WORTH THE UPGRADE? Phi SCALA 2 Paraglider Review

The SCALA 2 Test & Review - Is aspect ratio too high? Is it worth the upgrade? The SCALA 2 is the more heavy and robust version of the SCALA 2 light, which has been developed for hike and fly races like the Redbull X-alps. The athletes need a wing that is not only superbly performing, but also is very easy in every matter. They need to trust the wing’s stability and safety when they are tired and not that concentrated. The SCALA 2 is the evolution of the first version of the SCALA. PHI tuned on many screws to make it even better in performance, easyness and simplicity. The SCALA 2 is a high level EN C class wing! With it’s high aspect ratio and performance the SCALA 2 stands out of the C class. It is a kind of game changer.
More about this paraglider: flybubble.com/phi-scala-2
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#scala2 #paraglider

[@flybubbleparagliding]

😎Any Phi Scala 2 pilots here? 👋 💥PHI SCALA 2 LIGHT REVIEW: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noPciKKKqcSXgNk ❌Avoid This Mistake 98% Pilots Do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5WnoJmIrdKDf5I 🌪Strong Wing Take Off Control: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3bYl6OYfsykrJI 🧱Building A Wall: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap-afZSmeKl2m80

[@FlyPhiGuy]

As always, a great review. Thanks! As a Maestro 2 Light pilot, I really appreciated the comments on upgrading at the end of the video. I feel that Phi has a hole in their upgrade path for me. I'll look forward to your review of the Codex and X2C Light:-)

[@flybubblecarlo]

Hi. As I said in the review, I think for most pilots upgrading from high B wing to a high C wing would likely be too big a step. I therefore agree that for most pilots Phi currently has a hole in their upgrade path - other than from the Allegro or Allegro Light, which don't offer more performance than the Maestro 2 / Light, except a bit of top speed. Hopefully Phi will fill that hole in the not too distant future, with either a 2.5 or 2 line mid C wing. Having said this, if a pilot felt they had really done a lot of flying on their high B wing, were very happy in SIV and wing overs, hardly ever got any collapses, no issues launching in all but silly conditions, and in general their wing control was really dialled, then I think that for some upgrading from a high B wing to a high C wing like the Scala 2 could be an ambitiously sensible thing to do. If in doubt, upgrading to a mid C wing would be the more sensible step, whether a 3, 2.5 or 2 liner. The challenge Phi has is that the Maestro 2 and Maestro 2 Light perform so damned well, as I got to see once again in Colombia recently!

[@FlyPhiGuy]

@@flybubblecarlo As always, thanks for the thoughtful response. I appreciate the advice.

[@rodrigoayala2071]

Aquí en roldanillo Colombia estos parapentes si se ve realmente como se comporta en vuelo ❤❤❤❤

[@hagenmuehlich1607]

I fly the Scala 2 too, changing from Skywalk Mint (which I loved but lost weight - chance to try out other C 2 Liner) and I agree with your review 100 %. The glider is awesome in all ways. The solidity is a blast. Launching forward in nil wind or light tailwind is super easy too by grabbing the complete A´s. I also realized that you can pump up the wing quite efficiently when soaring by pulling the B risers shortly. That´s a crazy feeling :-)

[@BertrandMangin]

What à great pleasure always to watch your review ! Warm thanks

[@flybubblecarlo]

Thanks to you, and glad you enjoyed watching this review.

[@user-eu9bm1gj9f]

Loved your review Carlo, Phi seem to be putting out a lot of good product. Thanks for your contribution to our flying community .

[@flybubblecarlo]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the review - and even more so that you feel we're contributing to our flying community, the reason we continue producing videos and articles.

[@flybubblecarlo]

I agree, the Phi team seem to be making a lot of good products. What I also see is that other brands see this and so are responding e.g. to my knowledge before Phi brought out the Symphonia in 2017 there were no high A wings (at least none as good as that). Now we have a few high A wings, with another recently released by another top brand (Ozone Alta), which I personally think is a great step forwards for our sport (even if some don't get the high A wing thing). By genuinely innovating, brands up the ante for all brands - in so doing improving things for the whole flying community. Our flying gear keeps getting better and better! Of course Phi aren't the only one innovating like this. Thanks to all brands and designers who do!

[@user-eu9bm1gj9f]

And Carlo, please do not diminish your and Nancy’s role on the impact you bring to the sport. In doing your objective and neutral analysis and reviews of the various wings, harness’s etc. You not only educate us the enthusiastic average pilot, but also squeeze out the best from the designers and manufacturers. To my knowledge, you are the only channel that consistently produces high quality and regular reviews. Thank you 🙏

[@ripmanridin7092]

Really good review!

