Best Hang Glider & Gliding Brands

‍Knowing which hang glider to buy is a crucial part of having the right gear. Learn about the best hang glider brands in this complete overview of the industry.

The best hang glider brands are:

• Wills Wing
• Moyes
• A-I-R USA
• Aeros
• Icaro 2000
• North Wing

Just like you, we are enthusiasts before anything else, but we recognize that with a topic like this one, some personal bias could sway our rankings. To overcome with, we’ve taken input from other experts and enthusiasts and vetted all the information to come up with this complete list of the best hang glider brands in the world.

‍Breakdown of the Best Hang Glider Brands

Wills Wing

Wills Wing, an American glider manufacturer, is a leading company in the design and production just about everything to do with hang gliding, including the glider itself as well as all the gear you need. Originally based in Santa Ana, California, Wills Wing has since relocated its operations to Orange, California.

As a prominent player in the hang gliding industry, founders Chris Wills and Steve Pearson have significantly contributed to the growth and innovation of this popular airborne sport.

At Wills Wing, you'll find ready-to-fly aircraft available to help you sail through the skies with ease and style. Some popular lines offered by the company include the Wills Wing Falcon, known for its high-wing, single-place and two-place hang gliders, and the Wills Wing U2, a single-place, high-wing glider that has been in production since 2003. These high-quality and reliable options make Wills Wing a favorite choice for hang gliders across the nation.

In addition to innovative and sturdy designs, Wills Wing has a strong presence in hang gliding competitions throughout the years. Wills Wing pilots have collected an impressive track record, securing 19 out of 43 official U.S.

So, if you're looking to enjoy the thrill of hang gliding, Wills Wing's exceptional product line, friendly atmosphere, and storied competitive history make it an excellent choice for taking to the skies.

From its roots in Santa Ana to its new home in Orange, California, Wills Wing remains a pioneer in the American hang gliding industry.

Moyes

Moyes Delta Gliders is an Australian aircraft manufacturer based in Kurnell, New South Wales. Founded by Bill Moyes in 1967, the company specializes in designing and manufacturing hang gliders. Over the years, Moyes Delta Gliders' designs have won numerous world, national, and regional championships.

When you think of Moyes Hang Gliders, you can expect quality, performance, and innovation. Bill Moyes began his journey in hang glider manufacturing by crafting 12 gliders for friends in the first year, continuously improving the design. By the second year, his business had grown to take on 20 orders, which marked the official birth of Moyes Delta Gliders.

Now, decades later, the company offers a range of hang gliding products, including the Litesport, Gecko, Malibu 2, Matrix, Contour, and Eaze. The advanced Litespeed RX is perfect for cross-country and competition hang gliding, while the Litesport offers high-performance king-posted hang gliding. For those seeking a new "Sports Class" wing, the Gecko is an excellent option.

In addition to hang gliders, Moyes also provides accessories and more information on their website. They have a selection of harnesses, parachutes, spare parts, helmets, instruments, radios, eyewear, clothing, books, and gift vouchers. This wide variety of equipment ensures that you'll find everything you need for your hang gliding experience.

If you're new to the sport or looking for a quality hang glider, consider choosing a product from Moyes Delta Gliders. With a history of excellence and a range of options tailored to suit various skill levels and preferences, Moyes is a reliable choice for meeting your hang gliding needs.

A-I-R USA

A-I-R USA is a company that specializes in importing ATOS hang gliders and ultralight trikes. As an enthusiast of hang gliding, you'll appreciate that A-I-R USA has a range of high-quality hang glider models to suit your preferences and skill level.

Founded by Ben Herring, an experienced hang glider pilot with over 15 years in the sport, A-I-R USA takes pride in providing exceptional hang gliders to fellow enthusiasts. Ben currently maintains an USHPA Tandem Instructor as well as an H4 rating, bringing a wealth of experience to the business.

