary function is to keep the backpack in place rather than carry significant weight.
As expected, Expe Race is definitely built for lighter loads. My gear weighs around 10–12 kilograms in total, depending on how much water I have, and I think that is about the maximum the backpack can comfortably carry. It would work even better if the gear were even more compact and light.
Conclusion
Everything fits in, but very tightly.
So far, I like the Expe Race 60. It is light and is comfortable to carry. I like the tall, narrow design because it keeps the load close to my body. Running with the backpack on is comfortable, and so are long climbs.
The back panel and straps breathe reasonably well. The zipper seems quite durable, but the fabric itself can be prone to small punctures, or maybe I am just unlucky.
With the correct technique, it is easy and fast to fill the backpack. However, it is recommended to try out the backpack with your own gear before purchase. Despite its 60–70-litre capacity, the backpack’s narrow neck makes the usable space tight. Fitting the helmet can be tough, and without a net to carry it outside, it can create a big problem.
As expected, Expe Race is a specialized tool for hike-and-fly races or fast-and-light hike-and-XC fly adventures. It is a very lightweight backpack designed for compact, lightweight gear and for running with your paragliding gear.
If you don’t find yourself running up the hills with your paraglider and cutting every possible gram isn’t your primary objective, Expe Race can feel even a little too minimalist.
Flare’s Moustache, with its two generations, is most likely the most well-known and perhaps even the best parakite on the market, but now Flare has released another strong contender.
The new Bandit has a high aspect ratio that depends on the parakite size: 10m – 6.5; 13m – 6.8; 16m – 7; 19m – 7; 22 – 7.1. As one might expect, Bandit is designed for experienced parakite pilots and does not replace the Moustache 2; rather, it offers a faster alternative with even better glide.
Compared to the Moustache, the Bandit also has a larger wind window. According to the manufacturer, the 19m Bandit can be flown in lower wind than the 22m Moustache 2, and handles higher wind than the 18m Moustache 2.
In the video below, you can hear designer Benni Bölli and Corey Symes discuss the new wing. In conclusion, Moustache 2 remains a good choice for newer pilots and more confined spaces, whereas Bandit shines in open areas and with pilots who demand more speed and power.
