Wingsuits have revolutionized the world of skydiving and BASE jumping, offering thrill-seekers an unparalleled experience of human flight.
These specialized jumpsuits feature fabric wings between the arms and legs, allowing skydivers to glide through the air at reduced vertical speeds.
The sensation of soaring like a bird has made wingsuit flying one of the most exhilarating extreme sports.
When choosing a wingsuit, several factors come into play.
Your skill level is crucial, as wingsuits range from beginner-friendly designs to advanced models for experienced flyers.
The suit’s size and fit are essential for optimal performance and safety.
You’ll also want to consider the wingsuit’s materials, which affect durability and flight characteristics.
Wingsuit technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with manufacturers constantly improving designs for better performance and safety.
As you explore the world of wingsuit flying, you’ll find a range of options to suit your experience level and flying goals.
Let’s look at some top wingsuits that can elevate your controlled flight experience.
Top Wingsuits for Your Next Flight
Ready to soar through the skies like a flying squirrel? You’ll need the right wingsuit to maximize your airtime and control.
Check out our picks for the best wingsuits that’ll have you gliding with precision and style on your next jump.
WINGFLEX B737NG CDU
This simulator accessory is a solid choice for enhancing your virtual flight experience, despite a few quirks.
- Realistic aviation-grade materials
- Quick USB plug-and-play setup
- Compatible with popular flight simulators
- Slow firmware download process
- Potential power-up issues
- Limited customer feedback
The WINGFLEX B737NG CDU brings a taste of real cockpit action to your home flight simulator setup.
It’s designed to mimic the Boeing 737 NG’s control panel and is crafted from authentic aviation materials.
You’ll appreciate the attention to detail, from the backlit keys to the random delay effects that simulate a genuine aircraft startup.
Setting up this gadget is a breeze.
Just plug it into your PC via USB, and you’re ready for takeoff.
No complicated installation required.
The high-performance processor ensures your inputs are registered lightning-fast, crucial for those split-second decisions in the virtual skies.
Compatibility is a strong suit of this CDU.
It plays nice with popular simulators like P3D, MSFS, and X-Plane.
You can even use it with well-known aircraft models such as PMDG and ZIBO737NG.
The sleek, ultra-thin design won’t clutter your desk, and the included adjustable stand lets you position it just right for your cockpit layout.
RC Super Wings Paul
You’ll love this fun RC plane for kids that’s easy to control and packed with features.
- Simple controls for young children
- Light and sound effects
- Durable construction
- Not a flying toy
- Requires 5 AAA batteries (not included)
- Limited range
This remote-controlled Paul from Super Wings brings the popular TV character to life in toy form.
You’ll appreciate how easy it is for little hands to operate, with big buttons that make Paul speed forward and spin 360 degrees.
The toy works well on both sidewalks and carpets, giving kids flexibility in where they play.
Kids will be thrilled by Paul’s light-up features and English sound effects.
It adds an extra layer of excitement to playtime as they recreate scenes from the show or invent new adventures.
The sturdy plastic and metal construction means this toy can withstand the rough and tumble of preschool play.
While it’s not a flying toy, this RC vehicle offers plenty of fun on the ground.
You’ll need to supply 5 AAA batteries to get Paul rolling, so factor that into your purchase.
The toy’s range is somewhat limited, so you’ll need to stay close to the action.
Despite these minor drawbacks, this Super Wings Paul is sure to provide hours of imaginative play for young fans of the show.
Super Wings World Robot
You’ll love this transforming aircraft toy if you’re looking for an action-packed playset for kids.
- Transforms from aircraft to robot
- Safe, high-quality materials
- Movable arms and shoulders
- Limited appeal for older children
- Small size may disappoint some
- Transformation process could frustrate younger kids
This Super Wings World Robot playset brings the excitement of the animated series to life.
You’ll be impressed by how it changes from an aircraft into a powerful robot in just 11 steps.
Kids can recreate their favorite scenes or invent new adventures with this versatile toy.
The toy’s construction is top-notch, using translucent materials that are free from harmful substances.
You’ll appreciate the smooth edges and strong impact resistance, ensuring it can withstand enthusiastic play sessions.
The movable arms and shoulders add an extra layer of fun and creativity to playtime.
While it’s a hit with younger fans, older children might find it less engaging.
The compact size could surprise you if you’re expecting a larger toy.
Some younger kids might need help with the transformation process at first, but it can become a rewarding challenge as they practice.
Hot Wings B-17 Flying Fortress
You’ll love this die-cast B-17 Flying Fortress model for its detailed design and interactive features.
- Highly detailed replica
- Includes connectable runway pieces
- Comes with collector card
- Smaller than some expect
- Limited play features
- Primarily for display
This Hot Wings B-17 Flying Fortress model is a great choice for aviation enthusiasts and collectors.
