Less refined construction, fewer battens, more billow, and lighter weight, all contribute to lower cost and ease of handling on the ground and in the air. Yet gliders like the Clubman, created by Ian Grayland -- who also designed the Sigma, Emu, and Lightning -- were a step up in performance from single surface wings.

In the mid 1980s the pod replaced the cocoon as the harness of choice. Its advantages were less drag combined with more comfort and warmth.