KORTEL DESIGN Kliff III Paragliding Harness User Manual

KORTEL DESIGN Kliff III Paragliding Harness

Specifications

• Product Name: KLIFF III
• Version: V1.0
• Release Date: January 2024
• Recommended Use: Mountain flying, Run & Fly

Product Information

The Kliff III is the ultimate harness for mountain flights or Run & Fly activities. It is designed to provide comfort and safety during your adventures.

Composition

• 1 x Harness (Sellette)

Product Usage Instructions

1. Step 1: Preparing for Flight
   Ensure all straps are properly adjusted and secure before wearing the harness.

2. Step 2: Wearing the Harness
   Put on the harness and adjust the leg and chest straps for a snug and comfortable fit.

3. Step 3: Connecting to the Paraglider
   Attach the risers of the paraglider to the harness carabiners ensuring a firm connection.

4. Step 4: Final Checks
   Perform a final inspection of all connections and adjustments before takeoff to ensure everything is in place.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: Can the Kliff III be used for tandem paragliding?
  A: No, the Kliff III is designed for solo flights and is not suitable for tandem use.

• Q: How should I clean the harness?
  A: Use a mild detergent and water to clean the harness. Do not use harsh chemicals or machine wash.

• Q: What is the weight limit for the Kliff III harness?
  A: The weight limit for the Kliff III harness is X kilograms. Please refer to the official specifications for exact details.

Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of your new KORTEL DESIGN harness!
We thank you for your choice and for the trust you have placed in us.
Since 1999, we have been designing and developing a whole range of products with the attention to detail that spread our reputation throughout the world.
Comfort, efficiency, innovation and quality are our founding criteria, from design to delivery of our products.
KORTEL DESIGN is above all a team of passionate people who listen to your needs, united to offer you the best quality products that are always innovative and adapted to your practice. Highly technical products, designed by and for happy paragliders!

This manual is an integral part of your product. We recommend that you read it carefully. It contains all the information you need to prepare your harness for your first flight, as well as many other important safety, care and maintenance instructions.
To offer you the best service, KORTEL DESIGN relies on a network of trained dealers, which guarantees an optimum service.
You can find the complete list of dealers on the website, as well as additional photos and explanatory films with detailed information for your product.

Neither this document nor the information available on the website can replace the advice of your dealer or instructor.

Precautions

Precautions for paragliding
The practice of paragliding requires prior and specific training and a minimum knowledge about your equipment. Each pilot must act responsibly and comply with the regulations in effect (licence/insurance).
Every pilot must be able to correctly assess the weather conditions. In addition, his flight level must correspond to the requirements of the equipment he is using. The pilot is also responsible for paying attention to his environment, including the natural environment and landscape.
We operate in a natural environment, and it is imperative to give maximum respect to the flora and fauna!
Do not walk off marked paths, do not leave — rubbish, do not make unnecessary noise and respect the sensitive biological balance in the ecosystem of our mountains, especially at take-off! Respect sensitive and protected areas.
Smokers, take your cigarette butts with you and avoid smoking near your equipment.
Wearing a suitable helmet, appropriate footwear and clothing, and carrying a reserve parachute are essential. Before each flight, — pilots must check all parts of their flight equipment for damage and confirm their ability to take off. In addition, a complete pre-launch check should be carried out before each flight.
Each pilot assumes sole responsibility for the practice of paragliding, and accepts all inherent risks including injury or death. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer can guarantee the safety of the pilot. Therefore, they cannot be held responsible for any problems.

Specific precautions for paragliding harnesses

• The design of this harness, and the associated accessories, has been developed for the practice of paragliding, and for paragliding alone.
• The design as a whole has defined materials and fittings adapted to this practice and its framework of use (regulations, standards).
• The approval of this harness applies exclusively to the sport of paragliding. Any misuse is at the user’s own risk and the manufacturer cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident.
• The choice of a paragliding harness must be adapted to the type of practice — (competition, acrobatics, hike&fly, …) and to the pilot’s level of experience. The use of an unsuitable harness can lead to a risk of accident and injury.
• All adjustments to the harness must have been made at least once in a gantry before the first flight. These adjustments have a direct impact on the comfort and the flying behaviour of the paraglider. Improper or incorrect adjustments can lead to a risk of accident and injury.
• The back protection fitted to our paraglider harnesses (foam bag, airbag or hybrid) limits the shock wave transmitted to the pilot’s body in the event of low intensity impacts (failed take-off or landing, low fall).
• No protector can offer total protection against injuries, especially spinal injuries. Only the parts of the body covered by the protector are protected against impact. Any modification or misuse can dangerously reduce the performance of the back protector.
• In the event of violent impacts, check the integrity of the device and do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer if in doubt.

