The NOVA PENTAGON is a cutting-edge five-sided reserve parachute designed for paragliding and selected hang gliding applications, emphasizing quick deployment, enhanced pendular stability, and a low sink rate for safer landings. Its unique pentagonal, non-symmetrical geometry innovatively disrupts oscillations common in conventional round or square reserves, reducing swing effects and thereby diminishing impact energy, which contributes to increased pilot safety and comfort.
One of the core strengths of the NOVA PENTAGON lies in its rapid and reliable opening behavior. Thanks to short suspension lines, a low canopy height, and five strategically placed corner vents, the parachute inflates swiftly, minimizing the risk of entanglement with the paraglider’s lines—a critical advantage during low-altitude emergencies or scenarios where the main wing remains connected. The practical design also includes equal length, color-coded base and center lines that simplify repacking and reduce user error, a significant benefit for pilots and riggers alike.
Innovative Design and Safety Features
The pentagonal layout of the NOVA PENTAGON reserve parachute introduces a novel approach to passive safety. Unlike symmetrical designs, this geometry faces any pendulum swing toward a corner against an edge, resulting in varying airflow and restoring forces that effectively dampen oscillations. This translates to smoother descent dynamics and lowers injury risks during emergency deployments. Furthermore, material choices such as Porcher Sport PN9 fabric and Edelrid lines are optimised for robustness and water resistance, maintaining performance even after water exposure—a vital factor for pilots undertaking SIV training, acro flying, or flights near aquatic environments.
Durability and Moisture Resistance
Unlike many traditional reserves that deteriorate in sink rate and stability after wetting, the NOVA PENTAGON uses water-resistant components that retain their integrity post water landing. This is validated by EN certification sink-rate tests conducted following water exposure, highlighting the reserve’s reliable functionality without mandatory replacement. Such durability considerations make the PENTAGON highly suitable for real-world flying conditions and challenging training scenarios.
Performance and Practical Considerations
Performance-wise, the reserve meets EN 12491 standards with sink rates around 5.2–5.5 m/s at maximum load across its three size variants (100, 120, 145 kg). While it is not an ultralight system, its moderate pack volume and weight ensure it fits well within regular cross-country flying, hike-and-fly setups with standard harnesses, and tandem or hang gliding use. The non-steerable design suits pilots prioritizing straightforward reliability over precise landing control that steerable rogallo-type reserves offer.
Repacking and User-Friendliness
The manufacturer’s emphasis on equal-length, color-coded lines combined with a simplified line plan makes repacking more intuitive and less error-prone. This feature is especially valued by pilots who manage their own equipment or rely on local riggers, promoting maintenance safety and operational confidence.
Customer and Expert Feedback
Feedback from pilots, instructors, and paragliding schools positions the NOVA PENTAGON as a premium, modern cross-canopy reserve solution, recognized for its fast inflation, effective pendular damping, and moisture robustness. It is commonly grouped with other high-end reserve models, reflecting a broad professional endorsement. Shops and schools recommend it alongside respected brands, underscoring its status as a reliable and well-engineered product with a typical service life and no reported systemic deployment issues.
Potential Drawbacks
The main considerations when evaluating the PENTAGON include its relatively heavier and bulkier profile compared to ultralight or square-shaped reserves, making it less ideal for pilots focused on minimalist gear weight reductions. Additionally, its non-steerable nature might not fulfill the needs of pilots seeking maximum landing precision in complex terrains.
Conclusion
Overall, the NOVA PENTAGON reserve parachute is an excellent choice for pilots who value passive safety, reliable and fast openings, and robust construction that stands up well under practical flying conditions including wet landings. It is particularly suited for safety-conscious cross-country pilots, those engaged in SIV and acro flying, and anyone needing a reserve that balances performance, durability, and ease of use without prioritizing ultralight specifications or steerability.
For more detailed information, specifications, and ordering options, please visit the manufacturer's website and order through Paragliding4.me.