Gin Gliders Switch 2 User manual

User manual
v1.0 - 06/2021
EN
Switch2

REVERSIBLE AIR-BAG HARNESS WITH SPLIT LEGS
Switch2
Whilst Gin Gliders has made every eort at the
time of publication to provide accurate information,
product specifications are subject to change
without notice and may vary from those shown.

iii
CONTENTS
Switch2
1
2
3
4
5
6
20
23
26
27
Thank you...................................................................................................................
Warning........................................................................................................................
About Gin Gliders ...............................................................................................
Specifications.............................................................................................................
Features.......................................................................................................................
Before You Fly............................................................................................................
Flying with the Switch2...........................................................................................
Maintenance and Repairs.......................................................................................
Final Words..................................................................................................................
Harness Diagram.......................................................................................................

1
THANK YOU
For choosing Gin Gliders. We are
confident you’ll enjoy many rewarding
experiences in the air with your new GIN
harness.
This manual contains important safety, performance
and maintenance information. Read it before your
first flight, keep it for reference, and please pass it
on to the new owner if you ever re-sell your rescue.
Any updates to this manual, or relevant safety
information, will be published on our website: www.
gingliders.com. You can also register for e-mail
updates via our website.
Happy flying and safe landings,
GIN Team

2
INTENDED USE: Lightweight air sports equipment
with a maximum mass of less than 120kg, operated in the
paragliding division.
WARNING
Like any extreme sport, paragliding involves unpredictable risks which may lead to injury or death. By
choosing to fly, you assume the sole responsibility for those risks. You can minimize the risks by having the
appropriate attitude, training and experience and by properly understanding, using and maintaining your
equipment. Always seek to expand your knowledge and to develop self-reliance. If there is anything you do
not understand, consult with your local dealer as a first point of contact, with the GIN importer in your country
or with Gin Gliders directly.
Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition that can occur while paragliding, this
manual makes no representation about the safe use of the paragliding equipment under all conditions.
Neither Gin Gliders nor the seller of GIN equipment can guarantee, or be held responsible for, the safety of
yourself or anyone else.
Many countries have specific regulations or laws regarding paragliding activity. It’s your responsibility to know
and observe the regulations of the region where you fly.

3
SPECIFICATIONS
Size One size
Harness weight (kg)*
Pilot height (cm) 160-190
Rucksack volume (l)* 80
CERTIFICATION
The Switch 2 has EN certification, max load 120daN
Certification Number: PH IP 198.2017
DELIVERY PACKAGE (APPROX. WEIGHTS)
1 Harness convertible to rucksack
1 Main rescue handle and inner container (100g)
1 Main rescue bridle (75g)
2 Carabiner (130g)
1 Speedbar (2 step) (100g)
SIZING
One size fits pilots from 160cm to 190cm height.

4
FEATURES...
As usual safety is a priority for Gin Gliders. The Switch 2 has achieved a very good drop test result of ????g,
with less airbag volume than the Switch 1 this is a big step forward for our design team. The under-seat re-
serve with shoulder attachment points oers the best safety during a rescue deployment. The rescue contain-
er has been redesigned to aid a more ecient opening and closing sequence especially in higher G situa-
tions. The T-lock get up safety system heps decrease the risk of pilots forgetting to connect the leg straps.
Choosing only the best quality materials, buckles, zippers and state of the art fabrics. You will notice the dif-
ference.
The new rucksack layout has greatly improved the comfort and load distribution while carrying the harness. In
flight the Switch 2 is a comfortable sit up harness designed for leisure pilots. The Switch 2 comes without seat
plate. The Switch 2 is one of our most versatile harness, suitable for pilots from the training hill to hike and
fly even for the first cross country flights. The new geometry oers improved stability in the turn while also
dampening out turbulence to give the pilot a more comfortable feeling. This new geometry allows only one
size fitting a wide range of pilots.
SAFETY
COMFORT
QUALITY

