ICARO paragliders | XS Gleitschirme

Unlimited selection for everyone's taste:

7 XS-models of ICARO paragliders

"XS-gliders are slower then their big brothers!"
"XS-gliders have less performance!"
"XS-gliders are heavier compared to the pilots weight!"

... absolute nonsense!

Our XS-gliders are being developed especially for this size. They are tested and positioned by real XS- pilots who would never accept less performance and less safety then the heavier competition has to offer!

Since our „mini pilots“ also like to walk and do not want to carry more than their fellow pilots we build all non load-bearing parts out of the ultra light Skytex 27.

We have all classes: Starting from class 1 up to competition gliders. We offer 7 models, even the NIKITA is available with 15,8 m² area flat.!

For any preference, wish or level of flight experience there is a thoroughly tested andespecially developed XS paraglider model available. You are free to make your own choice ...


CYBER 4 XS (LTF 1 / EN A) Our brand-new school and beginner glider ...	INSTINCT XS LTF 1 / 1-2 Agile and safe wing for fun and thermalling ...	WILDCAT XS LTF B / EN B Our newest XS model: performanct, easy ...


MAVERICK XS (LTF 2) Fast, performant, OLC winner 2009 ...	INCANTO XS LTF 2 Sensitive intermediate, precessor of WILDCAT ...	NIKITA 2 XS acro competition The smallest NIKITA with 15.8 m² area flat ...


GTO XS competition For experienced pilots there is our competition wing GTO in XS ...

Why most of the XS gliders on the market are homologated only for a minimum take off weight of 60 kg?

The new EN/LTF homologation for paragliders constitutes that for the minimal take off weight only 2 kg may be subtracted from the effective take off weight, with which the test pilot has flown. Let's make a simple calculation: assuming 60 kg minimum take off weight wanted for homologation, the test pilot may weight 62 kg in flight all equipment included. Minus 5 kg for the wing => 57 kg. Minus harness, rescue parachute, life vest => 52 kg. Minus radio, technical equipment => 50 kg. This is the weight the pilot may have, including his clothes!

Why some XS models fly slower than stated by the manufacturer?

A guess: the stated speed (trim, accelerated) was measured with the maximal take off weight. Probably also with a well aerodynamically shaped harness. As far as our experience goes an additional load plus of 5 kg induces a speed plus of 1 km/h. Assuming a weight range of 20 kg for the upper and lower take off weight (which is normal), a XS model would fly already 4 km/h less than stated only for the reason of less wing load. E.g. stated trim speed of 38 km/h the XS model flies with minimum wing load ca. 34 km/h. Assuming additionally a measuring tolerance of 10% even only 31 km/h. This is exactly the trim speed the wing must have to pass homologation.

Our tip: try & trust yourself, paper doesn't blush.

What makes ICARO's XS paragliders to especially developed XS wings?

1. The right area

The comparison of surface data of XS paragliders on the Internet brings a stately range. The flat surfaces reach from 21.8 m² up to 25.5 m². Our XS size models are mostly the smallest with a flat area of app. 21 m² or 18 m² area projected.
To find out whether a XS wing is really suitable for light-weight pilot or female pilot with 65 kg weight in flight, the pure figures or the manufacturers give only one first clue, there:

there is, on the one hand, no standardised formula for the calculation of the surface of a paraglider: neither flat nor projected.
and on the other hand the characteristic of the wing model must be considered.

* Tabels with the data of current XS models on the market are found further below.

2. The right choice of material

When scaling down a paraglider, its area diminishes strongly but the weight of the canopy relatively less. This means that a XS size wing in relation to its XS size pilot is heavier then a M size wing in relation to its M size pilot.

That's why we construct our XS models in a lighter mode. This helps a lot when take off conditions are adverse, as e.g. light backward winds or snowy ground. XS size pilots are smaller and run with less momentum into the canopy. When take off conditions are difficult heavier canopies may tend to hang behind pilots back more easily.

In contrast light-weight constructed XS models can be launched without difficultly. Beside they can be carried to the take off more easily.

3. Fair trim speed

XS pilots also want to fly fast and not play an air buoy. Especially them, with a low body weight and probably a light-weight harness, should have a fair trim speed. This is not always easy to achieve but we adjust our XS gliders always as fast as possible.

4. Shorter risers

Tragegurte für einen XS-Schirm. XS pilots need shorter risers e.g. to make Big Ears or in a SIV to reach high enough into the lines to simulate a good asymmetric collapse.

