Articles

MANDATORY Ripcord / Pin Test

Capewell Components LLC has received (3) reports from (3) customers of (4) ripcord pins that broke. All (4) pins were reported to have broken under very low force. All (4) pins are reported to have broken on the blade section of the pin, approximately 1/8” (3 mm) from the shoulder of the pin. Two of these ripcord pins that broke were supplied by Capewell as a completed ripcord assembly. Two of the ripcord pins that broke were supplied as pins to Capewell customers who then assembled the full ripcord. The (4) ripcord pins that broke were delivered to Capewell customers in the first half of 2002.

Capewell has an on-going investigation to determine root cause. No root cause(s) has been determined to date. Affected Ripcord Pins are: MS70107 (angled), PS70107 (angled), 61C4304 (angled); 55A6480 (terminal)
A defective pin could cause your parachute system to malfunction. Please download the complete service bulletin below which describes two MANDATORY tests. Either TEST 1 or TEST 2 must be performed prior to the next uyse of your system.
Download Service Bulletin (pdf)
Gear and Rigging Forum

By admin, in Gear, July 21, 2003

Gear Database Updates

By admin, in Gear, June 23, 2010

Continuum II: Stories from the Edge

Triax Productions has partnered with Go Fast! Sports & Beverage Co. to release their second BASE jumping video, "Continuum II: Stories from the Edge." The film will premiere October 8-10th in Cañon City, Colorado at the 2nd Annual Royal Gorge Go Fast! Games, a legal B.A.S.E. jumping event. The feature will be officially released on October 16th at Bridge Day, the annual legal B.A.S.E. jumping event in Fayetteville, West Virginia.
The feature, as its name implies, is more video-magazine style in its approach. Embracing the entire sport of B.A.S.E. jumping, the film includes athlete profiles, rigging/safety tips, B.A.S.E. jumping event coverage, epic survival stories, trick tips, stealth urban B.A.S.E. jumping, never before seen B.A.S.E. jumping footage from sites around the world, and of course, entertaining bloopers. Some of the sites visited for the film include Malaysia, Thailand, Switzerland, the 2003 Royal Gorge Go Fast Games, Mexico, Southwestern USA and Norway.
"With the "Continuum II" film project, we saw an opportunity to support three athletes/entrepreneurs who have true ambition, vision and passion for bringing the reputation and portrayal of B.A.S.E. jumping to an entirely new level," says Heather Hill, VP Communications, Go Fast Sports & Beverage Co. "With continued efforts like this film project and the Royal Gorge Go Fast Games, we hope to help authenticate B.A.S.E. jumping's place in the world of extreme sports."
Triax is made up of local Colorado B.A.S.E. jumpers/skydivers Damian Doucette, Chris Pope, and Kenyon Salo.
Pope: "We tried to take a different spin on the standard B.A.S.E. jumping video and make it not only interesting to everyone, but informational as well. We were lucky enough to be able to profile a few great people for this video. I had a lot of fun making it! I love this stuff!"
Salo: "The camera lens shows B.A.S.E. jumping in its true form, and really lets the viewer connect with the action and the intensity of the sport. The Continuum series strives for this connection, whether with an athlete or an object or an emotion, in each and every shot, and we hope we can bring B.A.S.E. jumping into a new realm through this kind of videography."
Doucette: "In addition to some pretty cool base footage, we utilized techniques such as motion control, time-lapse and animated graphics to increase the overall production value."
"Continuum II: Stories from the Edge," as well as the group's first release, "Continuum," will be available for sale through the company's website, www.triaxproductions.com as of October 1, 2004.
For more information, please contact Chris Pope at 303.449.2091.
Troy Widgery founded Go Fast Sports & Beverage Co., producers of Go Fast Energy Drink and Go Fast Sports Apparel, in 1996. For more information about Go Fast®, please contact Heather Hill at [email protected], call 303.893.1222 or visit www.GoFastSports.com.

