Dudek Snake 4 – The Ultimate Paraglider for All Levels
The Dudek Snake 4 sets a new benchmark in paragliding innovation by seamlessly combining performance, safety, and intuitive handling. Designed for both recreational pilots and advanced flyers, this wing delivers stability, agility, and reliability in every flight. Moreover, Dudek’s engineering expertise ensures that every detail enhances the pilot experience, making the Snake 4 a top choice for those who demand excellence in the air.
Exceptional Design and Construction
The Dudek Snake 4 employs the latest materials and cutting-edge technology, resulting in a paraglider that feels light, responsive, and durable. Its aerodynamic profile enhances smooth airflow, while the lightweight structure reduces pilot fatigue during long flights. Unlike many other wings, the Snake 4 maintains its integrity over time, ensuring lasting performance.
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High-Quality Materials: Uses premium fabrics that resist wear and retain rigidity.
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Lightweight Construction: Simplifies launches and minimizes effort.
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Aerodynamic Optimization: Ensures efficient airflow for improved glide.
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Reinforced Lines: Features low-stretch, durable lines for consistent handling.
Additionally, Dudek prioritizes visibility and safety with carefully chosen color schemes that stand out in the sky. Every line, rib, and cell undergoes rigorous testing, reinforcing both safety and durability. Consequently, pilots enjoy a wing they can trust in diverse conditions.
Performance that Inspires Confidence
The Snake 4 excels across multiple flying styles. It performs smoothly in thermals, handles cross-country distances efficiently, and delivers responsive control during recreational soaring. Notably, its stability in turbulence provides pilots with confidence while encouraging them to explore their limits.
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Stable in Flight: Maintains performance even in turbulent conditions.
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Responsive Handling: Allows precise maneuvers without overexertion.
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Optimized Glide Ratio: Enhances distance coverage for cross-country adventures.
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Dynamic Speed Range: Brake pressure adjusts easily for better control.
Pilots often describe the Snake 4 as lively yet forgiving. As a result, it supports skill development without increasing the risk of overcorrection or loss of control. Therefore, whether flying over mountains, lakes, or coastal areas, pilots experience a heightened connection to the air.
Safety Features That Matter
Safety defines the Dudek Snake 4. Its design incorporates multiple protective features, including a reinforced leading edge, stable canopy profile, and intuitive brake feedback. Together, these elements reduce the risk of incidents while keeping pilots informed about wing behavior.
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Reinforced Leading Edge: Enhances resistance to collapses in turbulent air.
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Optimized Canopy Profile: Maintains stability throughout the speed range.
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Predictable Stall Characteristics: Reduces sudden collapses or asymmetry.
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Intuitive Brake Feedback: Increases pilot awareness and reaction time.
Furthermore, Dudek continually applies research into passive safety, meaning pilots—even those at an intermediate level—can rely on the Snake 4 during challenging conditions. This thoughtful engineering makes flying safer without sacrificing enjoyment.
Ideal for a Wide Range of Pilots
Whether a beginner seeks a forgiving wing or an advanced pilot pursues precise control, the Dudek Snake 4 adapts to diverse skill levels. Its forgiving nature allows newcomers to transition smoothly from beginner wings. Meanwhile, experienced pilots will appreciate its responsiveness and performance in various conditions.
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Beginner-Friendly Handling: Facilitates smooth launches and easy control.
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Intermediate Versatility: Supports skill progression without compromising safety.
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Advanced Pilot Capability: Excels in thermaling and cross-country flights.
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All-Weather Adaptability: Performs reliably in mild to moderate wind conditions.
Because of this versatility, investing in the Snake 4 guarantees long-term satisfaction. Pilots can grow with the wing, and the glider adapts seamlessly to different flying styles.
Use, Care, and Maintenance
Maintaining the Snake 4 remains simple yet essential for long-term performance. Regular inspections, gentle cleaning, and proper storage keep the wing performing at its best. Additionally, its lightweight construction ensures handling and packing remain effortless, making it ideal for frequent flyers.
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Regular Inspections: Check lines, risers, and canopy before each flight.
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Gentle Cleaning: Use mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals.
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Proper Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
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Routine Line Care: Ensure lines remain untangled and knot-free.
