PHI SOLA
Take Flight with Freedom — Discover the PHI SOLA
For pilots who crave simplicity, safety, and lightness in their adventures, the PHI SOLA offers a seamless combination of performance and ease. Designed for hike-and-fly explorers, beginners seeking minimal weight, and travel-focused pilots, this ultralight EN A wing delivers more than just a smooth launch—it empowers your next airborne journey with absolute reliability.PHI SOLA
Not only is the SOLA the lightest wing in PHI’s lineup, but it’s also one of the most accessible gliders for every pilot profile, whether you’re starting out or looking to simplify your setup. Because it carries the signature design language of Hannes Papesh, it balances fun and forgiveness like no other.
Why Choose the PHI SOLA?
The SOLA isn’t just a lightweight wing—it’s a commitment to simplicity, inclusion, and precision. From alpine launches to extended hikes, it makes mobility effortless. Additionally, it maintains exceptional passive safety, making it suitable for both novices and seasoned hikers alike.
With direct handling, minimal pitch movement, and remarkable collapse resistance, the SOLA becomes more than just a wing—it becomes your trusted companion in every skyward step.
Key Features of the PHI SOLA
-
✅ Certified EN A for maximum passive safety
-
✅ Featherweight construction starting at only 2.5 kg
-
✅ Exceptionally easy inflation in all wind conditions
-
✅ Minimal line layout for reduced complexity and faster prep
-
✅ Stable and predictable flight behavior
-
✅ Responsive brake input for accurate turns
-
✅ Compact packing volume for hike-and-fly efficiency
-
✅ Inclusive size range to accommodate pilot weights from 50 to 145 kg
-
✅ Durable lightweight materials for long-term performance
PHI SOLA Featherlight and Field-Ready
Ultralight Materials Without Compromise
When it comes to weight reduction, PHI doesn’t sacrifice safety or longevity. The SOLA utilizes cutting-edge lightweight fabrics on the top and bottom surfaces, along with durable internal structures that preserve form and functionality. As a result, the wing feels remarkably agile, yet still offers long-term durability for frequent outdoor use.
Additionally, the risers are built with a special lightweight webbing that reduces grams while retaining full strength. Combined with a simplified line system, the SOLA is optimized from tip to tip for pilots who count every gram in their pack.
Compact Design for Maximum Mobility
If your paragliding style involves remote takeoffs, bivy flights, or alpine trekking, the SOLA makes every ascent easier. Because of its compact construction and efficient packing volume, it fits easily into small hike-and-fly packs. That means more freedom, less back strain, and quicker setups at altitude.
Moreover, pilots can reduce total kit weight even further by pairing the SOLA with a lightweight harness and reserve—ideal for adventurers, globetrotters, and minimalist purists alike.
Safety as a Standard, Not an Option
EN A Certification Across All Sizes
No matter your size or weight, the SOLA maintains EN A certification across its range. This consistency gives both instructors and individual pilots complete peace of mind. Whether launching in unpredictable mountain air or descending into tight landings, the SOLA keeps reactions calm and manageable.
Because its design was tuned for docile reactions, you can trust it to resist collapses, maintain pitch stability, and recover predictably when needed.
Forgiving Flight Dynamics
The SOLA doesn’t just perform in a lab—it shines in real conditions. Thermals, ridge lift, and wind variations all feel easier to manage under this wing. Rather than feeling “twitchy” like some ultralights, it provides stable handling and predictable behavior in active air.
Pilots can confidently explore longer flights without being overwhelmed, making this wing an ideal tool for both discovery and development.
Effortless Ground Handling and Smooth Launches
Rise Gently, Take Off Cleanly
From your very first inflation, the SOLA impresses. Its clean profile and light canopy rise effortlessly—even in no-wind conditions. Because of its low weight and balanced tension, the wing stabilizes above your head without overshooting. This gives beginners more time to correct posture, prepare for the run, and commit to takeoff.
Even in gusty wind, the SOLA remains composed. Its line layout supports even pressure distribution across the canopy, reducing the likelihood of asymmetric surges.
Ground Handling That Inspires Confidence
Thanks to its manageable size and responsive brake inputs, the SOLA handles gracefully on the ground. Whether you’re kiting on a beach, practicing reverse inflations, or perfecting launch transitions, this glider encourages control and precision without stress.
