Buying a paramotor wing — the PPG guide
Why reflex, which APCO canopy for which level, what the datasheets say about all-up weight and trike — the reflex line F5 to F1 at a glance.
Paramotoring (PPG) needs its own wing class: reflex. This guide explains why, and orders the APCO reflex line with the facts from the datasheets — from the school canopy to the competition machine.
Why reflex?
Reflex profiles stabilise themselves as speed rises instead of collapsing. How the trimmer range controls that, and what the manufacturer documents, is in the glossary under reflex profile. The V-max of the APCO line ranges, per the datasheets, from 62 (F5) to 80 km/h (F1).
On the take-off weight: PPG datasheets carry their own weight lines — “Pilot Weight (all up) free flight”, “all up paramotor” and partly “ParaTrike”. On the F3 MKII e.g.: paramotor 70–100/120/140 kg, trike up to 165 kg. Always check the line for your own operating case.
The APCO reflex line — manufacturer positioning + datasheet
F5 — beginner to intermediate
“A new breed of beginner to intermediate paramotor wing … designed for anything from basic schooling (School Risers) up to long distance XC flying.” With the Mohawk introduced here (an inflatable fin working like an aircraft stabiliser). DGAC; 42–46 cells; V-max 62 km/h. The school version with School Risers is available separately.
F7 — the beginner focus
“The Ultimate Beginner’s Paramotor Wing”: Mohawk for roll and pitch stability, single-brake system, risers ready for high and low hook-in from the box. DGAC; 40–44 cells; 70–165 kg across three sizes. Comparison: F5 vs F7.
F3 MKII — the sport class
“APCO’s Sport Class cross country paramotor wing”, the little brother of the F1 — “the perfect upgrade for pilots looking to move up from their school wing”. DGAC; 56–60 cells; aspect ratio 5.77–6.23; V-max 69 km/h; trike up to 165 kg. Comparison: F5 vs F3.
F1 MKII — “The Fast One”
APCO’s competition and high-end XC reflex for experienced pilots: aspect ratio 6.6, 64 cells, up to 80 km/h, Flow Aligned Ribs, OAA speed system. Comparison: F3 vs F1.
NRG III — freestyle/slalom
“Freestyle/Slalom racing wing — extremely maneuverable and responsive … Very energetic, requires a high level of pilot skill.” With the SAP sharknose, FAR and OAA (“fastest possible transition between trim speed to fully accelerated and back”).
F3 Bi MKII — the tandem
Full-reflex tandem with FAR and the Mohawk system — per APCO “the roll stability of the F3 Bi MK-2 is especially impressive, allowing for agile, precise handling and perfect soft landings every time.”
Harness and hook-in
The hook-in height (high/low) follows the motor frame — per the motor manufacturer. APCO runs separate models for it: SLT MKII Low/High, Split Legs PM Low/High, Lightning PM; for trike operation the Trike Pilot/Passenger harnesses (load-tested in-house up to 140 kg per person at 5.25 G). The F7 is compatible with both hook-in heights from the box. Details in the harness guide.
Motor, licence, insurance
Motor unit, licence and insurance sit outside our range — for those we refer to flight schools and motor manufacturers. What we deliver: the canopy with the original datasheet, approval and manual, plus the matching harness advice.
The entry path as APCO lays it out
Training on the F5 (school version) or F7 → sport class F3 (“the perfect upgrade”) → F1 for experienced competition/XC pilots. For every step there is the direct comparison with the datasheet numbers: F5 vs F7 · F5 vs F3 · F3 vs F1.
Advice on size and operating case (foot launch/trike): [email protected].