Skywalk X-Alps 6 / 95 +
The X-Alps 6 is SKYWALK’s new 2026 model and beyond for the lightweight two-liner EN-D glider category. That X-Alps glider was used in the Red Bull X-Alps competition, with a beautiful podium for Simon Oberrauner.
You can see the details of the glider here: https://skywalk.info/project/x-alps6/.
The construction is simple yet beautiful and neat—thin risers, coupled with Edelrid lines.
Launching the XAlps 6 at 94 all up is straightforward, even without wind. With a steady breeze, it inflates rapidly, yet it still feels very compact and doesn’t require many skills to keep it overhead. It feels easy to ground and handle it.
IN the air, the brakes have a moderate pressure. Not tired even after long flights. Just the usual moderate pressure, resembling that of the Zeolite 2 GT. A bit less pressure than the Cure 3, and just a pinch more pressure than the Savage 2 from Supair. Overall, very convenient for my taste.
After the first 10 cm of travel, the X-Alps 6 responds very well, and I can confirm that it has nice agility inside a thermal. The brake authority is smooth, responsive, yet polite. It turns to every command without being too dynamic or too slow. It’s perfect for the 6.6 Aspect ratio light D-class glider.
During my multiple-day testing period under various conditions, I was consistently able to place the glider inside any core at will. So overall, it’s pretty responsive and obedient in turbulence and strong air. The authority is high and is given in a balanced manner to the pilot.
Climbing in weak and strong is quite efficient on the XAlps 6. In weak conditions (less than 1 m/s), I could feel the light thermals and also slow my turn to stay in the weak lift. The pitch movement is significantly dampened, and the ability to surf the air and move forward is present under the XAlps 6. The Poison 4, or the Zeno 2, for example, has more efficiency in getting through the airmass and moving quickly upfront. The XAlps is, of course, from a different category, but it still moves pretty well, but slightly slower to enter.
In stronger cores, I felt that the XAlps 6 climbs very quickly, similar to upper-category gliders. Overall, I am personally delighted with its climb rate.
Performing some glides with the class above, such as the Poison 4, revealed that the XAlps 6 is one step back, and it shares similar gliding performance with the Zeolite 2 GT and Klimber 3P, particularly at trim and at the speed bar. The differences are insignificant for either one.
Holding the speed bar when gliding through turbulence felt very easy, as the overall movements are dampened, and the B riser, with its moderate pressure, gave me a high ability to control the glider efficiently.
Overall comfort under the XAlps 6 is high. The pitch is nearly absent. The roll is smooth and balanced.
Ears can be made with the outer B’s. They are efficient and reopen rapidly.
Conclusion:
I have flown many light Ds. I liked the Zeolite 2 GT’s handling and performance; I cherished the Klimber 3 P’s exquisite handling. I also appreciated the Hero 3 and Hero X-ped’s brake authority, turn, and feel.
What made the XAlps 6 special for me is that complete package of high usability/ performance/ good accessibility, allowing the C-class pilots to move up a category without having lots of surprises on a D class.
Adding that pleasurable flying handling is the cherry on the cake! Try it if you are searching for a light but balanced D-class glider! You will be surprised 🙂
