Rock Dragon REVIEW

[manship 0]

Environment for the jumps:
486 foot high Span.
Rig: Vertigo Rock Dragon 288 in a Warlock container - weight=15.5 pounds.
Jumper: Weight 200 pounds
Exit weight: 215.5 pounds
Number of Jumps: 10

I jumped my Fox right after the Rock Dragon (about 45 minutes later), to get
similar conditions.

Also, I should say that I am just interested in all BASE equipment and
did these jumps for my own education. I am NOT paid by, sponsered by, or
employed by Vertigo or any BASE equipment manufacturer. These impressions
are just mine. Also, it is fine to try and learn about BASE from written
material and talking to people, but ONE JUMP on a canopy will tell you
more for yourself than reading ten reviews by others.


Observations:

Glide - This was by no means a "scientific" test, but a practical one, with
attempts to equalize deployment altitude and flight profile. Both the Fox and
the Rock Dragon opened in about a count of "3 thousand". For the Rock Dragon
jump, the wind seemed about the same, but a little more headwind component at
times. Even so, it glided about 50 feet further than the Fox. As in all other
comparisons, the Rock Dragon seems to beat out the Fox.

Turns - Turns are quite responsive. Just what I would want for a BASE canopy.
It turns better than my Fox, ie, quicker and less "slip" or "slide".

Sinking - It sinks nicely and slow flight is nice. Transitions from an easy
sink to landing went well.

Heading - Headings were spot on for all jumps. Even though both canopies opened
in about a count of "3 thousand", The Rock Dragon opened very crisply and DEAD
ON HEADING. It opened like this for all the jumps. I mean, it was not even 5
degrees off. Now, granted, this is not a statistically relevant sample, but
lets just say the other canopies i jumped each day had much worse results, and
the Fox had a 180. I finally got tired of the perfect openings and did a side
launch, slanting my body and dipping a shoulder. I was able to get a 90 degree
opening that way. I have the most confidence about heading for this canopy than
any other I have tried. Now, this might not be true over 500 jumps, or might
not be true for ALL Rock Dragons, but this one gave me the gut feeling that the
Rock Dragon could end up being the "Heading Champion" of all canopies! If you
do a reasonably symmetrical pack job, and give it a reasonably symmetrical body
position at exit, it should be on heading for you. I never have felt this
positive about any other canopy.

Opening - Crisp, quick and fully inflated, ready to go! In addition to being on
heading, the Rock Dragon was completely open immediately (all cells inflated)
and ready to fly or receive riser inputs.

Rear Riser turns - Being immediately ready for input, I simulated a back-off
and turn away from a solid object. I grabbed both risers, slid the canopy
backwards, and transitioned into a turn away. The response was great, and the
Rock Dragon behaved as it was designed to for this low altitude scenario.

Toggles and Tail Pocket. The toggles are Vertigos Pin type, the same as on the
Dagger. These are a good system with none of the problems from the old "Zoo"
type. You do need to remember to "snug" the tension up on them. Properly
tensioned, these toggles seem to wear quite well, better than some other types.
They also accept the WLO toggles Vertigo makes for clearing lineovers. However,
the lower control lines on the canopy are universal, and will fit into any
container/riser on the market.
The Tailpocket is a good design, the same as on the Dagger. It is quite secure,
and I have never found it open at all after jumping. I am quite confident the
lines are only coming out of the center opening as they were designed to do.

Landing - In no wind at the landing area, the flare seems not to have a lot
of "low end" or last minute lift. My Fox seems to "float" me at the end for a
softer landing. I had no trouble standing up the Rock Dragon and running it
out, but it just isn't landing quite as nice as the fox. Perfectly acceptable,
though not quite as soft as the Fox. Although easily run out, it lands with a
slap and a runout, compared to a foxes tap and a runout. After a few jumps, I
seem to develop a feel for it and the landings became the same as my Fox. So,
if you have a few at first that are slightly harder than usual, be patient.
I was checking out its "sinking", and it slow flys and transitions to a sink
smoothly. While doing this sink, I got off to the side some and in trying
to recover and steer back to landing, I got headed towards a tree. I could see
that I would just miss the tree or perhaps skim through the top. As my feet
slapped through the tree top, I flared and the Rock Dragon responded quickly and
pulled me out giving me a nice no-wind landing runout.