5
CAUTION: Make sure that the speed system is not
too short. The front risers of your paraglider must not be
pulled down in normal (unaccelerated) flight.
BEFORE YOU FLY
Make sure your dealer has checked the harness for
completeness and basic settings. Your harness must
be assembled by a suitably qualified paragliding
professional, for example, your instructor.
Gin Gliders recommends that assembly be carried
out in the following order. If you are in any doubt
whatsoever about this procedure, please seek
professional advice from your instructor, GIN dealer
or importer.
INSTALLING THE SPEED SYSTEM
Assemble the speed system from top to bottom.
Pass the chord along the inside of the harness
and route it through the Speed pulley (1). From the
pulley, route the chord through the metal ring at the
bottom edge of the seat (2). From the metal ring,
to the plastic opening (3). Connect the chord to the
speedbar using a secure knot (4).
1234
Switch
1
2
3
4

6
CONNECTING THE RISER CARABINER
The riser carabiner connection has 2 harness straps that must be attached, however the 2 webbings are
connected together for convenience. Follow the image to the RIGHT to properly connect the riser carabiner
to the harness webbing. The RIGHT side of harness has BLUE webbing connection, the LEFT side of the
harness has a RED webbing connection to match GIN Glider risers for a safe and easy connection.
QUICK-OUT Carabiners are not compatible with the Switch 2.
WARNING: Forgetting to close the leg straps may
place the pilot at risk of falling out of the harness
BLUE webbing indicates the RIGHT side of the harness.

7
WARNING: The back protection does not
eliminate the chance of injury as a result of a crash.
AIRBAG BAG PROTECTION
The advantage of the airbag back protection is the increased safety rating compared to other technologies
once fully inflated. Also the packing volume is reduced and the harness is lighter compared to a conventional
foam protector.
The airbag inlet is located between the legs of the pilot just below the seat plate. On takeothe harness will
be mostly inflated before the pilot is airborne thanks to the designed pre-inflation which is aided by Titanium
wire a thin foam layer. After takeothe harness is normally fully inflated in a matter of seconds.
In the event of an incident the inflated back protection will help to dissipate the force of the impact. However,
the back protection cannot completely eliminate the risk of injury to the pilot.
WARNING: If the harness is subjected to
temperatures exceeding 70 degrees Celsius the integrity
of the back protection may be compromised.
NOTICE: The back protection is EN / LTF certified.
WARNING: After any strong impact the back
protection should be professionally inspected for external
or internal damage. Any damage can decrease the
eectiveness of the back protection.

8
WARNING: If you are in any doubt about any
aspect of rescue installation, seek professional advice!
IMPORTANT: You must perform a test deployment
from a simulator to verify the correct installation.
RESCUE INSTALLATION AND COMPATIBILITY CHECK
Gin Gliders recommend that rescue installation is performed properly by a competent person. The rescue
parachute is a pilots last resort and failure to pack or connect the reserve parachute in the correct way may
cause death or severe injury. The pilot is responsible for ensuring proper installation.
This harness is compatible with the Yeti UL, G-Lite, Yeti and Yeti Cross rescue parachutes. Other
manufacturers’ rescues may also be used but we cannot guarantee their function. The pilot is responsible for
checking compatibility.
Every first installation of a rescue system into the harness (that means every new combination of harness
and rescue system) must be checked by a qualified paragliding professional for compatibility. To verify the
installation, you must perform a test deployment by sitting in a simulator.
Rescue parachutes should be repacked at least every 150 days; so installing your rescue in a new harness
may also provide a good opportunity for a repack. After every repack of the rescue parachute you should
also do a compatibility check.
RESCUE COMPATIBILITY
MAKE SURE THAT THE RESCUE PARACHUTE CAN BE RELEASED FROM THE RESCUE CONTAINER —
it must be done by you, the pilot, sitting in the harness hanging from a simulator.

