Description
BGD Epic Paraglider — Elevate Every Flight with Confidence and Color
For pilots chasing freedom, adventure, and style, the BGD Epic Paraglider delivers a brilliant fusion of agility, precision, and progressive safety. Designed by Bruce Goldsmith for the new generation of ambitious flyers, this wing serves as a springboard into dynamic thermalling, confident cross-country, and advanced maneuvers — without overwhelming you.
From ridge soaring to first SIV, this glider balances playfulness with predictability. Whether you’re fresh off your school certification or transitioning to more advanced terrain, the Epic keeps every flight exactly that — epic.
✦ What Is the BGD Epic Paraglider?
The BGD Epic is a low EN-B paraglider crafted for pilots who want a dependable yet exhilarating wing. Built using BGD’s signature Cord Cut Billow (CCB) technology, robust Porcher 38g/m² fabric, and optimally positioned line geometry, the Epic delivers precise handling, intuitive energy retention, and progressive feedback that enhances pilot learning.
It’s a glider that helps you grow without holding you back — a true bridge between beginner and seasoned pilot status.
✦ Who Is It For?
Although certified in the EN-B category, the Epic stands out with characteristics ideal for:
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New pilots stepping up from school wings
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Hobbyists seeking a fun and maneuverable XC-capable glider
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Pilots preparing for their first SIV maneuvers
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Intermediate flyers craving more responsive thermalling
Importantly, it’s forgiving enough for cautious decision-makers but responsive enough for more spirited souls. That’s a rare mix.
✦ Key Features of the BGD Epic Paraglider
This paraglider isn’t just colorful—it’s cleverly engineered to perform across diverse environments. Let’s dive into what makes it a standout:
➤ Cord Cut Billow (CCB) for Clean Aerodynamics
Rather than forcing panels to twist, BGD’s unique CCB method cuts them to fit the three-dimensional flow of air. This drastically improves pressure stability and keeps the wing sleek under variable loads.
➤ Progressive Safety Profile
While the Epic doesn’t shy away from responsive inputs, it’s been tuned to behave progressively and predictably in adverse conditions. Minor collapses recover gently, and the brake response stays direct yet manageable.
➤ Color-coded Risers for Simplicity
The intuitive color-coded riser system makes ground handling and line checks both faster and safer—especially valuable during launch in dynamic alpine terrain or coastal gusts.
➤ Lightweight but Robust Construction
Constructed with Porcher Skytex 38 for durability and reinforced ribs where it matters most, the Epic maintains a lower wing weight without compromising lifespan.
➤ Smooth Big-Ear Recovery
Launching big ears is simple, and recovery is automatic. This makes rapid descents and turbulence management more accessible to newer pilots.
➤ Low Line Consumption
The Epic sports just three risers per side and an optimized line layout that significantly reduces drag. This results in a cleaner launch, higher efficiency, and less tangling during packing.
✦ Highlight Specs at a Glance
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
Certification | EN-B |
Sizes Available | XS, S, M, ML, L |
Wing Span | 10.4 – 12.8 m (size-dependent) |
Projected Area | 18.7 – 31.2 m² |
Aspect Ratio | 5.3 |
Cells | 42 |
Weight Range | 55–130 kg (size-dependent) |
Glider Weight | Approx. 4.4–5.4 kg |
Fabric | Porcher Skytex 38 & 40 |
✦ Best beginner paragliding glider In-Flight Safety with the BGD Epic Paraglider
Flying the BGD Epic Paraglider offers a blend of excitement and comfort. However, responsible flying requires awareness, decision-making, and respect for conditions. Even with the Epic’s forgiving design, safety begins and ends with the pilot.Best beginner paragliding glider
➤ Understanding Passive Safety
The BGD Epic is engineered with features that prioritize progressive safety:
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Low Stall Point: Allows more margin for error during landing flares and slow-speed turns.
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Soft Recovery Behavior: Asymmetric and frontal collapses recover with minimal pilot input.
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High Collapse Resistance: The wing remains pressurized longer in turbulent air, reducing unwanted deflations.
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Balanced Brake Pressure: Prevents over-input and accidental stalls, even in thermal activity.
These passive safety elements make it suitable for thermalling, top landings, and even your first SIV course.
➤ Best beginner paragliding glider Active Piloting: Your First Line of Safety
Even with these features, the best safety tool is active piloting. That means:
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Anticipate Movement: Watch the wing’s pitch and roll. Apply timely brake input to prevent surges.
