If you’re new to the sport then you’ve probably realised just how hard it is to find good detailed paramotor reviews and comparisons. Every pilot tells you they’re flying the best machine, and every manufacturer claims to have the best, so how to you know which to choose? It’s simple… you don’t!
I played my part by putting up an honest review of my current paramotor after flying it for 100 hours, and you can read that HERE. But in this post I’m going to choose 5 of the most popular paramotors, and run a comparison of each to help you choose one.
The paramotors I have chosen are:
- Parajet Maverick
- Air Conception
- Scout
- Bailey V5
- Miniplane ABM
Parajet Maverick
The Maverick is the latest offering from Parajet, and it’s quickly become one of the most popular paramotors to see at the field. Parajet also released the Mav MAX in 2022, which has a few upgrades that we’ll look at shortly. With its lightweight design, and uniquely styled polygonal fuel tank, it’s a real head turner, but what does it have to offer? Let’s take a closer look.
Frame and cage
Parajet have dropped their regular aerofoil shaped frame and cage, and used a tubular design constructed completely from titanium. Although it looks flimsy when you stand it next to one of their V3 models, it’s actually incredibly rigid.
This lightweight frame and cage design gives the standard Maverick a dry weight of just 24.5 KG, when fitted with the Vittorazi Moster 185 Plus engine, a carbon Helix prop, and a Dudek lightweight harness.
The Mav MAX has and upgraded frame with an increased diameter, capable of housing 1.4m propeller for enhanced power and efficiency. It also has an extra brace that they’re calling cage support, this is basically a crossbar for improved cage stability.
Engine
The weight of the Maverick can be decreased further by choosing the sport, or pro versions, or by choosing a different engine. Parajet are offering a selection of lightweight engines including the Atom 80, which is also from Vittorazi, the popular EOS 100, and the EOS 150.
The EOS 100, and the Moster 185 both made my top 5 engine list that you can see HERE.
- Maverick sport weight – 24.5 KG
- Maverick Pro weight – 21.5 KG
- Mav MAX factory R weight – 26.2 KG
Fuel tank
The Maverick has a fuel tank capacity of 10 litres, which will give you 2.5 hours of flight time with the Moster 185 engine. For this reason, cross country pilots may prefer one of the smaller engines to lower the fuel consumption.
Or you could contact Parajet directly, and request your Maverick be fitted with their new XL 17 litre fuel tank, designed specifically for cross country flying.
I already mentioned the unique styling, but the polygonal fuel tank has more to offer than just great looks. The tip of the side polygon actually points to the 4 litre mark. This makes it much easier to gauge how much fuel is left mid flight, to minimize guess work.
The new Mav MAX has an upgraded fuel tank which is removable with quick-release connectors. This is handy for transporting the paramotor, especially if you need to lay the machine down in your vehicle. A removable tank will not need to be drained each time to prevent fuel leakage.
The Mav MAX also has the option to upgrade to a larger 16.5 litre fuel tank upgrade for increased range.
More stand out features
- Transportability: Parajet have focused on making the Maverick very transportable, but at the same time quick easy to assemble at the field. Eight titanium tubes quickly slot together with Parajets trademark nylon plug and play system, and just as easily break back down when you’re finished flying.
- Snap fit netting: the new snap fit netting makes fitting the netting very quick and simple, leaving a snag free surface around the cage hoop. This keeps your lines happy, and it also looks great.
- Replaceable cage: due to its modular construction, if you happen to fall over and bend a section of the cage, all of the components can be replaced individually.
- Ready to travel: if you purchase the sport or pro version, you will receive a travel case that is designed to fall within the standard airline 25 kg limits.
Who’s it for?
I wouldn’t say the Maverick is aimed at complete beginners due to its lightweight design. Although it is strong, when you loose weight you unavoidably loose strength. So beginners who are likely to have a few falls may wish to choose the super tough Volution 3 from Parajet, or one of the others in this list.
If you’re comfortable with launching and landing, and you want a lightweight paramotor with the added bonus of excellent after sales service from Parajet, then this could be the one!
Prices start at £6085 / $7320
Buy your Parajet Maverick HERE.
Air conception
Air Conception took the paramotor market by storm a few years back, by producing one of the lightest paramotors in the game. The Magnesium Delta frame weighs just 2 KG, while the titanium Race V2 frame pictured above weighs a mere 2.5 KG. Let’s look at some of its stand out features.
Frame and cage
Air conception offer 2 main frame options: the magnesium Delta, and the titanium race V2. These are both extremely light, and come with various cage sizes to accept different propeller options, including 140 CM, 150 CM, and 165 CM cage hoops.
