## What is a Paraglider Speed Bar?
A paraglider speed bar is a device that allows a paraglider pilot to increase the speed of their glider. It is a simple but effective device that can be used to improve performance in a variety of situations.
### How Does a Speed Bar Work?
A speed bar is a metal or composite frame that is attached to the paraglider’s risers. When the pilot pulls down on the speed bar, it pulls the trailing edge of the glider’s canopy down, which in turn increases the glider’s speed.
The amount of speed that a speed bar can add varies depending on the design of the glider and the speed at which the glider is flying. However, most speed bars can add 10-15 km/h to a glider’s speed.
### When to Use a Speed Bar
Speed bars are most commonly used in the following situations:
When flying in light winds: A speed bar can help to keep a glider flying in light winds.
When flying in thermals: A speed bar can help to keep a glider in a thermal.
When flying cross-country: A speed bar can help to increase a glider’s speed over long distances.
When flying in competitions: A speed bar can help to give a glider an edge in competitions.
### How to Use a Speed Bar
Using a speed bar is relatively simple. To activate the speed bar, the pilot simply pulls down on the speed bar handles. The pilot can then adjust the amount of speed that they want to add by pulling down on the handles more or less.
It is important to note that using a speed bar can also increase the glider’s sink rate. Therefore, pilots should be careful not to use the speed bar too much, as this can lead to a loss of altitude.
### Benefits of Using a Speed Bar
There are a number of benefits to using a speed bar, including:
Increased speed: Speed bars can add 10-15 km/h to a glider’s speed.
Improved performance in light winds: Speed bars can help to keep a glider flying in light winds.
Increased range: Speed bars can help to increase a glider’s range by allowing pilots to fly faster over long distances.
Competitive advantage: Speed bars can give gliders an edge in competitions.
### Risks of Using a Speed Bar
There are also some risks associated with using a speed bar, including:
Increased sink rate: Speed bars can increase a glider’s sink rate.
Reduced stability: Speed bars can reduce a glider’s stability.
Increased risk of collapse: Speed bars can increase the risk of a glider collapse.
Pilots should be aware of these risks and use speed bars with caution.
### Conclusion
Speed bars are a valuable tool for paraglider pilots. They can be used to improve performance in a variety of situations. However, pilots should be aware of the risks associated with using speed bars and use them with caution.