The Icaro Xenus marks a purposeful step into the world of freestyle paragliding, crafted especially for pilots ready to transition from standard cross-country (XC) or mid-B class wings into the dynamic arena of acro and freestyle basics. This compact EN-B certified wing is conceived as a “first real freestyle wing,” balancing agility, energy, and predictability with a forgiving flight envelope – vital for those exploring freestyle manoeuvres without jumping prematurely to demanding acro machines.
Designed in two smaller sizes, 20 m² and 22.5 m² flat, the Xenus accommodates a relatively wide pilot weight range (65–110 kg), maintaining responsiveness and a lively feel while staying within the EN-B safety certification. Its dynamic yet structured handling makes it uniquely suitable for pilots who have mastered solid basic skills such as takeoff, thermalling, and wing control, and are eager to learn SATs, helicos, stalls, and wing-overs with confidence and reduced surprises.
Target Pilot Profile and Use Case
The Xenus is not intended as a beginner’s first glider but rather as a progression tool for pilots at the low to mid-intermediate level looking for a controlled introduction to freestyle and acro basics. Its safe yet dynamic character makes it ideal for a pilot aiming to practice and perfect techniques safely, blending the thrill of freestyle with enough margin for learning. It is perfect for those interested in pushing their skills with SATs, helicos, and other maneuvers while retaining a solid foundation of passive safety.
Handling Characteristics and Flight Behaviour
One of the wing’s standout features is its sharp and predictable handling paired with generous forgiveness. Brake pressure progresses lightly at first and intensifies near stall, offering excellent feedback and a wide brake travel suitable for full-stall and deep-stall manoeuvres. The Xenus flies with a sportier trim speed compared to typical EN-B XC wings, resulting in an energetic and lively feel, well-suited to dynamic moves like wingovers and SATs.
Importantly for acro training, the wing features a wide parachutal stall window, which means it can remain stable in deep stall and back-fly modes with minimal brake input. This stability and smooth exit behaviour reduce the intimidation factor, allowing pilots to focus on technique development rather than sudden wing reactions.
Safety, Stability, and Everyday Versatility
While the Xenus is a freestyle wing, Icaro has ensured it inherits the “GRAVIS DNA” – a design and behaviour heritage from their mid-EN-B XC wings that grants it respectable thermalling efficiency, good glide, and feedback in active air. With EN-B certification and a focus on robustness, it offers a secure margin for pilots not yet specializing fully in acro, making it suitable not just for water training boxes but also for normal soaring and thermalling days.
Its small surface and dynamic trim mean the glider feels more reactive and loaded compared to typical mid-B wings sized around 24–28 m²; therefore, it requires pilots with good handling skills and active flying experience. The wing’s design encourages an honest approach, balancing excitement with control and safety.
Design and Construction Features
The Icaro Xenus is constructed primarily from Porcher Sport Skytex 38 for the top and bottom sails, a proven fabric balancing durability and moderate weight, supplemented by Skytex 40 at high-stress areas for increased robustness. With weights of 4.2 kg for the 20 m² and 4.6 kg for the 22.5 m² model, it remains reasonably light, aiding launch and ground handling without compromising longevity.
- Shark-nose profile enhances stability across speeds and maintains leading edge pressure during turbulence and dynamic manoeuvres.
- 40 cells plus mini-ribs provide a fine structure that sharpens handling and maintains a clean trailing edge.
- 2-cell-bridge V-tape system reinforces wing shape integrity under high dynamic loads, essential for acro training.
- The 3-liner “3 x 1” line geometry prioritizes robust simplicity and strength over maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
- An integrated speed system enhances clean, rapid flying, while the absence of a trimmer keeps the wing’s certified flight behaviour straightforward.
Practical Considerations and Pricing
Priced at around 2,774 EUR (net, excluding tax), the Xenus sits comfortably within the range expected for specialized freestyle wings that remain accessible for serious intermediate pilots. The package includes the wing, packing belt, inner bag, riser bag, repair kit, and rucksack. Its single distinctive colourway aligns with Icaro’s Edelweiss concept, providing high visibility and style, beneficial for freestyle pilots visible on camera or in group flying.
Pilot and Tester Insights
Extensive pilot and tester reviews confirm the Xenus’s role as a safe yet energetic freestyle trainer. It’s lauded for maintaining genuine EN-B passive safety despite its lively character, with a commendably wide stall margin and light brake feel in normal flight allowing forgiving corrections.
In acro practice, its wide parachutal stall window and gentle stall-exit behaviour make helicos and deep stalls approachable for pilots new to full-stall training. Reviewers praise its playful and reactive handling, with agile weight-shift responsiveness and a comparatively light brake pressure during normal flying, yet efficient control for dynamic manoeuvres.
Build quality impresses with Skytex 38 fabric and reinforced high-stress areas ensuring durability against repeated acro abuse. The slim, XC-style risers with C-control handles and comfortable brake handles add to ease of use both in the air and on the ground.
Versatility is highlighted as the wing thermals well and compensates nicely for coastal and dynamic soaring flights, making it a practical second wing for pilots who wish to combine freestyle training and everyday flying within a single glider.
Launch handling is generally easy with responsive inflation and good overhead control, though some caution is advised in turbulent or strong wind conditions as the wing demands precise timing and pitch management on launch.
Limitations and Considerations
The Xenus is clearly not an entry-level wing for fresh novices—its compact size, loading, and dynamic trim call for pilots with solid EN-B skills and active wing control. Its limited size range and weight bands may present challenges for very light or heavy pilots in achieving the optimal dynamic feel. Moreover, it does not compete with high-performance two-liner XC wings in terms of glide or speed, reflecting its trade-off favoring durability and acro accessibility over outright cross-country performance.
Conclusion
The Icaro Xenus is a niche but excellently targeted paraglider, serving as a superb first freestyle wing for intermediate pilots ready to safely explore acro with structure and reliable margins. Its combination of precise handling, high energy, wide stall window, and robust construction supports effective acro training alongside everyday flying enjoyment. For pilots committed to expanding their skills into freestyle, the Xenus is logically designed and well-positioned as a durable, forgiving, and fun EN-B wing that bridges the gap between sportier XC wings and demanding acro machines.
For those interested in exploring the Icaro Xenus further or to order equipment, we invite you to visit the manufacturer's website and order via Paragliding4.me for reliable service and support.