There are so many things to take into consideration when you have to choose a paragliding flight instrument. Your needs, your ability as pilot, how long have you been flying or how often you do it. Also the way you fly and where are important.
Do not panic yet! At the end, everything comes to the same thing: making your life easier. With the right information, you will be able to identify the paragliding flight instrument perfect for you.
Before we start, let me remind you some of the other posts we have here in Overfly about paragliding and everything related to it:
- How to identify a good paragliding site → find the best ones
- How to land a paraglider perfectly
- Learning how to paraglide
And now that you seem to be ready, let’s go!
Which are the best flight instruments for you? → Things you may need
Whether you know all about paragliding or you are just starting now, to know how to choose a paragliding flight instrument is important in order to facilitate your flights as much as possible. Of course, depending on what type of pilot or your experience, you will need a different type of ally when you fly.
Take all the time you need! Do not rush choosing the right one; it is better to consider all the different possibilities before you end up buying the instrument you need. And now, here you have a list of some of the most common and used flight instruments in paragliding.
▷ A micro vario will be the key element during your flights
If you are wondering how to choose a paragliding flight instrument, a simple vario will always be the best answer since they are simple to use and they have a very simple task: indicate how high you are while you paraglide.
These varios are the causers of the famous beeping that characterises every paragliding flight. Depending on the speed of the sound, it will indicate you how high or how low you are flying so you can identify the different climbs and sinks.
It does not include an altimeter, but you will not need it since knowing your altitude will be enough in most cases. This instrument counts with a pressure sensor that depending on the pressure of the air will know how high you are.
▷ Standard varios, the perfect instrument for paragliding
This is a different variation of the micro varios that we have mentioned before. To choose a paragliding flight instrument, you should take this one into consideration. It has more functions and it will give you more information than just a beep when you are flying.
Thanks to a standard vario, you will be able to know also your altitude. They will do it either by the pressure of the air or a GPS. You also should take into consideration that air pressure varies and changes, so sometimes it might not be as accurate as you might think and you will have to adjust it.
▷ The alti-vario-GPS has what you need and more
If you are looking for something more than what a standard vario offers you and you do not know how to choose a paragliding flight instrument, then an alti-vario-GPS might be just right for you.
You will be able to know your position and where you are flying, the ground speed and where are you heading. This type of instruments will also record your track and time of flight. As you can see, it has much more things than the other varios and it can also be very useful for those who love paragliding.
In addition, this will also help you to know the direction of the wind since it tells you what is your position. To choose a paragliding flight instrument, this might be very important so it will be easier for you to find a lift.
▷ A navigation system or map to track your route
Finally, the last thing we think you should consider when you have to choose a paragliding flight instrument, is buying a navigation system or a map display. In it you will be able to see the different airspace challenges and where you can go next.
To know exactly where you are in a map can be very helpful to avoid those places you do not want to go or track where the best thermals are. It will also help you to set your routes in advance and then follow them once you are in the air.
One last thing! If you are planning on getting a navigation system, make sure that the size of the screen is good for you and that it is easier to see once you are flying. To choose a paragliding flight instrument is also about thinking about what will be more confortable to use while you are in the sky.
Tips to help you to choose a paragliding flight instrument!
Finally, now that we have told you some of the best instruments to do paragliding, we would like to give you a piece of advice on how to pick the best one depending on your needs and the type of pilot that you are.
If you are a beginner or do not flight that much…
For those who do not fly as frequently or who are taking their firsts steps into the world of paragliding, we recommend you, before getting any flight instrument, to focus on your technique and feeling comfortable with the wing.
You can get a vario that is easy to use and that will not distract you while you are flying, and once you control your glider, you can choose another paragliding instrument to grow on.
For those weekend pilots
If you like to do paragliding but you are still not an expert, there are also some guidelines we can give you when you are trying to choose a paragliding flight instrument.
Now that you are more used to your glider and that you feel one with the wind, knowing your speed and your heading can be very useful, so getting a good vario might be the best choice for you.
Having a map might not be yet as important. Maybe planning the routes in advance and learning the best spots will help you to recognize good places after a while. First you will need more experience!
And if you are a lover of paragliding
At this point you will probably know how to identify a good lift or knowing how to catch a thermal, so there are few things we can advise you by now.
However, when you are already familiarised with your vario and know how to get the best out of it, a map system might be very helpful for you. In addition, you might also consider getting a second instrument to display the map in a bigger screen to have it at sight.
Also, even though we have not mentioned it before, a life tracker can come in handy either to record your flights or to let your colleagues know where you are if you are paragliding somewhere dangerous.
And, this is it! We hope we had helped you to know how to choose the paragliding flight instrument perfect for you. If you love paragliding, then you will love trying one of our paragliding flights at Costa Adeje, in Tenerife. Check our different flights and have one of the best experiences ever!
