finsterwalder-charly.de - Finsterwalder & Charly - Hanggliding and Paragliding Equipment since 1974

Funfex Anniversary

Anniversary at Finsterwalder - The Funfex turns 30!
The opportunity to purchase a Fex and get 50% cashback!

30 years after the first Funfex has found its happy owner, no other hang glider manufacturer has succeeded in developing a better mix of forgiving flight characteristics, appealing performance, a high level of agility, low weight and flexible packing possibilities.

On this occasion, we reimburse 50% of the purchase price one of the buyers of a Funfex, Airfex, Perfex or Lightfex, who purchase their new glider in the time between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2016 from us or one of our official dealers worldwide!

The happy winner will be drawn by lot and announced on our website.

 Conditions of participation:

1. Promotion period: 01.01.2015 until 30.06.2016, 11:59 pm (CET).
2. All end-consumers who have purchased a new Funfex, Airfex, Perfex or Lightfex from Finsterwalder GmbH or one of its official dealers worldwide during the promotion period automatically participate in the promotion.
3. Employees of Finsterwalder GmbH and its dealers are excluded from the promotion.
4. The Funfex, Airfex, Perfex oder Lightfex is considered as purchased when it has been ordered and fully paid for within the promotion period.
5. The purchase price corresponds to the MSRP of the purchased hang glider model.
6. Every purchased hang glider is assigned one lot.
7. The winner will be drawn by lot on 1 July 2016 and, if contactable, will be notified by us. His name will be announced on our website in the "News" section over a period of 3 months. The prize will only be paid out if the winner responds within this period of time.
8. By participating in the promotion, the entrant accepts these conditions of participation.
9. Legal proceedings are barred.
10. If one or more of the preceding provisions are or will become void, invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable. Invalid provisions shall then be replaced by valid ones. The same shall apply in the event of any gap in these conditions of participation.

>> Finsterwalder Hanggliders

Finsterwalder hangglider videos

 How to assemble the Fexes packed to 1,90 m in 15 minutes

>> Finsterwalder Hanggliders

Fex Feedback

Links to English and German-language forum discussions on the topic "Are the Fexes still up to date?"

• Perfex vs Falcon 4?
  Excerpt from post #17:
  "So, why would you consider a glider designed 30 years ago against one designed in 2012-2013? Because it manages to be lighter, has more glide, is more playful and just as forgiving as a Falcon. Plus, it shortpacks. Not bad for a 30 year old geezer, uh?" 

• Amazing experience with my packable 1,8 m Finsterwalder Airfex HG
  Excerpt from post #43:
  "I just love my Airfex. Because it flies so nicely. I shortpack only for airplane travel or for hiking up to remote launch. Otherwise, I leave it long and put it on the car roof. Then I lost my driving licence for one month. I got my Airfex going to a flying site by public transport and hiking up. A really great experience. I have it shortpacked currently, to go abroad. It takes me approx. 45 min to rig from shortpack. [...] Finsterwalder still produces Fex gliders. Great customer service, in case you need spares (one week)!"

• Beginner HG to hold on even later for all purposes
  Excerpt from post #8:
  "Your Perfex will be built nearby Munich by very passionate and professional people. I heard a 73-year old Perfex flyer it's like riding a bicycle."
  Excerpt from post #58:
  "Yesterday afternoon, I found a pilot on the DHV-XC rating with the ultra-old Finsterwalder Funfex S. A few days before staying in the air with it for 4:28 hrs and reaching a height of 3.784 meters. Almost unbelievable. [...] But it's impressive that a design made in 1986 is so remarkable nowadays (and don't we forget: 24 kg, 16 qm, double surface, no VG...)."
  

• Newcomer and Finsterwalder
  Excerpt from post # 2: 
  "I still fly the Funfex in winter when it is hard to get to the launching site with the modern heavy stuff. The 2 m shortpack is very well designed, and easy to set up and break down. Although it is an old design, they are still sold and a lot of the first gliders are still flying."

