Feb 4, 2007, 6:10 PM
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Re: [IanHarrop] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Exhibits don't open until 3:00 pm PST Monday.
You've got awhile to wait.
Other than the inside scoop I have.
slotperfect (D 13014)
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Feb 4, 2007, 7:07 PM
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They actually cleared the schedule during the Riggers Forum so there are no more conflists with technical seminars - THAT is new, and excellent!
DSE (D 29060)
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Feb 4, 2007, 9:52 PM
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I've been asked to shoot some interviews of what's new. I'll be posting that at night on youtube, with keywords of PIA, skydiving, etc. Should have the first one up by 9 p.m. tomorrow.
Feb 5, 2007, 8:10 AM
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Re: [slotperfect] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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They actually cleared the schedule during the Riggers Forum so there are no more conflists with technical seminars - THAT is new, and excellent!
Yeah, because of me. I bitched about it 4 weeks ago but we finally resolved it on Friday.
But the one scoop I do have is that Booth is showing a suspension line reserve ripcord. Haven't seen the installation but have handled the ripcord itself. Jury's out until I see the full system later today.
See the PIA rigger forum www.pia.com for information on a new FCI manual that ban's clamps.
Information on 180 day and 65.111 will be discusses on Thursday at the rigger forum, if I have a voice.[:/] Been sick all week.
I'll be hanging around registration later this morning.
(This post was edited by councilman24 on Feb 5, 2007, 8:10 AM)
Feb 5, 2007, 4:28 PM
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Re: [councilman24] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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But the one scoop I do have is that Booth is showing a suspension line reserve ripcord. Haven't seen the installation but have handled the ripcord itself.
does that mean there is actually no cable, but a line instead ?
Feb 6, 2007, 2:49 AM
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Re: [piisfish] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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But the one scoop I do have is that Booth is showing a suspension line reserve ripcord. Haven't seen the installation but have handled the ripcord itself.
does that mean there is actually no cable, but a line instead ?
Correct. It was displayed by RWS at the 2005 PIA Symposium. I had it in my hands then. 1000 lbs Spectra line, I believe.
Feb 6, 2007, 6:15 AM
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Re: [jimmytavino] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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how do you feed it through the housing????
.... Is there still a pin at the end????
just wondering
jmy
Bill Booth in 2005:
"My new Spectra ripcord is "stiff" enough to thread easily through our stainless housing with no tools. It is only about 14" long, and with no pin on the end."
Feb 6, 2007, 7:34 AM
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Re: [skydiverek] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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that does sound interesting, but to paraphrase bill booth, isn't that 'an elegant solution to a problem that doesn't exist'? what precisely is the problem with the steel cable that the nylon one solves?
slotperfect (D 13014)
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Feb 6, 2007, 8:46 AM
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Re: [IanHarrop] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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DSE is posting daily links to the video interviews he is conducting here in Reno:
Feb 6, 2007, 4:05 PM
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Re: [sundevil777] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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I don't see how that would change, if there is still a handle at one end, and a pin at the other.
From above: "and with no pin on the end".
Wouldn't a flexible supple line, instead of a stiff pin, seems like it would be less likely to be pushed out when it is pressed against an airplane bulkhead?
Feb 6, 2007, 4:16 PM
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Re: [DougH] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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I don't see how that would change, if there is still a handle at one end, and a pin at the other.
From above: "and with no pin on the end".
Wouldn't a flexible supple line, instead of a stiff pin, seems like it would be less likely to be pushed out when it is pressed against an airplane bulkhead?
Right, I was reading that to mean no swage ball/pin at the handle end.
Of course everyone would like to know how the mechanism works. A line would have to be as stiff as a pin to function as a replacement with the rest of the existing system.
Feb 6, 2007, 8:43 PM
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Re: [sundevil777] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Everything with a skyhook as the separate pin. The line ripcord just has a loop in each end. One larks heads around the reserve handle and the other has the pin from the RSL put through it. Take the place of the marine fitting on the end of the cable. So still a metal pin.
Feb 7, 2007, 6:24 AM
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Re: [ianmdrennan] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Stronger, less pull force and cheaper.
Sounds like a good reason to change to me.
I didn't see the video yet, but how can pull force be less ?
