Making something good even better. This was our aim during the development of the ION 5. The result is a high performance, light and safe wing, which will impress you with its even better handling. Basically, a real ION.
Evolution instead of revolution. The ION 4 is this millenniums best-selling NOVA paraglider. The "ION class" has become synonymous with the ultimate in versatile paraglider. It stands for excellent performance, appealing handling and a high degree of passive safety. With the ION 5, we are raising these strengths to a new level.
Handling and glide performance for big adventures. The ION 5 responds directly to brake inputs and the reduced brake pressure makes long thermic flights more comfortable. The new wing tips and the fundamentally improved stress distribution improve the glide performance across the entire speed-range. The level of passive safety and the intended pilot target group remain the same as with its previous model. This makes the ION 5 the perfect companion for relaxed flights, even over several hours and hundreds of kilometres.
Lightweight. Like the ION 4, the ION 5 has been designed as a semi-light wing. We have built on our proven mix of materials, but a large area of the upper and lower surface is made with the new Dokdo 20D cloth. This cloth is even lighter, whilst simultaneously being more durable. At less than 5 kg (size M), this makes the ION 5 suitable for hike & fly, without having to worry about the longevity of the wing.
The ION 5 is suitable for a wide spectrum of pilots. It offers a high degree of passive safety and is suitable for use in schools (as long as your country sanctions the use of an EB B wing for training). On the other hand, the glider has impressive performance, which makes the ION 5 a wing for all occasions. It is a fun wing which turns like a dream, a cross-country machine, a tutor and a gentle acrobat all in one. It is suitable for gifted beginners as well as experienced pilots with cross-country ambitions. The demands on the ION pilots remain constant from one glider generation to the next.
An ION is an ION.
Lu-Glidz is Germany’s most popular paragliding blog and enjoys an outstanding reputation. Now, Lucian Haas tested our ION 5. Here you can go directly to the review (in German).
This is the translation of Lucian's conclusion: "With the Ion 5, Nova has once again succeeded in evolving its successful Low/Mid-B glider concept. The glider has taken over many of the strengths of the Ion 4 – with a dash of more sportiness, turning pleasure and performance as the icing on the cake. Yet, this is also evident in the launch behaviour, which is now not that forgivingly simple and as directionally stable as with its predecessor. Especially in stronger winds the glider reveals a slightly “bitier character”. Once in the air, the Ion 5 is one of the most comfortable, performant and versatile wings in its class. The relatively low weight and packing size (semi-light construction) make the wing also interesting for hike & fly".
Thermik is the #1 paragliding mag in the German speaking countries. In their May issue they published a detailed review of the ION 5. You can download the full review here (it is a 6-page-PDF in German). Thanks to Thermik for the permission.
Conclusion
"The ION 5 is clearly "even better". Without any reliable comparison flights, this remains spectulation, but it feels like performance. I'm quite willing to believe that there's been an addition here. Markedly more obvious is the fine-tuning of the handling. It seems exquisite even for the most demanding gourmets like myself.
Playing with the dynamics works well, and at the same time the ION 5 is also suitable for less experienced pilots. With a few caveats (not everyone wants a racy wing), the ION 5 of course also flies very well, even if you have not yet developed fully automatic responses. The wing spans an attractive arc from thermal flying-oriented beginners to ambitiously mile-munching XC-pilots.
NOVA has dared to significantly improve on their best-selling glider and, in my honest opinion, with complete success. Bravo!"
The French magazine hast published a review of the ION 5 in its July/August 2018 issue. We have translated the most important paragraphs of this test for you. Many thanks to Parapente+ for the permission to put it online.
You can download the full review (it is a 3-page-PDF in French) here.
NOVA ION 5 – To broaden your horizons
If you are looking for a versatile wing that will accompany you as your skills improve as a pilot, and which will serve you in many flying environments (recreational flying, cross-country, hike & fly), the Ion 5 is the wing to make you happy. Uncomplicated and accessible, while still playful – it offers an excellent package of qualities!
Summary
I clearly had the wrong idea about the possibility of stalling or spinning an EN B wing for testing while doing a cross-country flight. Actually, I've been thoroughly questioning myself since I've been testing… On the last day under Ion 5, I flew 86 km with a good average speed and, considering the demanding conditions, I honestly would have much been more reluctant to do this with my usual wing! I particularly remember the physical and psychological comfort that the Ion 5 gave me on cross-country flights. With this wing, you can concentrate on the conditions and your flight strategy, and conserve energy and mental load. It’s easy to fly, forgiving and docile. In turbulence, the Ion 5 is a safe glider with very high passive safety. But it is also fun to fly with its responsive and precise turns. It also delivers plenty of performance to ensure successful transitions and helps you reach more ambitious goals.
The Ion 5 is the right compromise for pilots who are looking for a wing that performs in varying environments and different kinds of paragliding. It actually invites you to travel and adventure.
