Gravity Paramotor- Defiant Unbox, Build, First Impression

[@jimcr120]

I like your detailed descriptive posts. This one helped me decide to pull the trigger. I bought a Defiant 2 days ago.

[@MikeCotter1]

Best Unbiased, Detailed, Concise, Comparative, Forensic, 30 minute paramotor review I've ever seen. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@Troder4oil]

Thanks Mitch! Looks to be a great unit. One or two more clicks with an allen wrench to tighten that net would probably stiffen that cage even more. Looking forward to a flight review.

[@MitchG]

Very true!

[@barrywebber100]

Looks like an awesome design with quality engineered pieces and great functionality. Thanks for posting.

[@roberteshelman5917]

Can't wait to see you fly it, Mitch. Glad you're pleased with your purchase. Mike Lopez just received his too!

[@wardified8566]

Mitch, this video has been a tremendous help! The gravity build guide had the 101 and this has the finesse info. Example: Seat board install Throttle install w wiring preferences Throttle routing, that's what the clamp is 👍 Harness position for Gravity harness General cable/lines routing and securing Etc...

[@MitchG]

Yep, I tried to hit all the points that weren't already answered. Let me know if you have any other questions. Tip, leave the leg straps fairly loose. Makes getting out of the seat much easier

[@wardified8566]

@@MitchG thanks for the tip, I will be mindful of that. Those 4 strap slides? Probably obvious, each one goes to a harness strap, including the infamous shoulder straps at the bottom (the ones you removed)?

[@MitchG]

@@wardified8566 correct. The should ones go through the harness and clip at the bottom of the tank. I removed mine and tucked the extra strap under the shoulder pads velcro

[@Ellwoodsss1]

This might be the first video I've seen where you sound excited 😂

[@4oh4n0tf0und]

i started laughing so hard at my work desk when you called your family jewels "juevos". Great review!

[@ETeamerDude]

Also, I love how the prop barely sticks out past the hoop, unlike most that stick out like 6 inches. Should give a little more cushion for less than perfect technique, not snagging / cutting lines. My Nitro doesn't have a clutch so if I turn it all, it's easy to hit a line with my prop (when I'm on the ground)

[@jayeshchhari5539]

Congratulations Mitch . Many many happy landings. ✌️😊😇🦅🌥️🙏

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Mitch, really detailed review. That lower cage flex would still be a worry for me but have the motor close to your back. I can't wait to see you fly it.

[@chazm.5909]

Bro.....I wish you did a time-lapse video to show the full build from start to finish, would of been so cool to watch!

[@gsp2west]

The best objective review I've seen of a paramotor in the 20 years I've been flying. Great job. How about a review of the Hadron 3?

[@MitchG]

Thanks. As soon as I get my hands on one, ill share my thoughts

[@rickcbr900rr]

Nice review, I hope it meets your expectations it looks great ! Good luck on your flights

[@noahkraft6453]

Great looking motor from a veteran company

[@someguy7258]

I dig it! That thing is pretty cool looking and quite ingenious.

[@t4nkman]

Beautiful looking machine, Sir.

[@videopokernetwork6824]

Ahh... I thought the fuel would have been more dispursed throughout the interior of the molded plastic part. But, its at the bottom, just like the rest of the paramotors. It's a beautiful machine, however, I would like to see them test a method of spreading the fuel into maybe three chambers from top, middle and bottom that are gravity fed by default until you're drawing from the bottom when the top two chambers have been emptied. Im a lightweight. All that fuel sunk at the bottom, makes it difficult to balance. I really like this design.

[@32laurens]

I know you have flown it several times now and still really like it. I agree with your comment that a few paramotor manufacturers better do something about pricing if they don't want to see Gravity take all the customers. I am interested to hear (in a future video?) what tweaks you made, did you end up changing the way you routed things, did you shorten the fuel line, did you do something about that seat getting caught (I think a certain Mr Vella said you did) etc. Thanks heaps!

[@rolloverriderpgr]

Thank-you Thank-you. Thank-you!!! Looks like I'm changing my Plans! Not only will I be buying American but helping my brothers in uniform! Old Army!! I hit my savings hard for Christmas but I'll have it back up and that $5500 is just a few pay checks away! Gotta love driving trucks!! Now to hit up their website!! Blue Skies and Safe Journeys!

[@MitchG]

Worth it! You wont be disappointed

[@strongjaymusicgroup]

Congrats

[@David_Wolfe]

Terrific review Mitch. Great job!

