ECHO EN/LTF-B ACCESS ALL AREAS
Bounce from one flying style to another, with an ECHO.
TARGET
The ECHO is THE all-rounder in our range, created for just-out-of training newbies, avid hike-and-flyers, cross-country pilots, world travellers, soarers, vol-et -skiers, wagga/soaring dudes and vol-bivouacers. With a solid blend of performance and no-stress safety the pilot who loves every kind of paragliding will find one wing does it all with this little lightweight package. Stripped-down, open-minded, and dressed to impress, the ECHO will please every pilot it floats over!
DESCRIPTION
A resonance of the EPIC with a stripped-down line-set and an lighter mix of materials, the ECHO shaves 500-700g while offering extra performance and versatility for no compromise in safety. As with the rest of the BGD range, the ECHO profits from Bruce’s trademark sharp, easy handling, 3D CCB panel-shaping means a clean, high-performing aerofoil while its lower weight means less inertia, reduced shooting and increased roll stability. Our strong shark nose adds stability to the leading edge at all speeds, and a silky-smooth Ronstan ball-bearing speed system keeps bar-action smooth on those long flights. The ECHO offers clear feedback with a relaxed feel in active air, and epic performance for its class!
BRUCE’S NOTES
Knowledge is power. To fly a wing well, I think it is important for a pilot to feel in control. Having an understanding of the air you are flying in is as important as the glider’s own passive safety. I design all my wings to give a reassuring level of feedback, to empower pilots with a good understanding of the conditions. I call it progressive stability, and my wings incrementally react to the different levels of turbulence, providing essential feedback, so the pilot can stay well within their comfort zone. Shielding a pilot from turbulence might make them feel safer initially, but they can be blissfully unaware of the risks they might be taking when the air is becoming more turbulent. Fly safely, fly confidently, fly with progressive safety and know the air around you.
Read more about Progressive Stability in Cross Country’s article “Icaristics – Shifting our Thinking on Safety” in issue 176 by clicking on this link.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Paraglider
- Rucksack
- BGD T-shirt
- Speed bar
- USB stick with manuals
- BGD stickers
- Repair kit
- Stuff sack
- Riser bag
- Compression strap
DESIGN FEATURES
Cord Cut Billow (CCB)
Cord Cut Billow technology has been developed to improve the form friction, glider stability and overall performance of our paragliders. Two seams run chord-wise across the top panels of the leading edge to accommodate the panel ballooning that happens when the wing is inflated. Up to five centimetres of excess material is created on the sides of an inflated flat panel bending over a wing profile. Cord Cut Billow technology absorbs the material with a 3D panel resulting in fewer ripples and improved rib profile shape and stability.
Progressive Stability
The ECHO is designed to warn experienced pilots of light-to-moderate turbulence, rather than suddenly completely collapsing when things get really unruly. Bruce’s article in Cross Country magazine, ‘Shifting Our Thinking on Safety’, explains how “A wing that is super stable and almost never collapses can lead to more accidents, because when it does collapse the pilot is not prepared and has little experience of how to deal with the situation”. Any wing will collapse given enough turbulence. A small deflation in medium turbulence is easier to deal with and therefore safer than a big collapse in strong turbulence.
Snap Locks
Snap Locks are lightweight compact attachments that effortlessly connect brakes to the risers with a small focused magnet inside the catch and an internal locking system that holds the handle in every direction except down toward the pilot. This unique design feature means the handles don’t fall off while kiting, packing, or performing manoeuvres. The Snap Lock system solves many of the problems associated with press-studs and magnets.
Strong Shark nose
An ultra aggressive shark nose optimises stability at all speeds. Not all sharks are created equal and BGD’s shark noses are very aggressive, maximizing the effects of the technology.
Trailing edge mini-ribs
More positive braking.
Shattered colour scheme
Just so refreshing.
Lower Surface 3D Panel Shaping
A very clean and accurate lower surface.
Three-riser system
Simple and efficient.
Dedicated big ears riser
Easy descent when you need it.
Triple-finger C diagonal ribs
Complicated stuff that goes on inside the wing.
Optimized Line Layout
Over the years we have perfected our system of optimizing the line layout of our wings. We use numerous equations, software, and the plain old guess and check method to build our line layout. The result is simple: fewer lines making stronger, faster gliders.
Light and durable
The ECHO is constructed with a mix of lightweight but robust, proven, materials.
COLOUR OPTION