Stronger in "theoretical" force OK, just like slinks, but more subject to friction than a metal cable wouldn't it (just like slinks) ?
ianmdrennan (D 25821)
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Feb 7, 2007, 6:38 AM
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Re: [piisfish] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Bill Booth was saying that it had 25% less pull force than the standard system and up to 85% less when pulled at an angle other than straight down.
I'm assuming friction is a big part of why it's less but I don't know. I'm pretty sure that RWS (or UPT [;P]) can back up their numbers, even if I can't hehehehe
Feb 7, 2007, 10:29 AM
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Re: [Unstable] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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I believe that the spectra ripcord design incorporates aspects that eliminate "floating handles" (an elasticity element retracts it back to the housing even if the handle is knocked free of the MLW pouch) and also eliminate the exposed excess cable length that exists on standard d-ring handles (While not a huge problem, I've definately seen people wedge it in the velcro or tuck in under the MLW in ways that could hypothetically create a problem). I'll let the video, pictures, or UPT reps out there clarify aspects of the design...
I don't think it falls under the "fixing a problem that doesn't exist" category, it's a safer design that eliminates something that could be a problem in some cases... Don't knock it cause you didn't think of it!
Ben
ianmdrennan (D 25821)
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Feb 8, 2007, 6:03 AM
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Re: [councilman24] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Quote:
But durability? When was the last time you had to worry about snags and wear on a metal ripcord?
From what I could see the entire system was under tension so there was nothing to get snagged. The only place that could happen was the metal housings (which Bill saw going away anyway) and that hadn't ever happened.
My honest opinion is that Bill Booth has consistantly delivered well thought out and safe advancements in gear to the sport. Perhaps my faith in him and his gear is a little too high but so far I have no reason to doubt him, or his team.
Feb 9, 2007, 12:03 AM
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Re: [ianmdrennan] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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yes my faith in him is great but always new stuff is skeptical no matter who it is in my opinion guess ill give it time and go by the numbers on this one sounds fantastic though wouldnt doubt it but you know
Feb 9, 2007, 12:22 AM
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Re: [2shay] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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I apologise for the drift in the subbject, but could you please add some punctuation to your posts ? It would definitely make thm easier to read. Thank you.
Feb 9, 2007, 2:32 PM
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I viewed the clip of Bill, and it's very informative. I have to admit, though, that I find the concept of the bungee in the middle of cord – the theory of which looks and sounds great – to be so novel (to me, at least) that I'd like a detailed explanation of possible problems that were either anticipated or cropped up during R & D testing, and how those problems have been accounted for and/or engineered out.
Feb 9, 2007, 4:25 PM
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Re: [Andy9o8] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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The real R& D is the Sigma
Same way the main is pulled, is the method of reserve activation Bill is demonstrating. Not sure of the numbers, but it has been on the street (in the air) for a few years now.
Stay Safe,
Arvel
DSE (D 29060)
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Feb 9, 2007, 4:43 PM
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Re: [Andy9o8] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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I might have heard it wrong, but I believe Bill commented the same; the Sigma has been using the same materials for several years (7?) without issue. After seeing the way this system works, I have zero doubt it's trustworthy, even more so than steel with a swedge. [edited to add-"but I'm not a rigger; what the hell do I know?]
(This post was edited by DSE on Feb 9, 2007, 4:44 PM)
billvon (D 16479)
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Feb 9, 2007, 4:46 PM
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A rigger recently got busted by the FAA for removing a Javelin RSL at the owner's request. Someone asked a Sunpath rigger if this was a real issue, and he said "technically yes - the Javelin manual currently says the RSL cannot be removed." This refers only to packing the reserve, not to user operation, so the user can elect to not connect it to the main riser.
One possible consequence of this is that if a rigger receives a Javelin with no RSL, he may be exposed to some liability if they do not obtain and install a new RSL. Sunpath is considering doing a manual rewrite, but they have not indicated what the new manual will say about RSL installation.
Dan Preston presented an interesting thing on composite fabrics for skydiving. He's gotten a process working that laminates individual fabric yarns between two plastic sheets. The resulting material looks (to me) like Tyvek. Some properties of this material:
-Much more rigid. Does not stretch/deform like ZP does. -Much stronger per pound. -True zero P over tens of thousands of simulated repack cycles. -Can be ultrasonically welded; does not have to be sewn. -Can be optimized for things like ribs (i.e. change the fiber pattern to maximize strength in the directions required) -Does not absorb water -Much more UV resistant -Cannot take color; the fabric is a translucent white, and probably can't be changed in color much -Currently hideously expensive.
