Light. Compact. Innovative.
The RANGE X-ALPS embodies the class of ultra-lightweight pod harnesses – a class that unites features that are nearly impossible to combine. Together with input from our X-Alps athletes and feedback from convinced RANGE X-ALPS2 pilots, we have succeeded with the RANGE X-ALPS3 in perfecting its coveted predecessor.
The RANGE X-ALPS3 was designed primarily for weight-optimized XC pilots who prefer compact equipment. Accordingly, the geometry and the seat shell were designed for high flying comfort, which can be enhanced with numerous features. The harness can be flown in a reclining as well as in an upright position. The adjustment can be easily adapted to conditions during flight. This way you feel safe flying even in turbulent air, and in the case of a disturbance, you can quickly straighten up and assume a compact body position.
The aerodynamic silhouette keeps you powerful and efficient during extended flights and long glides. The longitudinal stability of the harness can be additionally increased by means of stabilizers. This feature is a useful tool, especially for high performance pilots, to stay on course with maximum efficiency.
Light. Compact. Innovative.
Every space has been used wisely in the development of the RANGE X-ALPS3. The optimally arranged storage compartments provide ample space even on long trips. Although the weight starting at 1.95 kg and the pack size are extremely small, we have placed great emphasis on easy handling. Due to its intuitive handling, the RANGE X-ALPS3 is suitable for both Hike&Fly competition pilots and XC pilots.
Thanks to its large protector, the PERMAIR technology offers high passive safety and rounds off the overall package perfectly.
Whether you are a Hike&Fly athlete, XC pilot, vol-biv adventurer or travel enthusiast – with the ultra-light XC harness you will enjoy the highest comfort on long distances, easy ascents on your Hike&Fly tours, and reliable safety thanks to PERMAIR technology.
Aerodynamic rear fairing
The ram pressure fairing inflates due to the incoming air and recombines the flow behind the pilot. This significantly improves drag and increases glide performance.
Power Frame
The Power Frame distributes the forces homogeneously over the entire seat shell and provides optimal support without pressure points – high flying comfort is guaranteed!
Front rescue system with cockpit
The cockpit provides space for several flight instruments and, together with the rescue system, is optimally located in the pilot’s field of vision. The V-line is suspended from the shoulders as in conventional harnesses.
Sandwich seat shell
The seat shell is equipped with a closed porous foam, which provides additional thermal insulation and increases seating comfort.
RECCO® reflector
The RECCO® reflector offers rescue services an additional chance to locate a missing person (e.g. in densely wooded areas).
Provision for your hydration system
The hydration bladder can be attached in the back storage compartment. The drinking tube is led to the shoulder strap via an opening.
Aerodynamic rear fairing
The ram pressure fairing inflates due to the incoming air and recombines the flow behind the pilot. This significantly improves drag and increases glide performance.
Power Frame
The Power Frame distributes the forces homogeneously over the entire seat shell and provides optimal support without pressure points – high flying comfort is guaranteed!
Front rescue system with cockpit
The cockpit provides space for several flight instruments and, together with the rescue system, is optimally located in the pilot’s field of vision. The V-line is suspended from the shoulders as in conventional harnesses.
Sandwich seat shell
The seat shell is equipped with a closed porous foam, which provides additional thermal insulation and increases seating comfort.
RECCO® reflector
The RECCO® reflector offers rescue services an additional chance to locate a missing person (e.g. in densely wooded areas).
Device for hydration system
The hydration bladder can be attached in the back storage compartment. The drinking tube is led to the shoulder strap via an opening.
PERMAIR 2.0
The further development of our first PERMAIR protector generation has a practical inflate/deflate check valve that makes the filling of your protector significantly easier. PERMAIR 2.0 protectors can also be inflated in several ways. In addition to the previously common variant with the inflation bag and compression function, you now have the option to fill your protector via the PERMAIR PUMP or in a minimalist way via the mouthpiece.
Advantages of the PERMAIR protector
compared to other protector technologies
FOAM
+ permanent
+ durable
– packing size
– weight
– damage difficult to see
AIRBAG
+ weight
+ packing size
– shape
– non permanent
– damage difficult to see
PERMAIR
+ weight
+ packing size
+ shape
+ permanent
+ damages can be seen quickly
Optional accessories
DESK
The DESK is a pocket with integrated cockpit and is attached to the shoulder straps as well as the front container. This provides additional comfort especially on long XC flights. Besides a storage compartment with cable outlet for a battery pack, it offers you an additional expandable storage for cereal bars and similar things. The compartment can be easily accessed at any time during the flight. The flight instruments do not have to be removed for transport, so they can be quickly separated from the harness and stored safely.