5. Direct handling

Even often slightly more agile then the big sizes since XS pilots have generally spoken a sensitive touch and appreciate a shorter brake range.

Perfekt für XS-Piloten: das Energy Cross Gurtzeug.

6. Concerted accessories

As e.g. the small rucksack of ICARO paragliders or the new reversible harness Energy Cross. Since nobody wants to go to the take off with a half-empty rucksack wobbling around and to ruin his back.

CYBER 4 XS

CYBER 4 XS :: der ideale Einsteigerschirm für leichte Piloten. Our brand-new training and beginner wing with new design and new profile. Extremely safe and reliable: the ideal choice for thermal loving newcomers and everybody who think highly of maximum passive safety combined with flight fun, performance and good handling.

For CYBER 4 XS we reduced the area down to 18 m² projected - extremely small compared to similar glider models on the market. But in our experience 18 m² area projected is the ideal area for a take off weight of 55-75 kg. CYBER 4 XS is as fast, as safe as its big brothers and features the same comfortable sensation in flight.

Paraglider model	ICARO CYBER 4 XS	SWING AXIS.22	SKYWALK MESCAL 2 XS	ADVANCE ALPHA 4.23	NOVA PRION 19	GRADIENT BRIGHT 3.24
Area flat	21.79	25.4	23.18	23.66	22.32	23.94
Area projected	18.41	22.7	23.18	20.27	19.02	20.86
Take off weight (min-max)	55 - 75 kg	55 - 80 kg	55 - 80 kg	55 - 75 kg	60 - 80 kg	60 - 80 kg

The table is an arbitrary choice of existing paraglider models size XS on the market. The technical information is taken from the web page of the manufacturers. State: 15th of May 2010.

Certification: tested by the manufacturer for LTF 1 / EN A. We assure by extensive company internal tests that the XS size corresponds to the homologation criteria for the class LTF 1 - see please our test protocol:

all information CYBER 4
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INSTINCT XS

Fun & action: agile fun and thermal wing for a broad range of pilots, beginning from the newcomer up to thermal pilots.

INSTINCT XS :: der ideale Einsteigerschirm für leichte Piloten. Developping INSTINCT XS we learned something more: when scaling down a wing, its area diminishes strongly but the weight of the canopy relatively less. This means that a XS size wing in relation to its XS size pilot is heavier then a M size wing in relation to its M size pilot. So we chose a lighter construction for the INSTINCT XS.

XS size pilots are smaller and run with less momentum into the canopy. When take off conditions are difficult heavier canopies may tend to hang behind pilots back more easily. INSTINCT XS lower sail is made of light sail cloth, it takes off therefore excellently also in adverse conditions, like e.g. slightly backwards wind, snowy ground.

All summed up INSTINCT XS is a convincing fun glider for a weight range of 55 – 75 kg. Apropos: whenever someone is looking for an easy and safe wing for learning acro & freestyle - we love to recommend INSTINCT XS.

Paraglider model	ICARO INSTINCT XS	SWING ARCUS 6.22	SKYWALK TEQUILA 2 XS	ADVANCE	NOVA ION 19	GRADIENT
Area flat	21.92	25.7	22.57	-	22.62	-
Area projected	18.10	22.0	22.57	-	19.00	-
Take off weight (min-max)	55 - 75 kg	60 - 80 kg	60 - 80 kg	-	60 - 80 kg	-

Certification: LTF 1/1-2 (non accelerated/accelerated).

all information INSTINCT
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WILDCAT XS

WILDCAT XS our newest XS model is homologated with LTF/EN B and feast for the eyes. With WILDCAT XS we refined until final homologation its high trimm speed and direct handling - especially we wanted to have these characteristics also for the lower take off weight. We "turned all screws upwards" as far as we could so the WILDCAT passed easily homologation for the class LTF B / EN B also with the upper weight.

WILDCAT XS :: die heisseste Gleitschirm-Empfehlung des Sommers. The result is a universal wing, fast, performant, easy to fly and with agile handling - and all this also at thelower weight range. It's ideal for pilots with a take off weight of 57 – 75 kg, and makes fun newcomers as well as experienced pilots. Its strength lies in thermal flying and its performance, speed and passive safety of a glider of class B, seduce downright to try out new routes and return back home.

