Beginners' Guides
03/03/2026
The Ozone Delta 5 marks the arrival of a new generation in the EN-C family of 2-line wings. Launched in January 2025, this fifth version of the famous Delta is aimed at intermediate to advanced pilots who want access to 2-line technology without sacrificing comfort or passive safety. Firmer to control than the Delta 4, but with significantly better performance, it sets a new standard in terms of accessibility/performance ratio in this category.
In concrete terms, the Delta 5 has been designed for the pilot who has a few seasons of cross-country flying behind him and is looking for a wing capable of swallowing up the miles with serenity. Its overall stability in turbulence is improved over its predecessor, its sink rate in light air is remarkable, and its accelerated flight behaviour inspires confidence even in demanding mountain conditions. It never outruns its pilot, climbs easily and is more docile than most wings in its category.
At Ailéments, we've been familiar with the Ozone range for years. Our instructors fly and supervise on a daily basis at sites in the Alpes-Maritimes, where the thermal aerology of the Cheiron puts every glider to the test. In this article, we give you our full analysis of the Delta 5: real in-flight performance, changes compared to the Delta 4, the pilot profile required, technical specifications and feedback from the community.
This is probably where the Delta 5 impresses most. In thermal conditions, the wing shows great precision in exploiting lift. It centres easily, remains stable in the core and does not stall the pilot in transitions between two pumps. Its sink rate in light air is very good, allowing it to stay aloft where other wings in its category start to stall out.
The Delta 5 climbs quickly and easily, even without wind. This is a recurring theme in all the feedback from the field: it doesn't require constant active piloting to climb. The pilot can concentrate on his trajectory and his reading of the aerology rather than on managing his glider. In the sustained thermal conditions of the Alpes-Maritimes - typically the ascents of the Cheiron in summer - this is a decisive advantage for linking transitions and extending cross-country flights.
Accelerated flight is one of the areas where the Delta 5 has made the most progress compared to previous generations. The accelerator is progressive and efficient, and above all the wing maintains a solid profile at high speed. When crossing descending areas or facing a strong headwind, the pilot can hold the bar down without the wing becoming nervous or unpredictable.
Accelerated glide is a key point for cross-country flying: every point of glide gained at 45 or 50 km/h translates directly into extra kilometres at the end of the day. In this respect, the Delta 5 is a real reference in the EN-C 2-line category, capable of competing with more demanding wings in terms of piloting.
The Delta 5's turn is pleasant, direct and precise. The controls are firmer than on the Delta 4, which may come as a surprise during the first few minutes in the air, but this firmness provides better information in flight. The pilot knows exactly what the wing is doing at all times. In yaw and roll, the Delta 5 remains contained without being damped: it communicates, without ever over-reacting.
Controlling the rear risers - a fundamental feature of a 2-line wing - is particularly intuitive on this wing. In fact, this is one of Ozone's strong points: the Delta 5 is designed for smooth access to 2-line technology, without the stress of a wing that requires constant vigilance on the rear risers. As for inflation, it remains simple and progressive, whether on the flat or on a steep mountain take-off. Landing poses no particular difficulty, with a straightforward, predictable flare.
To find out more about aerological conditions and optimise your cross-country sessions, consult our guide Meteoblue and paragliding weather. The Delta 5 makes the most of the flight windows you identify using this tool.
The Delta 5 is not just a cosmetic facelift of the Delta 4. Ozone has reworked the internal structure of the wing in depth, with a new aerodynamic profile, optimised 2-line architecture and redesigned materials to improve strength without making the whole thing heavier. The aspect ratio remains moderate for the category, which contributes directly to the glider's accessibility, but the design of the cells and the cut of the fabric panels have been refined to reduce drag and improve the overall glide ratio.
The risers have also been redesigned to make it easier to fly from the rear, with a clearer loading system and a new ergonomic design that makes transitions between the controls and the rear more natural. Folding remains compact thanks to the dedicated concerto bag, a practical detail for pilots who travel or make a series of mountain take-offs.
It's in the air that the difference is most clearly felt. Compared to the Delta 4, the Delta 5 is :
In short, Ozone has not simply improved on the Delta 4: the generation gap is big enough to justify a change of glider, even for a pilot satisfied with his Delta 4.
The Delta 5 is often presented as the ideal entry point into the world of 2-lines. That's true, provided you don't jump ahead too far. A pilot who currently flies a Rush 6, Swift 6 or an equivalent EN-B+ of another brand can consider the Delta 5, but he must have acquired a solid background beforehand.
First and foremost, you need experience of active thermal conditions: knowing how to read the aerology, how to exploit a mountain thermal and how to manage transitions in turbulent air. It also means mastering rapid descent techniques - ears, committed 360° - and having a good understanding of flight mechanics. A pilot with 150 to 200 hours of active, regular flying in a variety of conditions can reasonably envisage this transition.
If you're in the process of making progress, the Ailéments paragliding courses are designed to help you develop your skills, from thermal improvement to cross-country autonomy. Our paragliding school prepares you specifically for this type of transition.
The other typical profile for the Delta 5 is the experienced pilot who already flies with classic EN-C (3-line) and wants to switch to 2-line without increasing the level of piloting requirements. For this profile, the Delta 5 offers a significant gain in performance - particularly in accelerated glide and sink rate - while providing a higher level of flying comfort than that offered by a high-performance 3-line EN-C.
