ZOOM XA & ZOOM XA LT Review

Overview

The ZOOM XA and ZOOM XA LT are two of the most impressive mid-A paragliders we've flown in recent years. Designed by Alex Höllwarth—whose three decades of experience include leading design roles at Nova and Skywalk—they combine excellent passive safety with genuinely enjoyable handling and class-leading performance.

Rather than producing another beginner wing that simply prioritises safety above everything else, ZOOM has created a glider that remains reassuringly forgiving while making thermalling and early XC flying genuinely rewarding. These are wings designed to stay with pilots well beyond their first season.

The XA is the standard version, built for maximum durability, while the XA LT uses lightweight materials to reduce pack size and weight for hike-and-fly or travel. In the air, however, they fly almost identically.

Launch

Both wings have exceptionally easy launch characteristics.

Inflation is smooth and progressive, with the canopy building pressure evenly before rising overhead. There are no surprises, no tendency to shoot forward, fall behind or drift aggressively to one side. As the wing reaches the top, it naturally slows slightly, giving newer pilots plenty of time to check and control it before take-off.

In stronger winds, like most A-wings with larger cells, it's worth using rear-riser control to keep the canopy settled overhead, but overall launch behaviour is about as straightforward as you could hope for.

The XA LT behaves almost identically, although the lighter canopy naturally requires a little more attention in stronger winds. In light conditions, it floats overhead effortlessly.

Handling

This is where the ZOOM XA really stands out.

Many beginner wings prioritise maximum damping, but that often comes at the expense of enjoyable handling. The XA strikes an excellent balance. It feels calm and reassuring without becoming numb.

The turn is accurate, responsive and easy to control. It's agile enough to centre thermals efficiently without ever feeling twitchy or demanding. Compared with some higher-A wings, it isn't overly dynamic, making it very forgiving if newer pilots become slightly unbalanced or overuse the brakes.

Brake pressure is light to moderate through the working range, making it comfortable during long soaring or thermalling sessions. As you approach deeper brake travel, pressure builds progressively, providing clear warning before the stall. This makes the wing extremely confidence-inspiring while still allowing precise control.

Performance

Performance is arguably the biggest surprise.

From extensive testing, we believe the XA and XA LT sit right at the top of the classic mid-A category. Climb performance is particularly impressive, with an excellent sink rate helping the wing convert weak lift into height surprisingly efficiently.

On ridge soaring, the performance advantage becomes immediately noticeable. The wing retains energy well, climbs strongly and makes it easy to stay airborne alongside higher-performing gliders.

Speed bar performance is equally impressive for the class. The canopy remains remarkably solid and directionally stable, allowing pilots to comfortably use the full speed range without the wing becoming nervous or unstable.

Passive Safety

Despite their excellent handling and performance, safety remains exactly where you'd expect from a mid-A glider.

The canopy feels exceptionally solid in turbulence, filtering out bumps without becoming lifeless. It provides useful feedback to the pilot while remaining highly resistant to collapses.

Should the air become rough, the wing behaves predictably and inspires confidence rather than demanding constant attention.

Recovery characteristics are equally reassuring. Spiral dives exit cleanly without any tendency to lock in, while pitch movements remain well controlled.

Descent Techniques

The XA and XA LT are both straightforward when it comes to descent techniques.

Split A-risers make big ears easy to apply and highly effective, particularly when combined with speed bar. They remain stable throughout the manoeuvre and reopen predictably.

One unusual advantage is that both wings also allow B-line stalls—something that's becoming increasingly rare on modern paraglider designs with more extensive internal reinforcement. This provides pilots with another useful descent option following appropriate SIV training.

Construction

One feature that immediately distinguishes the XA and XA LT from many competitors is their construction quality.

Both wings feature mini-ribs on both the leading and trailing edges—an uncommon feature on A-class gliders. This helps produce a cleaner aerofoil shape, improving both handling and aerodynamic efficiency.

The premium construction partly explains why the XA sits towards the upper end of A-class pricing. These wings are clearly designed to offer premium performance rather than simply meeting the minimum requirements for a beginner glider.

XA vs XA LT

Choosing between the two models is straightforward.

ZOOM XA uses more durable materials, making it the better choice for pilots flying regularly from rough launch sites or who simply want maximum longevity.

ZOOM XA LT delivers virtually identical flying characteristics while significantly reducing weight and pack volume. It's ideal for hike-and-fly, travelling, or anyone who appreciates carrying lighter equipment.

The only noticeable difference in the air is that the lighter LT requires slightly more attention during stronger wind launches.

Who are they for?

The XA and XA LT are ideal first paragliders for newly qualified pilots who want a wing they'll continue enjoying long after qualification.

Their combination of excellent passive safety, intuitive handling and genuinely impressive performance means they remain rewarding well into pilots' first cross-country seasons. Many experienced pilots would also appreciate their enjoyable handling for relaxed flying.

Pilots looking for the absolute simplest or lowest-priced beginner wing may prefer a more basic design. Likewise, those chasing every last bit of A-class performance may eventually lean towards a high-A wing.

For everyone else, the XA and XA LT represent an outstanding balance of safety, performance and flying enjoyment.

Verdict

The ZOOM XA and ZOOM XA LT are among the finest classic A-wings currently available.

They deliver exactly what most progressing pilots need: reassuring passive safety, intuitive handling, strong thermalling ability and performance that won't quickly become a limiting factor. Rather than feeling like a wing you'll outgrow after one season, these are gliders capable of supporting pilots from their first post-school flights through many years of soaring and cross-country adventures.

If durability is your priority, choose the ZOOM XA.

If low weight, compact packing and hike-and-fly appeal to you, the ZOOM XA LT offers the same outstanding flying experience in a significantly lighter package.

Flybubble video review

Brought to you by Flybubble

Like what we do? The best way to thank and support us is to buy gear from us and recommend us to others.