[@flybubbleparagliding]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks! 🥳

[@theeyeinthecloud]

Very happy to see your video appear! I poored myself a glass a wine to sit in front of my computer. Thanks for posting! It seems the light version doesn't have the rods all along. I tested the normal version and it was a real pleasure. I was on a "watch out" state due to the aspect ratio. I here discovered a 2 liner wing of 6.8 compared to my 6.05 3 liner delta 4. What a blade! It raises up easyer grabing the 2 middle A's (like the delta but easyer). The turn is good. I love gliders wich are biting the thermal, I mean those pitching forward when entering it so you just have to brake a little a prepare for turn: the scala 2 did that to me. It really really felt solid to me (2 liner effect?) and you have pleasure pushing the accelerator. Didn't experience a single collapse (yet) except those tips upon take-off that you clean easily. Pumping for landing felt easy and safe. So I am really impressed and seduced. The gap between my delta and the scala2 seems quite ok except it builds rapidly a lot of energy in wing overs or entering spiral (you don't need a turn to face the planet). You're comparison between the light (wich I would aim) and normal version in flight (mouvement etc.)? I'll try the light in Stubai for sure. And the Volt 5... Will you be there (it seems you are in a hot near equator kind of country there...).

[@flybubblecarlo]

Hi. Thanks for sharing your experiences and feedback. I found the Scala 2 Light to be solid and reassuring for a light wing, despite moving around a bit more than the Scala 2, as to be expected. The Allegro Light, on the other hand, is more active and moves around quite a bit more.

[@flybubblecarlo]

Nancy and I were planning to go to Stubai this year, but in the end decided not to. We have pre-ordered an AirDesign Volt 5 and a Rise 5 for testing. If finances allow, we may also order a Hero 2 for testing, along with other interesting wings and harnesses. Reviews will be posted accordingly.

[@theeyeinthecloud]

I am a follower so I'll watch them! You didn't miss much at the Stubai besides the pleasure to meet for real. The weather allowed us to fly properly only the saturday morning before the foehn. I flew the scala 2 light first (no thermal) as the photon not available and found no big difference. I then flew the Volt 5. On a 30 minutes flight with morning punchy tiny young thermals it is impossible to get the full picture! I am not also an expert as you, with less wings compared and flying hours (on paraglider only 😂). Volt 5: construction and lightness at its best. But upper lines too tiny for me (discovered a tiny knot) and B handle kind of half the size. I really prefered the turn of the scala 2 that I feel quite like a 3 liner. I also felt the full speed a bit higher on the scala but I may be wrong. I didn't catch everything but it seems the delta 5 is not ready but a photon light could be.

[@flybubblecarlo]

@@theeyeinthecloud Thanks again for sharing your experiences and pilot feedback, for the benefit of all! 🙏👍🙂

[@nokkie101]

Good review, I agree, although I am more enthusiastic about the Scala2. I have flown it now 60 hrs in mostly strong Australian inland conditions. 6m/s sustained thermals, peak to 8m/s, rough edges, low safes on strong days etc. I flew it in two comps - the Bright open and the Corryong Pre-PWC. In all that time I only had two benign collapses, always when busy on harness or when zipping up. Its very confidence inspiring and tells you whats going on in the air. I could stay on full bar even in rough conditions most days for long periods. The glide on full bar is excellent and its on par with XC-racer or Zeno, although these wings seem to be able to go a bit faster. I think it is definitely having a (very small) edge over the other 2-liner C on the market. I did step up from an Allegro light after flying that for 2years. I am on the 21 at 110kg, but have flown it as well at 103kg. I couldn't say it is very sensitive here.

[@nokkie101]

sensitive to the weight loaded to ....

[@flybubblecarlo]

I strive to provide objective reviews, despite my personal preferences. 🤓 The Scala 2 is fast, has good glide, and performs well in competitions. Overall, I truly enjoy flying it. 😁

[@ChrisJewell7333]

I love my “allegro 22” its mid C-class and very agile great for wing-overs with good speed I’m wanting to purchase the SCALA but not wanting to give up the playfulness of the allegro does the SCALA have simmer agility as the allegro ? Thanks Carlo

[@flybubblecarlo]

Honestly, I don't believe even the Scala 2 has quite the playfulness and agility of the Allegro, as very few wings do. The Scala 2 stands out as the most playful and agile among the EN C 2 liners tested so far, despite its high aspect ratio. Comparing size for size and with similar loading and harness, the Scala 2 excels in agility and playfulness. Check out our EN C 2 liners reviews to make an informed choice. After extensive testing in Colombia, reviews of the BGD LYNX 2 (light 2.5 liner), Nova CODEX, and ZOOM X2C are coming!

