The NOVA PRION 6 – Escape the ordinary – is an EN/LTF A certified paraglider purpose-built for beginners and recreational pilots. Combining high passive safety with modern design innovations, it aims to be a stable, forgiving first wing that users won’t rapidly outgrow. Featuring a full structural redesign with 35 cells, a flat aspect ratio of 4.9, and weight ranges covering 55–130 kg across sizes XXS to L, the PRION 6 targets student pilots and low-hour flyers who want an easy-to-handle wing suitable for training and initial cross-country attempts.
General Satisfaction and Target User
Feedback from customers, school instructors, and early owners consistently portrays the PRION 6 as a well-rounded, modern EN-A class paraglider perfect for new pilots. It is commonly described as an ideal first wing that supports progression beyond solo flights into basic thermal soaring and short local cross-country. Rather than a “pure school kite” quickly discarded after training, the PRION 6 serves as a forgiving platform for growth, aimed at pilots who favour safety and simplicity over intense performance demands.
Launch, Ground Handling and Riser/Line Setup
Schools and demo pilots praise the PRION 6 for its easy and predictable inflation characteristics. The wing inflates smoothly and straight upwards with minimal tendency to overshoot, even in nil or crosswind conditions. Ground handling behaviour is steady and provides excellent feedback, which beginners find forgiving during imperfect control inputs. The riser and line layout enhance ease of use with colour-coded 20 mm risers and clearly distinguished A/B/C line groups that minimise common student errors and expedite pre-flight checks. This clarity is especially valued in training environments as it reduces setup time and line sorting mistakes.
In-Flight Behaviour, Safety and Comfort
Users highlight the PRION 6’s outstanding passive safety, describing it as a "good-natured" wing with strong collapse resistance and a stable profile even in turbulent or thermic air. Its pitch and roll stability is notable, producing gentle, predictable responses that instill pilot confidence. The recovery from disturbances is gradual rather than abrupt, helping newer pilots build essential flying experience in a reassuring manner. This stability and comfort make the PRION 6 particularly attractive for those prioritizing a relaxed flying experience.
Handling and Brake Feel
Handling is direct and clean, remarkable for an EN-A beginner glider. The PRION 6 turns willingly without nervousness, and the brake pressure falls into a moderate range, offering sufficient feedback to prevent over-braking while remaining comfortable. The incorporation of mini-ribs in the trailing edge enables precise control and enhances comfort at slow speeds. Although more experienced pilots note that it lacks the cutting-edge efficiency of higher-class gliders in strong winds or dynamic transitions, this is an accepted and reasonable compromise for a training wing.
Performance and Progression Potential
Within the EN-A category, the PRION 6 offers noticeably improved glide and speed compared to older school wings and previous PRION models. This enables it to support a pilot’s transition into initial thermalling and modest local cross-country flying without necessitating immediate wing replacement. However, it is not designed for ambitious long-distance cross-country or acro flying, with pilots aiming for higher performance eventually moving on to advanced models such as the NOVA AONIC or ION series.
Build Quality, Weight and Durability
Constructed with durability in mind, the PRION 6 uses robust materials such as sheathed lines and reinforced cloth, ideal for the rigours of school use and novice pilots. Its weight, ranging from 4.6 to 5.7 kg depending on size, is typical for a sturdy, entry-level glider, though it is heavier than ultralight models favored by hike-and-fly pilots. Practical design features like nylon rods in the leading edge, which retain their shape even when bent, improve packing ease and durability without demanding meticulous care. The manufacturer’s recommended early trim tuning after 10–20 flights adds confidence in the glider’s long-term performance and safety.
Size Range and Suitability
Offering sizes XXS through L with overlapping weight ranges, the PRION 6 accommodates a broad spectrum of pilot weights. This is especially useful for flying schools handling a variety of students and for pilots wanting to tailor wing loading for different flying styles—choosing a lower weight range for greater stability and float, or a higher range for more agility while remaining within the EN-A classification.
Criticisms and Limitations
Critiques mainly focus on the inherent trade-offs of beginner wings. The PRION 6’s performance ceiling is not suited for highly ambitious cross-country pilots or those seeking dynamic flying in strong winds; such pilots typically transition to higher-performance wings. Its weight and bulk make it less desirable for mountain hikers or ultralight enthusiasts who prioritize minimal pack weight. Additionally, experienced pilots eventually outgrow the PRION 6 as their skill and flying demands grow, though it remains a highly praised confidence-building first wing.
Overall Customer Assessment
Strengths:
- Exceptional passive safety and stability in varied conditions
- Effortless, predictable inflation and ground handling ideal for students
- Clear, beginner-friendly riser and line configuration reduces setup errors
- Direct and pleasant handling with moderate brake pressures
- Competitive performance for an EN-A wing, supporting progression into thermalling and basic XC
- Robust construction fit for schools and novice pilots
Weaknesses / Trade-offs:
- Not designed for long-distance XC or high-dynamic acro flying
- Heavier and bulkier than ultralight rivals
- Performance-focused pilots eventually seek more advanced wings
Summing up from user reviews, the NOVA PRION 6 truly delivers on its promise to “Escape the ordinary” by offering new pilots a modern, enjoyable, and safe flying experience that surpasses many traditional beginner wings, fostering confidence and progression without compromising safety.
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