[@MitchG]

Thank you

[@candidoalcantara6718]

hi THE FLAT TOP IS NOT THAT FLEXIBLE IS MORE STRONG

[@jefrimantoya7797]

Wow......not bad ! very exciting review

[@SkydiveHawaiiKid]

Twist the wires before you solder the wires, solder provides electrical contact but no mechanical strength. Also there's no need to solder a crimped terminal. Just me nit picking, I'm at the end of the preorder so it'll be a little while before I get mine. Thanks for the video!

[@MitchG]

Thanks. I'm not a trained "mechanic" just a guy who bought some tools 😆

[@SkydiveHawaiiKid]

@@MitchG I could hear my A&P school instructors saying the same line right before they threw people's wires in the trash. At least you're out flying!

[@lostgriz]

Good review. Glad I saw this, I was considering buying one until I watched this. Thank You!🙏

[@beamdog189]

What dissuaded you, if I might ask?

[@wardified8566]

Speedbar - 27:45

[@TSGear]

Id like to hear how you think it compares to the virus. I have a few things i would change about my virus. The harness isnt my favorite. I have a hard time puting it on at times but im 6ft 4, 240lbs so not super small.

[@MitchG]

The virus was heavy and motor was far from your back which made it worse. I had to adjust the virus harness a lot to get it to feel ok. This gravity feels like an improved virus imo.

[@TSGear]

@@MitchG right on. Have you flown the Maverick. Ive been thinking I may eventually try those.

[@MitchG]

@@TSGear I have. Its light, strong enough. It has 2 major flaws imo. The hoop isn't large enough for a 130cm prop and the tank is smaller than most paramotors. Maverick is a good first motor but when you want more thrust and longer flight time it falls short compared to others

[@natural9743]

If they reinforce the flex a bit

[@randymcleanwo5m373]

Love the Video and I'm thinking about getting the defiant for myself as my first paramotor. On the build part of your video you soldered the kill switch. Have you ever had any problem with the solder joint giving out on a motor? As an engineer and ham radio operator I've always resisted using solder in high vibration environments, instead I opt for a crimped connection. Don't get me wrong soldered connections are superior electronically, its just makes the wire stiff more prone to fatigue.

[@MitchG]

Multiple people have said that about solder but my connections have lasted years. A crip will fail as well if theres no relief to the wire. If it does fail it's not a big deal. Just carefully take the motor off and pull the spark plug or cover the air intake

[@unabel987]

I'm a bit confused. You and Anthony both are saying the Defiant costs around $5500, But on their site the bare bones is $5899 and that's with the 185 Silent. In this video you reference yours as if we will be able to get that setup for "around" $5500. The 185 Plus, Custom Gravity EVO Harness, and ACS/DFS Flight System are ALL upgrades and bring the total to $6948. That's now back up in the more expensive range. Your sacrificing ALOT to get down to even the base price of $5899. Wasn't sure you were aware was all as is seems you and Anthony are saying we can get an almost identical machine to what you have for $5500 but its actually $6948 (Without tax and shipping). Love your guys videos though keep em coming!!

[@MitchG]

At the time of purchase and making this video. Gravity said this setup would be 5500. Maybe they raised the price because of demand or something I'm not sure. I actually paid 4500+around 300 for tax, shipping, and fees. Still 4800 for a bran new paramotor with a moster 185 is a killer deal I couldnt pass up. The upgrades on our motors were free for the preorder customers and we said that in the video

[@bikemancody2752]

I wouldnt want the tanks to be thinner since its the frame. I'll stick with my P2F. Neat concept, arms are sexy.

[@shaggys1057]

thank you for the review

[@tonyslovak8695]

Why not to connect gas tank to loop at the bottom. It looks the prop is much closer to the fame at the bottom, motor need chiming.

[@OceanicOpps]

Wonder what it will cost to replace the tank,, has my concern a hard landing and rupture or damage where the spars connect. Perhaps the plastic could be welded though too?

[@MitchG]

If you did crash hard enough to damage the plastic, I doubt you would want to try and weld it together. Gravity has said they will sell replacement tanks. Considering the price of the whole paramotor, Im willing to bet the price of the tank alone will not be outrageous

[@ryandinan]

Great review Mitch! How does the weight distribution feel having the fuel tank so close to your back? What about vibration transmission through the 'frame'? I have a Nitro 200 with a harness that is nearly identical to the one on the Defiant... Do you know if Gravity sells just the frame (no harness, prop, or motor) so I could move my Nitro onto it? Thanks again!

[@MitchG]

They are not selling the frame by itself for now because demand is to high. Vibrations feel less than my traditional metal frame paramotors. Weight distribution feels pretty much the same but I love the shape of the tank. Very comfortable in flight

[@unabel987]

That's a very nice white tank. Will it yellow like other tanks out there or did they do something special to prevent that?