For whom?
Newbies in the intermediate category with an already good feeling for their wing. Cross-country beginners. Experienced pilots looking for safety and comfort, more than plain performance. Thanks to its low weight it is also suitable for hike & fly. A very wide range of pilots will enjoy themselves under this wing!
The advantages
Its versatility and its high passive safety – it offers a feeling of safety and pleasure at the same time – a glider, which enables the pilot to progress easily – true performance with generally uncomplicated handling – light weight, simple packing, small packing size.
The little disadvantages?
The fabric’s surface is very silky and rather slippery – to fold the wing perfectly may be more difficult – but the Ion 5 does not require a special folding technique, so it can be packed without a concertina bag.
NOVA Air Scoop is an optimised air intake, which increases the internal wing pressure. NOVA's Air Scoop principle is similar to the ram-air inlet duct on a sports car: increased airflow produces higher pressure. Higher internal pressure in a paraglider means improved performance through increased structural stability and collapse resistance.
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | |
| Number of cells | 51 | ||||
| Projected span | 8,07 | 8,50 | 8,90 | 9,29 | 9,66 |
| Projected area | 18,52 | 20,51 | 22,49 | 24,51 | 26,52 |
| Projected aspect ratio | 3,52 | ||||
| Flat span | 10,67 | 11,20 | 11,74 | 12,26 | 12,74 |
| Flat area | 22,06 | 24,31 | 26,69 | 29,12 | 31,44 |
| Flat aspect ratio | 5,16 | ||||
| Line diameter | 0,7 / 0,8 / 1,0 /1,2 / 1,3 | ||||
| Line length | 6,24 | 6,57 | 6,87 | 7,17 | 7,46 |
| Total line length | 215 | 227 | 239 | 248 | 259 |
| Max. chord | 2,57 | 2,70 | 2,82 | 2,95 | 3,05 |
| Min. chord | 0,47 | 0,50 | 0,52 | 0,54 | 0,56 |
| Weight | 3,95 | 4,30 | 4,65 | 4,95 | 5,25 |
| Recommended take off weight | 55-80 | 70-90 | 80-100 | 90-110 | 100-130 |
| Certification (EN/LTF) | B | B | B | B | B |
| Leading edge: | Dominico 30D, 41 g/m2 |
|---|---|
| Top surface: | Dominico 20DPS, 33 g/m2 |
| Lower surface: | Dominico 20DPS, 33 g/m2 |
| Profile ribs (suspended): | Porcher Skytex 40 Hard, 40g/m2 |
| Profile ribs (unsuspended): | Porcher Skytex 40 Hard, 40g/m2 |
| Main lines: | Liros PPSL 191 / TSL 140 |
| Gallery lines: | Edelrid U-8000 series |
| Brake lines: | Cousin 85 / PPSLS65 |
| Risers: | Kevlar 12mm |
Every NOVA paraglider comes with a big package of extra services and guarantees. When you buy the wing you get more than just the product1.
During the initial flights the lines are subjected to real loads for the first time. This leads to stretching and shrinking - regardless of which line material is used. During NOVA Trim Tuning² our software analyses how out of trim the glider has become and then calculates the required correction values. Trim Tuning aids safety and increases your flying fun.
The NOVA Full Service is more than just a check. Just like the Trim Tuning, we analyse the line lengths and ensure that the wing is restored to the optimal profile alignment across the whole of the span. Additionally we give the wing a full health check. Our NOVA Full Service gives you confidence in your wing.
If your wing has undergone NOVA Trim Tuning, the date to the next check is extended from two years to three years. The two-year check becomes a three-year check. This allows you to have an extra year of carefree flying. Please note the maximum permitted flying hours in the manual.
As standard, NOVA provides a three year, rather than a two year, guarantee on its paragliders. If your wing has undergone NOVA Trim Tuning and a NOVA Full Service, then we will extend the guarantee for a further year to four years. You get a good feeling flying a NOVA wing.
If you register your wing at myNOVA, it is added to our Quality Assurance Database. In the database - accessed through myNOVA - you can download all the key data about your wing. The database will also assist the person servicing your glider by getting information about your glider at the click of a button. Your glider will be more comprehensively checked.
1 The guarantee and service provision is limited, subject to conditions and not offered to the same extent in all countries. Detailed information is available in our guarantee conditions.
2 This service is included in the purchase price in selected countries. Please contact your dealer for more information.
This 3D model will assist you to see the approximate appearance of a custom colour. But please be aware: the actual colours may vary from the 3D model. For any queries, please contact your NOVA Partner or email us directly at info@nova.eu.
NOVA Rucksack.The wing and harness will determine the size of the rucksack. We are offering our high quality and comfortable to carry models in size S (110 litres), M (145 litres) and in L (165 litres).
Speed system.Your paraglider is fitted with a high quality speed system. Thanks to three holes in the cord attachment point, it will flexibly and simply adapt to your harness and leg length.
