Mastering the SUPAIR EIKO 2 GLIDER

From First Launches to Confident Cross-Country Missions

The SUPAIR EIKO 2 GLIDER is more than just a lightweight paraglider—it’s a responsive and highly capable wing that rewards pilots who engage with its refined feedback and optimized design. Whether you’re transitioning from an EN-A or polishing your mountain flying skillset, mastering this glider elevates your entire flying experience. Let’s break down the essential stages, techniques, and mindset shifts needed to truly command the EIKO 2.SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider

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Step 1: SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider  Deep Familiarization

Know Your Wing, Know Yourself

Before setting foot on launch, develop an intimate understanding of how your EIKO 2 behaves:

• 🧭 Study the Manual: SUPAIR provides valuable data on weight ranges, line layouts, and riser function. Read it thoroughly.

• 🎯 Understand Weight Loading: Flying near the top of the weight range results in a more dynamic response. Flying lower softens handling for smoother turns and better sink rate.

• 🔬 Ground Handling: Practice in various wind conditions. The EIKO 2 is agile, and refined inputs will lead to smoother inflation, better control, and cleaner launches.SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider

Tip: Use low-wind days to practice rear-riser control and wing walking techniques. These subtle skills make a major difference when you’re launching from complex terrain.SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider

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Step 2: Launch Techniques

Smooth Inflation = Solid Launch

Inflation and launch behavior are intuitive with the EIKO 2, but consistency comes from technique.

• 🪂 Reverse and Forward Launching: Both are efficient. Reverse launch offers better visual feedback and is often preferred in light wind or alpine setups.

• 🏔️ Hike-and-Fly Conditions: On sloped terrain, let gravity assist. Use controlled riser handling—don’t rush the process.

• 🌬️ Wing Feedback: The canopy centers naturally. Feel the pressure rise through the brakes to know it’s ready to launch.

Pro Tip: Slightly accelerate with the hips instead of pulling through arms. This ensures a balanced, centered inflation.

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Step 3: Thermalling Like a Pro

Centering, Climbing, Controlling

Thermal mastery transforms short flights into long explorations. The EIKO 2 shines in this realm thanks to its balanced turn behavior and efficient glide.

• 🔄 Enter With Awareness: Feel for the initial lift bump, then circle gently with light inside brake.

• 🎯 Use Visual Cues: Observe birds, terrain features, and cloud bases to choose your entry points wisely.

• 🔄 Vary Turn Radius: Use outer brake pressure to widen your circle and center lift. The EIKO 2 responds quickly to these subtle inputs.

Insight: The EIKO 2’s light weight allows quicker pivot entry. Be fluid, not abrupt, and you’ll climb effortlessly.

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Step 4: Glide Transitions and Speed Bar Use

Efficiency Across Distance

Transitioning between thermals or ridges is where the EIKO 2 reveals its glide potential.

• 🧭 Speed Bar Application: Smooth bar travel results in minimal pitch variation. This makes bar usage safe and effective even in moderately active air.

• 🪂 Rear Riser Steering: Instead of constant brake input, control direction gently with rears while on bar—preserves glide ratio and maintains canopy shape.

• 📡 Line Selection: Fly terrain lines or cloud shadows that support lift. The EIKO 2 reacts instantly to lift zones.

Efficiency Boost: Combine bar use with route planning. You’ll gain kilometers of distance with less effort.

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Step 5: Descent Mastery

SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider Know When and How to Come Down

Descent control is a safety and strategy tool. The EIKO 2 is equipped for multiple methods:

• 🛞 Ears: Easily accessible. Pull outer A lines symmetrically. Add bar for faster descent.

• 🎢 Big Ears + Speed: Useful for controlled descent in strong wind or excessive lift zones.

• 🛬 Spiral Dive: Enter progressively and exit gradually. Always monitor G-force build-up.

• ⛅ Wingovers for Fun: Though not a descent technique, mastering wingovers enhances your dynamic handling and spatial awareness.SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider

Caution: Never perform descent techniques close to terrain. Always leave margin for recovery.

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Step 6: SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider Building Confidence in Turbulence

SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider Trust Your Wing, Trust Yourself

Turbulence is inevitable. Mastering the SUPAIR EIKO 2 includes learning how it behaves in active air and how you should respond:

• 🧘 Stay Relaxed: Let the harness absorb minor movements. Stiff body reactions can worsen disturbances.

• 🎯 Brake Range Awareness: Use pressure rather than position to modulate brakes. The EIKO 2 communicates clearly—listen to it.

• 🧠 Mental Training: Anticipate turbulence rather than react impulsively. Visualize control inputs during pre-flight prep.

Wisdom: The more you fly it, the more you’ll feel how stable and forgiving this wing truly is.

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Step 7: Progressing to XC and Beyond

Push Boundaries with Confidence

Once you’ve refined control, thermalling, and descent skills, cross-country becomes a natural next step.

