Nova VORTEX

Technical data

*Pilot incl. equipment and wing

Take off weight

Colours

Standard colours: Orange, White.

Custom colours: Choose your colours and email us the colour reference with your order. Include a screenshot if you can. Full payment required upfront to confirm your order after which it cannot be cancelled.

Package

• VORTEX
• Concertina Bag Ultralight (141g, Uni-Size, also available separately)
• Windsock
• Manual
• Repair Kit

Related Products (optional extras)

• Backpacks
• Harnesses
• Reserves
• Helmets
• Instruments

VORTEX - Ultralight Efficiency

Performance meets simplicity

The handling is optimized for efficient climbing, while the low mass of the wing is a noticeable advantage. The result is a glider that effortlessly takes advantage of even the slightest lift with flat turns and minimal sink rate, while also centering easily in tight and strong thermals.

Efficient B-Control

The B-control system is the most direct NOVA has ever achieved. Even small inputs of a few millimeters allow precise directional adjustments. Pitch control is highly effective, and the pressure on the rear risers enables you to rest your arms on long glides without slowing the glider down.

The uncomplicated companion

The VORTEX was designed not only for high real-world performance but also for practical usability. From easy launch characteristics to packing convenience, every detail was considered. Nitinol rods at the leading edge are more resistant to bending, allowing the glider to be packed smaller. The VORTEX comes standard with the Concertina Bag Light, but you can also use a regular inner bag. With its ultralight construction, the VORTEX weighs just 3.3 kg in size XXS (60-85 kg take-off weight), making it one of the lightest in its class.

Please note: due to the two-liner design of the VORTEX, the B3 stall is an effective descent technique, but classic big ears also work perfectly. More on this in the FAQ.

Target group

The VORTEX (EN C/LTF D) is aimed at XC pilots with a passion for hike-and-fly who want to experience the extraordinary performance and high safety of an EN-C two-liner. Pilots with significant experience in the high-B segment, such as those comfortable with the MENTOR 7, will quickly adapt to the VORTEX. It is an accessible and easy-to-handle 2-liner glider.

Test pilots's quotes

"First flights on the production version of the Vortex were amazing! Been flying the first prototype since last spring, and it was my go-to wing for my Pakistan project in the summer. The final version? Super compact, insanely easy to fly—perfect for combos and cross-country. A wing that lets you focus on the flight, not the flying, with killer performance for its class!"

- Red Bull X-Alps Athlete Aaron Durogati

"My first XC flight with the Vortex – NOVA’s new ultralight XC machine! Effortless handling and noticeably more efficient in weak thermals compared to the Codex. A fantastic wing for pilots looking to step into the world of 2-liners in the C category."

- Łukasz Siemiński, NOVA team pilot

"The perfect wing to get into 2-liner flying! Its low aspect ratio provides plenty of passive safety without compromising the flying experience – just the way you want it. Even in stall maneuvers, it behaves as forgivingly as a 3-liner. For me, that means relaxed flying, more confidence in accelerated flight, and simply staying on bar longer. Everything you need for longer distances. And the best part? It’s one of the lightest in its class – perfect for hike-and-fly adventures!"

- Ferdi Vogel, NOVA CEO & test pilot

Technology

Smart stuff. What Nova means by that is, for example, Nitinol. This material can be bent when packing the equipment, but it always returns to its original shape. This characteristic can be very useful! In paragliders, the high-quality Nitinol rods replace the usual nylon rods. They are even more robust and ensure an optimally shaped airfoil contour. In harnesses, the properties of Nitinol are used, among other things, to ensure that the airbag fills with air before take off.

Fewer lines, more performance. One obvious advantage of two-liners is the reduction of drag caused by the lines. More important is the increased stability and the possibility of B-steering. The B-handles can be used to increase the angle of attack very directly and quickly without deforming the airfoil. Consequently, you can fly faster with the two-liner in lively air than with a three-liner.