[@MitchG]

The guys at gravity said they used some kind of plastic that's not supposed to yellow. Time will tell.

[@kevinstorm6009]

Great video! It looks sick! Just some suggestions; safety first! Please use safety glasses. Spitting solder happens often. Also, when prepping wires for soldering you should always twist them together, then solder them. You want the strongest connection possible, especially on a machine that vibrates like these do. I'm sure there are plenty of KZbin videos available with hints. Last thing; a heat gun is best for the heat shrink tubing. I've even seen people successfully use a hair dryer on the highest setting. Eliminating the need for an open flame in a garage is never a bad thing. Keep up the good work!

[@Hunter_Bauss]

How much was this package?

[@Dreaklock]

Is it typical to have to solder things on a brand new PPG motor? Seems like you did a lot of clipping, soldering, and crimping. And had a lot of excess wire to deal with. Is all that normal?

[@MitchG]

Every paramotor on the market has a throttle that connects the same way. Some dealers install everything for you and some do not. So it's somewhat common. Even if the dealer does it for you, eventually these motors break and require maintenance. There are many helpful videos on how to do it though

[@kerrycorcoran4885]

Could you assist with more detail for putting the netting on? I am following the website video and still it is not fitting properly. Frustrated.

[@MitchG]

Find the middle of the net and put it at the top of the hoop. Then work your way down the sides weaving the rope through the net.

[@stag3t-muspsa910]

Well I have a question...I'm 6ft6 280....and I've never put one together....is this something a first timer can do...put together....that makes me nervous..lol . I can't wait to get one....

[@MitchG]

If you can work on your own cars, bikes, ect then this is similar. Just some parts to bolt together. There are some great videos out there showing how to build it in great detail.

[@DougBow96]

Great video, thank you

[@joshperryppg]

What is their goal with this paramotor chassis? It does not look like it would take an impact, and the weight savings seems non-existant? My Air Conception comes in at 49lbs dry. Is there any way to even put that on a rack-mount on a vehicle?

[@MitchG]

Gravity will be selling a mounting rack for it soon. This hoop is much stronger than an airconception and the fuel tank is almost 2x the capacity. This motor is also almost half the price of an airconception. Its a great design IMO

[@joshperryppg]

@@MitchG So low cost and increased fuel capacity is their goal? Could be a good XC design. I'm just trying to figure out what niche it's trying to fill.

[@MitchG]

@@joshperryppg I think it's a great motor for acro as well. Well engineered and wont fail on you.

[@MitchG]

@@joshperryppg I'm a slalom style dude and I love it as well

[@joshperryppg]

@@MitchG Do you know anything about the bonding of the metal to the plastic? I really want to see more of the bracket that holds the swing arms in place. Not necessarily the puck system, but the actual metal bracket if you ever make another indepth video on it! Especially after some acro! I look forward to it.

[@jeanetiennette5742]

Where can i get one like yours?

[@wuffa4503]

I have a question about ignition safety features.I am asking because i am not yet a PPG pilot .Airplanes have an ignition off switch so one can safely turn the prop.Is their an ignition safety in addition to the kill button?

[@MitchG]

The most popular motors on the market have a centrifugal clutch so you can safely spin the prop on the ground without the motor starting. Motors without clutches you can start by spinning the prop. They dont come with additional safety switches other than the kill switch

[@wuffa4503]

@@MitchG thx Mitch i will be getting one with the clutch

[@JacoOlwagen]

it does not look like it will stand up well to a but landing, it looks like it will dig in, instead of slide

[@MitchG]

The tank has more surface area than 2 skinny poles of traditional frames. Imo it would slide better than traditional frames

[@Ohio-PPG-Trike-Adventures]

They had you at the HAT!!

[@wardified8566]

Plot twist, this was all an elaborate ploy for a free hat. #LongGame

[@dogofwisdom7945]

Post Flying Video Now!!!!

[@briankeith6119]

I have a cargo trailer and I’m wondering how to mount it to the ground so I can transport it.

[@MitchG]

I think fab some clamps to go over the bottom of the hoop. And one strap to keep it from falling backwards

[@briankeith6119]

@@MitchG yeah that seems too easy. Thank ya sir. What do you tow it with?

[@MitchG]

@@briankeith6119 small truck

[@ETeamerDude]

Is there a vent tube for the gas tank? Great review btw

[@MitchG]

Thanks. The gas cap let's air in. I can blow through it.