NOVA windsock.So you know where the wind is coming from, we have added a NOVA windsock. With a length of approximately 80cm it is large enough for a take-off site.
Repair kit.Everyone hopes it will never happen: a hole or tear in the paraglider. We have included a minor damage repair kit in the right colour for such an eventuality.
Manual.We have enclosed a very detailed manual which contains everything you need to know about your flying equipment. Please study it before flying your gear for the first time.
Student Riser (optional).As an option, we offer our Student Riser made of 20mm Nylon webbing. It is more wide, coloured and is more comfortable on the ground.
According to the DGAC (France), the ION 5 will be registered for powered flight. The glider is suitable for both free flying and paramotoring. You can find the certification documents in the Downloads section. Especially for powered flight, we have developed a riser with two mounts. It is suitable for two different hook-in heights.
This depends on what type of flying you do. If you are passionate about cross-country flying, then the Speedbrake Riser provides efficient "counter-acceleration", which improves your glide performance. We recommend conventional risers for recreational flyers, acro pilots and hike & fly enthusiasts.
Where the glider is flown in the weight-range is first and foremost a question of personal preference: anyone seeking a high degree of agility and dynamic flying should fly our wings at the higher end of the weight-range. Pilots who are happier with gentle flights with a high degree of damping will be happier in the middle of the weight-range. Of course, the flying conditions have a big influence - in turbulent, windy conditions greater wing loading will bring greater stability; whereas flying the glider at the lower end of the weight-range makes it unbeatable in weak thermals. Correct wing loading is mainly a question of personal preference and the conditions in which you mainly fly. Your Nova dealer will be happy to advise you!
The brakes are components relevant to certification - modification can affect the flying characteristics and extreme flight behaviour. Because of this, we strongly advise against any modification of the brake system. It is important that the brake has sufficient travel before it engages. This is also important so that the wing does not brake automatically when the speed bar is used. Furthermore a brake that engages too early affects performance and influences the recovery during incidents, for example during a collapse or when the canopy goes parachutal.
Performance data depends heavily on the drag created by the pilot and this is linked to their seating position and harness type. An aerodynamic harness or seating position can make the difference of one glide ratio point. We at NOVA never determine absolute performance data, instead we make comparisons with reference gliders. For this reason we do not publish performance data.
The way a pilot holds the brake handles is a matter of personal preference - but it does have significant influence on the handling and flying characteristics of the wing. We recommend a half-wrap. You hold the brake handle in your palm and twist it half way around your hand so that the brake line lies between your thumb and forefinger. This shortens the brake travel by approximately 20 centimetres and this has a positive effect on feedback - firstly you directly feel the travel of the brake line and secondly, with the arms positioned higher, it is easier to feel the wing. The exception is of course when gliding or during other phases of the flight when steering with the brake is not necessary. Please note: when changing from no-wrap to half-wrap, the shortened brake travel must be taken into consideration.
The ION is less dynamic than the MENTOR. The ION is suitable for pilots desiring more comfort and a more relaxed feel while in the air. In comparison, the MENTOR is sportier.
Simplicity is our motto. Our wings can be packed using a concertina bag, but it is not essential. You can fold this wing using your preferred method and pack it in our stuff sack. Be careful not to bend the leading edge rods unnecessarily. This is particularly true if the wing is to be stored for longer periods or if it is packed tightly.
Sail cloth, lines and all other components are subjected to rigorous testing before they are used in serial production. We not only test the sail cloth for durability (high porosity or reduced tear resistance through UV damage or wear) but also for mechanical robustness, for example stretching. For quality control purposes we regularly take samples during serial production.
During the initial flights the lines are first subjected to load. This load induces a small degree of stretching and shrinking. These are not associated with the line manufacturers or the quality of workmanship - in the factory all NOVA paragliders are trimmed and pre-stretched to within a very low tolerance. To adjust this stretching or shrinking, we recommend that the wing is taken for NTT (NOVA Trim Tuning) after ten to twenty flights - after one year at the very latest. Generally, the line lengths remain constant after the first ten to twenty hours. To make full use of the NTT, NOVA encourages all pilots to have their wing checked after ten to twenty flying hours.
The best person to contact is your authorised NOVA dealer. If there are no paragliding schools in your country, contact the NOVA importer. A list of our dealers and distribution network can be found here. If you have specific questions you are welcome to contact us directly.
Dry, not packed too tightly and if possible in a space without wide temperature variations - these are the conditions that make our paragliders feel well. You should never store a wing when it is moist. You should also avoid excessive heat, like you would have, for example, in the car. Never remove dirt using chemical detergents and/or brushes.
The NOVA Trim Tuning is optional. We would strongly recommend it, but there is no obligation to have the NTT. You can skip the tuning and have your wing fully inspected during the NOVA Full Service.
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