The silver-colored die-cast plane captures the iconic look of the WWII bomber with impressive detail.
You’ll appreciate the quality construction and realistic appearance.
One of the coolest features is the connectable runway piece included with every Hot Wings plane.
This allows you to build your own miniature airport display by combining multiple sets.
The collector card provides interesting flight specs and info about the real B-17.
While fun to look at, this model has limited playability.
It’s best suited for static display rather than as an action toy.
Some buyers note the plane is smaller than they expected based on the product dimensions, which actually refer to the packaging size.
Despite this, most find it to be a high-quality collectible at a reasonable price point.
Hot Wings SR-71 Blackbird Model
You’ll love this sleek SR-71 Blackbird die-cast model for its cool factor and collectible features.
- Includes connectable runway piece
- Comes with collector card
- Part of extensive aviation-themed series
- Not suitable for very young children
- Limited play features
- Smaller than some might expect
This Hot Wings SR-71 Blackbird model is a top pick for aviation enthusiasts and collectors.
It’s made of durable metal and comes with a unique connectable runway piece, letting you build your own mini airport.
The included collector card adds educational value, providing flight specs for the iconic spy plane.
You’ll appreciate the attention to detail on this 1:200 scale model.
Its sleek black finish captures the essence of the real Blackbird.
At 7.5 inches long, it’s compact enough to display on a shelf or desk without taking up too much space.
The Hot Wings series offers a wide range of aircraft models, from biplanes to space shuttles.
You can mix and match different planes and runway pieces to create your own custom airport layout.
It’s a fun way to learn about aviation history and expand your collection over time.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right wingsuit can make or break your flying experience.
Here’s what you need to consider:
Experience Level
Your skill level is crucial in selecting the right suit.
Beginners should opt for more forgiving designs, while advanced flyers can handle more challenging suits.
Fit
A proper fit is essential for optimal performance and safety.
Ensure the suit allows for a full range of motion without being too loose.
Material
Look for durable, lightweight fabrics that can withstand high-speed flights.
Ripstop nylon is a popular choice among wingsuit manufacturers.
Wing Size
Larger wings provide more lift but can be harder to control.
Smaller wings offer less lift but greater maneuverability.
Arm Wing Design
Different arm wing designs affect your flight characteristics.
Consider whether you prefer speed, glide ratio, or maneuverability.
Leg Wing Design
The leg wing design impacts your stability and flare capability.
Some suits have larger leg wings for increased performance.
Safety Features
Check for built-in safety features like emergency cutaway systems and reinforced seams.
Price Range
Wingsuit prices vary widely.
Set a budget, but remember that investing in quality gear is crucial for your safety.
Brand Reputation
Choose reputable manufacturers known for their quality and safety standards.
User Reviews
Read reviews from experienced flyers to get real-world insights into suit performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wingsuit flying comes with some common questions about gear, skills, and safety.
Let’s tackle the key points you’ll want to know before taking flight.
How much do I need to shell out for a decent wingsuit?
You can expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,500 for a quality wingsuit.
Entry-level suits start around $1,000, while top-of-the-line models can reach $2,500 or more.
Prices vary based on features, materials, and brand reputation.
Which wingsuit gives you the sickest glide ratio?
The Phoenix Fly Vampire 6 boasts an impressive glide ratio of up to 4:1.
This means you can fly forward 4 feet for every 1 foot of altitude lost.
Other high-performance suits like the Squirrel Freak 3 and TonySuit Apache also offer excellent glide ratios.
Is controlling a wingsuit really that tough, or can a newbie nail it?
Wingsuit control takes practice and skill.
You’ll need extensive skydiving experience before attempting wingsuit flight.
Most manufacturers recommend at least 200 skydives before trying a wingsuit.
Proper training is crucial for safety and performance.
What’s the top speed I can hit in a wingsuit before things get too gnarly?
Experienced wingsuit pilots can reach horizontal speeds of 140-180 mph.
Vertical descent rates typically range from 50-90 mph.
These speeds depend on factors like suit design, pilot skill, and flight conditions.
Where’s the best place to snag a wingsuit?
You can buy wingsuits from specialized skydiving and BASE jumping retailers.
Popular options include ChutingStar, ParaGear, and SquirrelSuits.
Many manufacturers also sell directly through their websites.
It’s best to consult with experienced pilots before making a purchase.
What are the odds of taking a spill when you’re squirrel suit flying?
Wingsuit flying carries inherent risks, but proper training and precautions can help keep accident rates relatively low.
The USPA reported 13 wingsuit-related fatalities from 2016 to 2020.
Always follow safety protocols, use appropriate gear, and fly within your skill level to minimize risks.