Three-liner | Cells: 33 | Aspect ratio: 4.5 | Weight: 1.6 kg – Size 12 (EN/LTF D)

BANTAM 2 – Built for para-alpinists

With a weight of only 1.6 kg (size 12), very short lines and ultra-small pack size, the BANTAM 2 (size 14: EN C/LTF D, size 12: EN/LTF D) is an excellent miniwing for alpine adventures and competitions. This mountaineering wing masters demanding take-off sites and inspires with its speed, good glide performance and high stability.

To the launch, get set, go! The BANTAM 2 features all the characteristics that enable top rankings in competitions like the Red Bull Dolomitenmann, Rise & Fall, etc. A quick launch is essential and this occurs reliably thanks to the short lines and easy inflation. In the air, the ultralight mountain wing impresses with even better glide performance, higher stability and top speed than its predecessor. For several years now, the BANTAM concept has proven itself at the Red Bull Dolomitenmann: with the BANTAM (1), Chrigel Maurer has won the individual paragliding discipline three times in a row.  During the development of the BANTAM 2, the core characteristics were once again significantly improved.

Compact companion. The short lines and direct handling of the BANTAM 2 enable extreme precision – from launch to landing. Its predecessor gave rise to Theo de Blic's world-famous Throw & Go videos, in which he launches the BANTAM from narrow cliffs and exposed peaks. The BANTAM 2 excites with even simpler and less complicated launch behaviour, which is also an absolute advantage on less extreme launch sites. Feedback through the risers and brakes is conveyed even more directly. The agility and speed of the miniwing means lots of flying fun. The BANTAM 2 can also withstand strong winds without any problems. Improved flare and stall behaviour guarantees a soft landing. The combination of these features make for a great flying experience. Whether hike & fly, climb & fly or simply a pleasurable glide down - the BANTAM 2 is a great companion for your day in the mountains.

New design – same principle. With our own design software, we were able to significantly optimise the characteristics of the BANTAM 2. It also benefits from the know-how generated by the design of the ION 7 & ION 7 Light and the MENTOR 7 & MENTOR 7 Light. Based on the successful design of its predecessor, the BANTAM 2 meets all the demands of a fun mountaineering wing. It differs in essential parameters such as profile and arc. This increases stability, and improves performance and launch and landing behaviour. The slightly increased aspect ratio of 4.5 (BANTAM (1): 4.4) also contributes to a better glide. With a distance from pilot to canopy of 4.3 m and a weight of only 1.6 kg in size 12 (50 grams less than its predecessor), the BANTAM 2 is even more light and compact.

Simply flying. Thanks to its clever features, using the BANTAM 2 is easier than ever before. Coloured sheathed main lines make pre-launch preparations easier and do not tangle much. The 7 mm easily manageable and ultralight Kevlar-reinforced risers have been stiffened to minimise twisting. If there are slippery conditions on take-off, the included holding pins allow you to easily secure the glider. During launch, the pins detach from the ground and fly down into the valley attached to the glider. The Nitinol rods in the leading edge make packing easier as they reduce volume while retaining their shape. After landing, you can quickly pack your BANTAM 2 and be ready for the next adventure.

PS: the perfect combination with the BANTAM 2 is our mountaineering harness MONTIS which weighs only 320 grams in size M.

Ultra-lightweight. The ultimate in lightness.

Designed for hike & fly, climb & fly and vol biv, ultra-lightweight products are built to be as light and compact as possible. To achieve this, we use the lightest materials and technologies available - but never at the expense of safety! For the longest possible enjoyment of the product, we recommend particularly careful handling of the equipment.

The BANTAM 2 is made of these materials:

  • Risers: Light risers, 7 mm wide, Kevlar-reinforced
  • Nitinol rods for better profile shape in accelerated flight and easier packing
  • Fabrics:
    Upper and lower surface: Dominico 10D 26 g/m²
    Profile ribs: Porcher Skytex 27 hard 27g/m²

Target group

The BANTAM 2 is aimed at pilots who like to fly small, manoeuvrable, ultralight paragliders. With regard to pilot experience, the well-known rule applies: the skill required increases with the wing loading. So if you fly the BANTAM 2 12 (EN D) at the upper end of the weight range, you must expect very dynamic flight behaviour. Accordingly, a high degree of wing control is needed. In contrast, the BANTAM 2 in size 14 (EN C) is quite a tame mountain glider when loaded in the lower third of the certified weight range. It can climb even in weaker thermals.

