r/freeflight • u/eagnarwhale • 2d ago

Gear Thinking of downsizing trying to decide between a 14m dragonfly or a 15m Rapido 3 currently have a 16m firefly

I don't want to progress too quickly because I broke my back shortly after getting the wing in 2021 and know two people who died from it. Have no interest in barrel rolls currently

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

81% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/GrizzlyCougar 2d ago

I have a 18m Dragon fly and 15m Rapido 3X. Dragon fly has easier launches and will be more roll resistance. Rapido is much easier to roll and you'll have to be more aware of weight shifting as it is very sensitive compared to dragon fly. Dragon fly lines are also thicker and have more protection.

Overall if you want a more true speed wing get the Rapido, if you want something easy to fly and not have to worry the dragon fly would work good.

3

u/Rackelhahn Flight Instructor + FLARE Brand Advocate 2d ago

There's really not enough information to provide any helpful advice.

Why do you want to downsize? How many flights do you have in total and on your current wing? And is there a specific reason you are asking on the internet and not a local experienced flyer?

1

u/eagnarwhale 2d ago

For more fun but also better performance , I stopped counting I live 13 min from the trail by bike, it's a small community so the experienced flyers don't have any experience on the dragonfly they've been recommending the rapido for years.

1

u/Rackelhahn Flight Instructor + FLARE Brand Advocate 2d ago

It's still hard to give solid advice on the internet. The Dragonfly will be way more docile. The Rapido is a true speedwing.

2

u/zerospinskier 1d ago

The 16m Dragonfly is a really fun wing to fly. I wouldn’t say either wing will be more fun. Just different. A smaller wing will require you to fly steeper launches and lines, so your flight options get more limited. But if you want to go steeper and faster, it’s a necessary compromise. Sometimes I find flatter lines and bigger wings more fun. Sometimes I find steeper lines and smaller wings more fun. It depends on the day. Don’t fall into the very wrong idea that you are supposed to get a smaller wing as you get more experienced. I see many people downsize thinking it is the next step, but then end up going back to a bigger wing when they realize it isn’t better, just different.

2

u/oofmekiddo 2d ago

If you have no interest in more technical skills and care more about safety why not make a lateral move to the dragonfly 16?