What are /r/paramotor's favorite Products & Services?

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First and foremost, I'd buy this book. It's probably the single best resource for PPG knowledge. Read through it. If, after understanding the nuances and limitations of the sport, you're still into it (chances are high that you will be, lol) then look into training. I suggest you pick a school that is USPPA certified. School typically is 10-14 days so you'll need to find a way to get off of work to go. Picking a school is one of the most important decisions you can make, so be sure to do lots of research and do not fall for scams. Remember, if someone is offering you something that's too good to be true, it probably is. Besides that, just have fun, because you're embarking on an incredible journey.

Nice work on the quick landing. I recently bought the MSD plug boot and terminal set off amazon and it has worked great for the last 15ish hours.

MSD 3311 Spark Plug Wire Boot and... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029JK8W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I did a fair job of documenting my training experience. Here's a link: r/https://tinyurl.com/yacxwafs

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I've heard of guys getting into the sport for as little as 4K. However, they have a long learning phase and work on their gear often. For new gear with proper training, you're looking at 10-12k at minimum, mostly depending on your weight and desired level of luxury.

Here's something right in your budget.

As for paramotoring, don't even think about gear until you've signed up (and saved up) for training.

I had considered something like "Julbo Aerospace Snow Goggles with Photochromic Lenses" (about $250) . . . but then I just went with $25 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015OG91PE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - they work great. Not polarized. I use my phone and the PPGpS app a lot when flying and the polarized lenses make that difficult. I got a lot better noise reduction from my ear muffs when I switched from sunglasses to goggles (like you're planning).

Interesting, I just picked up this on Amazon if anyone has input on digital vs mechanical please voice your experience!

Also check out this link for more info, cheers.

Android app plus a USB OTG cable and an RTL-SDR

I have not personally tried or built this particular use case, but I have used the SDR and the OTG cable on my android, and it works quite nicely.

I use these in my bags when they're all accordion folded. Put one of these into a tub/bag with the wing and it'll really help dry it out. https://www.amazon.com/Silica-Desiccant-Dry-Packs-Prevent-Corrosion/dp/B004N6P8U4/ref=pd_sim_201_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004N6P8U4&pd_rd_r=GX71Y94AP22TM0EVGFR1&pd_rd_w=mEvsM&pd_rd_wg=RJkjT&psc=1&refRID=GX71Y94AP22TM0EVGFR1

>arborists helm

I'd need to see it but that doesn't sound like an upgrade at all. I used to fly with a bump helmet (something like this: r/https://www.amazon.com/Lancer-Tactical-LARGE-Industrial-Constructed/dp/B00OEJZKIK/ ) but I upgraded because it's really not designed to protect you from impact. It's designed for mild bumps, small things getting dropped on you, etc.

Skateboard helmets are designed to protect your head in the event it slams into the ground. Snowboard helmets are also often good but rarely have the room for hear protection.

No funny enough there isnt which is strange.. I did smear a little gasket goo around the edge but I don't think it makes much difference. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UEN1A/

Just make sure you use the right torsion on the torsion wrench, I believe it was 20N but double check that.

I’ve been thinking about something similar to snowmobile handlebar muffs that you could route your brake toggles into. They would provide som additional protection to your gloved hands. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/KLIM-Deflect-Handlebar-Muffs-Black/dp/B07ZZLHPG7/ref=mp_s_a_1_6_sspa?keywords=snowmobile+hand+warmers&qid=1668688409&sr=8-6-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmF...

For point number 4 on disposable hand warmers, have you tried Hot Hands? https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Hand-Warmers-Odorless-Activated/dp/B0007ZF4OA/

They genuinely last for 10hrs+ and don't generate any moisture by using some sort of Iron dust rusting mechanism. We put them on the inner palm side of the gloves so it heats the blood heading out towards the fingers. I stopped needing to use them after buying Sabot Heat elec gloves for $69 on Amazon which give me many hrs of heat with finger dexterity but admittedly I havnt tried them in extreme minus temperatures it looks like you have in your pictures.

I use this carrier. Enough room to hold my fully assembled paramotor and a gas can. Just attach some sort of tube to it that you can slide a wind sock in if you want to.