Air Conception also offer the titanium Race V2 as a split frame design. This means you can remove the bottom half of the frame, along with the fuel tank to increase transportability. This is especially useful if you wish to travel with your paramotor by plane.
On all frame options the cage is easily removable for transport, breaking down into 4 hoop sections, with 6 separate carbon fibre rods. The mesh remains attached, meaning that if you fall and bend a section, replacement is slightly harder than some other paramotors on the market.
Engine
When you buy an Air Conception paramotor you’ll have 2 engine options: The Nitro 200, or the Tornado 280. These are available with many different options as listed below.
- Nitro 200 pull start (11.6 KG)
- Nitro 200 electric start (12.2 KG)
- Nitro 200 electric start + clutch (12.7 KG)
- Tornado 280 electric start (12.9 KG)
- Tornado 280 electric start + clutch (13.5 KG)
Since their introduction, both the Nitro and the Tornado engines have proven themselves very reliable, with pilots reporting no issues way past the 100 hour mark.
Both of these engines are capable of lifting the heavier pilots, with the Nitro offering 75 KG of thrust from a 130 cm prop, and the Tornado putting out 80 KG of thrust from a 125 cm prop.
Weight
As a complete unit, the Magnesium Delta frame equipped with the nitro 200 pull start engine, weighs in at just 19 KG! This makes it one of the lightest paramotors on the market, and it’s been one of their biggest selling points.
If you’d rather the titanium Race V2 frame, don’t worry as it’s only a fraction heavier, weighing it at 19.5 KG with the same engine.
More stand out features
- Various fuel tank options: choices include 9 litre, 11.5 litre, and a 15 litre fuel tanks.
- Low fuel consumption: the nitro 200 burns just 2.66 litres of fuel per hour at the typical cruise RPM. This means a 15 litre fuel tank will give you over 5.5 hours of flight time.
Who’s it for?
The weight of a paramotor can be the decider for many pilots. Those with back or knee troubles simply can’t handle a heavier machine, especially with the added weight of fuel. This makes the Air Conception the perfect choice for those who need a lighter paramotor.
Air conception also offer a 2 year parts warranty for added peace of mind in your investment.
Prices start at around £5250 / $6950 depending on the dealer you choose.
Find an Air Conception dealer HERE
Scout
Hailing from Slovakia, Scout have produced a paramotor with a totally unique carbon design. This popular machine has some important safety features and world firsts; and it’s probably the best looking paramotor on the market! But is it really as good as it looks? let’s get a closer look.
Frame and cage
Scout currently offer two versions of this paramotor: the carbon, or the enduro. On both versions, the frame is made entirely from aluminium. The words carbon and enduro relate to the cage and its spars.
On the carbon model, the whole cage hoop and spars are constructed from carbon fibre, this makes it the lighter of the two at just 24 KG when fitted with a Vittorazi Moster 185 engine.
The enduro model has an aluminium cage hoop and spars, meaning it may be a better choice for pilots who are more likely to fall over. Carbon fibre has the potential to crack during a bad landing, aluminium can simply be bent back into shape. This means the enduro frame is probably the better choice for a beginner pilot.
Engine
The Moster 185 has been a popular choice for Scout pilots, but you can also choose from a selection of smaller, and even bigger engines when you buy a Scout.
These include the reliable Top 80, and the super lightweight EOS 100. Or if you need even more power than the Moster has to give, you might choose the super powerful Polini Thor 250, or the 235 cc Cors-Air Black Bull.
Anti torque
One of the first things you notice about the Scout is its large carbon spars. If you look closer you’ll see that each of these 6 spars are shaped like an aerofoil, and this is the Scouts secret weapon against torque.
As you move forward, air passes over the aerofoils creating lift just like a wing. As the torque of the engine tries to twist the paramotor in one direction, the lift generated by air passing over the spars twists it back in the other direction to keep it flying straight.
This works in unison with the RPM of the engine. As you pull the throttle you create more torque, but you also speed up the propeller, which pulls even more air past the spars to further lessen the torque effect.
More stand out features
- SafeStart: is a device that controls the RPM of the engine during startup, to reduce the risk of spontaneous revving, and ultimately devastating propeller injuries. This was one of the reasons I chose the Scout as the safest paramotor, and you can read more about it in THIS POST.
- Load testing: most manufacturers test their paramotors with some high-G manoeuvres, but Scout go the extra step and test their harness to a massive 15 G with certification. They also load test the frame to over 2 tons for your peace of mind.
