APCO Viva vs APCO Vista VI
EN A or middle B — the class change in numbers and the manufacturer's words.
The VIVA is APCO's new 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 Viva | 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 | 36–40 | 49–54 |
| Area | 24.9–28.25 m² (3 sizes) | 24.8–29.3 m² (4 sizes) |
| Aspect ratio | 4.8 | 5.3–5.8 |
| Canopy weight | 4.2–4.7 kg | 4.6–5.4 kg |
| All-up weight (free) | 70–115 kg | 55–130 kg |
| All-up weight (+ paramotor) | 85–110 up to 120–145 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 (A/A1/B/C) | C-steering or standard 3-line |
How APCO positions the two
- VIVA (EN A) — “designed for training all the way up to cross-country flights, it is the best option to learn the basics and build skills under a canopy with the highest safety level possible”. With the Mohawk stabilizer, the APP shark-nose profile (“zero deflations or momentary pressure drops”) and, per APCO, “by far our best thermalling EN A wing ever”.
- 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
VIVA 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 Viva →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 →