• 🗺️ Plan Smart Routes: Fly in familiar terrain first. Then gradually expand.

• 🌄 Track Progress: Use a flight app to log and analyze your flights. It’s the fastest way to improve.

• ⏱️ Fly Longer Flights: Endurance grows with confidence. Carry hydration and thermal layer clothing for alpine missions.

• 🪁 Join a Club or Group: Flying with others improves safety and fosters shared learning.

Reminder: Mastery is a journey. Every flight adds experience, even the short ones.

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Mastery Mindset

Stay Curious, Fly Mindfully

Mastering the SUPAIR EIKO 2 GLIDER isn’t about pushing limits recklessly—it’s about refining your feel for the wing, interpreting the air better, and making smarter decisions. The glider is designed to respond beautifully to subtlety, and pilots who cultivate this mindful approach gain far more than just airtime—they gain flight wisdom.

So, whether you’re stepping off a cliff in the Alps or floating above your home ridge, the sky becomes your classroom. And the EIKO 2? It becomes your favorite teacher.EIKO 2 hike and fly wing

Safety Use Guide for SUPAIR EIKO 2 GLIDER

Fly Smart, Stay Confident, Explore Freely

Though the SUPAIR EIKO 2 is engineered with safety-first architecture and an EN-B certification, responsible usage is crucial for a safe and rewarding flight experience. This section outlines essential safety principles, pre-flight checks, flying tips, and post-flight care.EIKO 2 hike and fly wing

✅ SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider Pre-Flight Safety Checklist

Before you launch into the skies, run through these critical pre-flight steps to ensure optimal wing behavior and reduce risk:SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider

• 🔍 Inspect Canopy: Check for tears, seam integrity, and any visible wear, especially around attachment points.

• 🪢 Verify Line Symmetry: Untangle and align lines. Pay special attention to riser orientation due to the glider’s ultra-light riser design.

• 🎒 Harness Setup: Ensure carabiners are secure and the reserve handle is accessible.

• 🧭 Weather Analysis: Only fly in conditions suitable for your skill level—avoid turbulent or high-wind environments if unsure.

• 🕹️ Brake Check: Conduct a line tension check and ensure proper brake routing before inflation.

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✅ Launch Safety Best Practices

When preparing for take-off, especially from alpine or restricted take-off zones, follow these best practices:

• 🪂 Progressive Inflation: Use smooth and controlled movement to bring the wing overhead—EIKO 2 inflates cleanly and centers well, even in nil wind.

• 🦺 Hands on Brakes: Keep active control ready in case of asymmetric lift or unexpected gusts.

• 🧭 Commit or Abort: If the wing doesn’t inflate properly, abort early. The EIKO 2 responds well to re-launches and resets.

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✅ In-Flight Safety Tips

While flying, you’ll find the EIKO 2 offers intuitive handling and gentle reactions. However, it’s important to maintain discipline and environmental awareness:

• 🛞 Fly Actively: Keep light pressure on the brakes and maintain awareness of air movement. Avoid locking arms or flying with slack brakes.

• 🌪️ Read Air Currents: Stay alert in turbulent zones. The wing offers strong passive recovery, but pilot anticipation is essential.

• 🪂 Speed Bar Use: The EIKO 2 is stable under acceleration. Use bar progressively and monitor pitch feedback, especially on transitions.

• 🧭 Avoid Over-Controlling: Smooth inputs produce better performance. Overuse of brakes can degrade glide and increase risk during thermals.

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✅ Descent and Landing Safety

Ending your flight is just as important as starting it. Follow these safety recommendations to land safely and confidently:

• 🛬 Approach with Awareness: Plan your approach early. Scan the landing field for obstacles, slope, and wind indicators.

• 🪂 Final Glide: Keep light brake input and avoid aggressive maneuvers near the ground.

• 🎯 Flare Timing: The EIKO 2 offers excellent flare authority. Time your flare during the final few meters for a smooth touchdown.

• 🚫 Avoid Tight Turns on Final: These reduce altitude quickly and could lead to instability during low-altitude descent.

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✅ Post-Flight and Maintenance Safety

Even after your feet are on the ground, safety habits matter. Here’s how to maintain gear integrity and ensure future safe flights:

• 🎒 Pack with Care: Avoid sharp folds. Use a concertina bag or pack from the center outward to preserve leading-edge reinforcements.

• ☀️ Avoid UV Exposure: Limit direct sun exposure when not flying. UV rays degrade canopy fabric over time.

• 💧 Dry Before Storage: Moisture can cause mold or line shrinkage. Always dry your wing before storage.

• 🧽 Inspect After Each Flight: Especially if flown in alpine or dusty environments—look for abrasion on lines and risers.

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✅ Recommended Safety Equipment

• 🪂 Certified Harness with Reserve: Lightweight doesn’t mean skipping essentials.

