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Whether you’re chasing thermals on a sunny ridge or leaping from a perfectly good airplane, the equipment you choose shapes the experience. The right hang glider or skydiving rig will boost your confidence, extend your flying time, and—most importantly—keep you safe. Think of gear like a dependable hiking boot: when it fits well and is built for the terrain, you notice the view instead of worrying about your feet.
When shopping in the US, you’ll see a mix of long-running American manufacturers, specialty dealers, and authorized importers. These brands and sellers focus on quality, certified frames, and warranty-backed support. If you’re shopping for a hang glider, start with names that the community trusts and that have an established dealer or service network across the country.
Wills Wing is one of the best-known names in hang gliding and has been designing gliders for decades. Their models cover everything from beginner wings to advanced competition machines. If you want broad parts support, technical documentation, and a large owner base for secondhand support, Wills Wing is a go-to brand to research.
Moyes is another respected brand with a global reputation and US dealers that handle sales and service. Although their origins are international, authorized Moyes dealers in the US supply parts, setup help, and local expertise. Buying through a verified dealer gives you access to proper rigging and warranty coverage.
Skydiving gear is a different animal—containers, canopies, deployment bags, and Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) are specialized, regulated, and heavily inspected. Choose manufacturers and suppliers that are proven in the skydiving community and that offer clear inspection records and customer support.
Performance Designs is a popular choice for canopies and containers built with consistent quality control. Their models range from student canopies to high-performance swoop sails, and many US drop zones and riggers carry PD equipment for sale or service. If you value predictable openings and aftercare, PD is worth a close look.
Sun Path Products is known for sturdy, serviceable container and reserve systems used by many US skydivers. Their gear is common at training centers and experienced riggers rely on Sun Path for parts and maintenance. If you plan to jump frequently or need a reliable reserve setup, sourcing gear from reputable suppliers like Sun Path is practical.
UPT supplies hardware, training equipment, and a variety of rigging accessories used by US riggers and packers. From reserve actuation hardware to training toggles, UPT products are designed to integrate with popular container systems and parachutes. Good hardware makes maintenance easier and inspections more straightforward.
There’s no single best place to buy—each option has pros and cons. Online retailers and comparison sites let you scan models, specs, and prices quickly; local dealers and authorized service centers supply hands-on fitting and demo opportunities; drop zones often sell used gear and provide real-world advice from instructors and packers. Consider combining all three: research online, try gear locally, then buy through a trusted dealer or drop zone.
Choosing a hang glider feels like matchmaking: you need the wing that matches your experience, weight, and flying goals. Understanding the key specs helps you filter options quickly and makes test flights more meaningful—so you spend more time flying and less time guessing.
Wingspan for recreational hang gliders commonly sits near 30 feet, though designs vary. A higher aspect ratio (longer wings relative to chord) improves glide but can make handling twitchier for beginners. Low aspect ratio wings are more forgiving and better for learning stalls and slow-speed handling. Choose a wing shape that matches whether you want XC distance or relaxed ridge soaring.
Every hang glider has a certified pilot hook-in weight range, typically expressed in pounds. Staying within that range ensures safe handling and predictable stalls. Also check the harness compatibility—some gliders prefer certain harness geometries for trim and pitch control. If you plan to switch harness types, confirm fit before purchase.
Skydiving gear selection is about matching canopy performance with skill level and jump type. A student canopy differs dramatically from a high-performance canopy used in competitive swooping. You can think in terms of sizes, wing loading, and expected use—each decision affects your opening characteristics and landing energy.
Canopies are sized in square feet, and wing loading (pilot + gear weight divided by canopy area) affects how fast and aggressively a canopy flies. Lower wing loading yields gentler openings and slower landing speeds—ideal for students—whereas higher wing loading increases speed and responsiveness. In the US, many drop zones publish average wing loading targets to guide purchases.
Reserves and Automatic Activation Devices are life-savers—literally. Reserves should be certified and packed by qualified riggers on a strict schedule, measured in months depending on the fabric and manufacturer. AADs are programmed devices that automatically deploy the reserve at a preset altitude and descent rate if the main canopy fails. When buying, make redundancy a priority: a well-maintained reserve and a reliable AAD can make the difference in emergency situations.
Owning flying equipment means committing to inspections and maintenance. Hang gliders and parachutes both need regular checks: fabric for UV damage, stitching for wear, hardware for corrosion, and lines for stretch. Establishing an inspection routine prevents small issues from growing into dangerous failures.
Before every flight or jump, do a quick but thorough pre-flight check: look for tears, inspect attachment points, check lines and risers, confirm harness adjustments, and make sure all pins and safety devices are secure. For skydivers, a gear-up and pull test at the packing level can identify problems before you load the plane.
Used gear can be a great way to get into the sport without breaking the bank, but it requires an educated eye. Buying used is like adopting a used car—you save money but need to know its history, usage, and maintenance record. For both hang gliders and skydiving equipment, age and service history matter as much as condition.
When evaluating a used hang glider, check the sail for UV degradation and patch work, inspect the leading edge for dents or corrosion, and verify the frame’s welds and tube condition. Ask for the rigging and logbook: dates of any repairs, alterations, or accident history. If possible, have a qualified rigger or club member examine the glider before finalizing the sale.
With skydiving gear, avoid canopies with excessive fabric fading, brittle lines, or unknown repair histories. Reserves and AADs have strict maintenance timelines; ensure the reserve was packed by a certified rigger recently and that the AAD is functional and within its service window. If you’re unsure, spend the extra to have the rig inspected by a reputable rigger before you jump it.
Proper transport and storage lengthen the life of your gear. Hang gliders often break down into a bag that fits on roof racks—protect exposures like leading edges and tips during transit. Skydiving canopies and containers should be kept clean, dry, and out of direct sunlight; extended exposure to UV and moisture accelerates fabric and line degradation.
Flying isn’t cheap, but it’s scalable. Beginners can start with rentals and training packages at drop zones or flying schools, then graduate to owning basic gear. Expect to budget for regular maintenance, inspections, and eventual replacement of parts like lines, bridles, and smaller hardware. Some retailers and dealers offer financing or trade-in programs that make upgrading more manageable.
When shopping, prioritize sellers who provide clear warranty terms, certification documentation, and access to after-sales support. US dealers that act as authorized service centers can help with rigging, spare parts, and annual inspections. Always check that equipment meets applicable certification standards and that you’ll have access to local experts for setup and questions.
Before buying, schedule a demo or take a few training flights. Many US hang gliding clubs and skydiving drop zones offer demo programs and orientation flights so you can feel the difference between wings and canopies. Joining local clubs or online communities gives you first-hand recommendations on sellers, trusted riggers, and seasonal buying opportunities.
In short: confirm the seller’s reputation, verify certification and maintenance records, inspect the gear physically (or have a rigger do it), match the specs to your weight and experience, and plan for storage and transport. If you tick these boxes, you’ll end up with gear that helps you enjoy flying, rather than worrying about it.
Buying hang gliders and skydiving gear in the US is an adventure in itself—one that pays off when you pick equipment that matches your skill, goals, and budget. Start with trusted manufacturers like Wills Wing, Performance Designs, Sun Path, and UPT, but don’t forget local dealers, drop zones, and certified riggers who provide invaluable hands-on advice. Whether you’re hunting for a first glider, upgrading your canopy, or comparing rigs, focus on safety, inspection history, and support networks. Fly smart, ask questions, and enjoy the sky—there’s nothing quite like the view from up there.