The Kliff III is the ultimate harness for mountain flying, or for Run & Fly.
The Kliff III incorporates a molded 3D geometry that offers unequaled
comfort for a harness of this weight, and allows you to become one with the harness.
It’s like a second skin!
Equipped with the exclusive “Konnect” system developed by Kortel Design and already used on the Kliff II, this harness attaches directly to wing without connectors!

In the back pocket, you will find the labels of conformity to the different homologation tests (EN / LTF / CE). If missing, it is imperative that you do not use the harness, and contact us as soon as possible.

Product description

When you receive your harness, you should check with your dealer that no parts are missing.

Composition KLIFF III :
– 1 harness

1 Harness

General view

1. Openable main attachement points
2. Ergonomic legs
3. 3D molded geometry

Preparing your harness

First settings
Before your first flight, it is critical that you carry out the first adjustments under the gantry, in the company of your dealer. A gantry that allows you to see the roll is a plus to feel the effects of each adjustment.
Your harness can be equipped with up to 4 independent adjustment elements, allowing it to be adjusted for optimum comfort and piloting efficiency.
Shoulder adjustment :
The shoulder straps carry the harness on take-off, limit the pilot’s inclination in the air, prevent the pilot from falling in the event of a head down “flight”, and help support the pilot in the event of a flight under the reserve parachute.
After checking in the gantry that it is possible to get in and out of the harness without difficulty, the shoulders sometimes need to be adjusted in the air for more support and comfort. We recommend close but not too tight contact to maintain good shoulder mobility both during take-off and landing and in the air.
Back adjustment :
The back adjustment straps adjust the inclination of the pilot’s back. Too far backwards can make flying uncomfortable (poor vision) and make it difficult to exit the harness on landing. If they are too tight, it will be difficult to get into the harness after take-off.

Depending on the weight carried in the main pocket and/or ballast transport, this setting can be changed in the air to re-balance the harness and pilot assembly.

Lumbar support adjustment :
This adjustment allows the pilot’s lumbar support to be perfectly maintained, for optimum comfort during long flights. This support also allows you to adjust the ergonomics of the harness, whether you are sitting or lying down.

Belly adjustment :
The ventral strap adjustment allows the distance between the main attachment points to be adjusted. The distance between the main attachment points must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications for the glider being used. An unsuitable distance will have a direct effect on the behaviour of the glider. An action on this setting will have an effect on the stability of the harness: tightening it will tend to bind the harness, and loosening it will give it a more lively character.

The settings do not only affect comfort but also have a direct influence on the piloting of the aircraft. It is essential to take particular care before taking off.
All the settings available on this harness are accessible and can be changed in the air.

Connectors:
The harness is equipped with connectors integrated into the anchorage points. To handle them, simply proceed as described below (Steps 1 to 4).
It is also possible to use independent connectors, and connect them to properly closed anchor points.

According to the current state of knowledge on automatitic Zicral carabiners, it is recommended to change them every 5 years or aftfter 500 hours of use.
We recommend the use of connectors with a resistance greater than or equal to 2400daN. Flexible connectors should not be used on straps wider than 25mm.
Aftfter each manipulatition of a carabiner, it is imperatitive to check that it is properly locked. If in doubt, repeat the operation.

Visual check that the “Konnect” system is properly closed

More detailed information is available at www.korteldesign.com

Accessories

Speedbar installation:
The harness is sold with a light ring system, to allow the installation of a light accelerator if necessary.
One ring is fitted to each side on the Dyneema halyard at the back of the back adjustment.
The leg guide ring is fitted to the outer halyard at thigh level. To install the optional speedbar, simply pass the cord through the pulley located on the side of the harness, then insert it into the ring located at the front of the thigh.
Only lightweight speedbars (line diameter <4mm) should be used.

The speedbar adjustment is done at the level of the adjustment pads. Optimal adjustment allows you to take advantage of the entire speed range of the wing, when the second rung is pushed out with your legs stretched out.

The speedbar should not be set too short. The wing must not be in the accelerated positition without voluntary actition of the pilot on the speedbar.

Installation of the reserve parachute

WARNING!
The installation of a reserve parachute is not an insignificant act. It must be carried out rigorously, by qualified personnel. It is imperative to check the initial installation by a portal extraction test to validate that no element would interfere during extraction. This test must be carried out by the pilot himself, installed in his harness as he would be in flight.
The maintenance and servicing of the reserve parachute must be carried out according to the recommendations of its manufacturer.
The Kliff III is not equipped with an integrated rescue container. To bring a reserve, add a removable frontal container.
We recommend the use of the “Kontainer-Kockpit”, which is particularly suitable for this type of harness.
The connection of the rescue risers can be made on the main anchor points

Refer to the installation instructions for the selected belly container.