9
THE RESCUE DEPLOYMENT BAG AND THE HARNESS DEPLOYMENT HANDLE
The rescue container for this harness comes with its own deployment handle. This handle and its strap must
be connected to the deployment bag of the parachute. In particular, check the length of the strap connecting
the rescue deployment handle to the rescue inner container. It should be long enough that the reserve can
be extracted without the danger of the pins not being pulled before the strap tightens on the reserve, but not
so long that there is excessive slack that extends the movement required for deployment.
The deployment bag of other manufacturers’ rescue systems (i.e. non-GIN rescue systems) may have dierent
loop positions which may cause a deployment failure. Be sure to contact your parachute dealer or a qualified
professional to check the connection, position and secure deployment, and refer to the rescue manual for
details.
The rescue handle and inner container supplied with the Switch 2 should already be connected.
INNER BAG
* Rescue and handle may dier
IMPORTANT: The deployment bag of other
manufacturers’ rescue systems may have dierent loop
positions which may cause a deployment failure.

10
RESCUE INNER BAG PACKING
Your rescue should be repacked into the supplied inner containers as follows.
Fold the para-cord into symmetrical
bundles the approximate width of the
bag.
Place the folded rescue into the inner
bag.
Fold 60cm of line under the rescue.
Secure the suspension line using the
centeral elastic band.
Close the bottom flap in the order
shown. (Fig. 4 to Fig. 8)
24
6 8
3
57
1
Use elastic bands to hold the loops and
neatly stack the bundles at the bottom of
the bag.
There should be around 40cm of sus-
pension line remaining to connect with
the harness.

11
WARNING: When connecting the rescue bridle be
sure to secure the connection using tape, rubber bands
or heat shrink wrap. If the bridles are not secure they
may burn or cut from excess friction.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to connect both rescue
bridles to the rescue.
CONNECTING THE RESCUE BRIDLE
To connect a rescue to your harness we recommend using a GIN Rescue Carabiner. If you choose to use
dierent type of connector, it should be rated at least 9 times the maximum weight. For example, our
recommended 7mm Stainless Steel screw-gate maillon (square) connector has a minimum breaking load of
28kN (2855 Kgf). It is the pilot’s responsibility to check the compatibility of the rescue system and ensure that
it is installed properly.
Be sure to inspect your connector during normal maintenance and safety checks. Replace it whenever
there are any signs of wear and check your rescue system with a professional after any deployment. We
recommend that you cover the connection using the Maillon rapid cover to prevent excess friction. Rubber-
bands should also be used to secure the attachment and prevent excess friction.
Recommended by GIN: 7mm stainless steel screw-gate maillon
7mm square maillon
Breaking load: 28kN
Maillon connection (Recommended by Gin Gliders)

12
WARNING: When installing the reserve make sure
the reserve handle is up and the reserve lines are facing
down.
RESCUE INSTALLATION GUIDE
It is very important to properly install the rescue parachute. If the parachute is not folded correctly or the lines
are not placed properly then a serious if not fatal accident could result. If you have any doubts speak with
your instructor or GIN dealer.
RESCUE INSTALLATION GUIDE
Begin by first connecting the Y bridle and the rescue handle to the rescue parachute . Install the rescue into
the harness with the handle connection FACING UP and the extra para line neatly folded on the bottom of the
container. Be sure that the inner bag is installed so the rescue handle loop is facing the opening of the rescue
container.
Using parachord install your rescue into the harness in the order shown and on the next page:
Rescue compartment volumes:
CAUTION: Check the zipper of the rescue bridle
cover after any hard landing or dragging at takeo, as it
may have opened.
One size
Main Rescue 7.5 L

13
24
68
3
57
After connecting the rescue to rescue
bridle, insert rescue with handle facing
UP
Pass the parachord through the closing
loops
Move zipper to the shown position Use paracord to pull the closure loops
through the secondary loops. Start to do
up the zippers for 10cm
Pass the handle wire through the closing
loop in front
Pass the handle wire through the
second closing loop in the back
Secure the handle wire in the housing
left and right as shown and slowly
remove parachords
Secure rescue handle in the pocket and
close the flap as shown
1
1
OPTION 1

14
RESCUE BRIDLE TUNNEL
There are 2 attachment points for reserve parachutes on the Switch 2 are located near the upper shoulder
connection point, between the back pocket and the harness.
The Switch 2 uses zipper bridle tunnels for the rescue bridles. The zipper bridle tunnel oers superior
opening and reduced drag in flight. When using a zipper bridle tunnel it is very important to run the zipper
closure ALL the way from END-to-END to prevent damage to the harness or opening failure during rescue
deployment.
RESCUE BRIDLE
The main rescue bridle and rescue bridle tunnel is located just behind the harness shoulder connection point.
The rescue bridles are connected using a “figure 8” knot and can be replaced if damaged.
IMPORTANT: The rescue bridle tunnel zipper must
be closed from end-to-end.