• Funfex für A-Schein? (Funfex for 'A' license training?)
  Excerpt from post #5:
  "The quality of Finsterwalder's hang gliders is beyond any doubt, anyway. And the short pack possibility is fantastic, in case you need it." (translated from German)
  Excerpt from post #6: 
  "I switched to a Funfex already during my UL-towing 'A' license training. The glider is very sensitive and great to fly behind the trike via impulse steering. Following the UL with it was easy, even in turbulent and strong thermal weather conditions. Landing took a bit of practice, admittedly, because the flow rests against the wing for a very long time due to the large chord. The short-pack is brilliant. Never again have I felt so free with an aircraft as with the Funfex. No roof rack, no rain cover – into the car and here we go! With a bit of practice and systematic procedure, assembly can be done in about 30 min. Disassembly, if you do it properly, takes a bit longer. Folding the sail accurately etc. takes some time, but it is the basis for trouble-free assembly." (translated from German)

• Funfex bestellt (I have ordered a Funfex)
  Excerpt from post #9: 
  "The bicycle was invented in the 19th century and has remained almost unchanged since then. The Funfex has undergone some slight improvements since 1986 and still flies wonderful. No other competitor was able to even remotely match Finsterwalder's short pack system. As numerous gondola lifts switch to mini cabins and do not offer hang glider transportation anymore, a '2 m-poled-paraglider' offers many additional possibilities to reach mountain launch sites. Last year, I was able to test-fly a Funfex manufactured in 2011 and was delighted. It flew even better than my own which was built in 2003. Even without a towing aid, it follows the trike like it was on rails. I made my so far longest, highest and furthest flights with my Funfex as you do not spend so much time considering whether to fly or not. You sometimes just assemble the glider and take off, even if the weather conditions are not ideal – and then you get surprised by unexpected but welcome climb. Whether and where I will land safely is hardly worth thinking about longer than with a paraglider, as landing with a Funfex is easy as pie (compared to a glider without king post). [...] @FleiingStiel: Have fun with your new Fex! You will see many 'more up-to-date' gliders with higher show-off potential below you." (translated from German)

• Brauche Meinungen zum Perfex (Need opinions on the Perfex)
  Excerpt from post #3: 
  "This 'bird' is simply brilliant to fly, to say it short. I think you can absolutely recommend the glider, it might even be to agile at the beginning. But once you come to terms with it, a 'grin' in your face after landing is predictable." (translated from German)

• Kurzpackdrachen (Short-pack hang gliders)
  Excerpt from post #4: 
  "The Fexes' short-pack possibility is really not bad – a friend of mine was always quicker at assembling his short-packed Funfex than me with my long-packed Reflex (as mentioned, I am a bit slow at glider assembly). I liked the detailed solutions very much." (translated from German)

• Finsterwalder Drachen (Finsterwalder hang gliders)
  Excerpt from post #8: 
  "I have my license since one week, and this Tuesday, I was able to test-fly a Funfex for the first time. I am stoked by this bird. I did my training on a Star (Orion delta), and the difference in effort needed for steering is huge. I am sure that I will have fun for many years with my Funfex, I am already looking forward to the Spring and the thermals..." (translated from German)

Internet research: Are our Fexes still up to date?

A look around the web shows that we did not miss out on the development: The owners of the more than 1.000 Fexes in use are happy and content, praise their gliders' excellent handling and are enthusiastic about their flight performance, their low weight, their robustness and their unique short-pack possibility.

Post #17 from 20 January 2014 from the thread Perfex vs Falcon 4? in the discussion forum of HangGliding.org puts it in a nutshell:

"So, why would you consider a glider designed 30 years ago against one designed in 2012-2013? Because it manages to be lighter, has more glide, is more playful and just as forgiving as a Falcon. Plus, it shortpacks. Not bad for a 30 year old geezer, uh?"

We have ceased the production of our high-performance model Speedfex. Today, we only build reasonably priced hang gliders for less ambitious pilots, i.e., "pleasure pilots". Particularly in this segment, the past 30 years have not brought any substantial improvements with respect to safety, handling and flight performance. So-called "new developments" are hence nothing more than facelifts, intended to make the customer believe he has bought the latest state-of-the-art model.

Precisely because we do not do facelifts, our elaborately designed hang glider models are timeless, have excellent spare part availability, high resale value and are produced in quantities other manufacturers can only dream of!