By admin, in Gear, September 13, 2004

Sky Systems and Parasport Introduces New Gear

Two gear major skydiving manufacturers recently launched new products - Sky Systems and Parasport Italia. Sky Systems launched the Hurricane. This new freefly helmet together with the NVERTIGO will lead Sky System's attack on the ever growing market and demand for freeflying head protection. Parasport Italia (Parasport Skydiving Equipment) launched the Skytornic FX. The new Skytronic is being positioned to compete with the Pro-Track and Pro-Dytter in the heavy-weight audible altimeter and skydiving computer class. It's about time.
Hurricane Freefly Helmet from Sky Systems Ltd
Hurricane is the new freefly helmet from Sky Systems Ltd. (the makers of Factory Diver, Sidewinder and OXYGN skydiving helmets). This carbon fiber, Kevlar reinforced helmet is by far the most comfortable freefly helmet available on the market.
Sky Systems has taken your thoughts and designed a new freefly helmet to meet your needs. The Hurricane introduces a new shape for a more comfortable fit, and has external audible ports over each ear for a more clear sound transmission. Utilizing similar technology as the Nvertigo, the Hurricane features the Sky Dial tightening mechanism to tighten the forehead and neck areas. Sizes are currently available in S-M and L-XL. More sizes may be offered soon.
Links:
See the Hurricane listing in the Gear section Visit the Sky Systems web site Buy a Hurricane from Square1 Skytronic FX by Parasport Skydiving Equipment
Finally released the new Skytronic FX! Several months of studies and tests, together with the experience developed in the past years with the Skytronic and the Skytronic Pro, allowed Parasport Skydiving Equipment to develop this new instrument. Features include:
Three programmable warning altitudes PLUS a countdown timer, all in a single instrument Loud and easily recognizable alarms Signals go off only if necessary (only the breakoff alarm goes off if not in freefall) Metric/English units in a single instrument Electronic logbook stores data about the last 200 jumps Totals freefall time and number of jumps Statistics on altitudes Low battery indication Can be connected to a PC (external interface optional) According to the Parasport web site the computer interface for this will be ready and available in June 2001. The Skytronic FX can be installed on the polycarbonate version of the Z1 STI just replacing the metal plate with the one designed for the FX. It is also available the replacement holder for the Z1 Alpha STI. The Skytronic FX should also fit comfortably into most popular skydiving helmet designs.
Links:
See the Skytronic FX listing in the Gear section Visit the Parasport Skydiving Equipment web site

By admin, in Gear, April 8, 2001

2003 US Nationals DVD

The 2003 US Skydiving Nationals reached monumental success last October; The Florida Skydiving Center commissioned AirZoneXtreme to produce the official event production with a premiere scheduled nationwide over the Memorial Day weekend.
The 2003 US Skydiving Nationals was a success due to a combination of factors. The weather was beautiful! Betty Kabeller-Hill, owner of the Florida Skydiving Center, was a fabulous host. Air boss Paul and brother Bud Fayard, of Fayard Enterprises, led their superior fleet of aircraft to fly 918 loads making 13,926 skydives during the course of the event.
Never was a 4-way competition so close as when DeLand Majik, Golden Knights Gold, and Arizona Airspeed scored at the end within three points of each other. DeLand Majik won the gold with 213 points. Because of the ease and success of the event from the very beginning, Event Director Scott Smith, Jack Jeffries, & Harry Parker led in the first ever Formation Live Judging, which brought the competitors & spectators together to watch the outcome of points turned and the judges decision using Omniskore! Throughout the entire event, competition in 4-way, 8-way, 10-way speed, & 16-way freefall formation was challenging, fun, and full of surprises.
The competition from the Artistic Event divisions amazed everyone who was present during the week and at the Awards Banquets & Ceremonies. Woman competed in each division. Eliana Rodriguez of Arizona Airspeed became the first woman to win a gold medal in 8-way formation skydiving. Elisa Feldt took first in a tough competition with 21-time woman's national accuracy champion, Cheryl Stearns. Among the female competitors was guest, Pauline Richards, champion skysurfer from Australia.
AirZoneXtreme's goal in the US Skydiving Nationals DVD production was to provide useful tools to help challenge & motivate each and every division of the event, inform the general public, and entertain the skydiving community.
There are three DVDs, organized by discipline: Formation, Artistic, & Canopy. Each DVD is about 2 hours in length and includes, "Meet the Champions", a complete, 35-minute event documentary. The remainder of each DVD is devoted to edited competition footage, which includes: team pictures, scores & scoreboards, & music with all production rights.
Formation - 4-way, 8-way, 10-way speed, & 16-way Over 100 competition dives of top teams

Artistic - Freefly, Freestyle, & Skysurf Each Artistic team represented, Over 100 competition dives

Canopy CRW - 4-way Rotation, Sequential, & 8-way Speed - Over 30 high scoring dives 13 minutes of Style & Accuracy plus interviews, & 2 Rounds of Sport Accuracy "Meet the Champions" and celebrate the victory once again! DVD previews and details are available at www.airzonextreme.com.
Get the DVD

By admin, in Gear, May 28, 2004

PD Demo Program: make it work for you!