Prehaps for this it is a little bit fast at the upper weight range :-) but for whom it is to fast with 75 kg, can take the WILDCAT size S which is homologated from 65 kg.

Paraglider model	ICARO WILDCAT XS	SWING MISTRAL 6.22	SKYWALK CHILI 2 XS	ADVANCE EPSILON 6.23	NOVA MENTOR XXS	GRADIENT GOLDEN 3.22
Area flat	22.60	24.2	23.19	23.10	21.68	22.40
Area projected	18.50	20.7	23.19	19.76	18.60	19.39
Take off weight (min-max)	57 - 75 kg	60 - 80 kg	60 - 85 kg	60 - 80 kg	60 - 80 kg	62 - 77 kg

Certification: LTF B / EN B.

all information WILDCAT
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MAVERICK XS

Our smallest MAVERICK was finished in autumn. It features a really high trim speed, which was registered by our female test pilots immediately in the first minutes flying the wing and commented enthusiastically with "oh, so fast I have never flown with an XS." Of course this happens within the allowed weight range.

MAVERICK XS :: endlich schnell auf Strecke mit 60 kg. MAVERICK XS is performant, fast and convinces with its dynamic handling. Prehaps it is even slightly more agile then its big brothers. But it meets fully the homologation criteria for the class LTF 2, what we gladly confirm with our company internal test flight protocols:

This makes also the MAVERICK XS is a "wellness" wing, a term created by Uli Strasser for his MAVERICK size M, his favourite OLC and XC wing since 2 years.

Paraglider model	ICARO MAVERICK XS	SWING ASTRAL 6.22	SKYWALK CAYENNE 3 XS	ADVANCE SIGMA 7.23	NOVA FACTOR 19	GRADIENT ASPEN 3.22
Area flat	22.60	24.00	22.24	23.10	22.60	21.87
Area projected	18.72	20.2	22.24	19.69	18.98	18.74
Take off weight (min-max)	55 - 75 kg	60 - 80 kg	60 - 80 kg	60 - 80 kg	65 - 95 kg	65 - 75 kg

Certification: tested by the manufacturer for LTF 2.

all information MAVERICK
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INCANTO XS

Our first XS model. INCANTO XS has been homologated one category higher then its big brothers. In flight operation the INCANTO XS is reliable and safe. Its characteristic to damp thermal turbulences flapping a bit with the stabilos makes it the perfect master teacher for active flying. If it is flown with slightly pulled brakes the ears remain open even in turbulences. At the time it was brought onto the market INCANTO XS was one of the top performing gliders in the 1-2 class, close to class 2. This year it was displaced by the new intermediate glider WILDCAT.

Paraglider model	ICARO INCANTO XS
Area flat	21.87
Area projected	18.95
Take off weight (min-max)	55 - 75 kg

Certification: LTF 2.

all information INCANTO
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NIKITA 2 XS

NIKITA 2 in XS :: der beste Acroschirm für leichte Piloten. The smallest NIKITA with 15.8 m² area flat, available on demand. Designed for two team acro pilots of ICARO paragliders - Gudrun and Basti. Basti Kahn was very successful on this win in the Acro World Cup 2009. Our smallest NIKITA performs all aerobatic manoeuvres perfectly and smoothly. The optimal weight load is from 70 – 80 kg.

Paraglider model	ICARO NIKITA 2 XS
Area flat	15.8
Area projected	13.78
Take off weight (min-max)	70 - 80 kg

Certification: Load test.

all information NIKITA 2
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GTO XS

For experienced pilots we offer our competition wing GTO in size XS: with 20.81 m² area flat, 16,15 m² area projected and an aspect ratio of 7.49. A class of its own. Our italian partner has been flying, testing and adjusting this wing meanwhile for a year. Now the XS size is officially available.

GTO XS :: Wettkampfleistung auf kleinster Fläche. The GTO XS is optically attractive and flying with it a thrilling experience. Who wants to come to know flight performance immediately perceptible, who wants to glide majestically distances of new length only in soft upward wind, to all those pilots we recommend the GTO XS warmly, at least for one calm flight above lake of Garda. GTO XS features a manageable extreme flight behaviour, no problem at all for active pilots of its class.

We recommend GTO XS for a take off weight range from 70 – 90 kg.

Paraglider model	ICARO GTO XS
Area flat	20.81
Area projected	16.15
Take off weight (min-max)	70 - 90 kg

Certification: tested by the manufacturer.

all information GTO
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