For many years, we have been able to consistently achieve strong sales with our successful models Perfex, Funfex, Lightfex and Airfex, which is why we will continue to manufacture them without modification. This spring, we have completely renovated and modernized our factory, and we have purchased material for 100 further Fexes.
Also on the second hand market, our almost indestructable fun gliders are extremely popular and thus slow down the sales of new hang gliders. Not surprising that our Fexes are in the bad books of some flying schools and manufacturers!

>> More links to English and German-language forum discussions

>> How to assemble the Fexes packed to 1,90 m in 15 minutes (videos)

Aerosafe Profil

AEROSAFE-Trapezstangen mit Gummikante Deutsche Pat. Nr. 3309455, US-Pat. Nr. 4871132, Franz. Pat. Nr. 8612950, Schweizer Pat. Nr. 66560, Österr. Pat. Nr. 385251. AEROSAFE-Trapezstangen von Finsterwalder werden von renommierten Drachenherstellern in Italien, Frankreich, England, USA und Australien eingesetzt und sind daher weltweit erhältlich. Häufigste Verletzung beim Drachenfliegen sind Armbrüche, zu denen es kommt, wenn der Pilot bei Crashlandungen gegen den Steuerbügel fällt. Bei AEROSAFE Trapezstangen ist die Profilhinterkante gepolstert und die Trapezstange ist in Längsrichtung nur 1,5 mal steifer als in Querrichtung. So wird der Pilot schonend abgefangen, wobei sich die zähharte Legierung stark verformt (Gewicht nur 520 g/m). Ein weiterer wesentlicher Sicherheitsfaktor der AEROSAFE Gummihinterkanten ist, daß sie die Drachenkontrolle beim Start entscheidend verbessern. Man kann die Trapezstangen besser umfassen, sie liegen bequem an den Schultern auf und ermöglichen selbst mit Handschuhen einen sicheren Griff. Spätestens wenn Sie versuchen, durch den Integralhelm in die Hände zu spucken, werden Sie sich AEROSAFE Trapezstangen wünschen! Sofern Ihr Drachen nicht ohnehin schon mit AEROSAFE ausgerüstet ist, kann er mittels Anschlußstücken meist auf die preisgünstigen AEROSAFE Trapezstangen umgerüstet werden.

Service & Checks for hanggliders

Hanggliding is not dangerous - as long as one avoids discernible dangers This includes careful maintenance of equipment. After 5 years of use, hanggliders must undergo a thorough works inspection. After the first 5-year check, checks are required every 2 years. This regulation has proven very sensible, as negligence of sport aviation equipment can have serious consequences. Advantageous works inspection  We are also constantly in a learning process when we recieve our gliders back in the workshop after many years of usage. We automatically upgrade during the works inspection in accordance with safety demands. The operating sequence of an inspection in exactly defined by us (see inspection sheet). In this way we work efficiently and cost effectively. The short pack system makes our hanggliders very service friendly and lowers freight costs. Our fair service costs are one of the reasons for the high resale value and popularity of our gliders. Service costs The labour costs (sail-maker and workshop) are € 45,- (incl. VAT) The check fee is € 95,- (incl. VAT) Stainless steel swaging can also corrode/become brittle. Independent of their condition, rigging/swaging must be replaced due to age: Lower rigging every 4-6 years, Upper rigging every 7-8 years. A list of hangglider spares can be found at the back of the owner's manual. An annual inflation rate of 2% should be calculated. Should the repair/check inspection costs approach the current market value, then we shall contact you before proceeding.

Tips for checks

• If possible deliver the glider packed short. This saves us time, and you expense.
• Please draw our attention to necessary sail repairs.
• Try to plan the inspection at the end of the flying season.
• Inspections between March and October take longer as a rule.
• A repair comission should accompany the glider.

