Hello, fellow pilots! Today we are talking about a wing that left a really good taste in my mouth: the UP Makalu 5. I have had the chance to test it in different conditions, from gentle ridge soaring to playful thermals, and I can tell you now that it is an ideal companion for progressing in this wonderful world of free flight.
First impressions and preparation
Straight out of the bag, the Makalu 5 gives off good vibes. The Flexipack packing bag is practical, with a zip to compress the kit nicely. The glider fabric feels robust and durable, something always welcome, especially when we are starting out and want a wing that will stay with us for several seasons. UP uses a combination of Dominico 30DMF (WR) fabric for most of the top and bottom surfaces, and Porcher Skytex 40 Hard for the ribs. Lightweight fabrics are in fashion, but sometimes durability is sacrificed; with the Makalu 5, UP seems to have found a good balance.
Getting it ready for launch is easy. Even in spots with some wind and uneven ground, like where I tested it on sand and stones, the wing lays out well and the cell openings are easy to identify. A very important point is that all the lines are sheathed, using Edelrid Dyneema lines for the gallery, middle cascade and main lines, plus Cousin for the brakes. This not only protects the lines from abrasion and UV rays, it also makes the pre-flight check much easier and prevents tangles. For those of us with some practice, reverse launching is quick and straightforward.
Makalu 5 in the air: behaviour and feel
Once in the air, the Makalu 5 (EN/LTF B certified) proves to be a very friendly and predictable wing. The unit I tested, in size L and loaded at around 115 kg, floated beautifully.
- Turning and thermalling: What surprised me most was how it turns in thermals: natural, intuitive and spectacularly efficient. It gets into the core well and stays there with minimal adjustments. The brakes are on the firm side but well proportioned for a low EN B, allowing precise control with little travel. The wing communicates well what is going on in the air, helping you sniff out and core thermals easily.
- Passive safety: Although I did not face extreme turbulence, when crossing some rotor the wing reacted with a smooth movement, with no need for big corrections. This is key for progressing pilots, as it gives a lot of confidence. UP highlights its “Maximum Suspension Airfoils”, developed for maximum passive safety and enjoyable handling in any conditions.
- Glide: As for glide, the Makalu 5 performs very well, keeping a good sink rate and letting you cover ground with confidence.
- Standout design features: The Makalu 5 incorporates several technologies that contribute to its performance and safety:
- Double 3D panel shaping: Achieves an optimal 3D panel shape in the most critical part of the glider for better airflow.
- Mini Ribs: Small additional ribs at the end of each cell that minimise trailing-edge flutter, making it straighter and more efficient.
- Air Intake Tension lines: Ensure the optimal shape of the cell openings for ideal airflow inside the wing in any circumstances.
- Mid Cell Rods: Rods that support the top surface of the wide cells for a cleaner leading edge.
- Size Optimized line Dimensions: Line diameters are optimised individually for each size, to minimise parasitic drag as much as possible.
- Easy Clean Pockets: Small openings in the stabilos to make it easy to clean out dirt and sand picked up during launches and landings.
Who is the UP Makalu 5 for?
The Makalu series has always been an excellent choice for progressing pilots, and this fifth version not only confirms it but goes a step further. It is a wing you can learn and progress on safely, but it can also be the definitive glider for many pilots looking for recreational and cross-country flying with a high level of passive safety. It is sporty without being nervous, and offers large safety reserves.
The manufacturer describes it as a wing for exploring the skies, suitable for a wide range of pilots, including beginners coming from the A class, occasional pilots and safety-conscious frequent flyers.
Although it is a very fun and manoeuvrable wing, it may not have a strongly freestyle spirit, at least in size L and somewhat below the top of the weight range, where I flew it. More heavily loaded, it could probably show a slightly more acrobatic character.
Conclusion
This UP Makalu 5 review leaves me with the conclusion that this is a fantastic, fun and, above all, very safe paraglider. It offers accessible performance that lets the pilot focus on enjoying the flight and improving their skills. With precise handling, excellent thermalling behaviour and robust construction with quality materials and fully sheathed lines, it is a strong candidate to become your companion for aerial adventures for a long time.
UP Makalu 5 technical specifications (according to the manufacturer):
| Feature | XS | S | SM | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat area (m²) | 20.8 | 23.1 | 25.3 | 27.3 | 29.1 |
| Projected area (m²) | 17.8 | 19.8 | 21.6 | 23.4 | 24.9 |
| Flat aspect ratio | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Projected aspect ratio | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Flat span (m) | 10.5 | 11.1 | 11.6 | 12.0 | 12.4 |
| Projected span (m) | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.1 | 9.5 | 9.8 |
| Number of cells | 46 | 46 | 46 | 46 | 46 |
| Glider weight (kg) | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.3 |
| Optimal weight range (kg) | 60-73 | 69-85 | 79-95 | 90-109 | 103-126 |
| Certified weight range (kg) | 58-75 | 65-90 | 75-100 | 85-110 | 100-130 |
| Certification | EN/LTF B | EN/LTF B | EN/LTF B | EN/LTF B | EN/LTF B |
| Risers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Materials:
- Front top surface / Outer top surface / Band: Dominico 30DMF (WR)
- Rear top surface / Bottom surface: Dominico 30DMF (WR)
- Ribs: Porcher Skytex 40 Hard
- Gallery lines: Edelrid 6480/D-090 (sheathed Dyneema)
- Middle lines: Edelrid 6480/D-090 (sheathed Dyneema)
- Main lines: Edelrid 7950-200/150 (sheathed Dyneema)
- Brake lines: Cousin 989-2.1/1.3/1.1 (sheathed Dyneema)
More information and manufacturer links:
If you want to know more about the UP Makalu 5, check out all the technical details and available colours, or find your nearest dealer, I recommend visiting the official UP Paragliders website:
- Official UP Makalu 5 page: https://www.up-paragliders.com/paragliders/makalu
- UP Paragliders home page: https://www.up-paragliders.com
- Epic double unboxing! Lhotse X and Makalu 5: the new UP Paragliders wings that will make you fly
- UP Summit X review,: UP’s high-end EN B
There you will find all the first-hand information about this magnificent wing and the rest of the product range.
See you in the sky!
