Which variometer is right for me?
When paragliding, a reliable variometer is essential for accurately recording altitude, climb rate and airspace information.
With the Skytraxx 5 and the Skytraxx 5 Mini Skytraxx offers two powerful options for pilots - but which model suits your needs better?
While the Skytraxx 5 scores with a large display, extensive navigation functions, WLAN and Bluetooth, the Skytraxx 5 Mini impresses with its compact design and simple operation, unbeatable price/performance ratio and ultra-light weight - ideal for hike & fly adventures.
In this comparison we take a look at the most important differences to help you make the best choice for your flights. 🪂✨
Function |
||
Take-off and landing sites |
✅ |
✅ |
Live tracking with OGN, burnair, SafeSky, PureTrack, Xcontest (in progress) |
✅ |
❌ |
Waypoints |
✅ |
✅ |
Wind display from ground stations |
✅ |
✅ |
FANET radar |
✅ |
✅ |
Hike mode |
❌ |
✅ |
Start check |
✅ |
✅ |
FLARM Tester |
✅ |
✅ |
Device status |
✅ |
✅ |
Map overflight |
✅ |
✅ |
Configurable screens |
✅ |
✅ |
Font size |
✅ |
✅ |
Internal antenna |
❌ |
✅ |
Magnetic sensor |
✅ |
✅ |
Pressure sensor |
✅ |
✅ |
Acceleration sensor |
✅ |
✅ |
Gyro |
✅ |
✅ |
Memory |
32GB |
32GB |
Dimensions |
115x106x15mm |
101x88x16mm |
Display size |
90x68mm |
75x50mm |
Resolution |
320x240 |
240x160 |
Display easy to read in sunlight |
✅ |
✅ |
Autonomy |
30 hours |
60 hours |
Operation |
4 buttons |
4 buttons |
Weight |
200Gr. |
180gr. |
USB connection |
USB-C |
USB-C |
WLAN |
✅ |
❌ |
Bluetooth |
✅ |
❌ |
GSM |
✅ |
❌ |
Automatic time zones |
✅ |
✅ |
FANET |
✅ |
✅ |
FANET live thermals |
✅ |
✅ |
FANET SOS |
✅ |
✅ |
FLARM |
✅ |
✅ |
FLARM Aware (reception) with costs |
✅ |
✅ |
ADS-L Out chargeable |
✅ |
✅ |
burnair |
✅ |
❌ |
Instant Vario |
✅ |
✅ |
GNSS |
✅ |
✅ |
Software updates free of charge |
✅ |
✅ |
Airspace monitoring |
barometric and MSL |
barometric and MSL |
Airspaces |
worldwide |
worldwide |
Wildlife protection zones |
✅ |
✅ |
Obstacles |
✅ |
✅ |
Thermal assistant |
✅ |
✅ |
Route optimization |
✅ |
✅ |
Competition |
✅ |
✅ |
Routes |
Yes, any number |
Yes, any number |
Goto |
✅ |
✅ |
Simple updating |
✅ |
✅ |
IGC files |
✅ |
✅ |
Direct upload of flights to an XC server: burnair, DHV (proof of training), Xcontest, airtime, XCcup, XCglobe. |
✅ |
❌ |
Over the air updates |
✅ |
❌ |
kk7 thermal display |
✅ |
✅ |
KML files |
✅ |
✅ |
Statistics |
✅ |
✅ |
Flight logbook |
✅ |
✅ |
burnair online logbook |
✅ |
❌ |
Varioprofiles |
✅ |
✅ |
User airspaces |
✅ |
✅ |
Waypoints from file |
✅ |
✅ |
Auto QNH |
✅ |
✅ |
AGL |
18GB |
18GB |
Screen pages |
any number |
any number |
Voice output |
✅ |
✅ |
FAI triangle assistant |
✅ |
✅ |
Languages |
De, En, Fr, Po, It |
De, En, Fr, Po, It |
Units |
metric, imperial |
metric, imperial |
Altitude profile display |
✅ |
✅ |
Barogram |
✅ |
✅ |
Sliding range |
✅ |
✅ |
Localities |
✅ |
✅ |
Price |
649 CHF |
499 CHF |
Conclusion
Both models from Skytraxx offer precise height measurement, FANET & FLARM technology and intuitive operation. The Skytraxx 5 is the perfect choice for XC pilots and competition pilotswho need a large touch display, extended airspace alerts and long battery life, and OTA services (over the air i.e. via a SIM card and mobile network), as well as WLAN and Bluetooth. The Skytraxx 5 Mini on the other hand, is ideal for Hike & Fly pilotswho are looking for a lightweight, compact yet powerful variometer.
The decision depends on your flying style: Maximum functions for long cross-country flights or minimum weight for mountain adventures? No matter which model you choose - with Skytraxx you will fly safely and efficiently! Find the right variometer in the online store and get started! 🪂✨
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