Best Audio-Only Vario for 2019
by Jérôme Daoust, revised 2021/4/18-a
Send me comments (by Email) to update this table.
Intended use: For my students. Unnecessary features: GPS or Display.
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Color code: |
Good |
So-So |
Bad |
Unknown |
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Model |
Talk |
Price ($US) |
Battery (Hours) |
Battery Recharge |
Battery Replace |
Weight w/ Battery |
Small and Flat |
Avoid Sink Sound |
Instant Response |
Loud |
Higher Pitched Tone as Rising Faster |
Protected OFF Switch |
Warranty |
Extra comment. |
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40 |
100 |
No |
Yes, CR2032 |
8 g |
30x22x10 mm |
Yes |
1.0 s |
TBD |
Yes |
No. Can be shielded. |
90 days |
Made in Slovenia. |
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85 |
13 |
Yes |
Possible |
31 g |
58x36x16 mm |
Yes |
TBD |
5/10 |
Yes |
No. Can be trimmed or shielded. |
1 year |
Made in the Australia. Some assembly required. Many locals like it (Albert Sharp, Ben Cox, Gaston Nogues…). Setup by Peter Hill. Delivery to USA typically 2-4 weeks. Has Bluetooth. No tether cord. User manual and desktop interface will please programmers. |
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15 (7 uses) |
Yes |
15 g |
35x35x14 mm |
1 year |
Made in UK. |
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99 |
100 |
No |
Yes, CR2032 |
TBD |
35x35x?? mm |
Yes |
TBD, configurable. |
Yes |
No. Long protrusion. Can be trimmed or shielded. |
1 year |
Made in USA. |
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|
TBD |
200 |
No |
Yes, CR2450 |
40 g |
Curved, 89x37x19 mm |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
Likely |
No. Can be shielded. |
N/A |
Discontinued. Same as "Bräuniger IQ Sonic". |
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56 |
40 |
Yes |
No |
13 g |
32x25x16 mm |
TBD |
TBD |
No. Can be trimmed or shielded. |
TBD |
Made in France (info). |
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48 |
35 |
Yes |
TBD |
30 g |
61x36x15 mm |
Yes |
1.0 s |
TBD |
TBD |
No. Can be shielded. |
TBD |
Made by an Italian, manufactured in China. |
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110 |
100 |
Yes |
Yes, $15. |
25 g |
57x36x17 mm |
Yes |
Yes, 2 s press. |
2 years |
Made in France. Setup video. Solar charging while on or off. Harness Clip for 3D printing. |
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|
120
|
400 |
Yes |
Yes |
26 g |
57x36x14 mm |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes 95dB |
Yes, same as GPSBip |
Yes, 3 s press. |
2 years |
Made in France. Solar charging while on or off. Can charge with Micro-USB. User Manual. |
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84 |
150 |
No |
Yes, CR2032 |
22 g |
62x28x15 mm |
Yes |
TBD, not instant. |
TBD |
Yes |
Yes |
3 years |
Made in Slovakia. To turn off sink tone, set sink threshold to -10m/s. To accidently turn off unit, a uniform force of 2 kg required on its face. |
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55 |
250 |
No |
Yes, CR2450 |
23 g |
65x35x11 mm |
Yes |
1.5 s (r1) |
4/10 (r1) |
TBD |
Yes |
2 months |
Made in Germany. |
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|
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99 |
290
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No |
Yes, CR2450 |
19 g |
53x43x14 mm |
Yes |
Yes. Non-pleasing electronic sound. |
Yes, 2 s press. |
10 year |
Made in France. Sells for 69 € in Europe, should be 77 $US. The long warranty is for the 1st owner. |
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55 |
200 |
No |
Yes, CR2450 |
41 g |
Sharp corners, 72x36x31 mm |
Yes |
Yes |
7/10 |
No |
Yes |
1 year |
Made in USA. |
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190 |
20 |
Yes |
TBD |
30 g |
45x45x17 mm |
Yes |
Yes. Verified zero delay. |
7/10 |
Yes |
2 years |
Made in Switzerland. Solar charging while off. Can charge with Micro USB cable. On 2019/8/24: Tested loudness (OK) and truly instant lift indication, thanks to David Webb (unit w/ GPS & BT). |
Definitions:
· Instant Response: 0.5 s or less to indicate climbing, verified by raising it from ground quickly with your hand.
· Loud: Can easily be heard in flight, even if mounted at waist level (on flight deck), and while wearing helmet with material covering ears.
Notes:
· Good mounting location: Back of helmet, harness shoulder strap, top of flight deck. Bad location: Inside a pocket or under clothes (when a closed space changes volume, it disturbs pressure, affecting vario).
· Discussion on Paragliding Forum.