A rigger recently got busted by the FAA for removing a Javelin RSL at the owner's request. Someone asked a Sunpath rigger if this was a real issue, and he said "technically yes - the Javelin manual currently says the RSL cannot be removed." This refers only to packing the reserve, not to user operation, so the user can elect to not connect it to the main riser.
One possible consequence of this is that if a rigger receives a Javelin with no RSL, he may be exposed to some liability if they do not obtain and install a new RSL. Sunpath is considering doing a manual rewrite, but they have not indicated what the new manual will say about RSL installation.
That's some interesting info. I wasn't aware that an RSL couldn't be removed from a Javelin. I watched a DPRE remove one during assembly of a brand new Javelin Odyssey at owner's request a few months ago. Tonight I looked through a couple versions of the Javelin manual and couldn't locate text stating "RSL can not be removed", but I did find the text below, which could be construed as such -
ASSEMBLING THE RSL There are two small rings mounted on the reserve top flap near the end of the reserve ripcord housing. After installing the reserve ripcord in the housing, the cable must be passed through the ring nearest the housing. It is then passed through the ring on the end of the Reserve Static Line, then through the ring nearest the grommet in the reserve top flap (FIG. 1). It is important to assemble the cable with the rings in this exact order, the ring nearest the grommet keeps the cable in line with the pin during activation and the ring nearest the housing prevents the ring of the RSL from being caught on the end of the housing. After the reserve container is closed and the rigger's seal is installed, the Reserve Static Line must be routed out from under the reserve pin cover at the upper left as shown in (FIG. 2). The velcro of the RSL should be mated to the velcro on the left reserve riser to bring the RSL over the shoulder. Then the snap-shackle can be connected to the small ring behind the inboard side of the left main riser (FIG. 3). There should be enough slack in the RSL so that the main riser can be pulled in any direction without putting any tension on the reserve riser. Any slack in the RSL near the reserve pin cover can be tucked under the reserve top flap. (This may vary with the size of the rig.)
I've always construed this section to indicate that this is how an RSL must be assembled if one is used on the rig. In my skydiving career I've seen quite a few Javelins that have the RSL removed, and this has always appeared to be a valid option. Thanks for bringing this issue up.
If you read "Sun Path Products Position On RSL Removal", you'll see this: >>the Javelin and Javelin Odyssey harness/container system incorporates the >>reserve static line as part of the complete system and permanent removal of this part is >>highly discouraged and NOT recommended. http://www.sunpath.com/...etins/RSLpostion.pdf
'Not recommended' does not indicate to me that the RSL can't be removed. This still seems like a gray area. What caused the FAA to cite a rigger for removal of an RSL?
Feb 10, 2007, 5:00 AM
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Re: [councilman24] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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But durability? When was the last time you had to worry about snags and wear on a metal ripcord?
Paratec bulletin from 09/08/2004: 'During a routine control (straightening the cable after an RSL activation) came to attention, that the swaging of a reserve ripcord pin was insufficient, causing the ripcord cable to disconnect from the pin with very little force. The same happened with 4 other ripcords (3x Next Student, 1x Next Tandem)'
PdF bulletin from 09/15/2004: 'A user reported the breaking of one of the coated cables of a MMS metal cutaway handle for main canopy'
UPT (RWS) bulletin from 01/30/2007: 'Ripcord damage found in field on January 18, 2007. Rig was an older Vector II.'
actually the fabric is not sail material, although it was inspired by.
we have developed a continuous web process for producing non-woven parachute and also ballistic protection fabric. the fabric is produced in house by atair on specialy built machinery.
Feb 10, 2007, 4:52 PM
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Re: [IanHarrop] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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What struck me was how little "new stuff" there was. I guess that means that things have stabilized for a while gearwise...which might actually be a good thing. Our big problem, if we have just one, is not gear related...it is people, or training, related.
Feb 10, 2007, 6:34 PM
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Re: [IanHarrop] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Here is what i remember.
Icarus launched the Neos. (I know, cause I was hokking it all week!)
Cimsa introduced a very cool very small tracking unit for main canopies. Very cool.