A friend showed me Avia Weather app recently and we use it to check conditions, not sure if it's used mainly for 'real' planes but we use it anyway to check wind and general stuff.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytowntonight.aviationweather

I've not used any personally but this one looks pretty good. Has good reviews. Just search for altimeter. Honestly anything is going to be good enough for paramotoring. You don't need super accurate altitude information for flying a paramotor.

https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Company-Altimeter-203-Weather-Trend/dp/B0012A8UYK/ref=sr_1_5?crid=18XDM8L22VAQK&keywords=altimeter&qid=1662743567&sprefix=altimeter%2Caps%2C65&sr=8-5

I'm getting the parts together to do this modification, but I just wanted to mention that the Meta/Quest 1 VR headset has two (R/L) headphone jacks and there are some third-party manufacturers that make 90-degree, short cable earbuds that might work well for this. I'm going to give these a try:

https://smile.amazon.com/KIWIHOME-Earbuds-Headphones-Sound-Noise-Suppressing/dp/B08BYJ8RSZ/

Thank you! Think I found it:)

https://www.amazon.com/59502-Carrier-Hitch-Mount-High-Capacity-Receivers/dp/B0016I8E1M/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?crid=2YOC4IJXRRYQ5&keywords=heavy+duty+cargo+carrier+80lb+2in+hitch&qid=1658703075&sprefix=heavy+duty+cargo+carrier+80lb+2in+hitch%2...

I tried various fanny packs but found they were difficult to access because they are generally behind the harness straps, obviously depends on the harness. I am a bit of a fan of using the harness straps themselves to store things. I have light emergency stuff sack inside one of my shoulder straps. I found these velcro stickers are heavy duty enough to stick almost anything to anything else https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DC5C4WW/

Myself and some of my flying buddies use this: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08M3TMXCH

We use 2m radios, namely the the Kenwood TH-K20 and I found that if you cut/burn a hole for the antenna in one of the pockets it fits the radio perfectly: https://imgur.com/iZ5Qe0o

I also have a mirror in my side pocket that is on a self-retracting lanyard thingy.

Link to stl files
Link to bottles used

Need oil on long XC trips when you land out to refuel. This keeps those messy bottles where the oil won't get on anything.

Has anyone played around with octane boosters when say 91 PON US (95 RON EU) isn't available and you want to avoid premature combustion?

I found that Rislone 4747 is $2.56 via Amazon Prime is a great value, highly reviewed, and 1 bottle will raise the octane by 20 points (2 PON US units). E.g. if I buy 5 gallons of 87 octane regular, I could add 3 oz of Rislone 4747 (half a bottle) to raise the fuel to 91 octane PON US.

This is the theory. Anyone use it in a paramotor, specifically in a Polini, Thor 202 or otherwise, with great success?

I'm putting in the effort to find premium non-ethanol mogas whenever possible. Two places near where I frequently fly carry 93 PON US octane non-ethanol, and I just use that as often as I can. And I use an octane booster when I can only find a lower octane gas, but still try to find non-ethanol. Not because the motor cannot run it, just to help my future self in earlier failure of carb and fuel line stuff. If I know I'll blow through 5 gallons in a weekend or a week, I'll use 10% ethanol premium mogas.

I too throw in Seafoam regularly. On my Moster 185 over 140 hours, it kept things surprisingly clean, and never had issues with old gas. I hadn't flown since Dec 14 2021, and the 185 started up on the 2nd pull after sitting for about 3 months in early March. I used a full dose of Seafoam in the last fill up to stabilize the gas, and still non-ethanol premium.

You can put a flat board on the back of the trailer, get some harbor freight toggle clamps like these but bigger: https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-20326-Horizontal-Quick-Release-Capacity/dp/B079SWJC4W/ref=sr_1_5?c=ts&keywords=Toggle+Clamps&qid=1652143065&s=power-hand-tools&sr=1-5&ts_id=553170

And mount that fucker to the board. Now you have a safe startup spot where the motor shouldn't come loose.

polyethylene glycol+ reservoir + check valve (one way valve) + fuel pump + battery + electronic relay + wiring + button + rivet nut + tubing and tubing connecter compatible with rivet nut

Rivet nut into the exhaust, connector into rivet nut, high temp silicone tubing to connector, tubing to pump, pump to reservoir.

