Nova VORTEX paraglider review

23 Aug, 2025
by Carlo Borsattino

This time we’re looking at the Nova VORTEX, sharing our impressions of the wing after several days of testing in a wide variety of conditions.

We’ve now done a substantial amount of ground handling with the Nova VORTEX. The Vortex is closely related to the CODEX, which is a semi-light wing—lighter than a traditional two-liner, with Nitinol rods and compact construction. The VORTEX takes this further: Nova has introduced numerous refinements across the glider—risers, lines, construction details—all aimed at reducing weight.

The result is a genuinely light and compact package. Thanks to the Nitinol rods and careful design, it packs down very small. While it is an ultralight wing, it doesn’t feel excessively fragile. As with any lightweight material, there are trade-offs compared to standard-weight versions, but overall it strikes a good balance.

Ground Handling & Launching

Ground handling is exceptionally good for this class. Forward launches, strong-wind take-offs, and variable thermic conditions are all manageable. For a sports-class wing, the Vortex is at the very low end of EN-C pilot demand, comparable to some high-B wings.

Among EN-C two-liners, it offers some of the easiest and most forgiving ground handling we’ve tested. It comes up progressively without hanging back, doesn’t overshoot aggressively, and once overhead it sits steadily above the pilot.

In strong, gusty conditions, the ultralight construction makes it livelier than the CodeX, requiring slightly more management. Even then, it remains easy to control, particularly with good rear-riser technique.

In the Air

The VORTEX feels solid, planted, and well behaved—similar to the CODEX but slightly softer, with a little more feedback. It remains calm and reassuring while still providing useful information about the air. Compared with wings like the Advance Sigma 12 or Niviuk Artik 7P, it is less playful, but it climbs extremely well and feels highly efficient.

Climb rate is a clear strength. In weak thermals, strong cores, ridge lift, or mixed conditions, it performs at a very high level. Even when flown alongside higher-performance wings such as the Photon or Zeno-types, the Vortex never felt disadvantaged.

Handling is precise and efficient rather than nimble. Turns are flat and steady. Brake travel is moderate—shorter than wings like the Photon or Volt, but not as short as very sporty designs. A half-wrap gives the best authority in tight turns. Brake pressure is moderate to firm, with a very clear and forgiving stall point.

Performance & Speed

Performance is excellent — at least as good as the CodeX, and better than wings such as the Bonanza 3 and Volt 4, both of which require higher pilot demands. Glide performance at trim is impressive.

On bar, the speed system is light and highly usable, providing around 14–16 km/h over trim. It isn’t the fastest high-end EN-C two-liner, but it’s not far behind. Fully accelerated, the Vortex feels solid and confidence-inspiring. Rear-riser control is effective, with moderate pressure and good connection.

Descent Techniques

Big ears: Easy to apply, moderate pressure, effective, and simple to reopen.
Tip-stalls: Effective and stable, more so than on some competitors.
Spirals: Easy to initiate, control, and exit. Pitch stability makes recovery forgiving.
Wingovers: While not an especially agile wing, assertive brake input builds solid energy for enjoyable wingovers.

Build Quality

The build quality is excellent. Details on risers, lines, and sewing are all finished to a high standard. As an ultralight wing, it requires more careful handling, but treated properly it should last very well.

Who Is It For?

The Nova VORTEX is ideally suited to:

Pilots moving up from a high-B or lower-C wing, looking for their first two-liner without excessive pilot demand.
Sports-class pilots flying three-liners or two-and-a-half-liners who want a light, compact two-liner.
Pilots who have tried a high-EN-C two-liner but found it too demanding, yet still want top-level performance in a more forgiving package.

Conclusion

Nova has done a fantastic job with the Vortex. It is an ultralight EN-C two-liner that combines excellent performance, easy handling, and forgiving characteristics. It offers high efficiency, superb climb rate, and very manageable ground handling, all in a compact lightweight design.

For pilots wanting to step into the two-liner world—or those looking for top performance without the demands of a “hot” EN-C—the VORTEX is an outstanding option.