Bill at UPT had some cool stuff, the new ripcord, retrofit magnetic covers for the Sigma riser and main pin covers. He also showed me the safety strap on th Sigma passenger harness he was thinking of using should the FAA say so.
SunPath introduced the skyhook on the odyssey, along with new reserve flaps and riser covers to accept the velcroless on the right and collins lanyard. Also a new padded backpad with a custom logo imprinted in the middle of the back if you want one.
PD launched the low bulk reserve (Optimum) up to the 143.
Thats all i really had time to look at. Didn't notice much else.
DSE (D 29060)
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Feb 10, 2007, 11:18 PM
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Re: [johnny1488] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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I missed the Cimsa release, but I think you hit everything "big" in what you caught.
JumpShack has a new pin that is round vs having squared sides, and it has an off-center eye. John Sherman is exceptionally excited about that. They also have a new speedbag.
Rigging Innovations has a new Talon FX.
Parasport had the smallest audible I've ever seen, about 2/3 the size of the old Time-Out audibles. Really loud, with adjustable freq's for jumpers that have "holes" in their hearing. Bonehead had two new helmets, plus their Echo helmets distributed exclusively by ParaGear. Consew had a couple new machines. Skysystems had a boatload of new helmets. One of the fabric manufacturers had a revolutionary fabric that should outlast most skydivers, but dying it seems to be a problem, and it's very costly. Strong has their new ATV system., 366 tandem, and the Screamer system for the military. SSK Military had some GPS controlled devices.
Heck, I can't remember the rest, but overall, there weren't any new, monstrous groundbreaking technologies that are revolutionary to what currently exists that I saw, other than magnetic risers (which we've been hearing of for a few months, UPT's retractable ripcord, and that's about it...that I saw, and I think I saw it all in 4 days.
Feb 11, 2007, 7:08 AM
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Re: [johnny1488] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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SunPath introduced the skyhook on the odyssey, along with new reserve flaps and riser covers to accept the velcroless on the right and collins lanyard.
Have you taken some shots of the new Odyssey?
(This post was edited by KRBKV on Feb 11, 2007, 7:11 AM)
The RSL AKA: Stevens cutaway system, was invented by Perry Stevens in the early 60,s. Mr. Stevens consulted with the FAA regarding their approval for his system. Because the system does not interfere with operation nor does it alter airworthiness The FAA advised approval was not necessary. It falls under the "extra equipment category". AS 8015 b provides 4 tests with the RSL actuating the reserve pack "if the RSL is provided as a part of the assembly. All systems in common use today provide for user defeat at any time. AS 8015b provides no qualification tests with an RSL disconnected and unconstrained. Master Rigger
Feb 11, 2007, 9:58 AM
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Re: [USPA] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Apparently because of the positioning of the loop and the shape of the standard pin there is a potential for a bent pin if everything happens to line up wrong and your closing loop is extremely tight.
DSE (D 29060)
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Feb 11, 2007, 9:58 AM
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Re: [USPA] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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John Sherman explains the pin very well in the video, but the upshot of it is that it has an off-center eye, which means that no matter what angle it's pulled, it will release and not bend. Additionally, because there are no squared edges as current pins offer, it will "roll" properly when being pulled. This allows for a more concise and consistent deployment, since any angle will work more efficiently. The new pins cost nearly 3 times to manufacture at this time, but Mr. Sherman believes the cost will eventually come down.
Feb 11, 2007, 10:52 AM
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Re: [DSE] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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John Sherman explains the pin very well in the video, but the upshot of it is that it has an off-center eye, which means that no matter what angle it's pulled, it will release and not bend. Additionally, because there are no squared edges as current pins offer, it will "roll" properly when being pulled. This allows for a more concise and consistent deployment, since any angle will work more efficiently. The new pins cost nearly 3 times to manufacture at this time, but Mr. Sherman believes the cost will eventually come down.
_________________________________
I had a closing pin very similar to that on my first rig (Classiflyer)!
Feb 11, 2007, 11:35 AM
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Re: [billbooth] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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What struck me was how little "new stuff" there was. I guess that means that things have stabilized for a while gearwise...which might actually be a good thing. Our big problem, if we have just one, is not gear related...it is people, or training, related.
