Vario Guide: Which Pilot Are You?

  • For a pilot with a suitable phone: The BlueFlyVario is a good match if you don’t mind using your phone, want the lightest possible kit, like the functionality of apps like XCTrack and FlySkyHigh.  

  • For the new student pilot who wants a stand-alone device: We recommend the Flymaster Vario LS. It’s simple, teaches you to listen to the air, and removes distraction.

  • For the pilot keen on XC who wants a stand-alone device: The Flymaster GPS SD is your trusted co-pilot. It’s a robust, reliable, all-in-one unit that will see you through your first big flights and beyond.

Ultra-Light & Connected: BlueFlyVario v23

 
 

It’s a tiny, highly-sensitive vario sensor that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Your phone, running a free app like XCTrack or XCSoar, becomes a powerful and highly customizable flight computer with a full-colour screen. This is the ultimate option for hike & fly enthusiasts.

Pros of the BlueFlyVario:

  • ✅ Incredibly Light & Small: Only around 20 grams, great for hike & fly.

  • ✅ Low Hardware Cost: The module itself is very affordable.

  • ✅ Leverages Your Smartphone: Utilises your phone screen & GPS. 

  • ✅ Powerful, Customizable Software: Flight apps like XCTrack offer incredibly detailed, customisable apps with full-colour maps, real-time airspace, live tracking & thermal assist.

  • ✅ Audio Backup: Can be used as a simple audio-only vario if your phone battery dies.

  • ✅ GPS + IGC Track optional: If you want a back-up track and to not use phone GPS, there is an optional extra for ~$50.  Not usually required. 

Cons of the BlueFlyVario:

  • ❌ Phone Battery is Critical: Running the screen and GPS will drain your phone’s battery very quickly.  A separate power bank is recommended for any long flight (over a three hours).

  • ❌ Phone Limitations: You are subject to your phone’s weaknesses: some people complain of glare in direct sun, and the difficulty of using a touchscreen with some gloves.

Basic All-in-One Unit: Flymaster GPS SD

The Flymaster GPS SD is our most recommended all-in-one instrument. It combines a highly sensitive vario with a full GPS, flight logger, and a large, easy-to-read screen. It’s a complete flight computer in a single, robust package, perfect for pilots starting to explore cross-country (XC) flying.

Pros of the GPS SD:

  • ✅ Complete Package: Vario, GPS, altitude, speed, flight logging—everything you need in one unit.

  • ✅ Sunlight-Readable Screen: The high-contrast monochrome screen is perfectly clear even in the brightest direct sunlight.

  • ✅ Purpose-Built & Reliable: It’s designed for paragliding. It’s durable, the battery lasts for at least full day of XC flying, and the software is stable.

  • ✅ Glove-Friendly: Large, physical buttons make it easy to operate in the air, even with thick gloves.

  • ✅ Airspace & Waypoints: Features basic airspace warnings and waypoint navigation for XC flights.

Cons of the GPS SD:

  • ❌ Higher Cost: Represents a more significant investment than a simple vario or a Bluetooth module.

  • ❌ Bulkier: Larger and heavier than a BlueFly module.

  • ❌ Basic Mapping: While it has navigation features, it doesn’t offer the detailed, full-colour moving maps of a smartphone app.

Other Flymaster Options

  • If you are not concerned about tracking your flights, or will use a phone or other instrument to do so when you need to, then the cheaper VarioLS is a good option.

  • If you are looking to do competitions in the future, or just want to be able to program a course before you fly, you may want to look at the Nav C or Live C.

https://www.flymaster.net/compare

Still have questions? Come talk to us! We’re happy to walk you through the options and find the fit for you.