Apco F5 Paraglider Review | Avery Flies

This was my third flight on Apco's new F5 paraglider- a lighter-weight step between the Lift 2EZ and the F3. It inherits a lot of performance from the F3 while being a tame, acceptable first flight wing with school risers and, like the Lift 2EZ, easily upgradable to reflex sporty fun with a riser swap. The mowhawk/fin/rudder/stabilizer really does work, oscillations are non existent and pilot induced oscillations filter themselves out quickly, while the wing demands remaining level in sharp turns. It inflates far easier than the Lift 2EZ and lands more like an F3, with responsive and energy-filled flares. I am very impressed overall. If we can just figure out this annoying trims-releasing-themselves issue on inflation with the performance risers, Apco may have a real winner here.
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[@vincentbizon8841]

I have been keeping my eye on this wing, almost pulled the trigger on this. Was waiting to see some reviews. Thanks for the review that is quite helpful in making my decision. Keep up the good work your vids are appreciated. Cheers

[@cloudpandarism2627]

sooo did you get it now? or was this review the last bit to cancel the idea? ow i am curious what you took away from this.😄

[@AveryFlies]

Yeah, me too! More or less likely to jump on the F5 now?

[@vincentbizon4525]

I think Avery does a pretty good job of giving an unbiased review. I am still going to see if more reviews become available, but it definitely pushes me more towards wanting it. I am a little hesitant about being an early adopter of new products. I have been stung before. I purchased the BGD Blizzard when it first came out and it has worked out ok, but I wish I would have known about some of its ground handling quirks before I purchased it. Once in the air, I have had no issues, a well-behaved wing, with a good balance of performance and stability. That is coming from a novice point of view mind you.

[@warrengibson5988]

11:05 Yo Avery. I didn't realize you captured that footage of me. I never get to see the top side of my wing. LOL. Great video as always.

[@AveryFlies]

Cameras are always rolling 🤣😜

[@DavidNCPPG-1962]

Great review on the Apco F5., looks like a great wing. Beautiful scenery out there at the Mojo school. Anther great video, thank you so much for sharing.

[@B_of_NC]

Nice! I love seeing the technological advances in this sport.

[@grejen711]

Those risers remind me of the setup on my Apco Hybrid. I think they went with those aluminium/plastic lock mallions instead of tiny carbineers to reduce the weight. :) Great to see you doing the speed test with some altitude. And on your 5th flight on that wing. Its fast! On my Hybrid my trimmed in speed is only 32Kph

[@AveryFlies]

Yes, VERY hybrid feeling on the risers, which I don't really like. It's a powered paraglider wing. I am under no illusion that it's supposed to have thin risers for reduced drag and better efficiency like the hybrid if used for free flight. I wish it had more normal risers, that would probably help the trim problem too

[@ParamotorNC]

Many good things going on here. But that trim release on launch is concerning.

[@cloudpandarism2627]

i just gave my APCO away. i do miss it but it was wrong size for me. very nice review.

[@AveryFlies]

Keep me in mind for your next wing giveaway 😜

[@cloudpandarism2627]

@@AveryFlies i was having the newest EPPG in mind for you. but ok if you just want a cheap wing thats also fine... 😋

[@AveryFlies]

@@cloudpandarism2627 I'll take anything you're willing to ship 🤣

[@cloudpandarism2627]

@@AveryFlies 🫡🤙🏼

[@jvt239]

Hi, I watched one of your previous helmet/coms videos. You mentioned, you use 2 radios, what are those and what brands do you recommend? I am about to start my helmet and comes build

[@AveryFlies]

Icom A16B for aviation communication at airports Baofeng UV-5R for ppg 2-way chatting with other paramotors

[@jvt239]

@@AveryFlies thank you

[@DucksaucePPG]

I'm looking for a new wing because of how much weight I've lost. I've been flying the Spyder 3 and love it. Could you give me a little comparison? Thanks

[@AveryFlies]

Very similar, though the top speed of the F5 is better and I think it inflates a little easier

[@dgree33]

So it is a bit faster and easier to launch than the Spyder? Does it track more straight for xc flights than the Spyder? How does it handle turbulence compared to the Spyder?

[@DucksaucePPG]

@@dgree33 I think they inflate the same, they handle bumps about the same. The f5 is faster, and 2d already tied in with the standard risers

[@flierbill]

Great wing review! One question: How long is your cam line?

[@AveryFlies]

Just long enough to drag the camera on the ground when kiting. That way it's hits the grass before your propeller when taking off and landing 👀

[@cloudpandarism2627]

@@AveryFlies i was always wondering what happens if the line is short enough leave the cam floating right above hoop instead of below. wide angle is not enough to get everything in view anymore?

[@AveryFlies]

@cloudpandarism2627 with my cameras, no, that would be too narrow of an angle. Plus the birdie then swings into, and tangles, your glider lines

[@cloudpandarism2627]

@@AveryFlies good point. alright i keep that in mind if i ever think about a chasecam. for now i stick to fpv quads for some random follow shots first.

[@jvt239]

How do you rate the Apco F5 to the Ozone Spyder 3 ? I am about to buy a F5.

[@AveryFlies]

Very similar. I think the F5 inflates a little nicer. The Spyder has less confusing risers though.

[@balkan_pil0t]

Trimmers like that will open up on forward launches as they hit your arms. Dudek had the same things on a few of their wings, except you could modify the trims so this would not happen.

[@AveryFlies]

Yes. After slow replay of my 360 camera that is indeed what is happening. If I owned an F5 I would take a grinder to the trim release buckle and shorten it

[@balkan_pil0t]

@@AveryFlies On the Dudek wings it was a metal tab that was pop riveted on, so they could be drilled out and removed easily. The problem was once removed the trimmers where hard to use.... LOL

[@AveryFlies]

@balkan_pil0t the rollers on the f5 would probably still let the trimmers be easy to use if cut down. Interested to see if Apco sticks with this.

[@DucksaucePPG]

@@balkan_pil0t they don't just do it on launches they do it on hard maneuvers. Apco has resigned the risers so this won't happen and have replaced mine