Under pressure. NOVA Air Scoop is an optimised air intake, which increases the internal wing pressure. NOVA's Air Scoop principle is similar to the ram-air inlet duct on a sports car: increased airflow produces higher pressure. Higher internal pressure in a paraglider means improved performance through increased structural stability and collapse resistance.

Flat profile nose. Anyone who tries to fold a piece of paper around a ball will notice that there are always creases. The nose profile of a paraglider is the same - the sail cloth has to adjust to both the profile and ballooning effect (cells are round, not straight). Double 3D Shaping uses additional seams to reduce creasing and therefore increases the performance of the wing.

Flybubble video review

Materials

Lines

Risers

FAQ

What is the difference to the CODEX?

The VORTEX is a similar development to the CODEX, with the biggest difference being the B-handle control. The VORTEX offers a more direct and firm feel, providing better support for long flights. You can comfortably rest your arms on the B-handles without reducing speed or performance.

On most paragliders, accelerating while pulling the B-handles increases the angle of attack at the wingtips, which reduces performance. The CODEX is unique in that you can pull the B-handles with minimal pressure and no performance loss. In contrast, the VORTEX provides more precise feedback—you feel the wingtips more directly, and small steering inputs result in significant heading changes.

New pilots transitioning to two-liners often prefer lower B-handle pressure, while experienced pilots tend to appreciate a bit more resistance, similar to CCC gliders. The VORTEX strikes a balance, offering easy handling with moderate B-handle pressure.

Another key difference: the VORTEX does not have a stabilo line running down to the riser. This improves roll stability and reduces drag.

Both the CODEX and VORTEX are lightweight, but if you're looking for the lightest two-liner—go for the VORTEX!

The EN-C certification and pilot requirements remain unchanged.

What are the advantages of a two-liner?

A two-liner has the advantage of less line drag. Even more important is the so-called B-steering, which is particularly relevant to accelerated flight. With it, you can very directly change the angle of attack of the paraglider and thus compensate for turbulence. Ultimately, this enables faster flying through turbulent air than would be possible with a three-liner.

How does the B3 stall work?

Pull down the B3 lines symmetrically to initiate the B3 stall. Keep pulling down until the outer wings bend backwards markedly and the sink rate increases significantly. The glider remains stable in this flying state until the B3 line is released again. In all our test flights this manoeuvre proved to be simple and forgiving. If applying big ears we recommend accelerating the wing at least 25%.

Can I do an SIV course with the VORTEX?

Yes, you can!

All required certification collapses were initiated using folding lines. These lines add an extra level in front of the A-risers and are not under tension during flight. They are only pulled down when initiating a collapse, similar to how A-risers are used on traditional paragliders.

Folding lines are necessary for inducing collapses on most two-liners. This is especially true for frontal collapses, as pulling the A-lines often just accelerates the glider instead of causing a collapse. However, aside from certification testing and safety training (where folding line collapses are generally safer than real collapses), these lines serve no purpose.

The VORTEX does not have attachment loops for folding lines. Instead, we recommend alternative maneuvers for SIV training. For example:

• Deep stalls can lead to cravats, allowing you to practice handling them.
• Dynamic pitch recovery creates opportunities for collapses.
• Pitch maneuvers without stopping the glider in front can trigger frontal collapses.
• At full speed, a quick brake input can induce side or frontal collapses.

There’s plenty to learn - even without folding lines!

What is B-steering?

B-steering means controlling the wing using the Height-Adjustable B-Handles (HAB Handles). As an alternative to control via the brake lines, pitch and direction control can thus be carried out in accelerated flight without deforming the airfoil in a way that reduces performance.

How do I adjust the height of the handles?

The height of the carbon handles on the risers can be adjusted to several levels. This allows ergonomic adjustment to upper arm length and harness geometry. To do this, remove both caps from the carbon tube, loosen the screw connection with a hexagonal nut, position the HAB-Handle at the desired height, close the screw connection and replace the caps.

Nova service info

Read Nova service info here.

Nova product registration

Register your Nova product here.