About
Volirium (formerly Flytec and Bräuniger) is the Swiss pioneer behind the world's first electronic altimeter for free-flying pilots, with over 35 years of innovation in variometer technology. Their devices are trusted by paraglider and hang glider pilots worldwide to fly longer, higher, farther, faster, and safer. Their latest flagship, the Volirium P1 Smart Vario, combines cutting-edge hardware with pilot-focused design. The P1 features an intuitive touchscreen that works with any type of gloves, a display readable in full sunlight, and a precise, fast variometer engine. It self-updates over the internet, ensuring pilots always have the latest firmware without manual intervention. Beyond the P1, Volirium offers a full ecosystem including Vol Libre varios, Flytec balloon instruments, accessories, and legacy support for Flytec 6020/6030 and Bräuniger motor varios. Their FLARM integration improves collision awareness in the air. For pilots with damaged instruments, Volirium operates authorized repair centres for Volirium, Flytec, Bräuniger, and Naviter varios. Their dedicated support team helps pilots maximize the performance of their devices. Volirium is ideal for competitive paragliding and hang gliding pilots seeking precision instruments, recreational free-flyers wanting easy-to-use navigation, and racing pilots who need reliable task entry and in-flight guidance.
Key Features
- Touchscreen Interface: The Volirium P1 features an intuitive touchscreen that is fully operable with any type of flying gloves, making in-flight operation safe and simple.
- Sunlight-Readable Display: The high-contrast display remains clearly readable even in direct bright sunlight, ensuring pilots can always see critical flight data.
- Precise & Fast Variometer: Delivers highly accurate and responsive vertical speed readings, allowing pilots to detect and exploit even the weakest thermals efficiently.
- Automatic Internet Updates: The P1 self-updates its firmware over the internet, keeping pilots current with the latest features and fixes without manual intervention.
- Repair & Legacy Support: Authorized repair centres and continued software support for legacy Flytec 6020/6030, Bräuniger, and Naviter varios ensure long device lifespans.
Use Cases
- Competitive paragliding pilots using the Volirium P1 to enter and follow XC or race tasks precisely during competitions.
- Hang glider pilots seeking a reliable, precise variometer to locate thermals and maximize altitude gain on cross-country flights.
- Free-flying enthusiasts upgrading from legacy Flytec or Bräuniger varios to a modern, self-updating smart vario.
- Pilots requiring repair or software updates for older Flytec 6020/6030 or Bräuniger variometers to extend device lifespan.
- Balloon pilots needing specialized altimeter and flight instrument support from an experienced Swiss manufacturer.
Pros
- 35+ Years of Expertise: Volirium's long history as Flytec and Bräuniger means deep domain knowledge and trusted reliability for free-flying instruments.
- Pilot-Focused Design: Glove-compatible touchscreen and sunlight-readable display show genuine attention to real-world flying conditions and pilot needs.
- Full Ecosystem & Support: From hardware to software updates, repairs, and accessories, Volirium covers the full lifecycle of a pilot's instrument.
Cons
- Premium Price Point: At CHF 432, the Volirium P1 represents a significant investment that may be a barrier for casual or beginner pilots.
- North America Distribution Limits: Pilots in North America must purchase through a separate site (flytec.com), which may affect availability and after-sales support directly from Volirium.
- Niche Product Category: The product is exclusively designed for paraglider and hang glider pilots, limiting its relevance to a specialized user base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Volirium P1 Smart Vario?
The Volirium P1 is Volirium's latest electronic variometer designed for paraglider and hang glider pilots. It features a glove-friendly touchscreen, sunlight-readable display, precise vario sensor, and automatic firmware updates over the internet.
How much does the Volirium P1 cost?
The Volirium P1 Smart Vario is available in the Volirium online shop for CHF 432. North American pilots can purchase through flytec.com.
Does Volirium support older Flytec and Bräuniger varios?
Yes. Volirium continues to provide software maintenance for legacy devices including the Flytec 6020 and 6030, and offers FLARM updates for Flytec and Bräuniger varios. They also operate repair centres for these legacy devices.
Can Volirium repair my damaged variometer?
Yes. Volirium operates authorized repair centres that service Volirium, Flytec, Bräuniger, and Naviter varios. You can contact them through the Repairs section on their website.
Who is behind Volirium?
Volirium is a Swiss company that was formerly known under the brand names Flytec and Bräuniger. They pioneered the world's first electronic altimeter for free-flying pilots over 35 years ago and continue to develop cutting-edge flight instruments from Switzerland.
