AirDesign Livi 2 Review: Ultra-Light EN-B Hike & Fly Wing Shaves 1 kg Off Vivo 3 with Superior Thermalling

AirDesign has officially released the Livi 2, an upgraded lightweight EN-B hike-and-fly paraglider. Compared to its predecessor, the new model offers flight handling and characteristics close to the Vivo 3, but with a weight reduction of 1 kg, making it even better suited for hike & fly and vol-bivouac adventures.

“This is our crew’s all-time favorite wing for cross-country flying.” — Michu Witschi, CEO of AirDesign. In the XC size, the Livi 2 tips the scales at just 3.29 kg, representing a complete overhaul of AirDesign’s lightweight EN-B range. Compared to the Vivo (AirDesign’s full-size EN-B), the Livi 2 delivers noticeably more “active” handling in thermals, with improved thermalling sensitivity as well.

Balancing Safety and Performance

“Our goal is to build a glider that genuinely earns its EN-B certification while delivering balanced performance on all fronts,” the AirDesign R&D team explained. “The challenge lies in sharpening handling precision and performance while keeping the same aspect ratio and lively flight behaviour — and doing it all at a featherweight (Livi) standard.”

The Livi 2’s brake set-up draws on the design of high-end EN-B wings, with rear hang-point risers and a control bar as standard. Compared to the first generation, the Livi 2’s brake travel has been extended, broadening its passive safety margin. The aspect ratio sits at 5.38, and the flight handling and safety class land firmly in the low-to-mid EN-B range.

Despite its lightweight construction, pilots report that the Livi 2 flies stably without the sensitivity often associated with ultralight wings — and launch is equally effortless. Available in five sizes with multiple custom colour options.

Getting Started with EN-B: From Foundations to Progression

For pilots stepping up from EN-A/B, the Livi 2’s lightweight design makes it an ideal companion on the progression path — with forgiving performance, a high margin of error, and a weight saving that makes hike & fly genuinely achievable.

Want to build solid handling foundations before you fly for real? The Paragliding Harness Simulator lets you systematically practice launch, thermalling, and turn techniques, preparing you for the responsive feel of a high-performance EN-B wing. Pair it with a lightweight Fast Pack Paragliding Harness Bag and your hike & fly kit becomes a genuine reality — pack up the mountain and fly down.

Source: Cross Country Magazine