A-I-R USA is located in the United States, offering a variety of models. The ATOS series, originally designed by Felix Ruehle and produced by A-I-R GmbH of Halblech in Germany, has been a popular choice among hang gliding enthusiasts since its introduction in 1999. The gliders were initially designed for competition purposes but have since garnered a following among recreational pilots as well.

There are multiple ATOS models to choose from, each with its unique features. For example, the ATOS VX is a high-performing model certified to carry tandem loads. You'll find that ATOS hang gliders offer excellent glide performance and minimum sink rates, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience in the air.

In conclusion, A-I-R USA provides a variety of top-quality ATOS rigid wing hang gliders for both experienced and novice pilots. From the ATOS VX for tandem flights to other models designed for specific conditions, you'll be sure to find the perfect hang glider for your flying adventures.

Aeros

As a hang gliding enthusiast, you might be interested in knowing more about Aeros hang gliders. Aeros is a company that manufactures high-quality hang gliders designed for various skill levels, from beginners to experts. With a focus on ensuring pilots' safety, comfort, and top-level performance, Aeros hang gliders are a popular choice among flying enthusiasts.

If you're new to hang gliding, the Aeros Target 16 is an excellent option to consider. Weighing only 23.5 kg without bags, this beginner-friendly glider is known for being lighter, making it easier for inexperienced pilots to handle. It has built a reputation as a reliable training hang glider over the years.

For intermediate pilots, Aeros offers curved-tip gliders like the Discus and Discus-M, catering to those who enjoy recreational cross-country flying and soaring without the need to participate in competitions. These gliders have an aspect ratio of 8.5, providing better low-speed and mid-speed glide ratios.

Finally, if you're an experienced glider looking for top performance, the Aeros Combat L 07 series has been certified by DHV in three different sizes: 12, 13, and 14. These high-performance gliders come with advanced features like winglets, enhancing handling at higher speeds.

In summary, Aeros hang gliders cater to different skill levels, ensuring that you have the right glider to match your experience and preferences. With a focus on safety, comfort, and performance, you can trust Aeros to provide an enjoyable flying experience.

Icaro 2000

Icaro 2000 is an Italian aircraft manufacturer that was founded in 1973. Headquartered in Sangiano, Italy, the company specializes in designing and manufacturing hang gliders, ultralight trikes, and hang gliding helmets. Over the years, they have sold more than 9,000 hang gliders, including many used by world champions!

When you visit their official website, you can learn more about their rich history, innovative products, and milestones that have shaped the company. Ignazio Bernardi, a key figure in Icaro 2000's journey, has played a significant role in its success.

As the original hang glider manufacturer based in Europe, Icaro 2000 shares some history with Moyes. In the early days, in fact, Icaro 2000 built gliders under the Moyes license, so the brands have been intertwined from day one. This collaboration helped solidify their standing in the industry and led to further innovation and growth.

Today, Icaro 2000's hang gliders are renowned for their Italian design, engineering, and manufacturing quality. They offer several models, such as the Laminar, MastR, Alto, Piuma, and the upcoming Laminar Light. Each model provides a unique flying experience that you can truly appreciate.

In addition to their impressive hang gliders, Icaro 2000 also designs helmets to provide maximum protection, comfort, and style while you enjoy your favorite sport. Their high-quality, certified products are geared towards ensuring your safety and enhancing your overall experience in the skies.

To sum up, Icaro 2000 has been in the business for nearly five decades, and its commitment to excellence has resulted in thousands of satisfied customers and world-class products. So, if you are interested in exploring the world of hang gliding or ultralight trikes, Icaro 2000 is definitely worth your consideration.

North Wing

North Wing is a reputable company in the USA that specializes in designing and producing high-quality hang gliders. Their range of hang gliders caters to various pilot skill levels, ensuring a fun, safe, and enjoyable flying experience for everyone.

If you're a beginner or intermediate pilot, the North Wing Liberty is an excellent choice. It's easy to fly, stable, and predictable, with light control pressures and variable geometry (VG) for outstanding performance. The Liberty is available in two sizes, 148 and 158 square feet, giving you options based on your needs and preferences. For those looking for customization, they also offer custom sail choices.