Optional accessories
PERMAIR PUMP
The small electric pump is the most comfortable filling option of the PERMAIR protector. It also serves, with a battery capacity of 3600 mAh, as a powerbank and falls with only 150g proverbial hardly in the weight.
| Size | S | M | L |
| Pilot height (cm) | 160 - 176 | 173 - 184 | 183 - 200 |
| Harness weight (kg) | 1.95 | 2.05 | 2.10 |
| Maximum load (kg) | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Harness certification | EN1651/2018 | EN1651/2018 | EN1651/2018 |
| Protector certification | LTF NfL 2-565-20 | LTF NfL 2-565-20 | LTF NfL 2-565-20 |
| Vol. rescue compartment (cm³) | 4300 cm³ | 4300 cm³ | 4300 cm³ |
What effect does the harness have on the way a glider flies?
The pilot accounts for a third of the total drag, so the performance with a harness with an upright sitting position can vary greatly from that of a harness with a reclining position or a pod harness. Agility can be effected too – this depends on how high or low-slung the harness is. Whether the harness has a seatboard also plays a decisive role. The sooner the leg straps of the Get-up system become taut, the faster the damping effect will set in. Since the Power Frame also ensures an even weight distribution under the seat surface of the RANGE X-ALPS3, you will not miss the bulky seat board. Instead, you will quickly learn to appreciate the advantages of the hammock principle.
When do I use the stabilizers and what is their impact?
The stabilizers make the flight behavior more progressive, making the harness feel more stable. This feature is often desired by pilots who want to fly straight with maximum efficiency, such as competition pilots.
Can I change the chest strap setting on my RANGE X-ALPS3 harness?
No – the chest strap is integrated in the support of the front mounted reserve container and foot pod. Shortening or lengthening it would either cause the reserve to sag inwards, or the pod fabric to become tensioned and possibly fail.
What should I consider when installing the speed bar system?
The length of the speed bar must be adjusted to your leg length. Both line, right and left, must have the same length. The speed bar on the RANGE X-ALPS3 comes already mounted and pre-set.
Can I mount Quick-Out carabiners to the RANGE X-ALPS3?
No, the suspension loops are too small for that.
Can I improve the shape of the dynamic pressure nose?
You can increase the efficiency additionally if you stow the inflation bag in the dynamic pressure nose. It can be filled via the PERMAIR connector, which needs to be guided through the air intake.
Does the harness require any special handling?
In general, extra care must be taken when handling the harness due to the lightweight materials used. The harness should be treated especially gently when donning and removing it. The outer skin of the harness serves to improve the aerodynamics and is not part of the load test.
How can the PERMAIR protector be optimally filled?
The further development of our first PERMAIR protector generation has a practical inflate/deflate valve, which makes the filling of your protector significantly easier. PERMAIR 2.0 protectors can be inflated in different ways:
PERMAIR PUMP: It also serves as a powerbank with a battery capacity of 3600 mAh. Can be ordered optimally.
PERMAIR Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece includes a moisture filter that minimizes moisture penetration. The PERMAIR mouthpiece is included with the RANGE X-ALPS3.
Inflation bag: The size of the Inflation bag was chosen so that it fills your protector with one stroke. You can also use it as a compression inner pack for your paraglider.
How much do I have to inflate the protector?
When you use the Inflation Bag, the pressure is sufficient as soon as you encounter resistance. With the mouthpiece, the human lung is perfectly suited to generate the pressure.
Can the RANGE X-ALPS3 be used for winch towing?
Yes, the RANGE X-ALPS3 is suitable for winch towing. It has no special towing loops. The tow release is hooked either to the main carabiners or, preferably, to a tow adapter that is passed over the ends of the risers before they are hooked into the main carabiners.
Follow the instructions in the manual for your tow release and tow adapter or consult an instructor experienced in paraglider towing.
Is the RANGE X-ALPS3 suitable for safety training?
It is not recommended to use the RANGE X-ALPS3 for flights over water or for safety training. There is a possibility that the PERMAIR protector could push the pilot under water after a water landing due to the buoyancy of the protector.
Your RANGE X-ALPS3 package
Your RANGE X-ALPS3 harness comes with:
- Harness EN 1651/2018 and LTF 91/09 certified
- Inflation bag
- PERMAIR protector
- PERMAIR mouthpiece
- 2 pieces carabiner Edelrid Foras
- Rescue handle
- Carbon foot plate
- 2-stage carbon accelerator
