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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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