1. Main anchor points
2. Kontainer cockpit
3. Reserve handle
4. Reserve risers

It is recommended to redo a complete installatition of the reserve parachute in the container once a year (belly or integrated), and to check the good general conditition of the assembly (needles, elastitics, velcro, absence of humidity, …).

The passage of the emergency risers must be outside the accelerator passage. It is imperatitive to check this during installatition.

Installation of the reserve parachute
The connection of the rescue risers to the shoulder loops can be done in different ways: A lark’s head connectition is considered correct when the 2 loops are well centred to each other and titightened by hand as titightly as possible. There should be no relatitive movement possible between the 2 parts.

Flexible connectors must not be used on straps wider than 25mm. For quick links, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendatitions.

It is imperative to choose connectors wisely. The dimensions and shape must be adapted to the connecting straps of the harness and to the rescue risers of the parachute, so that the effort under load is applied in an optimal way.
A minimum resistance of 2400daN is imperatitive for any connector used in the “rescue-liftft” link. For the “risers-safety harness” link: 1200daN
When using a dirigible rescue parachute with integrated risers, these integrated risers must be connected directly.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s installation and usage precautions.

More detailed information is available at www.korteldesign.com.

Back Protection
This harness comes with no back protection whatsoever.

Preparation for take-off

• Pre-flight checklist
  The pre-flight check is the last step before take-off. This phase should not be neglected, as it allows you to check that all the parameters are green before you take off!
  It is imperative that you check the following points carefully:

• State of the equipment :
  No visible damage to the harness or the glider. Check the condition and function of the connectors.

• Back protection :
  Protection in good condition, inflation scoops operational, and zips properly closed.

• Rescue parachute :
  Before each take-off:
  Check that the flaps and the needles are in their place, and that the handle is properly attached to in its housing.
  To use the rescue, grab the red handle and pull, which will unlock the container and allow the extraction of the rescue Parachute.

• Adjustments :
  In theory, your settings are good, but… Maybe you had a friend try your harness out?
  Remember to check that he or she has restored the settings as they were, especially the back support.

• Speedbar :
  An speedbar that is too short risks permanently accelerating the wing and making it very difficult to fly.
  It is preferable to land and solve the problem or cut the cord in the air (using an accessible line cutter). If the rescue risers are guided sideways, care must be taken to ensure that the accelerator cord does not interfere with their extraction. Take particular care if you lend your harness.

• Preparing the glider :
  The glider must be spread out correctly, and the lines must be well untangled to facilitate take-off.

• Connecting the glider :
  Connect the glider to the harness, checking that there are no twists in the risers, and check that the connectors are properly Closed.

• Analysis of the weather conditions :
  Correctly analysing the conditions is a major criterion for safe flying. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for further advice.

In case of any doubt, even the slightest doubt on your take-offff checklist, it is preferable to cancel the flflight and rectitify any problems encountered.

Connection in the harness
Once the pre-flight is complete and checked-out, it is time to settle in correctly in the harness:

• Slip in the harness
• Position the shoulder staps to hold the harness in place Despite the possibility to open them, we recommend leaving the buckles closed when donning the harness, for greater safety and to minimize the risk of forgetting the attachment. It is possible to open the leg loops to put on the harness, by proceeding as follows:
• Thread the dyneema loop in the ring of the “Konnect” system
• Pass the loop around the metal pin
• Tighten the loop

Just as much as the harness settings, the pilot’s take-offff gestures are crucial for ease of installation. More detailed information is available at www.korteldesign.com.

Flying in complete safety …

Take-off
The take-off phase is a crucial phase of the flight, so it is important to handle it in complete serenity in order to appreciate the rest of the flight.
If your harness is equipped with the cocoon, we recommend that you proceed as follows:

• Gain airspeed by leaning onto the chest strap.
• Maintain this position after take-off to visualise the opening of the cocoon.
• Keep your right leg straight.
• Grab the cocoon with the left heel.
• Pull the right leg in completely and swing back.
• Tuck in the left leg.

In flight
Each flight phase has its preferred position:
In thermals and transitions close to the landscape, favour an upright position to better see obstacles and observe information coming from below.
In thermals and transition near the ceiling, live with the air, forget about the ground and observe the clouds.
In case of strong aerology, bend your legs together, use the abdominal and lumbar muscles by wedging your thighs on the main straps, anticipate and control the rolling movements.

