Bantam 2

To the launch, get set, go!

The BANTAM 2 features all the characteristics that enable top rankings in competitions like the Red Bull Dolomitenmann, Rise & Fall, etc. A quick launch is essential and this occurs reliably thanks to the short lines and easy inflation. In the air, the ultralight mountain wing impresses with even better glide performance, higher stability and top speed than its predecessor. For several years now, the BANTAM concept has proven itself at the Red Bull Dolomitenmann: with the BANTAM (1), Chrigel Maurer has won the individual paragliding discipline three times in a row.  During the development of the BANTAM 2, the core characteristics were once again significantly improved.

Compact companion.

The short lines and direct handling of the BANTAM 2 enable extreme precision – from launch to landing. Its predecessor gave rise to Theo de Blic's world-famous Throw & Go videos, in which he launches the BANTAM from narrow cliffs and exposed peaks. The BANTAM 2 excites with even simpler and less complicated launch behaviour, which is also an absolute advantage on less extreme launch sites. Feedback through the risers and brakes is conveyed even more directly. The agility and speed of the miniwing means lots of flying fun. The BANTAM 2 can also withstand strong winds without any problems. Improved flare and stall behaviour guarantees a soft landing. The combination of these features make for a great flying experience. Whether hike & fly, climb & fly or simply a pleasurable glide down - the BANTAM 2 is a great companion for your day in the mountains.

New design – same principle.

With our own design software, we were able to significantly optimise the characteristics of the BANTAM 2. It also benefits from the know-how generated by the design of the ION 7 & ION 7 Light and the MENTOR 7 & MENTOR 7 Light. Based on the successful design of its predecessor, the BANTAM 2 meets all the demands of a fun mountaineering wing. It differs in essential parameters such as profile and arc. This increases stability, and improves performance and launch and landing behaviour. The slightly increased aspect ratio of 4.5 (BANTAM (1): 4.4) also contributes to a better glide. With a distance from pilot to canopy of 4.3 m and a weight of only 1.6 kg in size 12 (50 grams less than its predecessor), the BANTAM 2 is even more light and compact.

Simply flying.

Thanks to its clever features, using the BANTAM 2 is easier than ever before. Coloured sheathed main lines make pre-launch preparations easier and do not tangle much. The 7 mm easily manageable and ultralight Kevlar-reinforced risers have been stiffened to minimise twisting. If there are slippery conditions on take-off, the included holding pins allow you to easily secure the glider. During launch, the pins detach from the ground and fly down into the valley attached to the glider. The Nitinol rods in the leading edge make packing easier as they reduce volume while retaining their shape. After landing, you can quickly pack your BANTAM 2 and be ready for the next adventure.

PS: the perfect combination with the BANTAM 2 is our mountaineering harness MONTIS which weighs only 320 grams in size M.

Ultra-lightweight. The ultimate in lightness.

Designed for hike & fly, climb & fly and vol biv, ultra-lightweight products are built to be as light and compact as possible. To achieve this, we use the lightest materials and technologies available - but never at the expense of safety! For the longest possible enjoyment of the product, we recommend particularly careful handling of the equipment.

The BANTAM 2 is made of these materials:

• Risers: Light risers, 7 mm wide, Kevlar-reinforced
• Nitinol rods for better profile shape in accelerated flight and easier packing
• Fabrics:
  Upper and lower surface: Dominico 10D 26 g/m²
  Profile ribs: Porcher Skytex 27 hard 27g/m²

Target group

The BANTAM 2 is aimed at pilots who like to fly small, manoeuvrable, ultralight paragliders. With regard to pilot experience, the well-known rule applies: the skill required increases with the wing loading. So if you fly the BANTAM 2 12 (EN D) at the upper end of the weight range, you must expect very dynamic flight behaviour. Accordingly, a high degree of wing control is needed. In contrast, the BANTAM 2 in size 14 (EN C) is quite a tame mountain glider when loaded in the lower third of the certified weight range. It can climb even in weaker thermals.

In general, the BANTAM 2 is ideal for hike & fly and climb & fly - as well as for competitions such as Red Bull Dolomitenmann or Rise & Fall.

To choose the right glider size for your ability, please check the technical data and ask your NOVA dealer advice.

Video

Quote from...

...Theo de Blic:

"The BANTAM (1) was the very first wing NOVA sent me a few days before I signed my contract, and it's fair to say that it was that wing which made our partnership what it is today. Therefore, it holds a special place in my heart.

The BANTAM 2 retains everything that made the BANTAM 1 so special: its dynamic and fun behavior, incredible lightness, and precise handling. It also adds performance, stability, and an extended speed range, making this wing the ultimate hike & fly machine."

Red Bull Dolomitenmann 2023

At the 36th Red Bull Dolomitenmann 2023, the BANTAM demonstrated its outstanding take-off and flight performance. Only BANTAM 2 pilots were on the podium.

For the first time, women were also allowed to participate, but without their own ranking. Our miniwing dominated here as well.

Out of a total of 112 pilots at the start, ten flew BANTAM 2 and 50 flew BANTAM 1.

We congratulate everyone and thank them for their confidence in the BANTAM!

Ranking overall: www.pentek-timing.at/results/2023/14439-01.pdf
Ranking Paragliding: www.pentek-timing.at/results/2023/14439-06.pdf