The DOUBLESKIN 2 Ultra-light utility paraglider by NOVA represents a thoughtful evolution in the realm of lightweight mountain wings. Crafted for pilots who demand versatility, compactness, and ease of use, this EN/LTF A certified 3-liner offers notable improvements over its predecessor, catering especially to hike & fly aficionados, mountain travelers, and beginner pilots seeking reliability and safety.
Design and Performance Overview
The wing is available in four sizes covering a certified takeoff weight from 55 to 120 kg, with the smallest size weighing an impressive 2.41 kg. It features 35 cells and a moderate flat aspect ratio of 4.9, aligning with its role as a stable yet responsive glider. Key aerodynamic enhancements include a new airfoil, rearward-set A-lines, diagonal ribs, and increased vector tapes, which together improve collapse resistance, glide especially at accelerated speeds, and overall canopy stability in turbulent air.
This wing balances compactness with practical handling. Its damping characteristics effectively reduce roll and canopy oscillations, allowing for calm behavior in strong air. Moreover, precise and direct control fosters efficient turns in tight thermals. The wing’s internal structure comprises lightweight yet durable materials optimized for both performance and safety. Importantly, the risers remain equipped with maillons instead of softer quick-links, simplifying line maintenance and adjustments, despite adding roughly 250 g compared to the first generation DOUBLESKIN.
Target Pilot Profile and Usage
The DOUBLESKIN 2 is tailored for pilots prioritizing ultra-lightweight gear without compromising safety. Its EN/LTF A certification across sizes makes it suitable for novices and pilots with lower airtime, including potential training applications with appropriate wing loading. Simultaneously, more experienced pilots engaged in hike & fly or mountain flying will appreciate its role flexibility—from a dynamic miniwing at higher wing loadings to a smooth, forgiving thermal glider for everyday alpine adventures.
Customer Feedback and Market Reception
Current Customer Review Landscape
Despite excitement about the product, direct customer reviews remain sparse on primary retail and paragliding school websites, including notable dealers such as Paragliding Academy GmbH and Japanese distributor Aerotact. The absence of formal star ratings and user comments suggests that the DOUBLESKIN 2 is still gaining traction in user communities or that pilots are reserving wider feedback after extended use periods.
Inferred User Strengths from Product Positioning
- Ultra-lightweight and Small Pack Volume: The effectively low weight and compact pack size resonate strongly with hike & fly enthusiasts, a group typically vocal about gear reductions.
- Multi-role Versatility: Early marketing emphasizes wide usability—from relaxed, safe flights to dynamic gliding under varied loading—likely appreciated by versatile mountain pilots.
- High Passive Safety: The wing’s EN/LTF A rating and suitability for training (under certain loads) promise a forgiving learning curve and reliable passive safety, often mentioned positively by users prioritizing comfort and confidence.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
- Material Durability Concerns: The use of ultralight canopy fabrics (such as Dominico 10D with 26 g/m²) improves carry convenience but may be more vulnerable to abrasion and rough ground handling, which could lead to faster wear noted by pilots accustomed to heavier, more rugged wings.
- Wing Loading Sensitivity: Handling dynamics vary with pilot weight and wing size, where lighter pilots experience a relaxed flight, but heavier loading on smaller sizes characterizes a sportier feel that some may find challenging.
- Niche Utility Focus: While excellent for mountain and travel use, those seeking a rugged, all-purpose school or everyday wing might find the DOUBLESKIN 2 less suitable due to its delicate nature and design compromises favoring lightness.
Comparison with the Original DOUBLESKIN
Building on the strengths of the original DOUBLESKIN, which was hailed for its minimal weight and respectable performance but noted for delicacy and limited heavy-use suitability, the DOUBLESKIN 2 introduces refinements like an increased cell count and a higher aspect ratio of 4.9. These upgrades enhance glide and handling stability. Moreover, the expanded certified weight ranges and improved safety features suggest that the manufacturer targets a wider pilot demographic, including potentially first-flight students in suitable settings.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The DOUBLESKIN 2 Ultra-light utility paraglider stands out as a highly specialized wing that prioritizes minimalism, safety, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for low-hour pilots, mountain flyers, and hike & fly fans. While detailed public user feedback is still emerging, early impressions based on marketing and analogous experience with the predecessor model suggest a positive reception for those matching its target profile. Buyers are encouraged to consider their typical flight conditions, loading preferences, and maintenance commitment before acquisition, to ensure the wing’s benefits align with their flying style and durability expectations.
For more detailed specifications, pilot guidance, and purchasing options, visit the manufacturer's website, and order your DOUBLESKIN 2 equipment conveniently through Paragliding.me.