Yes, the IBEX 4 is highly suitable for hike & fly and mountaineering – though not exclusively. The IBEX series have always been versatile wings. The IBEX 4 even more so. It is a very light, compact and simultaneously high performing wing. With the IBEX 4 you can also have wonderful thermic flights and even go cross-country.

• Hike & Fly
• Travelling
• Recreational flights/local soaring
• Mountaineering
• Instruction
• Soaring: with heavy wing-loading it can be used in strong winds
• Cross-country
• Fun: with heavy wing-loading

When we started producing the IBEX in 2007, there were no certified single-surface gliders. The IBEX design had many excellent advantages as a mountaineering wing: low weight, small packing volume, it could be launched in tight, high alpine take-offs, quick inflation (because of the short lines), good performance, high speed (when flown with a higher wing-loading than conventional gliders) and therefore more suited to flying in strong winds.

Single skin gliders obviously weigh less and can be packed to take up less space. Anyone who just wants to quickly "jog" up the hill and fly down can be satisfied with a single skin. But there are still numerous advantages of the IBEX:

• More speed
• Better performance
• Easier to land (flare)
• More enjoyment because the wing is more solid
• Completely suitable for everyday use

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 a 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 For this reason we do not publish performance data. In 2015, our team pilot Robert Schaller flew a 209 km FAI triangle on a PRION 3. The IBEX 4 has even better performance than the PRION 3.

The speed depends greatly on the wing-loading. If you fly the IBEX 4 at the upper end of the weight-range, it will fly pretty fast – really good for strong wind soaring.

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.

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.

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 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.

• Avoid UV rays: minimise its exposure to the sun!
• Store the wing open or loosely folded, dry, in a ventilated dark place.
• Store the wing loosely folded, in a dry, dark place.
• Never store a damp wing.
• Don't drag the wing across the ground (especially the leading edge and rods).
• Avoid sand and dust.
• Never clean it with a hard brush or detergents.
• If it is dirty, use a soft sponge and lots of water.
• Allow a damp or wet glider to dry completely before storing.
• Keep the wing away from acids and acid vapours (car battery).