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Weight Shift First: Before pulling the brakes, shift your weight to lead the turn — it reduces risk of spin.
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Avoid Deep Brake Inputs in Turbulence: The Epic is forgiving, but deep brakes in rough air can still stall the wing.
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Fly with Awareness: Monitor the terrain, cloud development, and shifting wind patterns.
➤ Descent Techniques & Emergency Use
Sometimes, conditions call for rapid altitude loss. The Epic provides reliable, safe methods:
Big Ears
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Easy to pull in-flight
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Auto-recovery upon riser release
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Great for escaping strong lift or approaching tight LZs
Spiral Dive
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Rapid descent possible, but needs energy control
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Build up gradually to avoid disorientation
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Practice during SIV first
B-Line Stall
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Not required often, but can be used in specific descent situations
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Only recommended with proper training and calm air
➤ Mid-Air Situations: Recovery & Calm
In case of wing deformations, here’s how the Epic behaves:
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Asymmetric Collapse: The wing reacts with gentle yaw and limited loss of heading. Apply weight shift and mild brake to re-inflate.
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Frontal Collapse: Often recovers on its own. Light rear-riser pressure can help re-pressurize.
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Cravat: Rare, but if it occurs, apply deep brake on affected side or use the stabilo line. Always practice these during SIV first.
➤ Flight Plan & Environmental Awareness
Before flying the BGD Epic, always evaluate:
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Wind Speed & Direction: Avoid flying in winds exceeding your wing’s penetration ability (generally ~25 km/h for EN-B).
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Thermal Strength: Strong, punchy thermals can overpower newer pilots. Choose smoother conditions for progression.
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Landing Options: Always identify two alternate landing zones, especially on XC flights.
➤ Equipment Checks
Each flight begins on the ground. Don’t skip:
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Line Check: Inspect for knots, tangles, or sheathing damage
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Brake Lines: Make sure both toggles are free and symmetrically adjusted
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Risers & Maillons: Confirm all connections are secured and carabiners are locked
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Reserve Parachute: Know where it is, how to reach it, and when to use it
✦ Mental Safety: Stay Calm, Stay Smart
Your mental state impacts safety as much as the gear. The BGD Epic gives you time to react, but panic compresses reaction windows. Here’s how to mentally prepare:
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Visualize Your Flight Plan
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Breathe Slowly When Nervous
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Use Radio Communication in Groups
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Decide Before You Fly — Never Mid-Air
✦ Summary — Fly Smart, Fly Epic
With the right skills and mindset, the BGD Epic Paraglider supports a huge variety of flying styles — all with safety in focus. From casual thermalling to your first collapses in SIV, it’s built to react smoothly and predictably. Just remember:
✅ Stay ahead of the wing
✅ Practice active piloting
✅ Monitor your environment
✅ Keep gear inspected and well maintained
Confidence is built from safety — and the Epic has your back.
✦ Why Pilots Love the BGD Epic
Pilots worldwide are increasingly turning to the Epic for its balance of simplicity, enjoyment, and intuitive behavior. Let’s break down the real-world benefits.
➤ Confidence-Inspiring Flight Behavior
With its low stall point and smooth energy retention, the Epic makes ridge soaring feel like a day at the beach. When entering thermals, the wing offers reassuring feedback that builds intuition quickly.
➤ Remarkably Fun Handling
The Epic turns with precision and joy. Brake pressure is progressive, and turns are flat or banked depending on how much input you offer. Wingovers, spiral dives, and even asymmetric collapses unfold in ways that teach rather than intimidate.
➤ Visual Brilliance in the Sky
BGD’s unmistakable color schemes make you highly visible in the air—important for safety and style. Let your personality shine with choices like Fire, Ocean, Sun, and Lava.
➤ Superb Ground Handling
Whether forward launching on flat ground or reverse launching in gusty alpine air, the Epic climbs overhead smoothly with minimal surge or oscillation. That makes takeoffs significantly easier for developing pilots.
✦ Use Tips for the BGD Epic
To unlock the glider’s full potential, here are some usage insights from experienced pilots:
Launching
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Use a wide stance and moderate brake input for a gentle inflation.
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If launching in stronger wind, lean slightly into the risers.
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Watch for slight overshoots—correct with light brake and timing.
Thermalling
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Let the glider pitch slightly into lift; don’t rush your turns.