- Adjustable pitch propeller: this lets you adjust your propeller´s pitch between 10 and 13 degrees. A lower angle gives maximum performance and acceleration, and a higher angle gives a better cruising RPM for cross country flights.
Who’s it for?
With so many great features, and a range of optional extras, the Scout will suit pilots that want a good all rounder. Although experienced pilots say it’s easier to land than any other paramotor they’ve flown, beginners may want to avoid the full carbon cage, as a fall could easily cause some expensive damage.
Expect the enduro model to weigh 26.7 KG, which is 2.7 KG more than the carbon cage.
Prices start at £6420 / $8510 for the Scout Carbon with a standard Moster 185 engine.
Or £5520 / $7320 for the Scout Enduro with a standard Moster 185 engine.
Find a Scout dealer HERE.
Bailey V5
Bailey are well known for their performance motorsport parts, and for the 4-stroke V5 engine that comes as an option with many different paramotors. But Bailey also make a frame that’s designed around this engine, known as the V5 paramotor. Let’s see what it’s got to offer.
Frame and cage
When designing the V3, one of the goals was to make the paramotor easily transportable, but still quick and easy to assemble. Made from aircraft grade aluminium, the cage hoop consists of four anodised sections that use alloy inserts to keep it in place.
The cage netting is held in place by fastening loops, which make damaged netting very easy to replace. Rather than replacing the whole net, single lines can simply be threaded back through the loops.
The main frame and chassis is also made from aluminium, and has been designed to give maximum structural stiffness, without adding excess weight.
Engine
The Bailey V5 has been the only 4-stroke paramotor engine worth having for many years now. It weighs 15.8 KG, which is incredibly light for a 4-stroke, especially when you compare it to the Moster 185 2-stroke which weighs 14.2 KG.
If this extra 1.6 KG bothers you, remember that a 4-stroke will burn much less fuel. The fuel consumption is just 2.1-3.0 Litres of fuel per hour, so for every hour spent flying, you’ll be able to add at least 1 litre of fuel less than you would with a Moster 185, thus saving weight.
Active hang bars
The V5’s polished stainless steel hang bars have been designed for optimal placement, keeping the pivot points directly along the thrust line, and vertically in line with the chassis/engine’s centre of gravity. This keeps the V5 vertically stable during power changes, and almost totally eliminates torque steer.
More stand out features
- Weight shift: due to its optimal pivot placement, weight shift turns can even be done opposite to the direction of torque under full power. This makes the V5 attractive to cross country pilots who enjoy flying hands off.
- Flight time: due to its low fuel consumption, a full tank of fuel (11.5 litres) can give a flight time of up to 5 hours!
- Thrust and power: the 195 cc 4-stroke V5 puts out 20.5 horsepower, and produces 60 KG of thrust.
Who’s it for?
Many people are put off by the weight of a 4-stroke. But the V5 has an all-up dry weight of 27.5 KG, so although it’s a 4-stroke it’s still no heavier than the bigger 2-stroke machines.
This machine will suit pilots looking for a quieter, smoother running engine, and it’s been especially popular with cross country pilots.
Prices start at £5590 / $7390
Find a Bailey V5 dealer HERE
Miniplane ABM
Miniplane have been building paramotors for over 30 years! Their goal is to build reliable, lightweight, and affordable machines, and the ABM is all three. Let’s see if this is the one for you.
Frame and cage
Building a lightweight paramotor is tricky, because you inevitably loose strength. Many manufacturers tackle this problem by using stronger materials like titanium, but then you add to the price tag.
To keep the ABM lightweight and cheap, Miniplane have used aluminium for the main frame and chassis, fibreglass rods for the outer hoop, and carbon fibre spars.
Engine
Miniplane use their own popular Top 80 engine in all of their paramotors. This engine has been powering paramotors since the first miniplane was built back in 1989. It’s proven itself to be very reliable, with easy maintenance, and readily available parts.
It’s not an engine for the bigger guys, but Miniplane have recently started offering the ABM with bigger engines. Pilots over 190 lbs should request a larger engine by contacting their dealer.
Weight
As previously mentioned, Miniplane have tried to make this paramotor as lightweight as possible. Fitted with the Top 80 engine, the all up dry weight is just 20.55 KG, which makes it one of the lightest paramotors on the market.
More stand out features
- Weightshift: Like all of the other paramotors in this list, the Miniplane ABM features weightshift abilities. But it’s worth mentioning this because Miniplane were the inventors of the weight shift paramotor.
- Transportable: the Miniplane’s cage breaks down for transport, and the bottom of the frame below the tank is also removable, so you can fit it into even tighter spaces.
