Varios and GPS: How to choose the right instrument for your practice?
In paragliding, instrumentation isn't there to fly for you, but to extend your senses. Whether you're a beginner, a Hike & Fly enthusiast, or a fierce competitor, the choice between a simple 'beep-beep' and a complex flight computer radically changes how you manage mental effort in the air.
1. The Audible Vario (The "Beep-Beep"): Pure Instinct
This is the minimalist device par excellence. It uses a high-precision pressure sensor (MEMS) to translate atmospheric pressure variations into audible signals. The faster you climb, the faster the beeping frequency.
- Why use it: To avoid cluttering your visual field. It's the ideal tool for beginners who need to keep their eyes on their wing and surroundings, or for ultra-light Hike & Fly enthusiasts.
- Technical point: A good vario should have an adjustable "integration time" to avoid beeping with every pitch movement, while remaining reactive enough to signal entry into a thermal.
2. The Combined Vario-GPS: The Swiss Army Knife
This is the standard today. In addition to pressure, the device integrates a GPS chip. This allows it to calculate your vitesse sol (Ground Speed), vital data for understanding wind influence.
- Solar Vario: Devices like the Mipbip are self-powered. No more battery failure at the top of launch!
- Drift Analysis: GPS allows you to visualize your track. If you're circling a thermal and your track looks like a stretched spiral, you instantly visualize the wind's strength and direction.
3. Competition Tablets and Instruments
Here, we enter the realm of pure performance. These devices offer large screens (often E-ink electronic ink for perfect readability in sunlight) and manage complex airspace.
Glide Calculation (Ground Glide Ratio)
This is the crucial function for cross-country flying. The device calculates in real-time whether, with your current altitude and headwind, you can clear the next ridge or reach the landing zone. It's your mathematical safety net.
Summary: Which Tool for Which Pilot?
- Beginner / Local Flying: A simple audible vario or a small solar-powered combo (like Vario LS or Mipbip).
- Cross-Country Pilot: A vario-GPS with airspace mapping (like Air3).
- Hike & Fly: Weight saving is the priority. A small, lightweight solar GPS attached to the riser is perfect.
Happy flights, Cyrille MARCK - Rid'Air