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Fly actively — match your brakes with the surges to stay centered.
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The Epic responds well to small weight shifts, improving efficiency.
Top Landing
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Practice figure-8s into wind before final approach.
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Keep the wing pressurized during final flare—its feedback makes timing intuitive.
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Stay alert to rotor in tight landing areas; the Epic’s predictable stall point helps.
✦ Safety Guide for BGD Epic Pilots
Although this wing offers strong passive safety, understanding its limits is crucial for long-term enjoyment.
➤ Key Safety Points
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Always check your lines and risers before flight
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Know your wind conditions; while forgiving, the Epic performs best in stable air
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Practice deflation scenarios during certified SIV courses only
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Pack the wing dry and free of debris to avoid premature wear
➤ Emergency Descent
If faced with turbulence or needing to lose altitude rapidly, the Epic handles big ears and spirals confidently. However, practice both maneuvers under instruction to develop muscle memory.
✦ Mastering the BGD Epic Paraglider
Becoming proficient with this wing doesn’t require advanced tricks. It rewards fundamentals: energy management, weight shift, coordinated turns. Regularly flying thermic sites, attending SIV training, and logging airtime in variable conditions will rapidly refine your skills.
Use it to its full capacity—fly cross-country routes, launch into SIVs, attempt soaring challenges. This glider won’t hold you back as you level up.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the BGD Epic suitable for complete beginners?
A: Not quite. It’s designed for pilots who’ve graduated from school wings and are ready for their first EN-B experience.
Q: Can I use this for SIV?
A: Absolutely. The Epic is a solid SIV entry-level glider, offering safe and progressive collapse behavior.
Q: Is the Epic good for cross-country flying?
A: Yes. While it’s not a high-performance XC wing, it thermals efficiently and glides respectably for short and medium-distance XC.
Q: What makes this different from the BGD Magic?
A: The Magic is EN-A, intended for true beginners. The Epic steps up responsiveness, maneuverability, and glide, offering more performance while still being approachable.
✦ Comparison: Epic vs Similar Gliders
Feature | BGD Epic | Nova Ion 6 | Ozone Buzz Z6 |
---|---|---|---|
Certification | EN-B | EN-B | EN-B |
Handling | Playful & precise | Forgiving & stable | Agile with glide focus |
Visual Style | Vibrant color blocks | Conservative | Sleek but muted |
Launch Behavior | Easy in most wind | Slight surge in strong wind | Smooth, with rear-riser control options |
Feedback | Informative & progressive | Mild | Subtle and delayed |
The Epic stands out with more intuitive handling and vivid personality, making it perfect for pilots who want to learn and enjoy at the same time.
✦ Final Thoughts: Is the BGD Epic Right for You?
If you’re ready to level up your flying experience while keeping things fun, the BGD Epic Paraglider is a phenomenal choice. It supports your progress, forgives your errors, and injects real joy into every thermal, ridge run, or top landing.
With the Epic, you’re not just getting a wing—you’re gaining a playful partner for your most memorable flying adventures.
✦ Key Highlights — At a Glance
✅ Ideal for pilots post-school looking to progress
✅ EN-B certified with playful, intuitive handling
✅ Engineered with Cord Cut Billow for clean aerodynamics
✅ Colorful and visible with vibrant canopy designs
✅ Smooth inflation and forgiving stall behavior
✅ Excellent for SIV, thermalling, and early XC flights
✅ Built with durable, lightweight Porcher materials
✅ Backed by the trusted legacy of Bruce Goldsmith Design
So go on. Grab the BGD Epic Paraglider, clip in, and take your flying to vibrant new heights.
Your sky, your rhythm, your Epic.
The BGD Epic Paraglider is a perfect blend of safety, performance, and playful handling—crafted for ambitious beginners and progressing pilots. Whether you’re chasing your first thermals or flying XC for the first time, this wing offers just the right amount of feedback, agility, and passive safety. Therefore, it’s an ideal choice for those ready to take their flying to the next level without compromising comfort.https://paraglidingexplorer.com/product/advance-strapless-bi-3-ultralight-tandem-harness/
From your first inflation, the BGD Epic Paraglider shows its well-balanced nature. The wing rises smoothly and predictably, even in light winds or variable launch conditions. As a result, takeoff becomes less stressful and more enjoyable. Furthermore, the Epic’s moderate aspect ratio ensures both stability and efficiency, giving you control from the ground up.BGD Epic pilot feedback
Once airborne, the magic truly begins. The Epic offers precise, dynamic handling without overwhelming newer pilots. It responds to brake input with smooth, progressive turns that feel intuitive and satisfying. Additionally, its pitch stability and roll resistance enhance confidence during turbulence. Because of this, you’ll feel more in tune with the air while learning to navigate thermals, ridges, and XC lines.https://www.instagram.com/paragliding_explorer_wing_shop?igsh=bGg2dWxqNzQ1bzF4&utm_source=qr
Control
Glide performance is another standout feature. The BGD Epic Paraglider delivers strong performance in its class, allowing pilots to cover distance effectively. Transitioning between lift zones feels natural, while the speed system keeps the wing stable and efficient on bar. Consequently, longer flights become more accessible and exciting.