It's also a versatile wing, suitable for local pleasure flying, dynamic soaring sessions and first approaches to light acrobatics (wing-overs, committed 360°). Pilots are not restricted to purely cross-country use: the Delta 5 can do it all, with a level of passive safety that is reassuring even on rough days.
The Delta 5 is available in six sizes covering a range of gross flying weights (GVW) from 60 to 135 kg. Each size is EN-C approved. Here are the key data from the Ozone website:
| Size | GVW (kg) | Flat surface area (m²) | Flat elongation | Sail weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 60-80 | 21,5 | 6,3 | 4,30 |
| S | 70-90 | 23,0 | 6,3 | 4,55 |
| MS | 80-100 | 24,5 | 6,3 | 4,75 |
| ML | 85-105 | 25,5 | 6,3 | 4,95 |
| L | 95-115 | 27,0 | 6,3 | 5,15 |
| XL | 105-135 | 29,5 | 6,3 | 5,50 |
Indicative data. Check exact values on the Ozone website before purchase.
Choosing the right size depends on your total flying weight (pilot + harness + equipment + glider). Flying in the middle or top of the weight range gives you better manoeuvrability and responsiveness. Sitting at the bottom of the range gives you more stability and a lower sink rate, at the price of slightly softer control.
The internal structure uses proven Ozone technologies: Sharknose profile, high-strength fabric construction, sheathed lines on the main lines. The materials have been developed using the brand's latest advances to offer an optimum compromise between lightness, strength and longevity. The Delta 5 comes with a concerto packing bag, speed bar, repair kit and flight manual.
Since the launch of the Delta 5, feedback from the community has converged on a number of points. The review by Ziad Bassil (Dust of the Universe), published on the Ozone website, highlights the wing's solidity in strong conditions and its ease of inflation, even without wind. His verdict is unambiguous: the Delta 5 never overtakes its pilot, while offering a remarkably wide flight envelope.
Russell Ogden, a well-known test pilot, insists on the glider's excellence in thermals: direct and precise turns, very good sink rate in light airs, sufficient agility without nervousness. He describes the glider as «very solid and comfortable even in demanding conditions». Hervé's opinion at Plaine Altitude is along the same lines, with a special mention for the improved control in accelerated flight and the general stability that «reassures in transitions».
The feedback from Certika France is just as positive: «Firmer to control than the Delta 4, but with much better performance. Its resistance to closing in turbulence and its overall stability have been further improved. A machine made to eat up the miles. The ML size was quickly available for testing, a sign of the immediate enthusiasm of the community for this new version.
At Ailéments, we've been working with Ozone since the school was founded. Our partner Aerotech, based at the same site in Gréolières, provides the paraglider revision of our entire fleet and has a thorough understanding of the technical specifications of each of the brand's models. This dual expertise - educational and technical - gives us a special insight into the development of the range.
The Delta 5 is in line with what Ozone does best: making performance accessible without ever compromising safety. At our flying sites - particularly at Gréolières, This is the type of wing that inspires confidence and makes you want to fly longer. For pilots who want to take their cross-country flying to the next level, while retaining the pleasure and serenity of the air, this is the kind of wing that inspires confidence and makes you want to fly longer.
See also our tests of the’Ozone Alta (EN-B) and Magnum 4 (two-seater) to compare design philosophies within the Ozone range.
The base price of the Ozone Delta 5 is between €4,200 and €4,800, depending on size and colour options. This price is a guide only and may vary from one retailer to another. Some dealers occasionally offer reduced prices or preferential terms for pilots who order in advance.
In terms of availability, all sizes are now available after a gradual roll-out since January 2025. The ML was the first size to be delivered, followed by the other sizes. Order times vary according to colour and period, but stock is generally fluid at the main French retailers.
Before investing in a wing in this category, a test flight is highly recommended. Several approved retailers offer test flights by appointment. In Gréolières, Aerotech - our partner specialising in the sale and servicing of Ozone paragliders - can guide and advise you on the choice of the ideal size according to your pilot profile and your total flying weight. Call us directly on 06 87 68 71 90 to discuss your requirements.
And if you haven't yet reached the stage of choosing your own wing, discover free flight with a first paragliding experience is the first step towards this adventure. Flying with a qualified instructor over the landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes, To understand why so many pilots end up wanting their own glider. Discover also the’Ultralite 5, the lighter version of the Ozone range for walk and flight pilots.
The Ozone Delta 5 is not just another wing in the EN-C category. It's a wing that redefines what an intermediate to advanced pilot can expect from a 2-line: improved glide and control in accelerated flight, stability in turbulence, a high-performance sink rate and a piloting comfort that lets you concentrate on flying rather than managing the wing.
If you're looking to progress to ambitious cross-country flying, the Delta 5 deserves your attention. And if you want to build the solid foundations to fly this type of wing one day, our paragliding courses and our Ailéments paragliding school in Gréolières are with you every step of the way.
If you have any questions about your flying project, need advice on your choice of glider or simply want to come and fly with us in the Alpes-Maritimes, call us on 06 87 68 71 90. At Ailéments, we take the time to talk.
