Phi is Hannes Papesh’s paraglider brand. Its line-up includes high-performance wings such as the “Scala 2 Light”, the evolution of the first version that was seen at the Red Bull X-Alps, and the Maestro 2 (high B). But to get closer to ZOOM, we first need to look at the manufacturer’s philosophy:
“PHI is different in many ways. For starters, that otherness is reflected in our workflow. Our team is made up of personalities with great experience and deep knowledge. Some of our team members shaped the paragliding industry in important ways before.
Others joined the paragliding industry recently to enrich PHI’s vision. We all work self-sufficiently and, for the most part, independently of location. Challenges are our strengths and, backed by modern digital solutions, PHI is thriving thanks to our complementary teamwork. Our pillars are: pure, reduced, focused, efficient, flexible, unleashed, finally free.”
So, what is ZOOM? Let’s get to it — but first, a quick look!
Hannes Papesh explains:
“ZOOM is a consequence of my ‘Free the competence’ initiative! I believe we should give designers, test pilots and technical experts more weight in the industry again!
Paragliding, like many other fields, has a history: in the beginning, the inventors (technical experts) founded the companies, but once the business is up and running the businesspeople take control and try to push the inventors out of the company or make them small and invisible. But the businesspeople forget that innovative technicians are needed! Nothing will work without them!
I had to fight my own battles to finally be free and independent. PHI’s success shows that all the marketing ‘blah blah’ from salespeople is not necessary! You just need very good products: people try them and buy them!
Now I can free other designers and give them the chance to thrive.
Welcome Alex Höllwarth: now unleashed as well!”