Size of packing - seems much smaller than a Fox. Vertigo says the container the
canopy is in is one of their jump course containers. It was made for a Dagger
277, but the Rock Dragon 288 seems to go in fine, yet a little tight. It looks
pretty nice and compact though. I would say, if you had a container made for a
Dagger, that the same size Rock Dragon would fit in it well. Vertigo says the
Rock Dragons might pack a bit larger than a Dagger due to the vents and covers,
but that doesn't seem to be a big factor with this rig. It is 1 inch "thinner"
than a Fox and that should help cut down some bulk also.

===============================================
Measurements:

Rock Dragon:
Center Cell "thickness" -- 14 inches
Center Cell "Width" [measured about 24 inches back from leading edge] :
Bottom Skin -- 38 inches
Top Skin -- 40 inches

One cell over from center, Bottom Skin -- 35 inches

Mesh is 2 cells wide, 12 inches "deep" (starts 20 inches from leading edge
and goes to line attach point).

Lines are 4 inches longer than a Fox 285.

Center A & B lines are slightly shorter than the other lines (like the Dagger).
This is some canopy shaping they do. Vertigo explains: "the center a's
and b's are shorter because they are continuous. When the canopy is
inflated they equal the length of the cascaded lines(which are longer when
next to each other but shorten overall when spread apart-when the canopy is
inflated.) This is a super minor trim aspect in canopies this size, but
every little bit helps and continuous lines that are not a bit shorter will
be that much out of trim when the canopy is open. We use continuous center
a's and b's because this is where the most stress is on opening no matter
what the canopy(skydiving or BASE). We actually use 1000 pound Dacron for
the center a's."

FOX:
Center Cell "thickness" -- 15 inches
Center Cell "Width" [measured about 24 inches back from leading edge] :
Bottom Skin -- 38 inches
Top Skin -- 41 inches

If you lay out a 285 Fox on the ground and lay out a 288 Rock Dragon on top of
it, they are really about the same size - within an inch or so.

This Canopy is perfectly suited for jumping at Moab or any critical BASE jump.
I would guess that jumpers in Australia will really like this parachute. Anyone
thinking of buying a BASE canopy should SERIOUSLY consider this one. It is a
keeper.

The canopy is so new that Vertigo hasn't been able to get any information on
their web site, but hopefully that will change soon.

Contact the manufacturer, Vertigo at:

Vertigo Base Outfitters
PO Box 1304
Moab, Utah 84532
phone /fax (435) 259-1085
http://www.vertigobase.com/
[email protected]

[ManBird 0]

I was really impressed by the opening. The Rock Dragon is on the left in this video:

http://www.deepart.org/files/RockDragon.wmv

The symmetry and heading are perfect. It's just nose, tail, and a tiny breath -- I had to go frame by frame on the video to really note any stages. Not sure what's on the right, but you can see a major difference in how hard it "breathes" after the initial inflation.

"¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯"

Click

[RayLosli 11]

but you can see a major difference in how hard it "breathes" after the initial inflation.
..............................
Steve I am just elaborating a little more on what you say....

Usually I look at the pressurization wave.
and how many waves.
When the air enters and pressurizes you can see a
wave of air slap the Tail and move/role back to the Nose.
Just after you see the span/width reach its length.

A good inflating canopy you only see a couple.
A bad inflating canopy you see a bunch and some waffling
and some shuddering going on.

[pBASEtobe 0]

Quote

...but you can see a major difference in how hard it "breathes" after the initial inflation.