In order to improve the flying efficiency, try to detect any support that has an impact: engagement of the shoulders, hip sway, crossing of the legs, creation of a reverse roll to turn flat, etc.

Use of the speedbar
Using the speedbar requires effort, which can affect your position in the harness. We recommend that you perform a test under a gantry before using the harness in flight.
We remind you that you should only fly in wind conditions that do not require constant use of the speed bar. To reach maximum speed, press firmly on the speed bar until the two pulleys of the A-risers touch each other. When using the speed bar, the angle of attack of the glider will decrease and its speed will increase. The glider becomes less stable and can collapse more easily. Therefore, always use the speed system with sufficient altitude above the ground and sufficient distance from obstacles and other aircraft. Accelerated collapses are often more violent, and require faster reac?ons.

Each pilot has his or her own feelings and actions to be effective. Be curious and daring!

Use of the reserve parachute

The use of a reserve parachute is not an insignificant act. It is recommended to practitice it at least once during a flflight Incident Simulatition course, in a safe environment and surrounded by professionals.

For various reasons, it may be necessary to use the reserve parachute.
If the situation requires it, it is recommended to proceed as follows:

1. Locate the rescue handle and grab it firmly with one hand.
2. Pull firmly on the handle, so as to release the locking pins of the container, and release the pod containing the rescue parachute.
3. Throw the pod and the handle as hard as possible so that it moves away from the harness, and the rescue parachute line can stretch to generate the opening.
4. Neutralise the canopy to avoid any unwanted effects, pulling firmly on the B or C lines to bring it back towards you in a ball. In extreme cases, use a line cutter to cut all or part of a riser. 5 Whenever possible, try to adopt an upright position and prepare to cushion the impact by performing a roll-up (skydiving technique).

It is recommended to carry out a “control handle” at each flight, to familiarise the pilot with the position and to make this gesture institinctitive if necessary.

In case of landing in strong wind
In strong winds, landing under a reserve parachute can take the pilot several meters. We recommend that the maximum number of buckles be undone beforehand, so that they can be released as quickly as possible once on the ground. If necessary, do not hesitate to use the line cutter to free yourself.
In case of water landing
If the trajectory of the rescue parachute takes you over a body of water (sea, lake, river, …), it is recommended to disconnect as many buckles as possible (pectoral, cocoon, frontal), possibly by means of the line cutter, before reaching the water. In this way, you will be able to get out of the harness and jump into the water, thus limiting the risk of getting tangled with the lines. Once in the water, get away as far from the canopy and lines as possible.
In the event of a tree landing
If you find yourself stuck high up in a tree, it is advisable to secure yourself while waiting for help to arrive. Kits are available, including the necessary equipment to avoid a potential fall, and to facilitate the work of the rescuers (rope, carabiner). Some kits also contain first aid kit in case of injury. In general, it is not advisable to attempt to climb down on your own.

Landing
This is the most delicate phase of the flight…
Fatigue, dehydration, loss of proprioception of the lower limbs, the euphoria of the most beautiful flight of your life, all of which inevitably affect your vigilance!

It’s time to re-focus, analyse the environment and of course, don’t forget to get out of the harness to give your legs back their full mobility!
With the cocoon, start by taking out the first foot, keeping the heel inside, so that you can take out the second foot without difficulty.
If the flight has been long and cold, re-mobilising your ankles and knees is not a luxury.
Be prepared to cushion the effect of the gradient with your legs and not your back protection!

Restrictions of use

Tandem practice
This harness is by no means intended for use as a tandem as a pilot or passenger. Its geometry has not been designed for this, and it is not possible to take a suitable reserve.
The harness also lacks any type of back protection.
Any use is a personal initiative. The manufacturer can in no way be held responsible in the event of an accident.

Practice of winch take-off
All our harnesses are winch compatible. There are no specific loops to connect the winch to our harnesses.
However, it is not advisable to add any connection to the harness anchorage point and to attach the release system to it. It is recommended to use a system that can be connected directly to the risers. Refer to the recommendations of the national federation for the recommended models.
FFVL Recommendations (Click on the link)
Practice in school
It is possible to use this harness for learning in school, even if it is not its primary purpose.
Practice of acrobatics
Freestyle maneuvers are possible, however this harness was not designed for this purpose and is not recommended for aerobatic flight.
The harness is not suitable because of its construction characteristics.
Any use is a matter of personal initiative. The manufacturer cannot be held responsible in case of an accident.

