Viper 6 Review

What is the Viper 6?

To me, the Viper 6 feels like a Viper XC Pro. They are essentially the same glider, but the Viper 6 introduces unsheathed lines and a new super lightweight fabric. I describe it as elegant and delicate. The 6 feels 5-10% better than the XC in all categories. It puts a little more focus on the freestyle side as opposed to the XC side. If you are interested in this glider, I would recommend reading my Viper XC review as well. I will be comparing the two gliders throughout this review.

Who is the Viper 6 for?

The Viper 6 is for the pilot that demands the best of the best. The technology in this glider is truly cutting edge. While it is still geared towards XC flying, the slight improvement in handling makes it more fun to fly as a freestyle glider. In the “advanced competition” category, the Freeride is the roll happy, dive happy, aggressive option while the Viper 6 is the more stable, more efficient, and elegant option. Both require advanced skill to pilot, however, the Viper 6 is less demanding.

Price, Colors, Options, and Sizing

The Viper 6 comes in at $4,700. It has four stock colors, all of which use Ozone’s new scheme and have matching bottom skins. Custom colors can be added for $250.

Just like the Viper XC, the Viper 6 comes with two riser options, standard and PK. The standard version is going to have longer trims and the PK version is going to give you all of the speed on speed bar, regardless of the trim position. I have been flying the PK version, for reference.

Just like the XC, I really like the Viper 6 at the top of the weight range. It is so efficient and the handling really shines at this loading. If you are looking for even more efficiency, I would shoot for 80% or less.

Risers, Lines, and Cells

The risers are just like the Viper XC. 3 line design, reflex profile, roller trims, and long trim range. On the PK version, you will find that there is almost a slinky effect as you lean over to grab the As on launch. The As and Cs sort of slide back and forth around the Bs. I usually pull tension on the As to set the riser in the correct position. The PK risers can be a little more confusing, but if you are an advanced pilot capable of flying this glider, it should be no issue.

The lines on the Viper 6 are unsheathed which contributes to its increase in efficiency. Unsheathed lines combined with the 3 liner design makes it feel like there is almost nothing connecting you to the glider. It is a little trippy to look up at.

Just like the XC, the 6 uses winglets and shark nose. It also has the same flat aspect ratio of 5.8 and the same cell count of 62.

The new fabric Ozone is using is called siliconized Dominico N10D. It feels extremely light and actually feels slippery. I would treat it the same as any other lightweight fabric. Be careful not to drag it or abuse it.

Inflation and Launch

Due to the extremely lightweight fabric, this glider inflates so well. It will hang above your head like the Spyder, but shoots up even quicker because it is a more advanced design. It’s almost hard to keep it down sometimes. Combined with the efficiency, it is super easy to launch even in zero wind. I feel confident launching this glider in tight LZs that require a short take off and a quick climb out.

In Flight Handling

The Viper 6 handles slightly better than the XC. It feels like it rolls just a little faster. It also feels slightly more efficient and slightly faster. Just like on the XC, the winglets really help lock it in to one heading and don’t allow oscillations.

Because of the lightweight fabric, you do feel the glider move around more in turbulence. It feels a little nervous as every bump can affect the glider.

The Viper 6 has exceptional efficiency and speed. It’s like a sharp knife cutting through the air.

For the pilot using this glider for freestyle flying and not XC, I think it strikes a better balance than the XC. It is more playful and more fun. Wing overs are a pleasure with this glider. It has a quick recovery arc which allows you to time wing overs super late. It just floats through big wing overs.

Safety and Collapses

Although it moves around more due to the lightweight fabric, the reflex profile is still working just the same as the XC. At first I was a little hesitant flying it in turbulence because you can feel so much, but it really is just giving you input. I would treat it just the same as the XC. 

Landing

Landing the Viper 6 is a pleasure. You can get super deep into the brakes and it never wants to fall behind. I had so much fun doing touch and goes in a light breeze with this glider. It will just stay above your head in the lightest wind. Compared to the Freeride, it doesn’t want to dive as much.

Trike Use

Same as the XC, it is totally doable as long as you respect the weight limit.

Free Flight Use

Same as the XC, you can but it’s not the best tool for the mission.

Cons

The biggest con would probably be the super lightweight fabric. I am curious to see how durable it is in the long run.

Conclusion

If you prioritize efficiency and stability in an advanced level glider, this is the glider for you. Every time I fly the Viper 6, it puts a smile on my face. While my heart still lies with the Freeride, I appreciate the efficiency and delicate handling that the Viper 6 offers.

Viper 6 Review

Proof That The Winglets Work