So you want to try a new canopy, and you have already asked what your friends, gear dealer, and local sky gods think about the subject, and they have given their opinions-repeatedly. When it comes to gear, pretty much everyone has a strong opinion on the matter. Unfortunately, as you have probably found, opinions have a tendency to be subjective rather than objective. Lucky for you, most manufacturers now have demo programs, such as the Performance Designs Demo Program, so that you can sift through others' perceptions, and create some of your own.
The basics:
The Performance Designs Demo program sends out the canopy of your choice directly to you to be used over the course of two weekends. The cost is currently $30. You receive it, you jump it, you send it back, the canopy is re-inspected, then put back into the demo program; lather, rinse, and repeat.
The details:
It's a rather simple process to get a demo. Go to www.performancedesigns.com and fill out the demo request form which can be found on the "support" page. Otherwise, use the direct link, http://www.performancedesigns.com/demorequest.asp
The demo form will ask some questions pertinent to your jump history, to better enable PD's Demo Queen, Anabel Durham, to assist you with your demo needs. As a side note, yes, it is official, the most beloved Demo Queen of all time, Kolla Kolbeinsdottir, has relinquished her throne. Shed no tears, though, as Kolla has moved on to other projects within marketing at Performance Designs, while leaving the demo program in Anabel's capable hands. But, I digress...
Following the submission of the demo request, you will be contacted by Anabel. She will discuss your options and the availability of the requested canopy. If it is available, she will ship it to wherever your little heart desires. After a few days of longingly gazing out the window after the Fed Ex truck, the truck will stop, and with that stop will come the knowledge that you will soon feel like a kid in a candy store with your very own PD Demo to use over the next two weekends. Though PD does understand the sort of bond that is forged between jumper and canopy, we do request that you refrain from sleeping with the canopy as it may result in the degradation of the material-save it for the one that you buy.
Following the two-week romance, you will say that sometimes tearful goodbye, and ship the demo back to the PD Factory, where it will begin its journey all over again.
How to best make the program work for you: When selecting a new model of canopy to try, it is a good idea to select the same size as what you are currently flying. This will make it possible for you to make a legitimate comparison between the two canopies. Having a controlled aspect between the two canopies, such as size, will better enable you to determine the true differences in the flight characteristics of the canopies. If you change both the size and model of canopy, there is nothing in common to compare. You now have apples to oranges for your test group. When downsizing, try to avoid downsizing by more than one size at a time, as each size has valuable lessons for the avid skydiver.
The fear factor:
Many jumpers feel trepidation when considering the possibility of that first reserve ride. Or you just aren't sure of whether or not you are going to be comfortable under that smaller reserve that would fit so much more nicely in your cute, new backpack-sized container. The PD answer to this and many other uncertainties? Try it!! The Performance Designs Demo Program also has PD Reserves set up as mains so that jumpers can give their reserve a whirl, too. It is a fantastic opportunity to try out your reserve in a controlled environment. *Sigh* You really can't put a price on reassurance… oh wait, you can, and that would be $30, as well!! That's a bargain for peace of mind. ; )
Be realistic about your abilities. The one certainty about skydiving is that there will always be another load and another day, if you conduct yourself in a safe manner. Rush into jumping that canopy that is pushing your limits, and you are decreasing your odds of making that next load, and quite possibly, that next day. By learning how to fly your current size more efficiently, you will be ensuring that you will be able to maximize your canopy's performance once on that smaller size.
The recap:
Pick a canopy, fill out the form on the website, be nice to Anabel (bribery never hurts), cough up the 30 bucks, jump until your little heart is content (as long as it fits into the 2 weeks), send the demo back, lather, rinse, and repeat if necessary.
**Unfortunately, the demo program is currently available only in the United States at this time. If outside of the U.S., please feel free to contact us so that we can direct you to one of our remote demo centers, or check our events calendar to see when and if Performance Designs will be in your area.
Photos by: Joao Tambor

