Skywalk X-ALPS 6

Technical data

Colours

Standard colours:>Goji Berry, Jewel Blue.

Package

• 1x wing
• 1x SOFTBAG
• 1x Packing Tube
• 1x Basic Guide
• 1x Bandana
• 1x Self-adhesive repair patch

X-ALPS 6: ENGINEERED TO GO BEYOND

For professionals. For adventurers. For everyone aiming high. Developed for the toughest adventure race in the world – and ready for your next mission.

The X-ALPS 6 is more than just a paraglider – it’s an ultra-light high-performance tool for pilots who demand absolute precision and maximum efficiency in every phase of flight. Designed to meet the extreme requirements of the Red Bull X-Alps, it delivers outstanding glide performance over long distances, reliable launch characteristics – even in the most challenging terrain – and precise control, even in turbulent conditions.

With a weight starting at just 3.45 kg and a compact pack size, the X-ALPS 6 is the ideal companion for ambitious hike & fly and bivouac adventures where performance matters. Pure determination in aerodynamic form – made for pilots with big goals.

Highlights

• Ultra-lightweight: Minimal weight for maximum efficiency on the ascent
• Maximum performance: Optimized aspect ratio and profile for top speed and glide
• Proven under extreme conditions: Field-tested in the world’s toughest Hike&Fly race
• Agile handling: Precise control in demanding thermals and tight cores
• Efficient speed system: Stable at high speeds with direct feedback
• No-compromise build quality: Made for athletes, tested in real race scenarios

The ultimate combination for ambitious Hike&Fly adventures: Pair the X-ALPS 6 with the RANGE X-ALPS3 AV (Athlete Version) – ultra-light, efficient, and race-proven.

Flight characteristic

Features

2 LINE LEVELS WITH B-STEERING

Reduces the number of lines and the resulting drag. Allows a fast, efficient flying style.
Advantages: more performance, full control when flying accelerated and a better overview at launch.

3D-SHAPING

A precise calculation of the leading edge geometry and the installation of an additional strip of fabric reduce wrinkling in this sensitive part of the glider.
Advantages: exact wing shape, more performance.

SHARK NOSE

Together with a corresponding wing design, the shark nose technology improves pressure distribution in the canopy substantially.
Advantages: much more solid flying feeling and substantial performance gain, especially when gliding on bar.

MINI RIBS

Doubling the number of cells at the trailing edge increases its shape stability substantially.
Advantage: fewer vortices improve the aerodynamics and with it the performance.

RIGID FOIL

Nylon and Nitinol wires keep the leading edge and the profile in shape and ensure constant ram air pressure.
Advantages: better take-off behavior and more performance.

SMART LINK SYSTEM

Color coded seams on the risers to ensure that the risers are connected correctly and without being twisted.
red = left / blue = right

Details

Generally

The X-ALPS6 was specifically developed to meet the extreme demands of the Red Bull X-Alps – arguably the toughest adventure race in the world. This wing is built for pilots who need to rely on every detail: it launches reliably even in the most challenging terrain, delivers outstanding glide
performance, and remains precisely controllable even in rough conditions.

Its ultra-lightweight and compact design makes it the perfect companion for long Hike&Fly stages – when every gram counts and maximum performance is essential.

Launch

The X-ALPS6 has a simple launch behavior for its class, requiring no special launch technique. The ultralight canopy rises above the pilot with minimal effort. To inflate the wing, you can use either the inner A-lines or the entire A-riser.

Handling

In thermals, the X-ALPS6 impresses with its playful handling: pleasantly low brake pressure, direct response to the smallest inputs, and effortless centering – all reminiscent of the familiar feel of the SAGE. But once you hit the speed bar, the X-ALPS6 reveals its second nature, true to the spirit of the POISON. With high inherent stability, the wing cuts efficiently and purposefully through active air, converting turbulence into altitude while remaining precisely controllable. The B-control system allows for energy-saving, active flying—ensuring maximum efficiency on long glide sections.

Performance

The newly developed profile of the X-ALPS6 —combined with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques—delivers a noticeable performance boost over its predecessor.

An optimized tension distribution not only ensures a clean, wrinkle-free canopy but also enables a remarkable increase in top speed com-pared to its predecessor. Exactly the kind of reserve that ambitious adventure and X-Alps pilots rely on in demanding conditions.

Extreme flight / descent techniques

• The X-ALPS6 has a high inherent stability, which significantly reduces wing disturbances. This can encourage flying the wing to its limits.
  As typical for a wing in the D-class, Skywalk recommend the X-ALPS6 for pilots who have extensive practice in recovering from extreme flight conditions, who fly very actively, and who have significant experience in turbulent conditions.
• Spiral: As usual with a 2-liner, higher loads occur during a spiral dive, since the efficient wing design results in low sink rates and high rotational speeds.
• Big ears: Accelerate 50%. Gently pull the bs3 downwards. To recover, first slowly release the bs3 and then gently release the accelerator. Skywalk do not recommend pulling the ears over the as3, since a lot of effort is required and the ears are unstable!
• B-Stall: Excluded due to the 2-line technology.

Info for SIV trainings

Due to the 2-line technology, canopy disturbances can ́t be simulated via the A-risers! In a full stall, the wingtips stall at first.

B-steering

A handle on the B-risers allows to compensate turbulence, speed and pitch without having to release the speed bar. At trim speed, make sure that you only use short, corrective impulses, otherwise there is a risk of stalling the wing due to strong inputs!
Make sure the brake handle is not wrapped during accelerated flight, as this may unintentionally apply brake input—reducing stability and significantly decreasing performance.

Packing

Due to the stiffness of the rigid foils, care must be taken when packing that the rigid foils do not bend, deform or kink. Skywalk therefore recommend using the supplied SOFTBAG and the PACKING TUBE.  They recommend using this packing method.
Only with careful packing the X-ALPS6 will keep its maximum performance and fly cleanly over a long period of time. If the X-ALPS6 is not going to be used for a long time, Skywalk recommend storing the glider lengthways in the SOFTBAG and not to fold it.
However, should a rigid foil deform or snap, it can be removed, shaped and reinstalled. If the problem still occurs, the rigid foil can be exchanged.

Materials

*The X-ALPS 6 has been optimized for minimal weight through both its construction and material selection. To ensure long-lasting enjoyment and maintain maximum performance, Skywalk recommend exposing the wing to as little mechanical stress and as few extreme maneuvers as possible.Especially an ultralight 2-liner will gradually lose performance if subjected to continuous extreme flight conditions.”

**The unsheathed mainlines are coloured for better clarity: As are magenta; Bs are blue.” and “Since a trim change has a greater effect with two line levels, Skywalk recommend checking the trim after the first 25 flying hours. To simplify re-trimming, the B-mainlines have been equipped with an additional loop, which allows the check center to make a quick correction