The Advance IOTA DLS is a high-B category paraglider designed for ambitious cross-country (XC) pilots seeking a blend of high performance and long-flight comfort, paired with everyday robustness and ease of use. This EN/LTF B certified wing targets pilots transitioning from low-B wings or stepping down from C-class who desire strong performance without complex handling.
At the heart of the IOTA DLS is its DURABLE LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURE (DLS) concept. It innovatively combines light and standard Porcher Skytex fabrics with an optimized internal framework, achieving significant weight reduction (3.75 to 4.9 kg depending on size and risers) without compromising durability. This makes the glider easier to carry and launch while being robust enough for intensive everyday flying.
Design and Performance Features
The wing's refined profile delivers excellent pitch stability, helping it maintain energy and effectively penetrate turbulent air. Aerodynamic enhancements like a 4% reduction in total line surface and extensive 3×3D shaping ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free leading edge, which improves glide and transition efficiency — crucial aspects for serious XC pilots.
Handling and Comfort
The IOTA DLS balances precise, direct handling with a relaxed flying feel, featuring firm but not heavy brakes and strong roll responsiveness. Thermalling is especially praised; pilots report tight cores with well-behaved tracking on the wing, described as “rails” in climbs, facilitating energy retention and low fatigue during long flights. A well-tuned pitch-damped center combined with slightly lively tips provides informative feedback, helping pilots react proactively to air conditions without stress.
Technical Aspects and Materials
With a moderate aspect ratio of 5.6 and 59 cells, the IOTA DLS sustains a balance between performance and manageable behavior. Sizes from 21 to 29 cover takeoff weights from 60 to 128 kg, using seamless weight ranges to optimize flight characteristics per pilot weight. The fabric mix includes tough Skytex 38 on the leading edge, lighter Skytex 32 on the upper surface, and Skytex 27 underneath. Internals feature durable Skytex 32/40, and the use of Edelrid Pro Dry unsheathed lines ensures long-lasting, low-shrink performance.
Launch and Ground Handling
User and school feedback indicates that inflation and takeoff are straightforward and progressive, even in moderate conditions, making the glider manageable for its intended pilot level. The color-coded, stiff risers combined with unsheathed Pro Dry lines reduce tangling, simplifying ground handling compared to other high-B wings.
Performance and Speed System
Glide efficiency ranks among the best in the EN-B class, notably improved over prior IOTA models thanks to lower line drag and an optimized profile. The pilot-friendly speed system, featuring a C-handle pitch-control linked to the B-riser, grants “two-liner” bar feel, enhancing accelerated flight performance in active air while preserving profile shape and safety. Transition speed and glide maintain confidence, though some pilots note more active tips during acceleration.
Safety and Pilot Fit
While certified EN-B, the IOTA DLS leans toward the higher end of the category, demanding a confident and active pilot. The wing is predictable and offers excellent passive safety for its performance level, suitable for experienced low-B pilots and C-class pilots stepping down. Spiral behavior requires attention, as the glider briskly enters steep spirals and sustains high G-forces; experience is advised to manage this safely.
Weight, Durability, and Packing
The DLS construction receives consistent praise for its smart balance between lightness and robustness. Unlike ultra-light hike-and-fly wings, the IOTA DLS endures daily use without requiring delicate care. Packing is user-friendly and compact with practical design choices, accommodating pilots who value both portability and longevity.
Points to Consider
- High-B demands: This wing is not for beginners; it requires solid EN-B skills and active flying experience.
- Firm brake feel: Some pilots may prefer softer brakes, as the IOTA DLS feedback emphasizes precision over plushness.
- Feedback from tips: The more communicative wingtips during accelerated flight can initially unsettle some pilots.
- Not an ultra-light specialist: While light, it is not designed as a minimalistic hike-and-fly tool but rather an everyday XC wing with durability.
Final Verdict
The Advance IOTA DLS stands out as a refined, high-performance high-B cross-country paraglider, offering serious XC pilots a combination of speed, glide, precision handling, and comfortable, stable flying. Its modern pitch-control system and aerodynamic advancements make it a top contender for pilots seeking a step up from low-B wings or a safer alternative to C-class wings without excessive compromise. For those who prioritize durability without extreme weight penalties and want a wing for regular intensive use, the IOTA DLS is an excellent choice. However, newer or less active pilots may want to consider milder EN-B alternatives before progressing to this high-B specialist.
For more detailed information, visit the manufacturer's website. You can also order the Advance IOTA DLS and related equipment conveniently at Paragliding4.me.