Efficient. High-Performance. Ultralight.
Hike&Fly races place particularly high demands on a paraglider: The wing must be stress-free to fly for many hours, show maximum performance and also be ultralight so that it can fit into even the smallest Hike&Fly backpack. The X-ALPS5 combines all these criteria perfectly and was designed exactly for this purpose.
The 2-liner technology, combined with the moderate aspect ratio and number of cells, as well as the ultralight construction result in a well-balanced high performer, which is not only the working tool of our X-Alps athletes, but is also perfectly suited for cross-country pilots, bivouac pilots and beginners in the 2-liner class. Therefore nothing stands in the way of your next adventure!
Conceived by professionals, developed for winners!
A new era of success.
HOW DOES THE X-ALPS FLY?
The neat line setup and the 7mm lightweight riser, which is comparatively torsion-resistant for its light weight, make launch preparations shorter and much easier for the pilot. The X-ALPS5 has very easy launch behavior for its class and allows launches in very challenging terrain, even in tough conditions. The very precise canopy feedback makes the glider very intuitive to fly, which is what our athletes particularly like about the X-ALPS5 and establishes a quick familiarity with the wing. The X-APLPS5 responds directly to control impulses and turns smoothly due to the moderate aspect ratio of 6.57, while the bank angle is easy to control.
Due to the special manufacturing technology and the complex inside construction, the profile is extraordinarily dimensionally stable in trim as well as in accelerated flight. In addition, the 2-liner technology guarantees low line drag, giving the X-ALPS5 very high glide performance. The long accelerator way of 18cm provides a high speed increase. Combined with the smooth B-control, the pilot can fly very fast and efficiently in race mode for many hours.
The well-proven Porcher Skytex 27 double coated cloth material not only ensures an ultralight weight of 3.4kg, but also a long lifetime.
Efficient, high-performance, ultralight, simple – these words best describe the X-ALPS5.
2 LINE LEVELS WITH B-STEERING
Reduces the number of lines and the resulting drag. Allows a fast, efficient flying style. Advantages: more performance, full control when flying accelerated and a better overview at launch.
RIGID FOIL
Nylon wires keep the leading edge and the profile in shape and ensure a more constant ram air pressure. Advantages: better take-off behaviour and more performance.
MINI RIBS
Doubling the number of cells at the trailing edge increases its shape stability substantially. Advantage: fewer vortices improve the aerodynamics and with it the performance.
3D-SHAPING
A precise calculation of the leading edge geometry and the installation of an additional strip of fabric reduce wrinkling in this sensitive part of the glider. Advantages: exact wing shape, more performance.
SHARK NOSE
Together with a corresponding wing design, the shark nose technology improves pressure distribution in the canopy substantially. Advantages: much more solid flying feeling and substantial performance gain, especially when gliding on bar.
| Size | 75+ | 85+ | 95+ | 105+ |
| Cells | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 |
| Area flat (m²) | 20.4 | 21.5 | 22.6 | 23.7 |
| Area projected (m²) | 17.6 | 18.6 | 19.6 | 20.5 |
| Wingspan flat (m) | 11.6 | 11.9 | 12.2 | 12.5 |
| Aspect ratio flat | 6.57 | 6.57 | 6.57 | 6.57 |
| Aspect ratio projected | 5.16 | 5.16 | 5.16 | 5.16 |
| min. profile depth (cm) | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 |
| max. profile depth (cm) | 217 | 224 | 230 | 235 |
| Glider weight (kg) | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.7 |
| Certified weight range (kg) | 60 - 77 | 65 - 87 | 75 - 97 | 85 - 107 |
| Homologation | LTF/EN D | LTF/EN D | LTF/EN D | LTF/EN D |
| Upper sail front | Porcher Skytex 27 double coated |
| Bottom sail | Porcher Skytex 27 double coated |
| Ribs | Porcher Skytex 27 hard |
| Straps | Porcher Skytex 27 hard |
| Main lines | Edelrid 8001 - 340/190/130/90 |
| Middle lines | Edelrid 8001 - 190/90/70/50 |
| Top lines | Liros DC60/35 |
| Brake lines | Liros DFLP 200/32, Edelrid 8001 - 130, Edelrid 8001 - 50, Liros DC 35 |
| Risers | Cousin 7 mm webbing |
Which advantages does the B-steering enable?
