Brand
Poche radio Smart Gin
Gin Radio pocket Smart

The Gin Smart radio holder is a holster-style radio holder with an integrated zipped pocket for your...

36,00 €

34,20 €

Poche radio néoprène Supair
Supair Neoprene radio Pocket

Neoprene pocket for radio

30,00 €

25,50 €

CRT P2N
CRT CRT P2N

89,00 €

radio CRT 4CF V2
CRT CRT 4CF V2

129,00 €

Why use a radio when paragliding?

The radio is a practical and efficient means of communicating with other pilots or with the emergency services. A radio is essential for high mountain flying and is strongly recommended for paragliding. It works like a walkie-talkie. Whoever presses the button can speak while the others listen to the message. For this to happen, the whole group must be on the same frequency, of course.

It is therefore a formidable means of communication in the wilderness. If the mobile phone network does not work, the radio still works and allows you to contact the rescue services via other pilots.

The paragliding radio is also a very practical teaching tool that allows instructors to guide students during their flight. It is thus possible to make them correct a course or to make a specific action on the controls.

In the end, the radio is an integral part of the paragliding equipment.

What is the difference between VHF and UHF?

VHF (Very High Frequency) radios operate on a frequency range of 30 Mhz to 300 Mhz, whereas UHF radios operate between 300 Mhz and 3000 Mhz.

This technically translates into a much better range for VHF signals. VHF radios also offer better transmission stability whereas UFH versions can easily be disturbed.

This is why in paragliding and in the world of free flight, but also in all mountain sports and the navy, VHF radio is preferred to UHF.

What is the FFVL VHF frequency to use when paragliding?

Having a radio is good, but you still need to know which frequency to use in order to communicate with other paragliders.

For this there are now 2 approved frequencies:

  • The national frequency of the FFVL for safety: 143.9875 Mhz.
  • The new FFLV frequency for flyers: 154.150 MHz

The first frequency is accessible throughout the country and is primarily reserved for emergency services and automatic weather messages.

The second frequency, on the other hand, was created more recently and can be used by any member of the FFVL. In areas with a high density of paragliders it can however be quickly saturated. Some paragliding radios allow the creation of sub-groups on the same frequency (CTCSS function). Do not hesitate to use it if your radio allows it to unload the main frequency. Be careful, this FFVL frequency for paragliders 154.150 MHz is not yet a national frequency. It is currently only valid in the following departments: 04, 05, 06, 11, 26, 38, 63, 64, 68, 73, 74.

All you need to know about FFVL frequencies >>

Which brand of VHF paragliding radio to choose between Kenwood, Icom, CRT?

Kenwood and Icom are historical brands in the world of free flight. Their THK30E and V80 radios have proven their efficiency and robustness. Kenwood and Icom use very good quality electronic components. The signal is clear and the audio reproduction very good. CRT is a more recent French brand that offers various paragliding radios. At Freedom Parapente we have chosen the CRT P2N radio for its compactness and good transmission quality. A little more entry level, the CRT radio offers a very good value for money.

The radio case: a useful accessory

Once you've bought a radio, you often realise that you never really know where to put it so that it is accessible but not in the way. It can then be interesting to opt for a radio holder harness. The radio pocket can be worn directly on the chest with adjustable straps or, in the case of neoprene pockets, it can be attached directly to the harness shoulder strap. 

In the series of paragliding radio accessories there are also earphone/microphone kits that can be worn under a helmet as well as remote microphones. These options make it easier to use the radio and to hear the conversation even in relative wind.

Help and advice on buying a paragliding radio:

Currently in 2023, the availability of VHF paragliding radios is very complicated. The shortage of electronic components is probably one of the reasons for this. Several brands are out of stock, including Kenwood and Icom. French CRT radios are still available. Do not hesitate to contact us to check the availability of products.

Freedom's commitment: Even if the choice is reduced, at Freedom we want to offer you only quality VHF radios that will give you complete satisfaction afterwards.