How much of the difference between the two canopies it due to the fact that they are facing almost 180 degrees apart? Could their heading relative to the wind affect this?

[Zennie 0]

I don't know what others were looking at, but I saw a dead-bang on-heading with nice pressurization.

- Z
"Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

[pBASEtobe 0]

I thought they were talking about the canopy on the right (NOT the Rock Dragon) and how there were pressurization waves in the inflation.

[KidWicked 0]

Quote

I don't know what others were looking at, but I saw a dead-bang on-heading with nice pressurization.

To what extent is "nice" pressurization a result of the design of the canopy compared to simply the extent to which it is loaded? Obviously crossporting and bottom skin inlets will have a contributory effect, but how much does airfoil shape factor into the equation?

It seems to me that if the brake setting is deep, the airfoil shape probably wouldn't contribute that much.

Coreece: "You sound like some skinheads I know, but your prejudice is with Christians, not niggers..."

[JesseP 0]

I'm less interested in the fact that it opened on heading than I am about its flight characteristics.

Maybe Vertigo would like to supply the Australian community with a demo so we can put it through its paces?

[RayLosli 11]

Post: I'm less interested in the fact that it opened on heading than I am about its flight characteristics
.....................

Positive Pressurization is important, but,,,

the fact is......
It's, F-111, 7 cell, big, vented, BASE /modified .

You will get On-Heading like all other good, BASE canopies.
Or... 7 cell, F-111 Skydive canopies

You are right, it needs hundreds of jumps in all conditions and
put through some moves.
See if it Fly's Like a Good BASE Canopy ?

[TomAiello 25]

Quote

Could their heading relative to the wind affect this?

In a technical sense, yes. A canopy opening into the relative wind will pretty much open better/faster/cleaner than a canopy opening downwind.

But in this case, I don't think that matters much, as the wind here almost always blows perpendicular to the span in one direction or the other. So both jumpers are likely opening in a crosswind (and not much of one, from the sound before exit).

-- Tom Aiello

[email protected]
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[whatever 0]

hey Tom!

thanks for posting your review

you seem quite impressed with this canopy - are you back up to 4 a day now?

did you compare it to your Fox because they are closer in size than your other canopies?

seeing as I've only BASED my Blackjack, I'd love to hear how you'd compare the Rock Dragon to that

anyways, keep up the good work!

see you around

sam

soon to be gone

[blair700 0]

Thanks for the info Tom. I also would like to hear your comparison with the Blackjack, if possible.
Also, what do you attribute the seemingly 'superior' heading performance too? I figured most all BASE canopies have the same chance to open on heading, but the major differences is in the packing and deployment method, as well as weather....?

Are you coming back home this winter? If so bring your small PC's and sliders
Later
Blair

[Faber 0]

Quote

If so bring your small PC's and sliders

psst i know you have some damn good breakcord,be aware that it dont go over time so its no good use.. please use it before it does so

hope your all good

Stay safe
Stefan Faber

[brits17 0]

Great info, thanks. I helped a fledging base'r hook up his brand new Rock Dragon into his skydiving rig this week. I will pass on the knowledge.

_______________________
aerialkinetics.com

[Faber 0]

Quote

I helped a fledging base'r hook up his brand new Rock Dragon into his skydiving rig this week.

i hope he learned that small peice of rigging,so he can do it him self next time

Quote

I will pass on the knowledge

looking forward to

Stay safe
Stefan Faber

[hookitt 0]

Quote

i hope he learned that small peice of rigging,so he can do it him self next time

OH he know's how, he's just lazy ... and she's better at it.

[Faber 0]

ha ha you tell me you sure she set it right??? i mean.. he he naahhh dont forget to video it through he he

Stay safe
Stefan Faber

[hookitt 0]

Slight retraction, I Thought the Zenmiester got his new Rock Dragon and I was cappin on him for being lazy. I wondered why Brit called him a fledgling.

hehe oops



edit... Rock has an O in it.