The B-steering is – besides the low line resistance – the biggest advantage of the 2-liner technology. This allows for a very efficient and fast flying style when accelerated. The effort required is many times less compared to three-liners.
What do I have to consider with the B-steering?
In general, control via the B-risers cannot replace the brake, therefore we recommend using the B-steering only in accelerated flight. In addition, the B-steering can also be used at trim speed. However, care must be taken to set only short, corrective impulses, otherwise there is a risk of stalling the wing due to strong inputs!
Can I pull big ears on the X-ALPS5?
Yes, it is possible to put big ears over the BIII-mainline. You can find detailed instructions in the PRO GUIDE.
Can I simulate collapses with the X-ALPS5?
The X-ALPS5 has been certified with folding lines. Simulated side and front collapses by pulling on the A-risers is therefore not possible.
What do I have to consider when using the X-ALPS5?
The X-ALPS5 has been optimized for light weight in terms of design and material mix. In order to enjoy the glider as long as possible and to get the maximum performance, we do not recommend exposing the glider to any mechanical loads and extreme flight maneuvers. Especially a 2-liner will lose performance in permanent extreme flight maneuvers.
After how many hours of flying does the X-ALPS5 need to be trimmed?
With two-line levels, trim changes have a greater effect on flight performance. Since the trim change is greatest initially, we recommend checking the trim after the first 25 hours of flying. After that, it depends on how carefully you treat it, how often you fly, and where you fly. As a guideline, we recommend checking the trim at least 1x per year.
How do I calculate my takeoff weight?
Take-off weight is calculated by adding the weight of the pilot including clothes to the weight of the equipment. The equipment consists of the harness, the reserve chute, the paraglider itself, and any flight instruments and other baggage you may carry (e.g. rucksack, etc.).
Is the deterioration on light-cloths higher than on a regular glider cloth?
Light-cloths are thinner than conventional glider-cloths and therefore less resistant against mechanical strain. That means you need to pay more attention on small rocks and bushes. Please avoid any unnecessary contact to the ground. With this strict observance you will have the same durability as with a conventional glider-cloth.
What are the glide ratio (L/D), trim and maximum speeds?
We know that these data are interesting for you as a pilot, but for us to publish them would be a bad idea for the following reasons:
1) Performance data are highly dependent on the drag of the pilot and are therefore related to sitting position and harness. The difference between aerodynamically favorable and unfavorable harnesses and sitting positions can be as much as a whole L/D number.
2) Performance increases with the size of the glider. A large glider will always outperform the same glider in a smaller size. So a question about the performance of a glider is always also a question about the size.
3) There is no normed method of testing the performance of paragliders. For example, speed varies with altitude and the associated different air pressure, but also with the total weight of the system.
That means that there simply isn’t THE speed or THE L/D that would allow a serious comparison with another glider. Performance data are dependent on the harness, the size of the glider, on the air mass and the total weight.
Is it ok to shorten the brake lines on my skywalk paraglider?
Changing the length of the brake lines can have a negative effect on the flying characteristics and extreme flight behavior. The paraglider needs a little more lead when flying on speed bar, otherwise the glider could be braked unintentionally, leading to a loss of performance. When performig extreme flying maneuvers, shortening the brake lines too much can cause complications during recovery from collapses, parachutal stall, etc.
Am I allowed to make modifciations to my skywalk paraglider?
No, because the glider is certified the way it is delivered to you. Even the brake line length is part of the trim and must not be changed.
Do the nylon wires in the glider need any special attention or packing method?
Yes, we recommend to use the softbag light and the packing tubes for packing your glider. You can find the exact packing instruction in the PRO GUIDE.
Your X-ALPS5 package
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- 1x Softbag light
- 1x Packing Tube
- 1x BASIC Guide
- 1x Bandana
- 1x Sticker Set
- 1x Self-adhesive repair patch