The ICARO Xenus represents a dedicated EN-B category freestyle paraglider, expertly crafted as a progression tool tailored for pilots aspiring to develop or refine freestyle and acro flying skills. Unlike typical general-purpose intermediate wings, the Xenus targets pilots who possess solid basic flying competencies and wish to enter the dynamic and energizing realm of freestyle maneuvers such as helicos, SATs, and dynamic wingovers, all while maintaining a reassuring level of passive safety and forgiveness.
Target Pilot and Usage
This glider suits pilots passionate about acro and freestyle disciplines who are past the beginner stage but not quite ready for full-on acro wings. It bridges the gap by offering a wing capable of supporting dynamic maneuvers with strong energy retention, yet still able to perform in thermal flying scenarios and modest cross-country conditions. The Xenus is ideal for those “hooked” on fast-paced flying dynamics but who seek reliability and safety during training and progression.
Safety and Handling Characteristics
Earning an EN-B certification as a small-surface freestyle wing is a notable achievement, reflecting the Xenus's balanced attributes. Pilots benefit from very predictable and sharp handling without nervousness, enabling precise control over maneuvers. The brake pressure is light and builds progressively, facilitating fine control during stall-related moves. Additionally, the wing features a wide parachutal-stall window and low workload in helicos, granting pilots extra time to react and recover. Its natural stability and passive safety exceed typical expectations for wings with similar dynamic potential, promoting safer, faster learning with reduced risk.
Construction and Materials
Constructed entirely from Porcher Sport fabrics—primarily Skytex 38 with reinforcement from Skytex 40 in high-stress areas—the Xenus combines durability with manageable weight. At approximately 4.2 kg for the 20 m² and 4.6 kg for the 22.5 m² models, it remains lightweight for a freestyle wing. This construction choice ensures robustness for regular training sessions while supporting crisp, responsive handling and easy ground handling during launches.
Design and Performance Features
Incorporating design elements rooted in ICARO’s all-round Gravis, the Xenus boasts a shark-nose profile enhancing stability and pressure consistency across speeds. Its 40-cell wing plan with miniribs provides an efficient airfoil and effective brake response. A moderate 5.2 flat aspect ratio strikes a balance between agility and stability, complemented by a streamlined 3×1 line layout that reduces drag. The wing’s sporty trim speed supports playful and energetic flight suitable for freestyle moves, while still enabling surprisingly competent climb and thermalling performance for additional versatility.
Certification, Sizes, and Weight Range
Available in two sizes—20 m² and 22.5 m²—both are EN-B certified with a combined certified pilot weight range of 65 to 110 kg. Lighter pilots can opt for the smaller model at moderate loadings for less extreme dynamics, whereas heavier pilots or those seeking heightened dynamic feedback can utilize the larger size near the top of its range. Still, the EN-B label in the context of the Xenus underscores a wing that is forgiving relative to its freestyle specialization, not a beginner’s school wing.
Use-Case Evaluation Based on Pilot and Customer Feedback
Strengths
- Exceptional focus on freestyle and acro training with uniquely forgiving behavior for its segment.
- EN-B certification providing reassurance through structured testing.
- Durable Porcher materials ensure longevity under intensive maneuver practice.
- Thermalling capability outperforms typical acro-wing expectations, adding flight versatility.
- Clear conceptual role bridging standard EN-B/XC wings and dedicated acro wings.
Limitations
- Not suitable as a first paraglider or a mellow XC cruiser; pilots must have solid foundational skills.
- Limited sizing and color options restrict customization for all pilot body types and tastes.
- Glide and speed performance are below that of specialized high-performance XC or EN-C/EN-D wings.
Real-World Pilot Sentiments
Reviews consistently praise the Xenus for its “mega fun” and “Spassmaschine” qualities—translating as a genuinely enjoyable and dynamic flying machine. Its reactive yet forgiving handling facilitates mastery of wingovers, helicos, and SATs. The wing’s safety margin and natural stability in maneuvers encourage pilots to push their limits while retaining confidence. Launch characteristics become manageable with experience, and thermalling capabilities rival those of general EN-B wings, enabling engaging local soaring. Build quality observations highlight robust materials with suitable weight for hiking and frequent training.
Considerations on Stall Behavior and XC Performance
Pilots caution that stall and back-fly behavior differ from standard low-end EN-B wings, requiring prior knowledge and instructional guidance. This glider is less “idiot-proof” than docile school wings. Furthermore, while it excels in maneuverability and playfulness, it does not compete with conventional XC EN-B/C gliders in glide efficiency and transition altitude, making it less optimal as an all-in-one wing.
Price Notes and Market Outlook
At launch, the Xenus faced critique for higher pricing, though subsequent availability on the second-hand market offers more accessible entry points for pilots seeking a quality freestyle training wing.
Conclusion
The ICARO Xenus effectively fills an important niche as a specialized progression wing in the EN-B freestyle segment. It empowers pilots wishing to harness acro and freestyle skills with a wing that promotes quick, safe learning without relinquishing everyday flying capabilities. Its careful design choices in materials, aerodynamic profile, and handling balance make it a favored choice for pilots ready to evolve beyond basic wings but not prepared for extreme acro gliders. For pilot safety and skill progression in dynamic flying domains, the Xenus stands as a leading option in its class.
For more detailed information about the ICARO Xenus, visit the manufacturer's website. To order or inquire about paragliding equipment, explore options at Paragliding4.me.