About
SkyBean, based in Bratislava, Slovakia, designs and manufactures specialized flight instruments and camera accessories for paragliding and paramotor pilots. Their flagship product, the SkyDrop GPS variometer (€349), delivers real-time altitude, climb/sink rate, GPS speed, and IGC track log generation in a compact, lightweight form factor that doesn't require a separate phone screen. The SkyBean2 mini vario offers an affordable entry point, while the SØ vario (€395) targets advanced pilots needing premium performance. For content creators and cinematographers in the free-flight community, SkyBean's ChaseCam (Chase XC, €129) mounts directly to a paraglider or paramotor wing and holds a GoPro camera to capture smooth, vibration-free footage from a unique follow perspective — all without pilot interference during flight. Trusted by professional pilots including Red Bull X-Alps competitors and aerobatics performers, SkyBean instruments are praised for their simplicity, reliability, and continuously updated firmware. Products ship from Slovakia with free shipping on orders over €85 to select countries. SkyBean serves recreational paragliders, professional paramotor pilots, aerobatics competitors, and adventure content creators who need dependable telemetry and cinematic gear in the air.
Key Features
- SkyDrop GPS Variometer: A lightweight GPS vario that provides real-time altitude, climb/sink audio and visual cues, GPS speed, and automatic IGC track log generation — no phone screen needed.
- ChaseCam Wing Mount: A precision-engineered mount that attaches a GoPro to the paraglider or paramotor wing for smooth, vibration-dampened follow-cam footage without pilot distraction.
- IGC Track Log Generation: Automatically records certified IGC flight logs compatible with XC contest platforms and post-flight analysis tools.
- Minimal Maintenance Design: Compact and rugged instruments built for field use with no complex maintenance routines, ideal for pilots who travel and compete internationally.
- Ongoing Firmware Updates: SkyBean continuously ships new features and improvements via firmware updates, extending device capability over time.
Use Cases
- Cross-country paragliding pilots tracking altitude, climb rate, and GPS speed during XC flights and competition scoring.
- Professional paramotor aerobatics pilots measuring maneuver performance and logging precise flight data for training.
- Adventure content creators and YouTubers mounting a GoPro via ChaseCam to capture smooth wing-perspective footage.
- Red Bull X-Alps and free-flight competition pilots needing reliable IGC-certified track logs without carrying additional devices.
- Recreational paragliders upgrading from audio-only varios to a full GPS display without the battery drain of a smartphone screen.
Pros
- Trusted by Pro Pilots: Used by Red Bull X-Alps competitors and professional aerobatics pilots, validating reliability and accuracy in demanding conditions.
- Purpose-Built Hardware: Designed exclusively for free-flight sports, resulting in a well-integrated, optimized experience compared to general-purpose devices.
- Cinematic ChaseCam Quality: The ChaseCam delivers exceptionally smooth footage from the wing, praised by leading paragliding content creators like Tucker Gott.
Cons
- Limited to Free-Flight Niche: Products are purpose-built for paragliding and paramotor, making them irrelevant for pilots of other aircraft types.
- Hardware-Only Offering: No companion software suite or advanced flight-planning app is bundled; pilots rely on third-party tools for post-flight analysis.
- Regional Shipping Restrictions: Free shipping is only available from €85 and limited to select countries, which may add cost for international buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SkyDrop GPS vario?
The SkyDrop is SkyBean's flagship GPS variometer for paragliding and paramotor pilots. It provides real-time altitude, climb/sink rate, GPS speed, and generates IGC-certified track logs, all in a compact device that eliminates the need to run a phone screen during flight.
How does the ChaseCam work?
The ChaseCam (Chase XC) is a mount that attaches a GoPro camera to your paraglider or paramotor wing. Once secured, it captures smooth follow-cam footage as you fly normally — no remote control or pilot attention is required during flight.
Does SkyBean ship internationally?
Yes. SkyBean ships from Bratislava, Slovakia, and offers free shipping on orders over €85 to select countries. Check their website for the full list of eligible regions.
What is an IGC track log and why does it matter?
An IGC track log is a standardized GPS flight recording format accepted by cross-country (XC) competition platforms and record-verification bodies. The SkyDrop generates these automatically, so pilots can submit their flights to leagues like XContest without additional equipment.
Are SkyBean instruments suitable for aerobatics pilots?
Yes. Professional aerobatics paramotor pilots use the SkyDrop to count maneuver turns and measure descent rates precisely, making it a trusted tool for training and performance refinement.