The Pulse Hang Glider is another great product in North Wing's lineup. Its standard features include an airfoil kingpost, 4oz sailcloth, 7075 airframe and ribs, and quick set-up. You also have the option to choose from three stock sail colors, enabling you to add your personal touch to your glider.

Designed with all pilots in mind, the North Wing Freedom Hang Glider is particularly appealing to advanced pilots seeking a lightweight, simple glider that performs exceptionally well. It's perfect if you want a second wing on your vehicle for quick set-up, easy flying, and comfortable handling in active air. The Freedom's adaptable design allows for landing almost anywhere, performing substantially better than many modern training hill gliders.

In addition to hang gliders, North Wing offers various accessories to enhance your flying experience further. These include items like Comfort Bars, Streamline Safe-Edge Uprights, and custom sail colors. The diverse range of products ensures that you can tailor your equipment to fit your individual needs and preferences.

As you explore the world of North Wing hang gliders, you'll discover a vibrant community of fellow pilots and enthusiasts who share your passion for flying. So, get ready to elevate your flying experience with one of these fantastic gliders and soar the skies with confidence and style.

Choosing the Right Brand

When it comes to choosing the best hang glider brand for your flying adventures, there are a few standout options to consider. Any of the brands on this list are great choices, and they all are known for their solid history, top-quality hang gliders, and excellent reputations within the hang gliding community.

Remember, your safety and enjoyment while flying depend on making an informed decision. So, take the time to research, seek advice from experienced pilots, and test a few different hang gliders if possible. This will help ensure that you select the best hang glider to suit your skill level and preferences.

In conclusion, investing in a hang glider from a reputable brand like those listed here will set you on the right path for an incredible flying experience. Now it's your turn to take to the skies and soar with confidence, knowing that you've chosen a quality and reliable hang glider.

Understanding Hang Gliders

Hang gliders are a fantastic way for you to experience the thrill of gliding through the air. Before diving into the world of hang gliding, it's essential to understand the basics of hang glider design and how they work.

Hang gliders are made up of an aluminum or carbon fiber frame and are covered with a strong fabric, usually made from Dacron or Mylar. The glider's airfoil shape is what generates lift, allowing you to soar through the sky. When you're gliding, the balance between lift and gravity is crucial. Adjusting your body position shifts the center of mass, which affects how your glider moves.

A few factors contribute to a hang glider's performance, such as:

Wing shape

The airfoil's shape can dramatically affect the glider's ability to generate lift, as well as its handling characteristics. A high performance hang glider — like a double-surface model — can provide better control but may also be harder to control for beginners.

Wing area

The size of your hang glider's wing affects its lift and sink rate. Larger wings have more surface area, which means they generate more lift and have a lower sink rate. However, they might also be slower and harder to handle.

Aspect ratio

The aspect ratio is the relationship between a glider's wingspan and its average wing width. Higher aspect ratios result in less drag and better gliding performance, while lower aspect ratios offer much more easy handling.

Keep in mind that beginner hang gliders may be designed with more stability and easier handling in mind, while more advanced models could focus on aspects like better performance and maneuverability. A great glider for new pilots is a single-surface model, which has less bar pressure for easier control and the cross bar is more user-friendly.

For more advanced pilots, the ideal choice might be something like a double-surface glider that’s a bit higher performance. These are great hang gliders for most advanced pilots as they combine durability, weight, and performance into a relatively easy glider to fly that can also reach high speeds. Most local pilots in your area will use a high performance glider like this.

It's essential to choose a glider suitable for your skill level and goals in the sport of hang gliding. Remember to consult with expert pilots, instructors, or hang glider dealers to help you find the perfect glider for your needs. For example, if it’s your first glider, you don’t want to go with an intermediate glider like a double-surface, as you’re simply just not there yet.

Now, with a better understanding of hang gliders, you're on your way to making an informed decision and hopefully experiencing the joys of gliding through the skies with the best hang gliders around.