Pilots who follow these steps consistently report reliable flight behavior and longer wing lifespan. Consequently, the Snake 4 offers dependable performance even after multiple seasons of flying.
Condition and Reliability
When buying a Dudek Snake 4, the wing’s condition directly affects performance and safety. Dudek’s premium materials retain their integrity over time. For pre-owned wings, inspecting the lines, fabric, and risers ensures optimal performance.
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Durability Assurance: Resistant to UV degradation and abrasion.
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Reliable Performance: Maintains glide and handling characteristics with repeated use.
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Quality Control: Each wing undergoes thorough testing to meet international safety standards.
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Long-Term Investment: Holds value and performance for multiple seasons.
Ultimately, a well-maintained Snake 4 delivers consistent performance, helping pilots enjoy stability, control, and excitement on every flight.
Dudek Snake 4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the Dudek Snake 4 suitable for?
It accommodates pilots from beginners transitioning to intermediate wings to advanced recreational flyers, thanks to its forgiving handling and responsive control.
Can the Snake 4 handle turbulent conditions?
Yes, the reinforced leading edge and stable canopy profile ensure excellent stability, making it reliable in mild to moderate turbulence.
What makes the Snake 4 safer than other wings?
Dudek emphasizes passive safety, intuitive brake feedback, and predictable stall behavior, reducing accident risks while boosting pilot confidence.
How should I maintain the Snake 4?
Routine inspections, gentle cleaning, and proper storage in a shaded, dry area will preserve performance and durability.
Can advanced pilots enjoy it?
Absolutely. Its responsive handling, efficient glide, and adaptability make it a fun, reliable choice for experienced flyers.
Why Choose Dudek Snake 4?
Investing in the Dudek Snake 4 guarantees a wing that prioritizes safety, performance, and user experience. Dudek’s track record for quality and innovation continues with this versatile wing, designed to meet the needs of pilots across skill levels.
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Trusted Brand: Dudek delivers innovative design and exceptional quality.
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Proven Performance: Tested in diverse environments for reliable results.
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Enhanced Pilot Experience: Designed to increase confidence and enjoyment.
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Inclusive Design: Suitable for pilots of varying skill levels, sizes, and goals.
Whether exploring local hills or chasing cross-country adventures, the Snake 4 adapts seamlessly. Its thoughtful engineering ensures that every pilot can focus on the thrill of flying, knowing their wing offers both safety and superior performance.
Dudek Snake 4 Design and purpose
Snake 4 is a dynamic slalom wing, highly fast in turns, with exceptional resistance to collapses.
The priority in creating the Snake 4 wasto increase the rigidity of the canopywhile flying at full-speed. The design goalswere achieved by introducing somestructural changes, including:
- modification of the aerodynamic profile
- modification of internal reinforcements
- increasing its tension at the trailing edge
Dudek Snake 4
Risers have undergone significant changes. Now they are more narrow than before, with a width of 15mm. The use of additional, bearing blocks resulted in smoother operation when pushing the speed bar. Thanks to the lower weight of the risers and a more clear finishing, the comfort of their use has increased.
In addition, we are expanding the possibilities of Snake 4 by introducing two versions to the market:
- Standard – risers are equipped with trimmers and have a slightly shorter speed system range to increase safety and enjoyment of the flight for less experienced slalom competitors, as well as for those who do not fly in competition at all. In the “Standard” version, sheathed main lines are used, just as in Snake 3.
- Pro – risers do not have trimmers and the main lines are unsheathed. It is an uncompromising solution for world-class competition pilots. Pro version is available in sizes 18 and smaller.
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It is recommended that Snake 4 pilots have experience in flying wings in the DriftAir class or more demanding categories. Snake 4 will meet all the needs of demanding PPG pilots, and in the Pro version, It becomes the most advanced and precise tool, essential for winning competitions.
More construction details Dudek Snake 4
- Shark-nose (SN) on the leading edge takes care of better aerodynamics of this part of the canopy, as well as higher inner pressure at wide range of the attack angles (meaning airspeed).
- The leading edge is stiffened with synthetic rods of the FET (Flexi Edge Technology), distinctly improving launch quality and guarding against collapses at high speeds.
