Is it common to have a non-advertised size made for you? Do all manufacturers do it? Is it considered a pain in the ass; I'm guessing they have templates for their normal sizes.
Yes, I am thinking about getting something different, but I don't know if I'm quite ready for the big jump down to a 150. So I post a question to find some answers that I haven't seen. Seems like a reasonable dilema to me.
So, do you care to share your thoughts on the "much better long-term type alternatives"?
Is it common to have a non-advertised size made for you?
No.
In reply to:
Do all manufacturers do it?
No. When you build the same shape in different sizes it won't fly the same. So when most manufacturers introduce a new size, they build a prototype, jump it, change it, build another one, etc.
Since the manufacturer isn't going to be able to "do it right" when making a custom size, some makers won't do it.
In reply to:
Is it considered a pain in the ass; I'm guessing they have templates for their normal sizes.
Many canopies are cut with a computer controlled hot-knife or laser. Pattern availability shouldn't be an issue.
Is it common to have a non-advertised size made for you?
No.
In reply to:
Do all manufacturers do it?
No. When you build the same shape in different sizes it won't fly the same. So when most manufacturers introduce a new size, they build a prototype, jump it, change it, build another one, etc.
Since the manufacturer isn't going to be able to "do it right" when making a custom size, some makers won't do it.
In reply to:
Is it considered a pain in the ass; I'm guessing they have templates for their normal sizes.
Many canopies are cut with a computer controlled hot-knife or laser. Pattern availability shouldn't be an issue.
You should remember that some of these areas are rounded and manufacturers don't necessarily use the same method to determine area. PD has used a different method that the PIA method for their rectangular canopies for years. If you multiply Aerodynes numbers for the triathlon they are rounded.
Unless you have a very specific need and usually are on one end or the other of the range offered, there is no need to get a custom size.
As stated above, canopy performance doesn't generally scale directly with size. Simple explination, 1 to 1 loading on a 120 is much "higher performance" than on a 220. Stick with what has been developed and tested.
One reason: our canopy rules. Sometimes people allowed to jump say a 150 have trouble jumping a 149 at some dz's (not at all dz's). Ordering a 150 takes care of that problem
I just really dislike my current canopy, and have set aside the money for new one...and of course I want to make it smart buy.
What do you not like about your current main is maybe the first question. How will doing a half downsize help that problem?
The openings either beat the shit out me, or take 1200 feet. The flare sucks; I've tried it several different ways, and it just feels worn out.
Bottom line is that I've set aside the money and I am going to buy a new canopy. I'm not an aggressive pilot, and not eager to get under a rocket-chute any time soon if ever. I want something that's suitable for me now, and that I won't want to downsize out of over the next few hundred jumps. If a "half downsize" is a possible solution then great. But as I said before, I'm just trying to be thorough and exlpore all options.
What do you not like about your current main is maybe the first question. How will doing a half downsize help that problem?
Lot of people dislike the Sabre. Not sure why people don't answer the simple question - either 160s exist or they don't. If you're looking to buy a new canopy and the idea choice would be the 160, it makes more sense than doing the 170, no?
But if people did see the profile and the current 1.22 WL on the 170..the half downsize question becomes valid. 1.3@108 jumps is pushing the envelope of reasonable. And a bit beyond in many people's thinking.
The hybrids are much easier to pack, and since the area that sees the most wear from packing and has the most exposure to sunlight (ie the topskin) is zp, a hybrid should last about as long as a canopy built completely from zp. An example would be PD's Silhouette.
One major caveat on hybrids though - PD calls out an absolute maximum of 221 pounds on a Silhouette 170 - a wingloading of about 1.3 (see chart here). Compare that with the maximum of 255 pounds for a Sabre2 170 - a wingloading of about 1.5 (see chart here). While the two canopies have similar planforms (nine cell, slightly elliptical), they feel that the all zp Sabre2 can handle a higher wingloading than the hybrid Silhouette.
If your profile is correct, downsizing shouldn't really be something you need to consider right now. Instead, look at purchasing a more modern canopy design - like a Sabre2, Safire2, Pilot, etc - in the same size you are jumping now. The difference in shape between the Sabre you're jumping now and the newer canopies will give you more predictable openings, a better flare and allow you to have more fun under canopy, all without the increase in speed and risk that a downsize will add to your skydiving.
Not sure why people don't answer the simple question - either 160s exist or they don't.
Because asking questions spurs peoples thinking and giving an answer rarely does. Additionally, many times people are not asking the right question so asking a question back may lead them down the right track.
Here’s what I’m gathering now that you gave us more info. You have a used Sabre 1 and you don’t like the opening, the flight characteristics or the flair. I’d also bet the canopy has a LOT of jumps on it.
Based on this I don’t think the solution is a 160 sqft canopy. A new(er) canopy such as a Sabre2 or a Pilot in a 170 is probably the way to go. 1. You will get MUCH improved openings (the Sabre2 is a totally different canopy than the old Sabre they are only similar in name) 2. Better flight characteristics (the Sabre is a true “square” the Sabre2 and Pilot are both semi ellipticals) 3. Both will have a much better flair than an old worn out Sabre. The flair on the Sabre2 is great.
Based on your jump numbers and time in the sport, it does not look like you stay very current. A semi elliptical 170 is probably a better canopy than any downsize at this point. You will get much better and different flight out of a semi elliptical and that should satisfy your current needs. When you are ready to downsize to a 150 either of the above canopies will have great resale value.
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