[@deepcreekfooter]

Mitch can you blow through it easily? I can’t seem to get any venting. Whenever I take my cap off there is a good amount of pressure build up. 🤔 Also how did you get the carb screw off? On mine that screw is too long to come off cleanly without hitting the carb.

[@MitchG]

@@deepcreekfooter the gas cap should vent air. If it doesnt, there is a mod you can do where you poke a little hole in the rubber valve inside the cap to allow it to vent. Contact gravity about that. I cut my ground connector so I could just slide it under the carb bolt without completely removing it. Otherwise you have to loosen all 4 carb bolts

[@duanetschmidt]

In flight, what are the vibration levels like compared to other units you have flown?

[@MitchG]

Just slightly less vibration compared to traditional metal tube frames. Not like electric smooth but like the difference between a eprop and helix (smoother)

[@rickcbr900rr]

Hi Mitch, just got my Defiant built, did you have trouble with the fuel line vibrating so much to cause cavitation in the line? Thanks

[@MitchG]

Honestly I never checked. Is it so bad that you lose power or just a few bubbles. I've had bubbles in fuel lines and never worried about it

[@rickcbr900rr]

@@MitchG yes it produces a flat spot in the throttle response. I will try different fuel line length and mounting to see if that corrects it. I appreciate it. P.S. man it looks like El Paso has grown so much, love the videos I can tell you love the flying. Thanks

[@dewinterjeanbaptiste6982]

Have been on the website, and i didn't find the price for the frame without engine...

[@MitchG]

The demand for the paramotor is high right now, so for now they are only offering it as a complete unit

[@chamales3]

Nice video. How do I get a mug with my name on it???

[@MitchG]

Step 1. Learn to fly. How do I get a wing with my name on it?

[@racelineco3485]

MItch when are they launching it?? what is its weight??

[@MitchG]

It's for sale right now. Preorder customers paramotors are shipping first. Weight is still being reduced, I have one of the heaviest versions and it weighs 61.8lbs. The later versions with light weight parts will be sub 60lbs no problem

[@jasonplant5432]

Whould you consider this a wise decision for a beginner paramotor?

[@MitchG]

If you are fit and the extra weight doesn't bother you, then it's a good choice. If you weigh less than 150lbs then I'd recommend a lighter weight ppg for your first motor

[@videopokernetwork6824]

@@MitchG what is your opinion of the flat top?

[@MitchG]

@@videopokernetwork6824 the flattop is strong but that's its only perk. Might be good for using for the first 50 hours or so if you are going to have butt landings often. Once you get the landings dialed in, I'd sell it and get something lighter weight and more comfortable. The extra weight and awkward way it hangs really low makes the takeoff that much harder. I recommend putting it lots of kiting practice and maybe some short pg flights and then get a light weight motor. It might not be as strong for butt landings but that's why you practice kiting and pg first

[@brodragon3054]

If I’m 300 pounds what’s the best cheapest paramotor I could get?

[@MitchG]

If you can foot launch then the gravity defiant is the best bang for the buck. If you need a trike then I'm not sure

[@bhoneaung8755]

Antman haha One weird looking paramotor on your back.

[@MitchG]

So cool looking to me!

[@FlyBabyFlyPPG]

label supposed to be Mitch G hahhahaa other good video mitch.

[@thepunisher8078]

way better than the flat top can you say holy crap

[@FITFO]

30:13 yooooo who still runs with the old IPFU’s its been like 4 years just let it go 😂

[@MitchG]

Hahaha, not sure whats up with that

[@Kinyahda]

I swear 😂

[@MarkLoves2Fly]

Cute Kiddos.

[@MXWaveRider]

Never solder connections it causes wire to break crimping only. Wire becomes non flex as solder wicks in to wire and brittle. Absolutely do not solder.

[@MitchG]

Idk. I've done it both ways and my solder method last longer for me on a paramotor.

[@badandy1983]

This paramotor cost over $8000 and that’s without all of the upgrades.

[@DavidSmith-pn8ll]

Seems pretty consistent

[@tylerhall6455]

Am I looking at something wrong on their site or is this paramotor in the mid $8000 dollar range now? WTF Happened? Sure we have inflation going on and such, but doesn't seem to warrant such a dramatic increase in price!!! Its the same price as the Parajet maverick. Guess guys cant claim this is such a "good deal" now anymore. Plus If they are this willing to Just about double the price tag, then when you need parts/support, whats the future cost of all that gonna be?? Something to think about.

[@MitchG]

The price has increased. However, if it's the same price as a parajet or scout, I'd still buy this defiant. You get a stronger hoop, a larger hoop to fit bigger props than a parajet, a larger fuel tank, and the same engine