I totally agree with everything you said, Bill. It was a very-busy week for us in my booth, but I didn't see hardly anything I would consider "clever" when I finally got the chance to walk around and check out everyone elses offerings. What I did notice was a lot of vendors there for the first time.
Feb 11, 2007, 11:35 AM
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Re: [DSE] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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I saw the video, in fact even 2 hours after you uploaded it. I also tried to place the comment over there, but don't have a youtube account. It may be a small language barrier, but I just don't see it. I was not aware from any flaws in the standard pin. I've seen a pin "stand-up" on a rare occasion, but I blamed that one on a wrongly matched pin and grommet.
DSE (D 29060)
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Feb 11, 2007, 11:43 AM
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I haven't been around long enough to know whether square pins vs a rounded pin is a problem or not, so I'll leave that to John Sherman to argue one way or the other. I do see that the rounded and offset pin pulls more smoothly, but I'm not educated enough to say that it's a big deal or not. If it does increase the speed and safety at pull time, I'm all for it. If it doesn't change the speed, it's merely an alternative. If it's slower, bends more easily, or hinders the opening process, obviously it won't fly. If nothing else, it's great to see that minds never stop seeking ways of making even the smallest aspect of our sport better, yeah?
Feb 12, 2007, 6:56 AM
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I sat in on a very interesting riggers discussion on the 20 year (or less) mandatory retirement of reserves and possibly harnesses.
Was there any outcome / consensus?
The consensus was, that there are many and varied opinions as to the 'service life' of both canopies and harnesses.
It was stated that although it has not been a problem to this point, it very well could be, and the manufactures needed to address the concern now, in advance of a fatality because the 'overemphasis' following one could possibly be detrimental to the sport.
Some riggers thought it was much to do about nothing since the 120 day inspection would / should catch any problems.
A manufacturer suggested that the only way to truly tell if a harness still had the integral strength needed, was to test it to destruction...Bill Booth didn't feel that was necessary and that a thorough visual is all that would be required. (in most cases)
Most everyone seemed to agree that if and when a problem arises it would be most likely on a pilot's emergency rig, since they are notoriously lax on the care and maintenance of the parachute system.
It was also brought up that in years past very few 'sport' rigs were subjected to the constant and high volume of use some 'professional' jumpers put them through. ie. 1500-2000 jumps in a 12 month period, and THAT should also be taken into consideration.
One suggested path was to place a 10 YEAR 'general' life cycle on ALL reserves / harnesses with the system then being sent back to the manufacturer for evaluation and re-certification for another 5 years, following THAT 5 year cycle, another send back and 5 year re-cert would come into play....at the end of the 20 years the retirement would be mandatory.
I have a lot of old gear that I maintain impeccably and for a while during the discussion I was leaning toward the comments made by some there that this was actually, or would be viewed by the skydiving 'public', as an unnecessary planned obsolesce to facilitate the buying / selling of new gear...
...until the points were made and agreed upon by ALL, that the substandard quality of the materials the manufactures are 'forced' to buy these days do indeed raise the question of long term durability.
One highly respected rigger made the comment that some rigs built 20 years ago are stronger than some with only 10 years of recent use...and taking that a step further the materials used on some 30-40 year old military gear is still as strong or stronger that recently manufactured systems now in use. THAT kind of brought the point home that this may be a viable concern that WILL need to be dealt with in some fashion, in the very near future.
Listening in on various topics, like this one really opened MY eyes as to the fragile state of the so call 'status quo' in regard to 'our' standard operating procedures.
I've ALWAYS had the highest regard for Bill Booth and his contributions to the skydiving industry, listening to his talks brought that respect to an even higher level.
He's given a tremendous amount of detailed thought as to the ramifications to our sport should any number of things occur. Reminded me of a 'chess master' that is 10 moves ahead of everyone else in the room.
The analytical dissection Bill made concerning the two Tandem fatalities...the cause, the cure, the present and the future, made me for one, realize that it's the responsibility of US ALL to take steps to insure nothing like that EVER happens again. It's only prudent for us ALL to become educated as well as willing to speak up if something doesn't look right regarding the things happening around us, at the DZ, in the AC...
Stop and think for a moment of a governmental 'knee jerk' reaction to another tandem fatality that would possibly put an end to ALL tandem jumping...
...how might that effect YOU?