Maintenance, care and repairs

General care :
We recommend a complete visual inspection of the harness at least every 2 years. An annual check-up is preferable.
For the reserve parachute, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, it is recommended to ventilate it and to fold it up once or twice a year.
As a minimum, we recommend testing the rescue container twice a year to ensure that it is working properly, by carrying out an extraction test on a gantry crane.
Repairs :
In the event of wear and tear, broken seams or material problems, please contact us (sav@korteldesign.com) indicating the harness model, serial number, nature of the problem and the circumstances, and attach a few photos to help us to determine the cause of the problem and investigate the other harnesses in the series.
Beyond the legal 2 year warranty period, we will only provide free insurance for repairs that prove to be a genuine manufacturing or design defect.
Manufacturing defects, wear and tear, serial number :
In the event of problems with wear, broken seams or materials, please contact us (sav@korteldesign.com) indicating the model of harness, serial number, nature of the problem and the circumstances, and attach a few photos to enable us to determine the cause of the problem and investigate the other harnesses in the series.

Beyond the legal 2 year warranty period, we will only provide free insurance for repairs that prove to be a genuine manufacturing or design defect.

Revisions :
Even though incidents related to the ageing of harnesses are almost non- existent, it is important to check that the critical points remain in a good condition. UV, humidity, abrasion, alter the materials used.
We are not immune to premature ageing due to defective material.
We advise you to have your harness visually checked every two years depending on your use, especially if you land in trees, rocks, or even if the fire brigade intervenes. Contact your dealer who will be able to carry out an initial inspection, or contact us at sav@korteldesign.com.

We recommend a complete visual inspectition of the harness at least every 2 years. An annual check-up is preferable.

Storage
The ideal storage location is a dry, temperate place, away from light. Avoid compressing the back protector.
Take care not to bend parts of the harness that contain foam or plates.
Washing
You can wash your harness with fresh water and mild soap and dry it in a dry, airy place. Remember to remove the back protector (foam) if possible.
Do not use a tumble dryer, and do not exceed 30°C for washing.
Rinse carefully and dry in a dry place avoiding unnecessary sunlight.

In case of water landing

• In sea water: rinse your harness in fresh water before following the process described above.
• In fresh water, follow the washing process.

Environmentally responsible disposal
Please ensure environmentally responsible disposal at the end of the operating period.

We recommend separating the different elements (fabrics, plastics, metals, etc…) and depositing them for recycling according to their category. If you return the product to Kortel Design, we will be happy to ensure its correct disposal.

Cautionary note

This harness does not have any integrated back protection.

• In general, it is important to remember that:
• No protection can offer complete protection against injury and in particular the back protection does not prevent spinal injuries.
• Only the parts of the body covered by the protection benefit from impact protection.
• Any modification or misuse can dangerously reduce the performance of the back protection.
• In case of removable guards, protection is only ensured when they are present.

Warranty

All our harnesses are subject to the legal warranty period of 2 years.
If you find a defect, please contact the after-sales service (sav@korteldesign.com), describing the problem and adding a few photos if possible. We will quickly analyse the situation and advise you on how to proceed.
Beyond this legal 2-year warranty period, we will only carry out free of charge repairs that prove to be a genuine manufacturing or design defect.
The lifespan of your harness depends on the frequency of use., nd how to use it. Mechanical stress, rubbing gradually degrades the properties. The U.V. and humidity can also lead to an increase in the accelerated ageing.
Normal period of use: 10 years.
Caution: This duration of use is indicative. A harness can be destroyed the first time it is used. It is the bi-annual inspection that determines whether the product must be disposed of more quickly. Between In all applications, proper storage is essential.
The period of use should never exceed 10 years.

Technical Data

Materials:
Fabric:
70 D Rip stop: Phenom Textil
Renforts 190 grs: Aluula
Straps / cords :
Dyneema Taurus: Edelrid
Buckles:
Kortel : LFR 16/8, et 11/5,ring, embout de Nitinol 1.5 : Kortel Nitinol 1.5 mm: Xi’an Zhanwo Metal Material Co

Sizing guide
Choosing the right size harness for your body shape is essential to ensure that your harness is the right size for your body shape:

• take full advantage of the different functions
• get the best possible comfort
• become one with the harness and optimize the piloting of the glider

This table shows the size of the harness that theoretically corresponds to your height and weight, but it can in no way replace the advice of our dealers, who can also offffer you a test flight. (List available on www.korteldesign.com)

Additional information

You will find additional information on our website: photos, explanatory videos, … If you have any questions, please visit our website or contact us at the address below:

Kortel Design
1096 Avenue André Lasquin – 74700 Sallanches – FRANCE
Tel +33 (0)9 50 10 73 27 – info@korteldesign.com – www.korteldesign.com

References

• Kortel Design
• Kortel Design

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