The NOVA PRION 6, dubbed "Escape the ordinary," positions itself as a highly safe and forgiving EN/LTF A class paraglider tailored for beginners, newly licensed pilots, and recreational fliers seeking dependable performance with maximum passive safety. With thoughtful design and construction, the PRION 6 bridges the gap between pure training wings and early cross-country capability, making it a standout choice for flight schools and cautious pilots alike.
Design and Safety Features
The PRION 6 features a modern 3-line layout with 35 cells and a moderate flat aspect ratio of 4.9, which balances stability with enhanced glide and speed performance over older beginner models. NOVA focuses on passive safety through innovations such as Air Scoop inlets that increase internal wing pressure and a robust, wrinkle-minimized leading edge that improves collapse resistance. These structural refinements, combined with advanced in-house design tools, yield a wing certified for instruction that remains exceptionally docile and reliable in turbulent air.
Handling and Ease of Use
Ease of use is foundational for the PRION 6, evident from its simple pre-flight setup assisted by color-coded risers and neatly separated line groups. Inflation characteristics are gentle, with the wing rising smoothly and evenly without the aggressive overshoot common in some other gliders, thereby making ground handling accessible for novices. Feedback from flight schools verifies its forgiving behavior across varying wind directions during launch and its agile but stable in-flight handling, complemented by controlled brake pressure moderated via Mini Ribs that also aid in performance.
Performance and Technological Advancements
Compared to its predecessor, the PRION 6’s increased cell count and aspect ratio deliver a discernible gain in glide and speed while maintaining its low-end EN A certification, ideally suited for early thermal and cross-country flights. The wing incorporates technologies typically found on higher-performance XC wings—continuous rod loops, Mid Cell Links, vector tape, diagonal ribs, and 3D shaping—applied selectively to enhance wing solidity and aerodynamic efficiency without compromising safety or ease of packing. The reduced line consumption, achieved by eliminating the middle gallery, decreases drag and facilitates faster line sorting.
Ground Handling, Packing, and Ergonomics
NOVA's user-centric approach manifests in clearly labeled risers with 20 mm webbing, designed for intuitive identification during maneuvers like Big Ears or B-line stall, a boon for beginner pilots and taught scenarios. The continuous rods in the leading edge resist damage from imperfect packing practices, bouncing back from bends so that students and casual pilots benefit from reduced maintenance concerns. Such robust construction and ergonomic detailing enhance the ownership experience, especially in flight schools with heavy gear turnover.
Sizing and Target Pilot Range
Offering sizes from XXS through L with overlapping certified takeoff weight ranges from 55 to 130 kg, the PRION 6 accommodates a broad spectrum of pilots—from lighter students often underserved by beginner wings to heavier pilots seeking optimal loading. This sizing flexibility benefits flying schools by covering diverse student weights with fewer glider models and supports private pilots’ preferences for a more damped or agile flying feel.
Position Within the NOVA Product Line
The PRION 6 sits at NOVA’s entry-level in their glider portfolio, positioned beneath the AONIC 2 and ION series. It is not intended for prolonged high-level XC use but rather as a safe, progressive learning wing that outperforms many conservative ‘super damped’ school gliders. It balances rewarding handling with clear EN A security, appealing to those seeking a wing that grows with their skill without premature upgrades.
Customer and School Feedback
Launch and Ground Handling
Instructors and demo pilots frequently commend the PRION 6’s inflation as impressively easy and reliable across a variety of wind conditions, emphasizing its progressive rise and stable kiting during ground handling. The riser and line layout simplicity is repeatedly praised for minimizing pre-flight complexity and tangles—an appreciated feature for low-hour pilots and training environments.
In-flight Behaviour and Handling
User reports highlight outstanding pitch and roll stability, with pilots describing the wing as calm and solid in turbulent air. Collapse resistance is exceptional within the beginner category, attributed to its advanced internal bridging and reinforced leading edge design. Handling remains clean and responsive, while brake pressures strike a balance of being firm yet progressive, fostering pilot confidence even during more dynamic flying scenarios like winch launches.
Performance Within Its Class
Compared to previous PRION versions and competitor EN A gliders, the PRION 6 delivers a useful boost in glide ratio and speed, sufficient for genuine early cross-country pursuits rather than just basic training glides. This performance aspect means new pilots can rely on the wing beyond initial solo flights, gaining experience and thermal skills without immediate transition to higher-graded wings.
Build Quality and Ownership Experience
The construction quality balances durability and manageable weight. Fabrics and sheathed lines are suitable for the rigors of flight schools and beginners who lack gentle handling habits. Packing is made easier by the flexible leading-edge rods that tolerate minor bends and recover, reducing maintenance hassles. Clear manufacturer guidance on trim tuning after initial flights reassures owners about wing longevity and consistent safety.
Ideal and Less Suitable Pilot Profiles
- Ideal: Absolute beginners initiating training, newly licensed pilots seeking a forgiving and safe wing, and casual recreational pilots prioritizing simplicity, safety, and ease of ground handling.
- Less ideal: Pilots aiming for serious cross-country distances or dynamic flying styles will outgrow the PRION 6 and require higher-performance wings.
Conclusion
The NOVA PRION 6 emerges as a thoughtful, modern entry-level glider that combines advanced technological features with exceptional passive safety and user-friendly handling. It appeals strongly to schools and cautious pilots who want a wing that is easy to manage on the ground and in the air while still offering enough performance to engage pilots beyond their earliest flights. For those seeking a safe, reliable wing to “escape the ordinary” beginner experiences without added complexity or risk, the PRION 6 stands out as a compelling option.
For more detailed information, visit the manufacturer's website and order your equipment through Paragliding4.me to start your adventure confidently.