[@flybubblecarlo]

In my opinion, the Maestro, Maestro 2, and Iota DLS, are some of the best handling high B wings I've tested. In the sports class, the Sigma 11 stands out to me for its exceptional handling, offering a slightly sharper and more precise feel compared to the Allegro. The Artik 6 and Savage have very nice handling too. Despite this, the Allegro remains more agile, I feel.

[@ChrisJewell7333]

@@flybubblecarlo Thanks Carlo, I very much enjoy your comparison videos helps with my progression in this sport…👋

[@Itsallgoodtogo]

Would you say that we will soon see 2 line B gliders if the EN system alows it? Personaly I feel that 2 liners have so many advantages over 3 liners ... it should become a natural evolution of paragliders as a whole.

[@flybubblecarlo]

If EN B flight certification tests allowed folding lines, EN B 2 liners would likely emerge. However, 2 liners come with a drawback - they need folding lines for flight certification, requiring pilots to use folding lines for safety training collapses.

[@asksteevs]

Thoughts on stepping up from 100 hrs on the Allegro Light? You paint an appealing - but encouraging, not intimidating - picture in this review. Going to list your review copies of the S2L for sale?

[@airmalik]

I feel quite comfortable on the S2L after about three years on the Allegro and Allegro Light

[@flybubblecarlo]

In my opinion, if you feel confident and ready for a bit more challenge than your Allegro Light, upgrading to the Scala 2 or Scala 2 Light should be a good choice. These wings are different from what you're used to, so expect a period of adjustment. You'll likely be very pleased with the performance improvement, although it may not be quite as agile as the Allegro models. Overall, it offers a great balance between agility and performance compared to other EN C 2 liners.

[@flybubblecarlo]

@@airmalik Thanks for sharing your constructive feedback. What would you say are the differences between the Allegro Light and Scala 2 Light - how did you find the transition?

[@bosquo310]

Great review Carlo : ) If one would get onto one of those C 2 liners, from a high B and was looking for the easiest to fly 2 liner that would be the Codex then? In terms of lowest pilot demand, would you rank them like this: 1. Codex 2. Bonanza 3. Mint ? (Starting with lowest demand)

[@hagenmuehlich1607]

My recommendation: Zoom X2C

[@bosquo310]

ah yes, I heard it's very accesible... thanks@@hagenmuehlich1607

[@flybubblecarlo]

Hi. Glad you like the review. It's so much easier reviewing products you are impressed by - and it seems that positive reviews get a much more positive response. Any criticism seems to get attacked - often rudely, sometimes very rudely. Anyway, we'll continue keeping our reviews honest, not trying to please any manufacturer, or anyone else - except those who value honest reviews (even if they don't agree with our opinion - which is fine fine me, as long as people aren't rude about it). I'll answer your question in brief next.

[@flybubblecarlo]

In answer to your question, having recently extensively tested the BGD Lynx 2, Nova Codex and Zoom X2C in Colombia (16 days flying, around 50 hours airtime) back to back, swapping back and forth, testing them with four different harnesses (Ozone BV1, Niviuk Arrow P, Woody Valley Race, Supair Evo Lite 2 with speedbag fitted) and having extensively tested the Bonanza 3 and Mint before, I agree with your ranking of pilot demands i.e. 1. Codex 2. Bonanza 3. Mint (starting with lowest demand). From my testing, the pilot demands of the new Zoom X2C are quite similar to the Mint, and the X2C offers even better handling, feeling and performance.

[@flybubblecarlo]

​@@hagenmuehlich1607 Thanks for your input. 👍For others, having recently extensively tested the BGD Lynx 2, Nova Codex and Zoom X2C in Colombia (16 days flying, around 50 hours airtime), and actually as it happened I ended up testing the X2C the most, and in the most demanding conditions. I feel the X2C has similar pilots demands to the MINT, perhaps a bit higher in very sporty conditions as it converts energy better. Having said this, the X2C was impeccably behaved the whole time I tested it, even in very sporty and rough air, so perhaps my impression that the pilot demands area bit higher is just that, an impression, and actually they are very similar. I personally really like the X2C a lot, as I find it very enjoyable and confidence inspiring to fly. It seems very sorted and performs extremely well - as several other pilots commented. Full review of the the BGD Lynx 2, Nova Codex and Zoom X2C to follow ASAP, can't say when.

[@flybubblecarlo]

The wings used for testing in our Scala 2 and Scala 2 Light reviews have been sold. We frequently purchase additional wings, harnesses, and gear for testing, so check our website's used section for more opportunities: flybubble.com/used