- Repairable: the frame and cage are very easy to repair if damaged. The cage is completely modular, meaning direct replacement parts can be bought from Miniplane. And as the bottom of the frame is removable, a damaged frame from a hard bum landing can also be repaired very easily.
Who’s it for?
The miniplane will suit pilots on a tighter budget, or those who want a much simpler design. It’s also a great choice for smaller pilots, or those who struggle to lift the heavier machines.
Prices start at £4200 / $5550
Find out more about the Miniplane ABM HERE
I hope you enjoyed this paramotor comparison, check out my paramotor engine comparison HERE
If you are new to paramotoring, and you really don’t know which paramotor to choose, you can learn how to choose the correct paramotor for yourself HERE.
Comments
Hi Darrell,
Thanks for a great article. In the UK there appear to be a lot of PAP paramotors around. I just wondered how you would rate them compared to the others for a simple lightweight unit?
Many thanks,
Lee.
Hi Lee, I haven’t owned or flown one so can’t really comment on what they’re like, but they do have a good name for themselves. I know one guy personally who’s been flying one for 10+ years and he hasn’t has any problems with it, so they’re definitely reliable enough. You’ll probably find some owners who can go into more detail on some of the forums or FB groups
Starting to gather information …. So far while the Maverick s good, the ‘Flat top’. Seems to have so many advantages, the 18” raised off ground would make getting in and standing up a whole lot easier …. Any reason it was not considered for your list? It claims to be the safest in the world.
Have you had the opportunity to fly a Flattop? I am a bigger pilot, and it looks nice and roomy. Also, I am not a very good mechanic, so I really want as close to maintenance free as I can find.
Any recommendations?
Literally, flat tops are literally the best. So safe and powerful in comparison to ask if these listed. Surprised it isn’t on this list
Hi Folks
I already have an earlier non-reflex designed model wing, an Advance Epsilon 5 with 31 sq m area. I asked Advance, and they have advised me that it can be used for paramotoring up to 140kg total load. The wing weighs 7kg, the Parajet Maverick weighs 24.5kg, the quad will weigh about 8 kg, and I weight about 100kg, so it just works.
I am looking to do low and slow paramotoring; speed is not a concern. Am I right that this wing would be an OK wing for such flying? Or is there a problem with it not being a reflex?
Thank you guys in advance for any advice.
Hi Ian, the wing will be fine for such flying, and will probably fly slower than most modern reflex wings. According to the charts you will be slightly over the max takeoff weight of 130kg, but if the manufacturer says it’s OK then this shouldn’t be a problem, but just be cautious on your initial flights.
Hi Darrell,
Thanks for the great article. It’s just what I’ve been looking for. I live in SE Alaska and am planning to get into Paramotoring and will inevitably be flying over as well as launching and landing in some extremely unforgiving and remote terrain. mountains, fjords, glaciers, and ice fields, and long remote distances between towns are right out my front door.
Because of this, I feel like reliability is at the top of my list. I travel often, so the ability to travel with my motor would be great! I plan to get out on some serious and remote adventures and do some camping and hoping for some multi-day unsupported flight routes! Also, I would love to do some tandems in the future. Lastly and best of all this will be my first motor, so I expect I will abuse it a bit. This in combination with the launch and landing points that will at times be less than ideal.
Sorry for the long post, my question is I suppose if you we’re in my shoes with my goals, what would you choose? The popularity and size of the Moster 185 engine sound appealing and speaks of a good track record. However, like the reader above I too have experience with dirtbikes and when 4-strokes got light and powerful enough to play in the mix with 2-strokes, their reliability and power band quickly became my choice, simply because it was more practical. The Bailey V5 sounds like it could be a great choice if their engine and product is for sure as solid as it sounds? However, would the tamer engine and mellower power output be a disadvantage for tricky small valley launches, bug climb needs, and carrying camping gear and future tandem’s?
I suppose I am trying to choose between the Bailey V5 (now on my rador), the Scout w / 185, and. the Parajet Maverick w/ the large 17 L fuel tank / 185 engine combo. Honestly these and the other review all sound great! Choices choices. And, I haven’t even gotten into researching wings yet!
If you we’re in my shoes, what would be your thoughts? Thanks again for taking the time to read this, and write this article. Much appreciated!
Just a side note I should mention I am a paraglider of intermediete skills, and have flown regular paragliders and mini-wings. I intend on taking my journey into paramotoring slowly and safely as paragliding has already taught me vast respect for the risks of our sport. Any opinions are welcomed on motors and wings for my goals and flying location. Thanks again!!
