Although the DHV certified weight ranges are broader than Ozone’s own recommended weight ranges we advise you to study Ozone’s recommended weight ranges and choose the size of Vibe that your own personal in-flight weight fits in. We have designed six sizes of glider so that pilots can buy a size of Vibe that closely matches their in-flight weight.

If you sit right on the edge of two sizes for (example 90 kg’s) then you could fly either an MS or an ML and be within the certification of both wings. However, you need to choose just one size so we advise you ask yourself the following questions.

Q. Is your in-flight weight likely to rise or fall through the season? This could be from seasonal changes in your body weight or the amount of clothing and equipment you fly with.

A. If your in-flight weight is likely to exceed the maximum certified weight for the size then you should take the larger size. If your in-flight weight is likely to decrease then you will still be within the weight range of the smaller size.

Q. What type of flying are you most involved in? Do you fly in weak conditions all the time where a lower sink rate may make a big difference to your day? Or do you fly in strong winds or thermals where penetration and stability are the key attributes you need?

A. Unless you fly in very weak conditions you should fly the smallest size that fits you, as the higher wing loading gives better penetration into head winds and will make you feel more comfortable in bouncy air.

We advise all pilots to fly paragliders within their certified weight range. Flying gliders outside of their certified weight ranges not only leads to very different and sometimes dangerous flying characteristics, it may also invalidate your insurance!