- In addition Leading Edge 3D system enables a better real representation of the aerodynamic profile and reduces the amount of wrinkles on the fabric in the most important place in terms of lift and air resistance.
- The design features also other effective methods of canopy loads distribution, mediated by most modern sewing technologies.
- Four rows of suspension lines are joined at the risers, equipped with compact yet very efficient tools like trimmers, speed and Power Attack (PA) system.
Dudek Snake 4
- Steering system of the Snake 4 is our well known, original solution of 2D steering, this time with new adjustable CHR handle, combining features of both the TCT and TST (Tip Steering Toggle).
- As per our standard, the risers are equipped with three optional positions for the steering pulleys and magnets to choose from. Thanks to all these features, steering operation is straightforward and intuitive.
- Obviously, in some powerpack/canopy configurations considerable amount of torque can appear. To counter this, there is proven in our Warp an automatic TEA system (Torque Effect Adjuster). It works on its own after placing the line on proper side, depending on the torque direction.
- Due to the small number of lines, they were carefully selected to obtain the lowest possible air resistance, while ensuring high strength and resistance to stretching. The upper layer lines, attached to the wing’s suspension points are unsheathed, in the lower layers we use regular sheathed lines.
Snake 4 is manufactured entirely in Europe, at our Polish plant, so that we have total control over its sophisticated production process (using among else the advanced LT (Laser Technology) cutting.
Dudek Snake 4 Construction solutions
Technologies, Concepts
Risers functionality
Used Solutions
| “Standard” risers: | “Pro” risers: |
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Colours versions
Amber
See
Garnet
See
Lazurite
See
Parameters
Weight ranges
Technical details
| Snake 4 – sizes | 13 |
13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
| Approval – ULM identification |  |
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| Number of cells | 60 | |||||||||
| Surface area (flat) [m2] | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
| Surface area (projected) [m2] | 11.29 | 11.72 | 12.16 | 12.59 | 13.02 | 13.89 | 14.76 | 15.63 | 17.36 | 19.1 |
| Span (flat) [m] | 8.64 | 8.81 | 8,97 | 9.13 | 9.28 | 9.59 | 9.88 | 10.17 | 10.72 | 11.3 |
| Span (projected) [m] | 7.08 | 7.22 | 7.35 | 7.48 | 7.61 | 7.86 | 8.1 | 8.33 | 8.78 | 9.21 |
| Aspect Ratio (flat) | 5.80 | |||||||||
| Aspect Ratio (projected) | 4.44 | |||||||||
| Distance pilot to wing [m] | 5.04 | 5.14 | 5.23 | 5.32 | 5.41 | 5.59 | 5.76 | 5.93 | 6.25 | 6.78 |
| Total line length [m] | 238.6 | 243.4 | 244.1 | 252.75 | 257.27 | 266.14 | 274.73 | 283.08 | 299.10 | 308.95 |
| Total take-off weight* [kg] | 55-110 | 60-115 | 65-120 | 70-125 | 75-130 | 80-140 | 85-150 | 90-160 | 100-170 | 110-180 |
| Distance between risers [cm] | 45 | |||||||||
| Weight [kg] | 3.66 | 3.78 | 3.83 | 3.95 | 4.05 | 4.21 | 4.40 | 4.56 | 4.90 | 5.30 |
| Lines | 2 80001: 050; 070; 090; 130; 190 / Technora: 140 & 190 & 280 / Dyneema: 350 | |||||||||
| Fabric | Dominico tex 41 g/m2; Porcher Sport 32 g/m2; Dominico tex Hard 41 g/m2; SR Scrim, SR Laminate 180 g/m2 | |||||||||
* The basic rule is to choose the wing size so the take-off weight is in the middle of the weight range. Less weight on the wing (lower range take-off weight) can be considered for foot take-off, when flying in calmer conditions, or when we want to improve economy. More experienced pilots who want to fly dynamically, have higher speed and fly in more demanding wind conditions can consider greater wing loading (take-off weight in the upper range). This is a common option among trike users.
Note – the canopy significantly changes its behaviour with increasing wing loading. The greater the loads, the greater skill and concentration of the pilot are required.
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