APCO have brought out their first ever competition pod paragliding harness – the Blade.
They say that it was built for safety, quality, drag reduction and comfort and although intended for competition pilots is equally well-suited to experienced cross country pilots.
The Israeli company say that at 6.8 kg the Blade is on a par with or lighter than other similar competition harneses, but neither durability nor safety have been compromised.
The Blade has a front fairing lined with lightweight and highly compressible memory hollow-fibre which means it can be easily packed away but then regains its aerodynamic shape again when removed from the bag. It houses the three-step accelerator.
The reserve is stowed behind the pilot’s back and out of the way, where it does not interrupt the sleek, low-drag lines of the harness. The deployment handle is easy to see and to reach, and uses a cable system to deploy the chute.
The large rear stowage compartment shown in the picture is complemented by several easy-to-reach pockets on the side and front of the harness.
The under-seat ballast container has been carefully located to keep the centre of gravity in the right place, and a removable front instrument cockpit can be bought as an optional extra.
Load-bearing semi-rigid elements in the back of the harness provide good support and ensure long-distance comfort and an air mesh liner ensures the pilot’s back stays cool.
The harness is available in three sizes, and suitable for pilots from 155 – 195 cm.
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