Moreover, the wing’s light risers and clean layout ensure that you spend more time flying—and less time sorting gear.
Intuitive In-Flight Experience
Relaxed Yet Responsive Handling
Once airborne, the SOLA rewards you with an intuitive and enjoyable flight experience. Brake pressure remains moderate, allowing fine-tuned control with minimal input. Turns are smooth and easy to coordinate—ideal for circling thermals, making top landings, or following terrain contours.
Furthermore, the wing’s pitch and roll behavior remain calm across the entire weight range. Whether you’re flying at minimum or maximum loading, the SOLA remains responsive without feeling unstable.
Glide Efficiency and Sink Rate
Although optimized for safety and simplicity, the SOLA doesn’t neglect performance. Its trimmed profile offers efficient glide characteristics for its class, helping you extend flights without requiring advanced piloting. And because the wing maintains a respectable sink rate, even light lift can become an opportunity to gain altitude.
Built for Every Body, Everywhere
Inclusive Size Range and Weight Loadings
PHI recognizes that pilots come in many shapes and sizes. That’s why the SOLA is available in a broad range of sizes—from 18 m² to 30 m²—covering weight ranges from 50 to 145 kg. This inclusive approach ensures every pilot, regardless of build, can benefit from the wing’s safety and simplicity.
Even lighter pilots, who often struggle to find well-tuned ultralight gear, will appreciate the SOLA’s balanced reactions and smooth handling in smaller sizes.
A Wing That Adapts to Your Lifestyle
Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a full-time traveler, or simply someone who values efficiency and ease, the SOLA fits. It adapts to your goals and grows with you. While it’s a perfect entry-level glider, it also remains a go-to option for experienced pilots seeking a simpler, more relaxed flying experience.
PHI SOLA — Where Freedom Meets Simplicity
Ultimately, the PHI SOLA is more than just an ultralight glider. It’s a tool for self-expression in the air—a way to reconnect with nature, adventure, and the joy of pure flight. Whether you’re launching into your first thermal or gliding across a hidden valley, the SOLA gives you the confidence, comfort, and freedom to go farther.
From its EN A safety certification to its featherlight build and inclusive sizing, every detail has been shaped with you in mind. And because it’s backed by the renowned engineering of Hannes Papesh and the trusted PHI name, you can take off knowing you’re in good hands.
PHI SOLA — Quick Product Highlights
-
✅ EN A certified for beginner and hike-and-fly pilots
-
✅ Starting weight of only 2.5 kg (size-dependent)
-
✅ Smooth inflation, easy launch behavior
-
✅ Compact packing volume for lightweight travel
-
✅ Predictable and stable in active air
-
✅ Inclusive size range from 18–30 m²
-
✅ Handles well even at high altitudes and remote sites
-
✅ Built for longevity with ultralight but durable materials
Sizes, weight ranges & certification
Size (number) | XS (18) | S (20) | M (22) | L (24) | XL (26) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thermic (kg) | 55-75 | 65-85 | 75-95 | 90-110 | 105-130 |
Hike & Fly (kg) | 75-90 | 85-100 | 95-110 | 110-120 | – |
Mini Wing (kg) | 90-110 | 100-120 | – | – | – |
SWR¹ (kg) | 55-90 | 65-100 | 75-110 | 90-120 | 105-130 |
SWR¹ certification (EN/LTF) | A | A | A | A | A |
EWR² (kg) | 90-110 | 100-120 | – | – | – |
EWR² certification (EN/LTF) | B | B | – | – | – |
¹ SWR: Standard weight range in kilograms.
² EWR: Extended weight range in kilograms.
Technical data
Size (number) | XS (18) | S (20) | M (22) | L (24) | XL (26) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
flat area (m²) | 21.55 | 23.69 | 26.08 | 28.3 | 30.78 |
projected area (m²) | 18.55 | 20.52 | 22.59 | 24.51 | 26.66 |
flat aspect ratio | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
projected aspect ratio | 3.47 | 3.47 | 3.47 | 3.47 | 3.47 |
flat span (m) | 10.03 | 10.56 | 11.08 | 11.54 | 12.03 |
projected span (m) | 8.02 | 8.44 | 8.85 | 9.22 | 9.62 |
number of cells | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
line length (m) | 6.13 | 6.45 | 6.77 | 7.05 | 7.35 |
total line length (m) | 252.1 | 265 | 278 | 289.7 | 302.1 |
maximum chord (m) | 2.65 | 2.78 | 2.93 | 3.05 | 3.18 |
minimum chord (m) | 0.65 | 0.68 | 0.72 | 0.75 | 0.78 |
weight (kg) | 2.8 | 3 | 3.25 | 3.5 | 3.75 |
riser length (mm) | 500 | 500 | 540 | 540 | 540 |
speedway (mm) | 150 | 150 | 150 | 175 | 175 |
¹ SWR: Standard Weight Range, in kilograms (kg).