By admin, in Gear, March 19, 2004

Mirage announces new reserve pilot chute

After Mirage Systems released the Product Service Bulletin in December of 2004 our customers have been contacting us regarding the cosmetic appearance of our container after the cutter modification had been performed. We have had a great amount of feedback informing us that the reserve top flap that covers the reserve pin was gapping and bulging considerably after their riggers had performed the modification. The cutter being located on top of the pilot chute does require some additional tips and tricks to be done during the pack job to alleviate this problem. If the rigger manages bulk properly on the pack job then there is no noticeable difference then before the modification. But we at Mirage Systems want to design the highest quality, most rigger friendly, and best looking container on the market. That is why we have listened to our customers and have designed a new reserve pilot chute cap that addresses this issue.
How it works
Figure 1 is of a Cypres cutter resting on top of the reserve pilot chute as mandated by our service bulletin. The Cypres cutter is between the pilot chute cap and the number 3 reserve flap after packed. With the cutter resting on top of the pilot chute cap it does not allow the number 3 flap to rest flush upon the pilot chute due to the thickness of the cutter and can cause a noticeable gap if the bulk of the pack job is not distributed properly.
Figure 2 is a picture of the new concave pilot chute cap from a direct side view. The cutter rests on top of the cap, but lower than the edge of the pilot chute cap and nestles down in the pocket of the coils allowing the number 3 flap to close flush with the cap.
Before and after
Figure 3 picture is of a G3 MZS packed without the concave pilot chute cap and with the reserve canopy bulk poorly managed. The length of the closing loop had to be lengthened 1/4 of an inch to accommodate for the Cypres cutter.
Figure 4 is the exact same rig with the same pack job with the bulk poorly managed with the new concave pilot chute cap. The closing loop had to be shortened 1/4 of an inch and as you can see the top flap rests very flush against the pack job.
But you said...
We stand by our statement that it is entirely possible to make the pack job look normal without using the new pilot chute cap. The concave pilot chute is simply an aid designed to make the riggers job of making your container look as good as possible much easier. The new pilot chute cap is not absolutely necessary to achieve a pleasing appearance but we think it will help riggers in the field that are having difficulty doing so.
Your old pilot chute will still be perfectly acceptable for use and it is a good idea to have a spare reserve pilot chute and deployment bag in the event of a malfunction where you lose your equipment so you won't miss a single weekend while waiting for your new parts.
How do I get one?
These are now our standard pilot chute that comes with each new rig order. If you purchased a Mirage container in 2005 you are eligible for a 20% discount off the cost of the reserve pilot chute. The price of the pilot chute is $100.00 We are not exchanging out old pilot chutes for the new design as it is not a necessity but only an aid. You can order your new pilot chute by clicking the link below to be directed to our spare parts order form. Simply fax in your order and we will get the pilot chute out to you or your rigger immediately.
Mirage Systems

By admin, in Gear, July 3, 2005

Aerodyne Summer Sale and New Icon

Aerodyne has a offer for skydivers buying new gear in July. Depending on the purchase the customer will receive a cash rebate up to $300. The offer is valid for all orders whether placed via a distributor or directly on Aerodyne’s website.
When ordering a main canopy or an Icon Sport container the customer will receive a $100 cash rebate. This is good for the Pilot, Vision and Triathlon main canopies. When ordering an Aerodyne main canopy AND Icon Sport container the customer will receive a $200 cash rebate. When ordering a complete Aerodyne system including a Smart Reserve the customer will receive a $300 cash rebate! Products like the A2 tandem canopy, the Solo student canopy and the Icon Student are excluded from the offer.
Visit www.aerodyne-int.com for more information.
New Icon design
Effective July 1st the Icon is sold with a new design. The new design does not only sport all the latest updates to our harness/container system but also boasts a new mid-flap design. The new mid-flap design features four elements that make up the design.
The reserve top flap
The Aerodyne “A”
The point of the triangle applied to the center flap.
Embroidered ICON on the yoke. Our engineering staff has also made it possible to offer a new option on the Sport Icon, the fully articulated harness. Chest rings are now available at an additional charge of $200. The hardware for the chest rings is the same flat stainless steel D ring as we use for the standard hip rings. The flat D-ring doesn’t dig into the hip like the bent D-ring which is commonly used for the 3 ring assembly and therefore offers more comfort.
The A2 – 350 tandem canopy makes its debut
Our big boy gets a little brother! In line with market demand we have expanded the A2 range to include a 350 square foot version. Perfect for drop zones that have high wind conditions, or that cater to typically light passengers. The A2 350 was extensively tested in several places around the world and we have reason to believe that the our newest addition to the A2 line will be greeted with lots of smiles and soft stand up landings.
1500lb Spectra lines: Less pack volume, longer lasting than Dacron, with fewer incidences of tension knots.
Super lightweight stainless steel grommets.
Extremely soft, predictable openings.
Light toggle pressure and excellent flair characteristics in both the single and duel toggle configuration.
New light version of ww.aerodyne-int.com
In an effort to assist customers who do not have flash installed on their computers, and/or have a slow modem connection, we have released a new light version of our website. It is now possible to browse a simplified and fast loading version of the most relevant information. Note that the online ordering menus are not present in the light version, as the coloring applications require flash technology.
You can see the lite version at:

www.aerodyne-int.com/sportlight

By admin, in Gear, July 3, 2004

Bird-Man introduces PHI

Story of PHI
Phi is the golden ratio of antiquity, (1.6180339887), a never-ending number. Phi is also claimed to have been crucial in the design of the Great Pyramids, the composition of the Mona Lisa and the construction of Stradivarius violins. It has shown a propensity to appear in the most astonishing variety of places, from mollusk shells, sunflower florets, and rose petals to the shape of the galaxy. Psychological studies have investigated whether the Golden Ratio is the most aesthetically pleasing proportion extant. It is believed to feature in works of art from Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa to Salvador Dali's The Sacrament of the Last Supper, and poets and composers have used it in their works. PHI is also the new state-of-the-art-wing-suit from BIRD-MAN International.
PHI introduces a new era in sky flying with it's wind tunnel tested design, looks and innovation. Hours of flying in various speeds and angles gave us even better idea how to make a wing suit that is at the same time easy to fly and control, thus giving you power you need whether you were flying on your belly or back, making acrobatics or just cruising around. This was made possible only by mixing science and art, technology and vision. The qualities which made Bird-Man a legend and the leading wing suit manufacturer of the world.
Dynamic-Wing-Technology
Imagine if you could adjust the size of your parachute when you really needed to, in the middle of the flight? Well, you can just do that with PHI. Increase the wing-area when you need to go slow and decrease when you need to go fast. This allows wing to be in the best aerodynamic position in respect your flight and the surface area needed. It's pure Ying and Yang in the sky.
Double Action Quick Release
With our new double action cut away zipper you are allowed to free your arms using additional technique. That gives you another chance if you need one. Be smart.
Semi-Rigid Large Wings
As tested in the windtunnel semi-rigid wings using Mylar in selected ribs gives you that extra performance and keeps the larger wing area in just the correct shape and ideal for the best glide.
Airlocks on every Air-Intake
Our new air-lock technology gives PHI it's beautiful flight characteristics whether you are flying on your belly, upside down or making the most artistic maneuvers.
New Materials
PHI is made of new high-tech Trevira Micro material called Action Mistral. The fabric is made by using membrane technology, it is Teflon protected giving the product better endurance, durability, comfort and 100% wind proof with maximum breathability.
Attention to Detail
PHI is truly a new design concept paying attention to every detail. Higher collar with ultra comfortable material that protects skyflyers throat during the cold flight is just one example. L.Q.R.S. (Leg Wing Quick Release) and airlocks are standard features of this state-of-the-art wingsuit.
ISO 9001-2000 Manufacturing
Last but not least. Both PHI and S.5 BLADE are made under strict standards of standardized ISO 9001-2000 quality certificate. The quality of these suits is the same as diver suits, bullet proof west's for the special-forces, hiking clothes made for Mt. Everest mountain climbing expeditions etc. In fact, they are all made in the same place.

Introducing PHI
PHI is made in stock sizes and in dynamic and exiting pre-made color combinations. BIRD-MAN is taking pre-orders now Through authorized BIRD-MAN dealers and the first PHI's will be out June 2005.
For more information go to: www.bird-man.com

By admin, in Gear, May 13, 2005

Service Bulletin - Icon Harness Container Cutaway Cable and Cable Housing

By admin, in Gear, March 13, 2005

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