With the Bandit, Go Flare Global introduces a new Parakite wing designed to take the discipline to the next level.
Higher aspect ration, faster, and more expressive than the Moustache, the Bandit is aimed at pilots seeking performance and new sensations, while still offering a broad operational range.
It does not replace existing wings. Instead, it proposes a different way of flying—more committed, more dynamic, and above all capable of making use of terrain that was previously of limited interest for Parakite.
A Wing Designed to Expand the Playground
The Bandit was conceived as a true session saver.
Its higher aspect ratio allows it to fly efficiently on lower-yield spots: small dunes, moderate slopes, or sites where only a few meters of height difference or a single obstacle are enough to generate usable airflow.
Where other wings struggle to stay airborne, the Bandit maintains speed and lift.
This ability to exploit modest terrain opens up new flying possibilities and makes it easier to multiply sessions, even when conditions or sites initially seem unpromising.
Aspect Ratio, Glide, and Speed: The Core of the Project
The Bandit’s higher aspect ratio is immediately noticeable in flight.
Glide performance is significantly improved, speed is higher, and the usable wind range is wider—both at the low and high speed.
Contrary to what might be expected from a more higher aspect wing, low-speed behaviour remains super safe. The Bandit is capable of flying slowly while still accepting very fast phases without losing coherence.
A Slightly More Demanding Wing
Compared to the Moustache, the Bandit transmits more information about the air mass.
Its wingspan and aspect ratio allow the pilot to better feel aerological variations, which can be a major advantage for experienced pilots who know how to read and exploit these signals.
This richness of feedback makes the wing feel more alive, particularly in turbulent conditions. In identical conditions, it may feel more playful than a Moustache—not because it is less stable, but because it reflects the airflow more accurately.
As a result, piloting requires greater anticipation and solid active flying skills.
The Bandit is also extremely precise in roll. It can be steered subtly through lateral input on the controls, without pronounced braking, offering excellent control when flying close to terrain.
Bandit and Moustache: Two Complementary Philosophies
The Bandit does not replace the Moustache.
The two wings follow different design philosophies and each finds its place depending on terrain and desired flying style.
The Moustache remains more compact and forgiving. It is particularly well suited to technical sites, terrain play, top-landings, and complex environments where low-speed precision is more important than pure performance.
The Bandit, on the other hand, excels on large dunes and relief where performance matters.
It allows pilots to fly faster, go further, and retain energy on long, committed lines.
At comparable surface area, its operating range is broader. For example, a Bandit 16 offers a top speed close to—or even higher than—that of a Moustache 15, while maintaining low-speed behaviour comparable to a Moustache 18, with significantly more speed at equivalent glide.
Who Is the Bandit Really For ?
The Bandit is primarily intended for intermediate to advanced pilots with solid Parakite experience.
It requires good mastery of active piloting, comfort in turbulent conditions, and the ability to manage more technical take-offs.
In simple environments—such as small dunes with low launches and clear landing areas—less experienced pilots may still consider it, provided they are properly supervised and aware of the wing’s limits.
However, in strong conditions or exposed sites, it clearly demands real pilot maturity.
Technical Choices and Practical Implications
Unlike the Moustache, which uses sheathed Dyneema lines, the Bandit is equipped with unsheathed Kevlar lines.
This choice helps maintain more stable trim over time but requires greater care during layout and take-off. The lines are more sensitive to abrasion, knots, and obstacles, demanding a rigorous pre-flight setup.
Inflation characteristics are also different. The higher aspect ratio requires more precision to achieve a clean rise, even though the wing inflates very well for its class.
Once airborne, the wing fully reveals its potential.
A micro-trim on the B lines allows for simple fine-tuning after the first hours of flight, helping to optimise the wing’s behaviour.
Maintenance and Durability
Like any high-performance wing, the Bandit requires special care.
The leading-edge rods are stiffer and more sensitive to poor folding. Careful packing—ideally using a concertina method—is essential to preserve the profile and aerodynamic performance.
The wing should be protected from UV exposure when not flying, rinsed with fresh water after contact with salt water, and dried in the shade.
Due to the gradual degradation of Kevlar line strength, a line check is recommended after approximately twelve months of use.
Conclusion: A Different Way of Flying
With the Bandit, Go Flare Global offers a faster, more committed, and more expressive wing for pilots who want to expand their playground and make greater use of speed and glide.
Provided the necessary experience and discipline are there, the Bandit is not just another wing in the range.
It represents a different approach to Parakite and coastal soaring.
Having been involved in the development and fine-tuning phases of the Bandit, as well as the flights and photo shooting carried out in Cape Verde, this article is based on direct, hands-on experience of the wing in real conditions.
Gabriel Bechier – FlyParakite
As a Flare Pro Partner, I can help you choose the right equipment based on your flying style and experience level.
I can also provide access to a dedicated discount for purchases made through the Flare website.
Looking to upgrade your gear ?
As a Flare Pro Partner, I can guide you in choosing the right equipment based on your flying style and experience level.
I can also provide access to a dedicated discount for purchases made through the Flare website.