² EWR: Extended Weight Range, in kilograms (kg).
PHI SOLA Weight ranges, pilot uses & loads
Like its bigger sister, the VIOLA, the SOLA offers different weight ranges for various pilot uses and loads. Compared to the VIOLA, the SOLA is even easier to handle (lower pilot demands) with higher roll damping.
PHI SOLA Colours
Standard colours: CC1 (Blue-Orange), CC2 (Orange-Blue), CC3 (Lime-Black)
PHI SOLA Custom colours (extra cost, longer delivery)
This wing can be ordered in custom colours. Colours can be chosen from the available serial colours. There is an extra cost and longer delivery time for this; see product options. Full payment is required in advance for all custom colour orders, and one placed these orders cannot be cancelled for any reason. Quoted delivery times are estimates, and may take longer. Email us your desired custom colours with your order, ideally with both text and a screenshot.
Package
Wing, concertina bag, repair material.
PHI SOLA : simply light and easy!
Please welcome the SOLA, our new superlight and super-easy low A wing! A glider that many have been waiting for: maximum safety, damping and simplicity paired with minimum weight.
Technical features
The SOLA has its roots in the FANTASIA, but finally was designed absolutely new: Different ground shape, cell width distribution, intakes, diagonal ribs, etc.
Since the SOLA is perfect for hike and fly, we spent some time to improve takeoff behaviour. Never before launch was that easy!
It’s also really fun to fly the SOLA, and the performance is good! And it’s fast – an absolute must in the high mountains! When flying in alpine valleys or all above the peaks: speed is the base for safety.
A special technical feature is that, the SOLA has a very stable 3 suspension airfoil in the centre, offering her an extra stability bonus.
With the SOLA we are further on continuing the trend to robust, covered lines in all sections. Specially at take off in free alpine area, you need an equipment you can trust and that is easy to handle.
PHI SOLA Designer’s note
We more and more gain the technology to make flying very easy. The SOLA offers a new level of simplicity. Takeoff, flying, landing has never before been that simple. Flying is now a normal activity that anyone can do, like a walk in the park.PHI SOLA
– Hannes Papesh
PHI SOLA FOR SCHOOLING
There’s no glider easier to train with than the SOLA. No glider is as forgiving of mistakes on take-off: the wing inflates reliably, climbs well and stops itself over the pilot’s head. The braking distance is enormous: a stall is virtually impossible. However, the reaction to brake input is good and direct: the SOLA turns extremely flat, i.e. without accumulating energy. Roll damping is unrivalled: the wing flies as if on rails.PHI SOLA
PHI SOLA IN THERMAL FLIGHT
In the thermal weight range, the SOLA is very well damped on all axes: it turns well flat, gives only the necessary feedback and always stands reliably above the pilot. Both in and out of the thermal, pitching backwards or forwards remains very low.
FOR HIKE&FLY
Thanks to its light weight and super-simple handling, the SOLA is the perfect machine for Hike&Fly. Its qualities are particularly appreciated in difficult terrain and demanding conditions.PHI SOLA
AS MINIWING
An even higher wing loading makes the SOLA a miniwing. Power is a little higher, but still very easy to control. Its unique roll damping makes it very precise to control in all areas.PHI SOLA
PHI SOLA Materials
Skytex 27 double coated, Skytex 40
Risers
Standard: Comfort R10 (recommended)
Optional: Superlight RZ1, Comfort R01
The new riser R10: for a better overview and comfort.
The weight of the wing of course depends on the chosen riser.
The SOLA can be ordered with the superlight RZ1 with softlinks, if you want to reach minimum weight.
The SOLA riser has prints and color marks for easier handling.
See Phi risers
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.