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Paraglider variometer comparison

Which is the right variometer for me?

Finding the right paraglider variometer is not always easy and depends on your requirements, your flying style and your budget. We have put together a comprehensive comparison table and some important points and criteria to help you find the right model.

Compare models

Use the variometer comparison tables below to directly compare functions, features, size, weight, prices and much more.

Determine intended use

What do I want to do with my variometer?

  • Hike & Fly: Hike & Fly devices are light and compact, as well as most simple variometers such as the BlueBip, Skyben 2, BipBip Pro or the Chouka Smart. They are perfect for hike & fly tours due to their size and weight. 
  • Cross-country flying (XC): For long cross-country flights and precise navigation, models such as the Air3 7.35, XC Tracer Maxx II, Skytraxx 5, and the Syride SYS Nav XL, with extensive functions, thermal assistants, maps and airspace recognition are ideal.
  • Beginners and occasional pilots: Simple devices such as the Syride Alti V3, Syride GPS V3, Skytraxx 5 mini, Skydrop, Bipbip Pro V2 offer basic functions at an affordable price.
  • Competitions: High-end models such as the Air3 7.35+, the Skytraxx 5 FF, the XC Tracer Maxx II or the Syride Evolution with competition functions and competition approval, extended range of functions, FLARM, FANET and extensive navigation functions are perfect for competitions.

Comparison table of high-end and XC variometers

Model Syride Evolution Air3 7.35+ Skytraxx 5 XC Tracer Maxx II Skytraxx 5 mini
 
 
Display type E-Ink IPS HD LCD LCD LCD LCD
Display resolution 800 x 600 px 1920 x 1200 px 320 x 240 px 537 x 336 px 240 x 160 px
Color display No Yes No No No
Touch screen Yes Yes No No No
GPS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fanet + FLARM No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Airspaces Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bluetooth Yes Yes Yes Yes No
WIFI Yes Yes Yes No No
USB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
GSM No Yes Yes No No
Sensors GPS, barometer, acceleration, gyro, G-sensor, compass GPS, barometer, acceleration, gyro, G-sensor, compass GPS, barometer, acceleration, gyro, compass GPS, barometer, acceleration, gyro, compass GPS, barometer, acceleration, gyro, compass
Battery life max. 20-30 h 7-20 h 30 h 35 h 60 h
Mass 112x170x15 mm 205x140x21 mm 115x106x15 mm 92x68x18 mm 101x88x16mm
Weight <300 g 665 g 200g 120 g 170g
Field of application XC flights, competitions, thermals XC flights, competitions, thermals XC flights, competitions, thermals XC flights, competitions, thermals XC flights, thermals, hike & fly
price 755 CHF 839 CHF 619 CHF 655 CHF 499 CHF

 

Comparison table for medium and entry-level variometers

Model Syride Nav XL Syride Nav V3 Syride GPS V3 Syride Alti V3 Skybean SkyDrop 
           
Display type LCD LCD LCD LCD LCD
Display resolution 240 x 400 px 240 x 160 px 128 x 64 px 128 x 64 px 240 x 160 px
Color display No No No No No
Touch screen No No No No No
GPS Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Fanet + FLARM No No No No No
Airspaces Yes Yes No No Yes
Bluetooth Yes No No No Yes
WIFI No No No No No
USB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
GSM No No No No No
Sensors GPS, barometer, G-sensor GPS, barometer, G-sensor GPS, barometer, G-sensor GPS, barometer, G-sensor GPS, barometer
Battery life max. 10-40 h 45 h 40 h >200 h 25 h
Mass 100x61x17 mm 100x61x17 mm 100x61x17 mm 100x61x17 mm 98x57x19 mm
weight 81g 90 g 83 g 75 g 80 g
Field of application XC flights, thermals, hike & fly XC flights, thermals, hike & fly XC flights, thermals, hike & fly Training, Thermals Training, Thermals
Price 518 CHF 460 CHF 399 CHF 239 CHF 299 CHF

Comparison table Hike&Fly Variometer

model XC Tracer Mini V Ultrabip Skybean 2 BlueBip Solar  Bipbip Pro V2 Syride One V3 Chouka Smart 
               
Display type LCD No display No display No display No display No display No display
Display resolution App-based App-based 128 x 64 px App-based App-based No display App-based
Color display No No display No No display No display No display No display
Touch screen No No No No No No No
GPS Yes Yes Yes No No No No
Fanet + FLARM Yes No No No No No No
Airspaces Yes No No No No No No
Bluetooth Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
WIFI No No No No No No No
USB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes   Yes
GSM No No No No No No No
Sensors GPS, barometer, gyro, compass GPS, barometer, acceleration, gyro,  barometer GPS, barometer, acceleration, gyro,  barometer Barometer Barometer
Battery life max. 30 h + solar 50 h + solar 150 h 100 h + solar 400 h + solar 290 h 40 h
Mass 695x495x165 mm 58x36x14 mm 62x28x15 mm 58x36x14 mm 58x36x14 mm 53x43x14 mm 32 x 25 x 16 mm
weight 46 g 29 g 63 g 26 g 26 g 19 g 13 g
Application range XC flights, thermals, hike & fly XC flights, thermals, hike & fly Hike & Fly, thermals Hike & Fly, thermals Hike & Fly, thermals Hike & Fly, thermals Hike & Fly, thermals
Price 499 CHF 299 CHF 85 CHF 199 CHF 119 CHF 85 CHF 79 CHF

Personal advice

If you are still unsure despite the overview table, we will be happy to advise you at any time - to help you make the right choice.

Summary

Advanced variometers
Air3 7.35+, Skytraxx 5, Syride Evolution and Xc Tracer Maxx II are high-end devices designed for competition and cross-country flying.


Hike & Fly Variometer
Models such as the Ultrabip, BlueBip, Skybean 2 and Syride One are lightweight and ideal for mobile pilots.


Simple variometers

The Syride GPS V3, Syride Alti V3 and Skybean Skydrop offer cost-effective solutions for beginners and students.

Compiled by Paragliding24.ch

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