15
STORAGE
Back pocket (1)
The back pocket is designed to store personal stu
and light accessories during flight.
Side pockets (2)
Located on both sides of the harness, just under
the carabiners, are two pockets that can be used
to store small items such as a snack or small digital
camera during your flight. The right side pocket has
a zipper for closing and securing important items
while the left side is closed by elastic fabric for easy
access in flight.
Shoulder Straps (3)
For better aerodynamics the shoulder straps are
covered with neoprene and there is no pocket
there, you may use the side pockets for SPOT or
other small items.
Optional Radio Pocket (4)
The radio pocket attaches to either shoulder strap
and comes equipped with a hook knife.

16
NOTE: Make sure that the rescue system has been
installed before making adjustments.
Adjustments
After choosing a harness that is close to your body size, adjust your harness to suit your physique and flying
style. It is important to adjust it correctly to ensure you can easily slide into the sitting position after take o. A
poorly adjusted harness can adversely aect the flying characteristics of your paraglider.
Perform adjustments before your first flight by hanging in a simulator and fine-tune the settings if necessary
during your first few flights.
Shoulder straps
The optimum setting for the shoulder straps depends on the height of the pilot. Step into the harness and
stand upright with the breast strap closed, symmetrically adjust the shoulder straps until they are a snug fit,
but not tight.
Tighten: pull down on the black and green loop
Loosen: pull up on the BLACK loop on the top of the shoulder strap.
Leg straps
The correct adjustment of the leg straps allows the pilot to easily reach the sitting position after take-o
without using his hands. Use the buckles to adjust the leg straps so that they fit comfortably without being
tight; make sure you do it symmetrically. If you need to lengthen the leg straps, first check that the shoulder
straps are not too tight.
Chest Strap
The Chest strap can be adjusted while in flight to match the flying condition and pilots flying style.
Wide: the pilot will feel more feedback from the glider and will have more body weight control.
Narrow: the pilot will feel less turbulence and is a better position for long glides on speedbar.

17
Lateral Straps (1)
The lateral straps adjust the angle between the thighs and the back. Lengthening the straps increases the
angle and vice-versa. The easiest way to adjust them correctly is during a flight in calm air. Remember that
flying in the supine position (i.e. leaning back), reduces the stability of the harness and increases the risk of
riser twists after a deflation.
To tighten, pull forward on the black/green loop. To loosen, pull backwards on the red/white loop.
Seat Straps (2)
The seat straps change the depth of the seat. Adjust to find a comfortable position. In the sitting position,
lengthen the straps to their maximum at first and then use the buckles to shorten the straps to find a
comfortable position with good back support. Lengthening the straps also helps you to slide easily into the
harness at take o, while shortening the straps helps you to be in the standing position for landing.
The webbing is not adjustable in-flight, use your first few flights to fine tune the setting as you like.
Speed Bar (3)
Hanging in the simulator, adjust the length of the speed bar chord so that the bar hangs at least 15cm below
the front of the harness. Making the chord too short could result in the speed system being constantly or
unintentionally engaged during flight. It is safer to start with the speed bar a little long and shorten it following
your first flights. Test the speed bar in flight only after you are comfortable with your new harness, and always
do so in calm conditions with enough clearance above the ground.
Lateral straps
Seat strap
Speed bar
1
2
3
Switch
1
3
2
NOTE: Even though we use the best buckles currently
available, there is a slight chance that straps might move,
especially when the harness gets old. A tape or a few
stitches will prevent the straps from sliding.