You can read my review in the gear section. The summary is this I have one, I've put 73 jumps on it and it consistently opens soft, really light toggle pressure, lots of flare. Flys great. Can do a bit of turf surfing if it is loaded good enough.
Well, all I can say is that I was looking to get one as well, did some research on it, spoke to someone who jumped one and.... just placed my order for it.
The fact that it is an 'easier packing when new' ZP fabric is also a bonus. I know Freaksis has one as well and is very happy with hers. Sorry I can't give you any real feedback (yet), but just thought you should know you're in good company with your potential choice of mains.
We have a Hornet 190 here that is considered "student gear". Transitional canopy for people who don't own gear yet, but want to jump something smaller that a 288 Manta. I jumped it a few days ago when my canopy was not available (dive blocks were being sewn on to my front risers). Dutchboy's post describes my limited experience with this canopy. Everyone else here who has jumped it quite likes it!
They are right, I love my Hornet. A friend of mine jumped it last weekend and she couldn't stop raving about it... "I can't believe how kick ass your canopy is!!!!" etc. etc. She has been jumping rental gear, Safires and Sabres...and she likes my Hornet better.
Omri is right, the color-coded line groups make a big difference, and the fabric is cool. I was telling a certain person I know who needs a new canopy a LOT that he should check out a Hornet or a Heatwave, either way you are paying the same price for a brand new canopy that you will pay for a used Performance Designs or similar brand. I can't say enough good things about PISA's canopies...I have a Tempo reserve (also made by PISA) in my container and I feel great about it. Don't let anyone tell you that just because these canopies are made outside of the USA they are sub-standard. Some of the other manufacturers are using foreign labor now as well!
Sis
"What we're all really seeking is something where we can feel the rapture of being alive."J.Campbell
I've never jumped a hornet, but I was asking a rigger and local canopy guru at our dz last week about them and he said basically they are great canopies! He just said that he couldnt get the openings to be how he liked them, a bit hard sometimes, other than that he said they fly great!-LOL
've never jumped a hornet, but I was asking a rigger and local canopy guru at our dz last week about them and he said basically they are great canopies! He just said that he couldnt get the openings to be how he liked them, a bit hard sometimes, other than that he said they fly great!-LOL
Really? Hard opennings? I've got 80 jumps on mine and it consistently opens softly. The first opening was hard, but that was because my rigger packed it for a hop and pop, but I ended up doing a full terminal dump.
Do you know what kind of pack job he is using? I used the recommended PRO pack. I don't even roll the nose, just tuck it in as PISA suggests AND make sure that the slider is quartered and sticking out the front.
I've even dumped while still tracking and it wasn't too painful.
The fabric on the Heatwave and Hornet are the same. I'm on my 3rd Heatwave and often wonder why PD can't make a chute as solid as the Heatwave. After jumping a heatwave I'd never go back to a Spinetto!
Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...
I also had a bit of a hard time sorting out my openings on my Hornet. I have only about 25-30 jumps on mine, but I have already figured it out. Unlike Dutchboy, I DO roll the nose, and I stuff it into the center cell...When I quarter the slider I pull more of it towards me, to cover more of the tail, and I roll the heck out of the tail. I also make sure my line stows aren't too short. I got line dump on my Hornet once and it was NOT a fun experience. I got certifiable whiplash. Neck was black and blue, chest strap left a purple streak, left arm bruised from armpit to elbow, etc. I don't care what canopy you are jumping, watch your line stows!! I do a PRO pack and roll the nose, I would not Psycho pack my Hornet, but that's just me. I dumped while on my back last weekend, watched my bag and lines go by my face, and WHAM!! That baby slammed open without so much as a line twist! Can you say...LUCKY?!?!? My guardian angel needed a nap after that one! Just give your Hornet the attention and love she desires and she will treat you beautifully!
Sis
"What we're all really seeking is something where we can feel the rapture of being alive."J.Campbell
Hmmm, perhaps we should compare notes if we run into each other in a couple of weeks. After a few beers we should be able to figure out what we're doing differently.
Yeah I'm pretty sure he pro packed! -LOL His canopy now is a velocity 79 and I think the hornet jumps were just trying to "test" it out to get some input on the canopy. I'm sure he packed it with a variety of differences eg:slider more to the front, rolled nose-,unrolled, longer stows, etc.
His overall opinion of the canopy was upbeat he just said he didnt ever get the openings the way he liked them.
