The NOVA CODEX paraglider is positioned as an accessible, EN C / LTF D certified two-liner designed for cross-country pilots stepping up from high-end EN B or traditional three-liner wings. It features 65 cells, a moderate flat aspect ratio of 6.1, and a semi-light construction starting from around 4.0 kg (size XXS), aiming to balance high XC performance with forgiving handling and strong passive safety, making it attractive to both progressing pilots and experienced XC competitors.
Design and Performance Overview
NOVA situates the CODEX at the top of the EN C category in terms of glide and top speed, but with a distinctly calm and confidence-inspiring flying behavior. Its moderate aspect ratio combined with carefully tuned pitch and roll stability ensures that the wing remains efficient and resistant to collapses throughout its speed range. This design emphasis encourages long, relaxed flights rather than demanding constant active input, a notable advantage for pilots flying real, often turbulent cross-country conditions.
Practical Construction and Usability
The CODEX employs a semi-light construction approach, using robust fabrics such as Dominico 30D on the nose and Porcher Skytex 27C2 and 32 hard variants on other surfaces, which strikes an intelligent balance between weight and durability. Thanks to nitinol rods incorporated into the leading edge, the wing resists kinking and can be packed down smaller and more forgivingly than typical two-liners. Pilots report uncomplicated launch behavior with easy inflation and take-off that is accessible for those transitioning from less demanding wings. It is packed either in a Concertina Bag Light or a standard rucksack, supporting practicality for hike & fly and everyday XC flying.
Riser System and Control
The riser setup is a strong feature of the CODEX. It uses 12 mm Kevlar-reinforced webbing risers with height-adjustable carbon B-handles (HAB-Handles), borrowed from NOVA’s EN D XENON series. These handles can be adjusted in five height positions to fit pilot stature and harness geometry, enabling precise rear-riser control on bar. This enhancement is praised for improving glide efficiency and pitch control in accelerated flight and turbulence, which is essential for competition-level flying and advanced XC performance.
Descent Techniques and Pilot Control
The paraglider’s two-liner design promotes the use of B3 stall as an effective descent technique. However, traditional big ears remain fully usable, offering pilots flexible options for managing altitude and approach, an important safety feature that not all two-liners manage to encompass.
Target Pilot Group and Accessibility
The CODEX is clearly targeted towards XC pilots looking to access two-liner technology within the EN C category, particularly those very comfortable on top-tier EN B wings like the NOVA MENTOR 7. It is marketed as an ideal "first two-liner" for ambitious pilots due to its stability, late stall point, manageable launch and landing, and benign behavior in strong thermals. Independent reviews from Thermik Magazine and Ziad Bassil reinforce this image, recognizing the CODEX for its approachable, passive safety-focused characteristics and suitability as a transition wing into this higher performance category.
Customer and Expert Feedback
User and expert feedback highlight several consistent themes: the CODEX is commendably accessible for its class, featuring straightforward launch and landing, a relaxed and low-stress flying feel, and very stable thermalling with a late stall point. Its performance stays solid and collapse-resistant even in active cross-country conditions, proving its real-world usability beyond theoretical specs.
The riser ergonomics receive positive remarks, with pilots appreciating the intuitive B-handle system and the balanced semi-light build which is both durable and convenient for hikes or travel. Its handling is notable for combining competition-style two-liner efficiency with the forgiving nature expected at the EN C level. In addition, the wing demonstrates a high degree of passive safety, distinguishing it among two-liners in the same certification class.
Considerations and Trade-offs
While no significant negative reviews have emerged yet—likely due to the paraglider's recent market presence—the design choices suggest a deliberate preference for stability and accessibility over pushing the absolute limits of performance. The moderate aspect ratio of 6.1 offers a sensible compromise that benefits pilot confidence and safety but may not satisfy pilots seeking ultra-aggressive, cutting-edge EN D or CCC wing performance. This trade-off is well understood by the community and aligns with the wing’s mission as an accessible high-performance option.
Conclusion
The NOVA CODEX successfully delivers on its promise of accessible, high-performance two-liner flying within the EN C category. It combines advanced glide and speed capabilities with forgiving handling and strong passive safety, making it a superb choice for pilots progressing from advanced EN B wings to modern two-liner cross-country competition or adventurous XC flying without excessive pilot workload. Its pragmatic construction and thoughtful control design further enhance the pilot experience for both performance and everyday usability.
For more detailed information about the NOVA CODEX, visit the manufacturer's website. To order your equipment, explore options available at Paragliding.me and take the next step in your XC adventure.