Moreover, safety has been built into every detail. The wing’s progressive response and forgiving behavior help you recover from minor mistakes, making it ideal for skill development. At the same time, it encourages pilots to push boundaries and grow with confidence. Whether you’re ridge soaring, thermalling, or trying your first big XC, the Epic gives you the freedom to explore.
Construction-wise, the Epic is made with durable, high-quality materials meant to withstand regular use without compromising on weight. Reinforced ribs, strong lines, and a compact design make packing and maintenance easy. So, you’ll enjoy a wing that’s both robust and ready for any adventure.
In conclusion, the BGD Epic Paraglider offers the ideal combination of user-friendly handling, dependable performance, and fun. It’s your reliable partner for learning, progressing, and experiencing the true joy of free flight.
Specs
Size | S | M | ML | L |
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Linear scaling factor | 1 | 1.04 | 1.06 | 1.1 |
Projected area (m²) | 17.6 | 18.9 | 19.7 | 21.4 |
Flat area (m²) | 21 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 25.5 |
Glider weight (kg) | 5.2 | 5.39 | 5.52 | 5.84 |
Number of main lines (A/B/C) | 3/3 | |||
Cells | 86 | |||
Flat aspect ratio | 7 | |||
Root chord (m) | 2.16 | 2.23 | 2.28 | 2.38 |
Flat span (m) | 12.1 | 12.6 | 12.8 | 13.4 |
Ideal weight range (kg) | 80-90 | 90-100 | 100-108 | 108-120 |
Weight range (kg) | 75-90 | 80-100 | 88-108 | 100-120 |
Certification (EN/LTF) | EN D |
Target
An all-out 2-liner performance machine, the Diva 2 has winning DNA and EN-D safety. Made for competition pilots and big distance hunters, she’s very fast and stable, with exceptional glide performance.
Designer’s notes BGD Epic Paraglider
The Diva 2 likes to be noticed in a crowd. Her fashion choice is bright and bold, and her silhouette stands out with her high arc and short lines. Short lines not only reduce parasitic drag, but give the pilot a really close, connected feel to the wing.Bruce Goldsmith Epic wing
She’s fast and racy, with a full 20cm range on the accelerator. This incredible speed range has been made possible thanks to the unprecedented level of pitch stability as a result of the short-line design and reflex aerofoils.Bruce Goldsmith Epic wing
You can rely on the Diva 2 to remain calm in a crisis. Her behaviour when taken outside of the normal flight envelope is exemplary. After asymmetric collapses, even accelerated, she only turns gently. Stalls are easily controllable and cravats rare. We’ve flown lots of spiral dives, and the Diva 2 recovers without input from even the deepest dives.
Flying Level / Style BGD Epic Paraglider
- Cross country100%
- Hike & fly80%
- Freestyle60%
- Paramotor40%
- Ground-handling60%
- Learning10%
Package includes
Paraglider / Riser bag / Concertina bag / Rucksack / Repair cloth / BGD gift
Material
Top surface | Porcher Skytex, Classic II 27g/m², 32g/m² |
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Bottom surface | Porcher Skytex 27g/m² and 32g/m² |
Internal structure | Porcher Skytex hard finish 32g/m² |
Nose reinforcing | 2mm black Perlon / 1.5mm white nylon line |
Pulleys | Harken / Sprenger |
Risers | 12mm nylon black |
Top lines | Edelrid Magix Pro Dry 8001U |
Middle lines | Edelrid Magix Pro Dry 8001U |
Lower lines | Edelrid Magix Pro Dry 8001U |
Additional information
Size | ML, Large, Medium, Small |
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Colors | Ruby, Sapphire |
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