Perfex

Perfection in light-weight construction. One of our most successful gliders in terms of outstanding performance (for a floater) and wonderful handling. No surprise that the Perfex as with the Lightfex recieved top marks by test reports.   Unique for all floaters are the fittings: Perunal tubing for glider-frame and sail battens, aerodynamic A-frame, king-post and sundry fittings as well as a perfectly profiled leading edge with mylar reinforcing and nose fairing. Perfection in light-weight construction. One of our most successful gliders in terms of outstanding performance (for a floater) and wonderful handling. No surprise that the Perfex as with the Lightfex recieved top marks by test reports. Unique for all floaters are the fittings: Perunal tubing for glider-frame and sail battens, aerodynamic A-frame, king-post and sundry fittings as well as a perfectly profiled leading edge with mylar reinforcing and nose fairing.       The aerodynamically formed king-post is constructed in a way that avoids pleats on the wiring, and allows easy change of the wires.           A rubber hinge in the bottom of the king-post avoids damage in case of crashes and eases rigging.         » Test reports » Hangglider features » Snap-Lock System » Perfex order form   Perfex Surface: 16 m² Span: 9,4 m Nose angle: 120° Weight: 22 kg V-min: 22 km/h V-max: 80 km/h Glide ratio: 1:10   Upper battens: 15 Lower battens: -   Tip battens spring loaded   Packing lengths: 1,95/3,8/5,5 m Rec. pilot weight: 70-105 kg Max. loading: 101 kg Pilot classification: 1-2 Certification: DHV/SHV   Article: P1000 Price: 4985,00 €   Range of use   Schooling Thermal Distance Race

Lightfex

Seine Wendigkeit ermöglicht ein fast müheloses Fliegen. Trotzdem hat er keinerlei Giertendenz, so dass auch weniger erfahrene Piloten den Lightfex sicher beherrschen. Obwohl einer der leichtesten Drachen überhaupt, verträgt der Lightfex aufgrund seiner hohen Materialqualität härtesten Übungshangeinsatz. Our floater for light pilots has performance data which can otherwise only be matched by good intermediate gliders.   It's agility makes almost effortless flying possible, yet in spite of this there is no tendency whatsoever to yaw, which means that less experienced pilots feel well in control of the Lightfex. Although on of the lightest weight gliders available, the Lightfex due to it's high quality construction and materials can bear the brunt of the hardest of days on the practise hill.     Controlbar bracket - High-tech fittings also used on our floaters.             The king-post hang-in decreases control forces and eases landing.                     » Testreports » Hangglider features » Snap-Lock System » Lightfex order form       Lightfex Surface: 14 m² Span: 9 m Nose angle: 120° Weight: 19,5 kg V-min: 24 km/h V-max: 80 km/h Glide ratio: 1:10,5   Upper battens: 15 Lower battens: -   Tip battens spring loaded   Packing lengthes: 1,85/3,75/5,2 m Rec. pilot weight: 45-75 kg Max. loading: 90 kg Pilot classification: 2 Certification: DHV   Article: L1000 Price: 4985,00 €   Range of use   Schooling Thermal Distance Race

Funfex

Seine Wendigkeit ermöglicht ein fast müheloses Fliegen. Trotzdem hat er keinerlei Giertendenz, so dass auch weniger erfahrene Piloten den Lightfex sicher beherrschen. Obwohl einer der leichtesten Drachen überhaupt, verträgt der Lightfex aufgrund seiner hohen Materialqualität härtesten Übungshangeinsatz. The minimal weight abd good flight characteristics of the Funfex have become almost legendary over the years. Today the Funfex is still unbeatable when it comes to experiencing a maximum of enjoyment in the air with a minimum of effort.   The reason for this is the often copied (but never achieved) design which combines a low aspect ratio with astonishing performance.     The extra broad nose plate from highly durable perunal makes the Fexes extremely robust and provides a high degree of tautness along the leading edges.              Aerodynamic and tough control bar corners. Prevention of drag due to the inner tilt of the uprights. The uprights can be assembled and reassembled without tools.             » Test reports » Hangglider features » Snap-Lock System » Funfex order form   Funfex Surface: 16 m² Span: 9,4 m Nose angle: 120° Weight: 24 kg V-min: 25 km/h V-max: 80 km/h Glide ratio: 1:10,5   Upper battens: 15 Lower battens: 4   Tip battens spring loaded   Packing lengthes: 1,95/3,8/5,5 m Rec. pilot weight: 68-95 kg Max. loading: 97 kg (DHV) 112 kg (DULV)  Pilot classification: 2 Certification: DHV/SHV   Article: F1000 Price: 5490,00 €   Range of use   Schooling Thermal Distance Race