Pump to relay + and - then relay to lithium battery. tiny button with wiring mounted to throttle in a convenient spot and wiring to relay On/Off.

You will have to figure out how to mount this yourself. But That is literally everything. I use https://www.amazon.com/Sullivan-Products-Electric-Field-SUL752/dp/B0006O8P84/ref=sr_1_3?crid=39V1KIA7Q7JUJ&keywords=fuel+pump+rc&qid=1648240742&sprefix=fuel+pump+rc%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-3 this brand of pump but mine is red.

You need to drill into your exhaust so you will have to make it yourself. I can't sell you my exhaust.

Read the PPG Bible and watch Kyle O videos. Neither will teach you how to keep a wing in the air but you will become familiar with many important terms and concepts that will allow you to pick things up much more quickly when you begin training.

It’s quite simply the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. It doesn’t happen overnight. A lot to learn and a little spendy. The very best thing you can do right now is read this cover to cover. Jeff Goin is a long time legend in this sport and his book is not only informative but entertaining as well.

Powered Paragliding Bible 6: The Ultimate Paramotor Manual and Reference https://www.amazon.com/dp/0977096645/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_86XG9Q278FX4QDQWH22A

I rarely fly with a camera. I just don't see the need to document all of my flights. However, I still do when I feel like it's going to be a nice flight.

When I fly with my DSLR I use a chest clip mount from Amazon that works great. It's impossible for the camera to fall off when it's clipped in and the clip and receiver are metal so they won't fatigue like plastic would.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JCHFJS5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got this set about a week ago, and it connects to my radio well. Just drill some small holes into the ear cuff, squeeze the wires in, and it works well. Unsure of long term durability, but so far so good. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4MIR46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_8P7P3BRVZJHGCBHAWBCT

Much of the same issues myself. I've threated to put some semi-viscous material in the visor pivots to get it to hold up better but haven't tried that yet. I have used Anti-fog Spray on the inside of the visor which is a must in colder conditions, it takes care of the problem beautifully. If the ear cup tightening issue can be corrected I may have to look into that while we're in the shortest days of the year and I rarely fly when it's dark and cold.

Also, love the Python reference :D

I’m working on something like this for my new Parajet Maverick too, and after seeing the sloppiness in the hitch mount in online reviews, I’m looking for a clean way to keep the “jiggle” at bay. I assume your Curt 1.25” comes with a filler block? Perhaps a simple hitch stabilizer is what you’re after. It’s not quick to disconnect, but it will eliminate the most violent thrashing.

https://www.amazon.com/CZC-AUTO-Tightener-Anti-Rattle-Stabilizer/dp/B0792RDPD6/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=hitch+stabilizer&qid=1635743397&sr=8-6

Be sure to post your finished build!

Great info so far, i just like to add to read Understanding the Sky Weather knowledge is absolutely VITAL in this sport, and usually it's skimped out on durring trainings.

Orange flagging tape. Measure out 20 feet. Put a ziptie in the middle. Clip swivel to flagpole and ziptie. Works perfect. Easy to see. Measures down to nil wind. Everyone I fly with says they always look at mine in the air because its so much easier to see then theirs.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A1SQC5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_68FVH91Y8JVW41W65YVE

I don't have that particular throttle but I use cinch straps on one of my paramotors. The Polini throttle on my MacFly came with similar straps. They work fine for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Cinch-Straps-40-Multipurpose/dp/B01G4IVN4S/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=cinch+strap&qid=1620744222&sr=8-3

Linkhttps://www.amazon.com/Kitesurfing-Equipment-Paraglider-Training-harnesses/dp/B076NKHFD6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=kiting+harness&qid=1618399691&sr=8-1

It's an overpriced safety harness but has the chest strap and the hook in points at the right level.

headset hardware

Find a compatible one for your unit on Amazon. I didn't splice wires in my helmet and manage to fit this and the sena gear in each cup. It's tight but works for cheap

The manufacturer knows better than some youtube guy. If they state in the manual it's needed - it's needed. Why would you risk it? I use this for all of my engines

I have two of these. Planning to clip them to the risers when I actually get around to needing them: AIR Typhoon H Yuneec Matrice (White- Strobe) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V56HSV9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WR2J1N0FJGK6A76E7QXX

Maybe if you put it in some kind of trunk or reinforced box, with plenty of internal padding? You could drain it completely of fluids and clean off any residual smell, seal it up inside a bag inside another bag, then put it inside your hardshell luggage with plenty of padding. Wouldn't that work?