• 🪖 EN-certified Helmet: Protect your head in both launch and landing situations.

• 📡 Radio or GPS Tracker: Especially useful for hike-and-fly pilots operating in remote areas.

• 🧭 Wind Indicator and Variometer: Helps assess lift and descent efficiently.

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✅ Final Words on Safety

The SUPAIR EIKO 2 GLIDER offers high passive safety and reliable reactions, but nothing replaces pilot decision-making. Every adventure should begin with preparation and end with reflection. By treating your equipment with respect, flying in appropriate conditions, and continuing your pilot education, you’ll unlock not just performance—but peace of mind.SUPAIR hike and fly glider

Because the sky isn’t a place for risk—it’s a space for responsible exploration.

FAQ – SUPAIR EIKO 2 GLIDER

Your Questions, Clearly Answered

If you’re considering the SUPAIR EIKO 2 GLIDER or already flying it, chances are you’ve got a few questions. Whether you’re wondering about size selection, materials, or flight behavior, we’ve compiled the most relevant answers based on real pilot feedback and expert input.SUPAIR hike and fly glider

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🪂 Q1: Who is the SUPAIR EIKO 2 GLIDER designed for?

The EIKO 2 is aimed at pilots with solid EN-A experience or active pilots ready for a performance hike-and-fly wing. Though it’s an EN-B certified glider, it offers comfort, predictability, and smooth behavior, making it ideal for adventurous yet safety-conscious flyers.

• Ideal for hike-and-fly, bivouac flying, thermal soaring, and XC.

• Suitable as a first lightweight wing for progressing EN-A pilots.

• Loved by intermediate to advanced pilots seeking minimal pack weight.

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🌄 Q2: What’s the weight of the EIKO 2 in different sizes?

One of the EIKO 2’s most celebrated features is its minimal weight. Each size has been optimized for packability:

• XXS – approx. 2.45 kg

• XS – approx. 2.65 kg

• S – approx. 2.85 kg

• M – approx. 3.30 kg

These weights include risers and vary slightly depending on production batch and line configuration.

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🪁 Q3: Can I fly cross-country with the EIKO 2?

Absolutely. Although it was originally conceived for hike-and-fly and alpine descents, the EIKO 2 delivers high glide efficiency, responsive brake authority, and predictable behavior across thermal layers—making it fully XC-capable.

• Great glide ratio for a lightweight EN-B wing.

• Retains performance in accelerated flight.

• Trusted by pilots for 50km+ mountain flights.

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🎒 Q4: Does it come with a backpack or carrying bag?

Yes, the EIKO 2 is supplied with a lightweight inner compression bag that allows for compact and protected packing. Additionally, it pairs perfectly with any of SUPAIR’s minimalist hike-and-fly rucksacks for a complete ultralight travel kit.

Want to upgrade? SUPAIR’s TREK 2 or STRIKE harness systems integrate beautifully with this wing.

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🧭 Q5: What materials is the glider made of?

To achieve its featherlight feel without compromising durability, SUPAIR selected premium technical fabrics and lines:

• Porcher Skytex 27g & 32g (double-coated for longevity).

• Unsheathed Aramid lines on main levels for reduced drag.

• Dyneema risers with ergonomic, color-coded handles.

Proper folding and care can dramatically extend the lifespan of lightweight fabrics.

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🌬️ Q6: How does the EIKO 2 behave in turbulent air?

The EIKO 2 offers excellent passive stability, even in active or thermally broken air. Because it’s a lightweight glider, it responds quickly—yet its behavior is gentle and informative, not aggressive.

• Predictable pitch behavior with shark nose stability.

• Re-inflates cleanly after collapses.

• Not prone to sharp yaw or dive, even under bar.

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🧠 Q7: How steep is the learning curve coming from an EN-A glider?

Transitioning from an EN-A to the EIKO 2 is smooth and intuitive, especially for pilots with frequent thermal and ridge flying experience.SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider

• Brake pressure remains manageable and progressive.

• Turn response is quicker, but not abrupt.

• Takeoff and flare techniques feel familiar, just more refined.

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🪢 Q8: SUPAIR EIKO 2 Glider How do I choose the correct size?

Size choice depends on your in-flight weight (nude weight + gear). Each size has a broad but defined range for tailoring the experience:EIKO 2 hike and fly wing

• Fly at mid-weight range for forgiving and floaty behavior.

• Choose top weight range for agility, energy retention, and stronger wind handling.

Still unsure? Reach out to SUPAIR support or your certified dealer for a personalized recommendation.

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🛠️ Q9: What’s the maintenance schedule for the EIKO 2?

Like all paragliders, your EIKO 2 requires regular inspection depending on usage:

• Visual line and riser check: before each flight.

• Porosity and strength testing: every 100 hours or annually.

• Professional inspection: after hard landings, collapses, or extended sun exposure.

Keep it dry, avoid sharp rocks, and store away from heat for optimal longevity.