Can you explain what a speed bar does?
Hi Paul, please see this post – Paramotor speed bar
Thanks for writing this review. I have around a thousand soaring hours in paragliders and sailplanes. If I get into power paragliders, then I’m sure that thermalling will be on the menu. Which equipment or features would be most appropriate for soaring? Thanks!
No problem David, I hope it helped!
Thermalling is possible, but definitely not as fun as it is on with your free flight gear. Most pilots I know who enjoy a bit of both will keep the two separate, paragliding in the day to keep up their soaring practice, and paramotoring in the evenings while it’s calm. The experience just isn’t the same when you have all of this heavy gear and a lumpy engine strapped to your back. But on the other hand, a lovely smooth paramotor flight on a super calm evening is something totally different, something you can never do while free flying, this is where paramotors really shine.
If you do choose to get into paramotor thermalling then obviously the lighter the better, so go with a light frame, but make sure it has moving bars and good weight shift to help you lean into those thermals. Choose the smallest engine you can get away with to keep the weight down, and preferably avoid a clutched engine, as the spinning prop will increase drag. Also bare in mind that the engine will cool while thermalling which can make it really difficult to start whilst strapped in, this is why most pilots who enjoy thermalling will choose an electric start.
Paramotor wings aren’t the best for thermalling so you may want to use your free flying wing if it can be used for powered flight. Good luck!
Hello Darrell,
Great website and a lot of great info!
I’m currently a PPG student and I’m about to purchase my first paramotor. I’ve read a lot about how unreliable the 2 stroke paramotor engines are in general and I have similar experiences with 2 stroke motorcycles from the past…
I started looking at 4 stroke options and I’m trying to get some real life feedback on the Bailey V5 or any other four strokes.
I would really appreciate any info about reliability, advantages, disadvantages and basically any info about four strokes.
Thank you!
Hey Zolt,
The V5 is a fantastic machine. I’ve never owned one, but I have flown one and know many pilots who fly them. Reliability is one of its main selling points, and I’m sure all owners will agree that no 2-stroke on the market can compare to it. I know pilots who have gone way over the 200 hour mark without even having to change a spark plug, (although I wouldn’t advise this, keep on top of the maintenance schedule).
In the air you will notice that the power isn’t as punchy as the 2-stroke machines (or at least the ones I’ve been flying), but still plenty enough power/thrust to get a fairly big pilot off the ground, and to climb while trimmed to fast mode.
Another big plus is the fuel consumption. You’ll be looking at around 2 – 2.5 litres fuel burn per hour, which is about half what I burn on the Moster 185. At their worst they will still manage around 3 litres per hour, and no premixing fuel so you’ll also save money on oil. For every 40 litres of fuel I burn on my 2-stroke, I have to buy a litre of oil. So the 4-stroke is much cleaner and more economical.
Hope this helps a little.
any thoughts on how the skymax star compares to the Miniplane – seems to be pitched right at the same thing…
When was this article written? Why not date it? So frustrating.
Bailey engine/frame? Thought this was no longer available?
The date is at the top, and it changes when I make updates to keep the posts fresh.
Not all readers will want a brand new paramotor, most of my readers are weighing up their options before deciding. The Bailey is still available according to Bailey themselves, if not, they’re definitely available used, and they still make a great machine. In fact, I think people are better off buying used, presuming they do the research and know what to look for. If you can get a machine for 2 grand less just because it has 10 hours on it, then why not?
have you try the Kangook one ?
Hi, thanks for all the great information!
Do you have any comments about Fresh Breeze paramotors? There seems to be lots of different opinions about them. And I am confused, are they crap or the greatest?
Thanks.
Hi Elias, unfortunately I can’t really help as I don’t have any experience with Fresh Breeze. Their trikes seem to be very popular and of good quality, and I see the UK dealer flying them and clocking up more hours than anyone I know. I’ll leave your comment here and hopefully one of my readers might be able to help you a bit more. Thanks for checking out the site!
Hi Elias, I have owned a few paramotors over the years and the FB was easily the most reliable. Beautifully built in a large, well equipped factory near Hannover, for many years they set the bar. Personally I love the jettison capability and the high fuel tank I feel much safer with (after watching one machine at a fly-in catch fire after the pilot hit the roof of a car on approach!). I also like the Bing carb – in spite of the small extra cost. Their success is what made them a target – and still does. Many of my friends around here in Basingstoke have FB – and a few have had them for almost 20 years – a service life some machines might struggle with I would suggest? There are lots of good machines out there – FB is certainly up there amongst the best though. I hope it helps! 🙂