Big Air Sportz canopies and rib color limitation

[shall555 0]

I was just doing a bit of "window-shopping" and checking out canopies.

On the Big Air Sportz canopy order forms, there's an odd limitation:

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Internal ribs may not be black, blackberry or navy.

I didn't see a restriction like that on any other manufacturer's order form.

Do these colors make the fabric weaker ? Or is it simply more difficult to construct with darker colors in those spots ?

( A query to Big Air Sportz has, so far, not been answered. )

shall

[PhreeZone 15]

It makes it much harder to sew the Airlocks on in correctly. PD does it on the Vengence, but Brian does not allow it on his canopies due to the issue of construction hassle.

As it was explained to me you have to sew blind through an airlock, a rib and another airlock to put it on. Dark fabric means you are truely blind to the second airlock, but lighter fabrics mean you can get the outline of the fabric to make sure its lined up right.

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[ryand96 0]

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It makes it much harder to sew the Airlocks on in correctly. PD does it on the Vengence, but Brian does not allow it on his canopies due to the issue of construction hassle.

This doesn't really make sense. According to a conversation I had with Brian at SDC's Spring Expo, all of his canopy's are manufactured by PD anyway.

[masher 1]

I've also emailed Brian about this. Apparantly PD wished they had made that restriction...

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[skydiverek 61]

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According to a conversation I had with Brian at SDC's Spring Expo, all of his canopy's are manufactured by PD anyway.

With the exception of "signature series", I think.

[ryand96 0]

It was my impression that "signature series" canopies are manufactured by PD and then Brian mods them somehow.

Although, I just looked at Big Air Sportz website and couldn't find any info on "signature series" for some reason.

[AndyMan 7]

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It was my impression that "signature series" canopies are manufactured by PD and then Brian mods them somehow.

No. "Signature" canopies are made by Brian himself.

He prefers not to do make canopies in the summer, when he does most of his traveling. Most of his "Signature" canopies get made in the winter.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[ryand96 0]

I just found this thread that discusses Brian's "Signature Series."

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1622680

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The Signature Series is a version of the Samurai and Lotus with some product updates that PD is unable to produce at this time. I build them myself.

I have added a cross-bracing reinforcing tape along the airlock panels, running from the "A" line attachment to the apex of the non-loaded ribs. This makes the wing stiffer, and flattens each cell to create a better wing shape. I also increased the contraction of the leading edge tapes on the top and bottom skins, which reduces the drag of the wing in flight as well as softening the openings. This also reduces the front riser pressure. I am now also offering the swoop line-set, which dives longer to allow the pilot to start the dive higher and gain more speed.

I think this is where I got the impression that the "Signature Series" was still manufactured by PD and then modded by Brian. After giving the thread a second look, it specifically states that they are built by Brian. I stand corrected.

[totalbodypilot 0]

The ribs on my Lotus 95 are "black" and it was made by PD last summer. Its hard to see in this picture, but they are "Black". (except for the 3 white ones in the white pannel)

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[bob.dino 0]

I can't speak for the Vengance, but everything else you say tallies with what Brian told me when I wanted dark ribs for my forthcoming Samurai.

[Squeak 17]

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I can't speak for the Vengance, but everything else you say tallies with what Brian told me when I wanted dark ribs for my forthcoming Samurai.

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[bob.dino 0]

It's a 170. But you're welcome to play if you'd like.