Test Log · Nova Nexo · Entry #1 · Status: Just arrived
The Nova Nexo is not landing on the market as a strict novelty, but it does open a significant new chapter for our newsroom: we have just agreed a direct collaboration with Nova Paragliders. The Austrian brand’s premise was clear-cut: no strings attached, no red lines and complete freedom to give our opinion on this and the next models that pass through our hands.
To open this cycle, we have a size XL (100-125 kg) in the hangar. Just yesterday we took off 900 m above the valley on the slopes of Zoopigi, in Cyprus, taking advantage of those soft autumn thermals that wake up around 11:30, for a first real contact on a short recreational XC over completely unfamiliar terrain.
Feel in the air: gentle on the ground, refined in the turn
On launch it is gentle and easy, with no tendency to overshoot and no dead spots during inflation. It is a classic, accessible three-liner concept, with 51 cells and a moderate aspect ratio of 5.15, and a choice of fabric and lines designed for durability and to keep life simple on rough or rocky launches. Zero visual intimidation; pure functionality.
Loading the XL at around 115 kg in flight — right in the recommended thermal/XC range — the wing’s personality shines as soon as you ask it to turn:
- Brakes and weight-shift: medium travel and pressure, but with exceptionally clean weight transfer. It lets you bite and tighten into the core on a sixpence; the wing doesn’t overreact or waste energy in unnecessary pitching, carving a smooth, round and very pleasant turn.
- Climb rate and glide: remarkably floaty. Sharing climbs with other benchmark wings in the area, its performance quickly makes you forget you are flying a mid-B — Nova actually places it as a “low B”, but I refuse to call this paraglider low given the liveliness of its turn and the finesse with which it responds.
- Speed range: the speed bar delivers around +16 km/h over trim speed, with structural solidity and a planted nose that inspire immediate confidence when crossing lively air.
- Approach: impeccable speed control. The stall point is far away and predictable, which let me make a precise XC landing on a narrow track between bushes and crops without the slightest drama.
It had been a while since I last flew a Nova design — since the Mentor 6 — and this Nexo confirms something we have always argued: accessibility and passive safety do not have to be at odds with responsive, rewarding handling.
Nova Nexo technical specifications
Nova offers the Nexo in a very wide range of 6 sizes (from XXS to XL), covering a certified weight range from 50 kg to 125 kg. The brand also gives recommended loading windows depending on the main use (thermal, XC or freestyle):
| Specifications | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL |
| Number of cells | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
| Projected span (m) | 7.06 | 7.65 | 8.29 | 8.98 | 9.35 | 9.85 |
| Projected area (m²) | 16.70 | 17.90 | 19.50 | 21.20 | 22.98 | 25.50 |
| Projected aspect ratio | 3.81 | 3.81 | 3.81 | 3.81 | 3.81 | 3.81 |
| Flat span (m) | 8.89 | 9.64 | 10.45 | 11.32 | 11.79 | 12.42 |
| Flat area (m²) | 19.61 | 21.02 | 22.90 | 24.90 | 26.99 | 29.95 |
| Flat aspect ratio | 5.15 | 5.15 | 5.15 | 5.15 | 5.15 | 5.15 |
| Max. chord (m) | 2.13 | 2.31 | 2.51 | 2.72 | 2.83 | 2.98 |
| Wing weight (kg) | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.5 |
| Recommended range – Thermal (kg) | 50–60 | 60–70 | 70–80 | 80–90 | 90–100 | 100–115 |
| Recommended range – XC (kg) | 52–64 | 62–74 | 72–84 | 82–94 | 92–104 | 102–119 |
| Recommended range – Freestyle (kg) | 62–70 | 70–80 | 80–90 | 90–100 | 100–110 | 115–125 |
| Certified weight range (kg) | 50–70 | 60–80 | 70–90 | 80–100 | 90–110 | 100–125 |
| Certification (EN / LTF) | B | B | B | B | B | B |
What’s next in the Nexo test log
This first contact in Zoopigi sets the bar high, but the rigorous analysis is only just beginning. With the EN B class accounting for close to 80% of the world market, breaking down the behaviour of each design in this segment is vital to guide pilots’ progression with real judgement.
The Nexo opens our Test Log: in the coming entries we will put it through pure thermalling, ridge-soaring performance, freestyle manoeuvres, collapse behaviour and recovery, full bar into a headwind and every real-world flying situation a pilot faces day to day. Each session will get its own entry in the log and, at the end, we will publish the full video test and in-depth report on Ojovolador.com.
Nova Nexo test log
#1 · Just arrived: first contact in Zoopigi, Cyprus (you are here)
#2 · Coming soon: the Nexo under test
See all Nova Nexo entries →
+ Info: nova.eu
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