BGD Epic Freestyle 2: Bruce Goldsmith Design has presented the update of one of the most widely used EN-B wings for learning freestyle and acro without leaving the B certification.
The profile and technical design are unchanged from the original model — 42 cells and an aspect ratio of 5.0 — but it now comes with slimmer, neoprene-covered acro risers and handles, and three new colours. BGD describes the Epic Freestyle 2 as a safe and forgiving companion: it lets you explore and master manoeuvres, but it bails you out if your timing is slightly off. The brand attributes that tolerance to the 5.0 aspect ratio, which it places at the sweet spot between safety and performance, and also highlights its high resistance to cravats and line-overs.
Outside the acro arena, BGD says it keeps the playful handling of the original and performs just as well when soaring coastal ridges, thermalling or flying cross-country. The brand describes the original model as a revolution in acro paragliding, having opened the discipline to pilots of all ages, from fearless teenagers to 70-year-old adventurers, and having become the reference wing in schools that teach acro.
The wing is available in five sizes, from XS (50-65 kg, 4.2 kg wing weight) to L (105-125 kg, 5.4 kg wing weight), via S, M and ML.
BGD Epic Freestyle 2 compared: other recent low, agile EN-B wings
Among the EN-B wings launched in the last year, the most relevant comparison is the Nova Nexo, a low EN-B just released (first deliveries in July) with an aspect ratio of 5.15 and 51 cells. Nova does not sell it as an acro wing but as a modern all-rounder for thermalling, XC and everyday flying, though it does explicitly acknowledge its potential for manoeuvres, citing enough dynamism and precision for wingovers, SATs, helicopters and many other advanced manoeuvres, combining thermalling, XC capability and freestyle potential across an exceptionally wide range of use. The brand recommends flying at the top of the certified weight range for more dynamic flight and maximum agility (Nova).
The fundamental difference is one of purpose: the Epic Freestyle 2 is designed and sold as a dedicated acro and SIV wing, while the Nexo is an EN-B all-rounder that also handles manoeuvres if flown at the top of its weight range. In terms of specifications they are close cousins — aspect ratios of 5.0 and 5.15 — although the Nexo comes in six sizes (3.8 to 5.5 kg, certified weights from 50 to 125 kg) versus five for the BGD wing.
+Info: flybgd.com
