APCO Karisma II vs APCO Vista VI
EN A or middle B — the class change in numbers and the manufacturer's words.
The KARISMA II is APCO's EN-A for training up to XC — per the manufacturer 'the highest safety level possible'. The Vista VI is APCO's middle B for 'talented beginners or pilots who wish to step up to the B category'. Both from Caesarea, both with a clear manufacturer positioning.
Quick compare
| Criterion | APCO Karisma II | APCO Vista VI |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | EN A | EN B (Intermediate) |
| Position (manufacturer) | Training up to XC, highest safety level | Middle B for talented pilots stepping up |
| Cells | 37–42 | 49–54 |
| Area | 23–31 m² (5 sizes) | 24.8–29.3 m² (4 sizes) |
| Aspect ratio | 4.63–5.05 | 5.3–5.8 |
| Canopy weight | 4.0–4.9 kg | 4.6–5.4 kg |
| All-up weight (free) | 55–140 kg | 55–130 kg |
| All-up weight (+ paramotor) | 60–95 up to 140–165 kg | 70–110 up to 120–160 kg |
| V-min / V-trim / V-max | 23 / 38 / 50 km/h | 21 / 39 / 51+ km/h |
| Min. sink | 1.1 m/s | 0.95 m/s |
| Risers | 3-leg riser | C-steering or standard 3-line |
How APCO positions the two
- KARISMA II (EN A) — “designed for training all the way up to cross country flights … the best option to learn the basics and build skills under a canopy with the highest safety level possible”. With the APP shark-nose profile (“zero deflations or momentarily pressure drops”) and, per APCO, the house’s best thermalling EN-A.
- Vista VI (EN B) — “APCO’s middle B, designed for talented beginners or pilots who wish to step up to the B category with a very calm, safe and easy wing to fly”. Per the manufacturer it especially excels in strong conditions, builds confidence and allows “continuous improvement in cross country skills”.
This is the class change EN A → EN B — the most important gear decision of a pilot’s first years.
Recommendation
KARISMA II for training and the first seasons — per APCO the best environment 'to learn the basics and build skills under a canopy with the highest safety level possible', first XC flights included.
To the APCO Karisma II →Vista VI for the deliberate step into the B class — per APCO 'a very calm, safe and easy wing to fly' that excels in strong conditions, with the C-steering option to build active flying on the speed bar.
To the APCO Vista VI →