[manship 0]

Quote

what do you attribute the seemingly 'superior' heading performance too? I figured most all BASE canopies have the same chance to open on heading, but the major differences is in the packing and deployment method, as well as weather....?

Hi Blair,

WEll, I had pretty much confirmed that most all BASE canopies have the same heading performance. That is, they all will open off heading some time at about the same rate (when you least want them too!)
In jumping my Fox,Dagger,and Blackjack, I saw all of the get off headings and at one time or another 180's. 20 to 30 degree openings were quite common, and may have been due to winds, unsymetrical packing and/or any of the other known things that can effect opening. I jumped these canopies about 45 minutes apart usually in the early morning with little or no wind. Then I met the Rock Dragon. The movie posted here pretty much tells the story - Dead Bang on headings with full pressurization ready to fly. I mean, they were all pretty much just like that movie - not 10 or 20 degrees or even 5 off. Why? I don't know, but I was really impressed. I tried to send the canopy back to Jimmy and Marta - had it all boxed up but just couldn't walk through the UPS door. I sent the harness/container and pilot chute back. Called them and told them they couldn't have the canopy back and we would work out the payment later. They, being the good natured souls they are, bought it, so I'm keeping the canopy for further testing. .

Thanks to Steve for posting that movie. The other canopy is an unvented Fox. It had about a 180 opening due mostly to the jumper doing a standup position prior to deployment to help save stress on his sore neck. The fluttering is pretty typical of unvented canopies.

Now, where did I put those small PCs and sliders?

later,
t

[manship 0]

Quote

you seem quite impressed with this canopy - are you back up to 4 a day now?

did you compare it to your Fox because they are closer in size than your other canopies?

seeing as I've only BASED my Blackjack, I'd love to hear how you'd compare the Rock Dragon to that

Hi Sam,
Well, I did do 4 a day with the demo rig. Mostly do 3 though, as that is all the containers I own right now (well, except that strato cloud in the wonder hog).


That is exactly the reason I wrote up the comparison to the Fox, because they were pretty much the same size. I don't think it is really fair to compare landing, and flying characteristics between large size differences.

That said, I can say that trying to subtract the size difference, I like the Rock Dragon better than any other canopy I have jumped (Though I only hae 3 to 5 jumps on the Flik and the Troll canopies, and don't feel that is enough to know about them ). I don't dislike any of the BASE canopies on the market, but until things change, the RockDragon is my favorite. As I mentioned to Blair, testing will continue!

Anyway, your Blackjack should serve you well, and I saw you get excellent heading and landing resultswith it when you were here. So, no need to run out and sell it - they are fine canopies, though I know the Australians prefer less "hot" canopies. Thats another topic I guess. BUT, when it comes time for that "second rig", you might seriously consider the Rock Dragon. As I mentioned in the Review, jumping something yourself is the true test of how a canopy will do for YOU, though I am happy to share what they do for me.

Take it easy, hi to Lonnie.
t

[rfarris 1]

Who in the fuck is that in your avatar? Helter Skelter??

On the Rock Dragon, how would it hold up to. let's say, trying to stuff it back into a stash bag while dragging it through a cotton field. Or, trying to get it off the top of of a tractor parked below a newly constructed building in a major city? Or, how would it stand up to landing it in a tree below a freestander?




Rod

[ove 0]

What about terminal openings with ie. fine mesh slider?

Is it a "allround" canopie. or just low?

Do, or do not. There is no try.

[Zennie 0]

Quote

What about terminal openings with ie. fine mesh slider?

I ordered mine with a large & small mesh slider, though I'll be picking up the small in Colorado.

I'm going to start off with some slider off jumps and then progress to longer delays. Unless there's something really unique about the design, it shouldn't be much different from other vented canopies.

- Z
"Always be yourself... unless you suck." - Joss Whedon

[katzurki 0]

I've put together a very short compilation of Rock Dragon 303 Vtec slider down openings as per someone's request. Perhaps someone else would be interested as well.