In general, the BANTAM 2 is ideal for hike & fly and climb & fly - as well as for competitions such as Red Bull Dolomitenmann or Rise & Fall.

To choose the right glider size for your ability, please check the technical data and ask your NOVA dealer advice.

Video

Quote from...

...Theo de Blic:

"The BANTAM (1) was the very first wing NOVA sent me a few days before I signed my contract, and it's fair to say that it was that wing which made our partnership what it is today. Therefore, it holds a special place in my heart.

The BANTAM 2 retains everything that made the BANTAM 1 so special: its dynamic and fun behavior, incredible lightness, and precise handling. It also adds performance, stability, and an extended speed range, making this wing the ultimate hike & fly machine."

Red Bull Dolomitenmann 2023

At the 36th Red Bull Dolomitenmann 2023, the BANTAM demonstrated its outstanding take-off and flight performance. Only BANTAM 2 pilots were on the podium.

For the first time, women were also allowed to participate, but without their own ranking. Our miniwing dominated here as well.

Out of a total of 112 pilots at the start, ten flew BANTAM 2 and 50 flew BANTAM 1.

We congratulate everyone and thank them for their confidence in the BANTAM!

Ranking overall: www.pentek-timing.at/results/2023/14439-01.pdf
Ranking Paragliding: www.pentek-timing.at/results/2023/14439-06.pdf

Matching Articles

BANTAM X – Launch anywhere

For those seeking an even more uncompromising option, the radical design concept of the BANTAM X is worth a look. This wing prioritises the launch characteristics of a Hike & Fly glider: with its exceptionally short lines (3.2 meters from the pilot to the canopy), the BANTAM X is a true launch marvel, making even the smallest peak a viable take off.

Learn more about the key features and differences in this article.

Technology

Technical data

    12 14
Number of cells   33
Projected span m 6,4 7,0
Projected area 12,1 14,0
Projected aspect ratio   3,4 3,5
Flat span m 8,0 8,6
Flat area 14,4 16,2
Flat aspect ratio   4,5
Distance pilot – canopy m 4,3 4,5
Total line length m 157,6 170,0
Max. chord m 2,2 2,4
Min. chord m 0,5 0,5
Weight kg 1,6 1,8
Certified take off weight kg 60-90 55-100
Certification   EN/LTF D EN C/LTF D

Materials

Service

Colours

Red

This 3D model will assist you to see the approximate appearance of a custom colour. But please be aware: the actual colours may vary from the 3D model. For any queries, please contact your NOVA Partner or email us directly at info@nova.eu.

Scope of delivery

FAQ

The DOUBLESKIN is also a mountain wing made of ultralight materials ("Ultra-lightweight"), but in "standard size" and EN A certified. It is therefore suitable for pilots who appreciate an easy-to-fly glider that impresses with a low take off speed and a good climb rate in weak thermals.

The Nitinol rods in the leading edge are characterised by low weight and volume and are less susceptible to kinking than nylon rods. However, when packing, we recommend not bending the rods too much. Apart from that, no special technique is required and you can use any type of packsack. You will achieve the smallest possible volume with our Ultralight Compression Bag. But to protect the equipment in the long term, the wing should be stored loosely packed.

This value indicates the distance from the carabiner main attachment point vertically upwards to the lower sail. In other words, it describes how far the pilot is from the glider. With hike & fly gliders, this distance is particularly relevant for launching: the closer you stand to the glider with the lines stretched out, the less space is required for the inflation. In flight, a small distance provides "direct contact" with the glider. A slightly larger distance indirectly increases the glide performance and provides a more "all-round" flying feeling, which is especially desirable for thermalling and XC gliders.

The ideal distance to the canopy must therefore always be evaluated in relation to the intended use.

The pins can be attached to the specially provided tabs of the wing using the loops provided (the exact instructions can be found in the manual of the glider.) If used correctly, the pins are pulled out of the ground or the snow when taking off and they fly into the valley attached to their loops. If one still get lost, it is no drama - our holding pins are made of wood and therefore biodegradable. It is very important to remove the pins when packing to avoid any damage to the glider.

The very light cloth is a little more sensitive to damage than a heavier paraglider cloth. Unnecessary mechanical stress (dragging the wing over the ground, intensive ground handling) and unnecessary UV exposure should be avoided. In general, wings should always be folded when dry and loosely stored in the glider bag. All NOVA paragliders – whether light or standard – are covered by our comprehensive guarantee package.

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