Without the tandem $$$ we've come to depend on to subsidize our plush DZ's and turbine AC, the face of the sport would be instantly and drastically changed, and not for the better!
This was my first PIA convention, I attend several conventions of this 'type' each year, though not centered on the skydiving industry. Very quickly into the week I came to realize the vast amount and importance of the information being shared, put THIS convention at the top of my list to attend again. I would recommend to anyone with even the slightest interest in where our sport is both currently AND where it's headed, to make plans for going to the 2009 meeting, even IF it's in Barcelona!
~AND hey, finally got to put a few faces to names of dotcommers I've met, but never 'met'!
(This post was edited by airtwardo on Feb 12, 2007, 7:38 AM)
Feb 14, 2007, 11:33 AM
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Re: [DSE] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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John Sherman's "new" welded pin looks a lot like the welded pins that fell out of fashion 20 years ago. While they may perform/pull better, welded hardware is a huge quality-control headache!
Why do you think Strong Enterprises moved away from welded 3D rings as soon as they possibly could?
Similarly, only the first (prototype) R.I. 1 rings were welded.
Feb 14, 2007, 11:36 AM
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Re: [kingbunky] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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... isn't that 'an elegant solution to a problem that doesn't exist'? what precisely is the problem with the steel cable that the nylon one solves? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
How quickly you forget!
What about the whole recall on Capwell ripcord pins a few years back? (CW0103 or something like that ...)
Steel ripcord cables have always been a production bottle-neck and an on-going headache for quality control types.
There is also the whole issue of setting up a separate shop for metal-working ... because the last thing you want it metal fillings, chips, etc. mixing in with nylon fabric.
Feb 14, 2007, 11:40 AM
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Re: [piisfish] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Sounds like a good reason to change to me.I didn't see the video yet, but how can pull force be less ?
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It is a question f ripcord flexibility. When pulled straight or at 90 degrees to the housing, Spectra ripcords have slightly less friction. However, the big change occurs when you try to pull a metal ripcord at 180 degrees to the housing (i.e. towards your chin). Friction on metal ripcords get obscenely high, while Spctra ripcords are still pull-able.
DSE (D 29060)
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Feb 14, 2007, 11:40 AM
Post #69 of 77
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Re: [riggerrob] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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I guess I dont' understand why these can't be cast from a high-tensile steel? Is it the same concern for quality control? Or an issue of cost?
Feb 14, 2007, 3:26 PM
Post #70 of 77
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I guess I don't understand why these can't be cast from a high-tensile steel.
By "these" do you mean the cables, or do you mean the pins?
Mark
DSE (D 29060)
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Feb 14, 2007, 3:30 PM
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Re: [mark] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Sorry, I was replying to Rob's comment about the pins. Guess it could have been a more clear response.
Can the pins be cast? Or hot-forged vs welding? The comment at PIA was that the welded pins cost around 3.00 to make vs the 1.00 that the current pins cost.
Feb 14, 2007, 6:45 PM
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Re: [DSE] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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Hi DSE,
For the most part, cast metal devices do not have the 'toughness' or durability/flexibility (many flexions) that forged or machined metals have.
Castings tend toward brittle breaks/fractures. They are dynamic failures and not gradual failures like forgings.
I didn't see it put heard that John Sherman gave a demo of his pins being bent back and forth numerous times through 180 degree arc before failure. Just to prove that they will stay together when flexed/bent.
That is one reason castings have never been used in this industry, military or sport.
Feb 15, 2007, 10:56 AM
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Similarly, I heard that Sigmas are moving away from the stamped (from sheet stainless steel) reserve pins towards forged reserve pins. Sigma reserve pins are shaped similar to Sherman's welded pins, but thicker. This is because forged pins will be stronger and less likely to bend. If they do bend, forged pins are less likely to crack. This is because the forging process aligns the grain of the metal with the exterior shape. This the same reason PIA has not followed the custom automotive fashion of carving exotic parts for billet steel.
Feb 16, 2007, 7:19 AM
Post #77 of 77
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Re: [sundevil777] PIA - If you're there - What's new?
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What about the development of an improved RSL shackle? You had said that something was in the works, please tell us the status.
It is still in the works. For those that don't remember, I once said that the "snap shackle" is the weakest link in any RSL system. I'll certainly let you know when a better unit is ready.
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how do you feed it through the housing???? 
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