Clearly Define Your Pilot Skill Level
The choice of a paraglider primarily depends on your skill level. Wings are classified according to standardized EN/LTF categories: A for beginners, B for intermediate pilots, C for experienced pilots, and D for experts. Each category corresponds to a specific in-flight behavior and wing responsiveness.
The Expert's Eye — A telling memory
I remember a pilot who came to the Oderen shop with an EN-C wing bought second-hand online. He had 30 hours of flying experience. After a test flight at our site, he told me: "I don't understand, I'm constantly tense in the air." We had him fly an Ozone Buzz (EN-A), and immediately, a smile appeared. He sold his C wing the next day. 80% of the pleasure in flying comes from choosing the right wing for your skill level.
Calculate Your In-Flight Weight (PTV)
The Total Flying Weight is the number one technical criterion. It includes your body weight, harness, reserve parachute, and all your equipment. Each paraglider is certified for a PTV range: flying in the middle of the range offers the best comfort/performance compromise.
What Type of Flying?
Local and leisure flying, hike & fly in the mountains, cross-country and distance flying, coastal soaring... Each type of flying leads to a different type of wing. Lightweight wings (under 4 kg) are perfect for hike & fly, while high-performance wings prioritize glide and speed.
Workshop Tip — The most common mistake
After advising thousands of customers from our Vosges workshop, I can tell you that the number one mistake is to overestimate your need for performance. 90% of the pilots who come to us fly locally, above the Markstein or Grand Ballon, 30 to 50 hours a year. For them, a low EN-B wing is perfect: light, forgiving, and enjoyable on every flight. Performance will come naturally with more hours.
Leading Brands
At Rid'Air, we work with the best brands on the market: Ozone, Advance, Air Design, Nova, Niviuk, Niviuk and our own brand Way Gliders. Each manufacturer has its own philosophy and strengths.
Our Buying Advice
Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized advice. We can organize test flights at our flying site in Oderen, in the Alsatian Vosges. A test flight remains the best way to validate your choice.
My Personal Recommendation
If you're starting out in 2026, my recommendation is simple: come see us with your harness, your reserve, and an hour to spare. We'll go up to Oderen, take out two or three demo wings, and you choose the one that makes you smile. That's how we've worked at Rid'Air from the beginning: test flights, not sales pitches. And if you're far away, call us — we offer video consultations and can send you a wing for testing with free Colissimo return.