Maybe consider something like this rubber material (choose rubber, other stuff is sandpaper) to cover that up and prevent damaged to the biners, it has high quality adhesive:

https://www.amazon.com/TALON-Grips-Material-Sheet-7-Inch/dp/B071LJXKMP

If this helps:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0747737LV/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_mCaMFb5B902YN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I saw they're available on Amazon the other day, $6k seems a bit high though considering most Gas engines come in way under

I’ve been shopping and looking for one too, found this thing, only a single review on Amazon, not sure how great it is:

Kiting Harness for Ground Handling a Paraglider - Paramotor PPG Training - Carabiners Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QSCH2DS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TyGoDb7841QX5

My solution is to use a leg mounted AvBand and just run normal 3.5mm headphone jack up my pant leg and into my earbud switch. I do like having it to monitor the local frequency b/c sometimes there's 2 PPL's in pattern and skydivers overhead. Head on a swivel of course, but being tuned in helps a lot.

I had all the problems you did until i mounted it on my leg. It was unusable before but now i went from "Well somebody said something" to "Ok i know he's coming in 3 miles straight into 06". Still get some buzz but its audible.

My ICOM fits perfectly into https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722WXV2J cut a hole for the 3.5mm jack to go thru. Then cut off the velcro strap and put it under the belt clip of the radio to keep the radio from either sliding down (hits the crux of the belt clip) or sliding out (the belt clip grabs the cut velcro strap). Did 13 foot launch touch and go's yesterday, no problem.

My spark plug has a 5kohm resistor.

Yes Sena sells a Bluetooth radio adapter Sena SR10-10 Bluetooth Adapter for Two-Way Radios or Mobile Phones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008R0LIHO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PUGeFbZXD0G1W

Choose your helmet and sena unit build it yourself that’s what I did.

Tygon Cut Length Fuel Line, 1/4" ID x 3/8" OD x 10', ea, 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FEYMHKS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_oOD1Db1JTBK5J

Just replaced mine this week. As I understand it, and I'm not an expert, but you should consider the Tygon material especially if you think you may use fuel that contains ethanol.

Get one of these hitch tighteners. It works really well at removing most of the shaking.

I have a primer bulb on mine. Here’s a link to one, though u need to measure for the correct size. Just splice it in your gas line.

attwood Primer Bulb 3/8", https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053HP43I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_j8QOBb0PYZAE0

So I've been looking into this and the cheapest option I've found is BASEline. It's open source, free to use, and you can upgrade your phone's GPS with a $130 gadget if you feel your phone's GPS doesn't cut it.

I'm going to try jumping without the fancy GPS and see how my phone and the app does in the air by itself.

I'd say it's easily possible. You can get a full Blackhawk setup for under $8k. Nicer stuff costs a little more. But if you're looking to cut costs I'd buy used and get equipment with a good reputation.

I'd say do your research and narrow down to the type of equipment you'd be happy with. Most any motor packing a Moster 185 is pretty much considered really good; Polini also has some good offerings. Gliders run about $3k+ new but can come down a lot in price; just make sure you get one that's an appropriate size for the combined weight of you and your motor and is newbie-friendly.

Once you figure out what you want, take your time and watch the used market for the right thing to pop up. You'll probably want your instructor (or an experienced friend) to inspect your equipment to make sure it's in good enough shape to trust your life to.

If you don't see something that's "good enough", just wait it out and save up more. Generally I'd encourage patience in every part of the sport. Doing anything hastily increases risk. Plus those of us in the northern hemisphere are heading into winter anyway which isn't ideal flying weather.

For now, as you wait. Buy Powered Paragliding Bible, read it, study it, understand it. It'll make the impending training faster and easier. Understand the basic concepts of how things work. Knowing "why" something works is more important than knowing "that" it works. Knowing the why makes you more intuitive and able to infer things you were never specifically taught.

That is super lucky! I use this grip with a lanyard to give me a good hold with one hand and still be able to take pics and videos and to secure it. https://www.amazon.com/Shoulderpod-S1-Professional-Smartphone-Smartphones/dp/B00MAARLT6