antonija 0 #1 April 10, 2009 According to most skydiving suit manufacturers the material of choice for FF suit for a person that drops like a stone is _poly_cotton_. Searching with google revealed that the term "poly cotton" is not as well defined as I hoped it would be and finding the actual fabric FF suit manufacturers use proved to be impossible. Here's what I know so far about this fabric: - It's composition is 65% Polyester/35% Cotton - It comes in various weights, couldn't find what weight is used for FF suits. - Apparently it is very good and versatile material for making shirts If anyone has a link to any store that sells the type of poly cotton fabric used for FF suits (the right weight and weave), please let me know. I'd also like to get more data about physical characteristics of the fabric (compared to regular cotton cloth, parapack and cordura).I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,047 #2 April 10, 2009 Hi anatonija, Send an email to Jim Straight at: straigjt (at) yahoo (dot) com He used to own BodySport USA and should be able to inform & direct you, JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmidgley 0 #3 April 13, 2009 Hi I made mine out of plain white cotton drill, tie-dyed (of course!). It's the kind of weight you might make a bean bag out of. It's worn very well. John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antonija 0 #4 April 14, 2009 I emailed Jim and here is his reply (in case someone else will find this useful): QuotePoly-cotton used in jumpsuits usually is %60 polyester and %40 cotton in a twill weave. It's very readily available in common colors. Parapack and cordura are nylon products and they come in several different weights i.e. 400 denier or 1000 denier. Most containers are made of 500 denier cordura. Supplex is a nylon fabric that comes in a couple different weaves. The most common are 2-ply, 3-ply and 4-ply. Don't ask me what "ply" means, it has something to do with the weave. The lightest is 2-ply. Most light weight, fast falling RW suits are made of 2 or 3 ply supplex. Both poly-cotton and supplex are readily available from several different supplies. Look for wholesale distributors. I hope that helps. P.S.: I still haven't find a website that sells the same fabric used for jumpsuits (poly cotton, supplex). I found cordura and parapack on paragear.com but that was it.I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #5 April 14, 2009 Polycotten seems harder to find lately except in large quanities, and controlling fall rate via parasitic drag is a crappy idea, anyway. Supplex is a type of nylon - sturdy, and lightweight. If someone is selling you 2 ply in any suit, go elsewhere. At the prices today, a jumper deserves the better versions. 3 ply is very available, and 4 ply can also be found in most colors also and is the sturdiest. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
untoldfox 0 #6 April 17, 2009 When making your own freefly pants what kind of pattern is best to follow? maybe a sweat pant pattern?.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 259 #7 April 17, 2009 QuoteWhen making your own freefly pants what kind of pattern is best to follow? maybe a sweat pant pattern?.. If you don't want a fly, that might work. If you do want a fly, a pattern for basic cargo type pants will probably work; if you use something like that be sure to add a few inches to the inseam to allow for blousing at the ankle and to attach whatever closure you intend to use on the legs (ie elastic, velcro wrap, stirrup, etc). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #8 April 20, 2009 Quote When making your own freefly pants what kind of pattern is best to follow? maybe a sweat pant pattern?.. My wife's the suitmaker, not me, but I have some ideas.... lay down on a sheet of supplex - fold the other half over the top of you. Have a friend staple the material all around your outline. Cut off the excess material. Fold it right side out. = pants strangely enough, my wife doesn't let me help when making suits ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J-Rock 0 #9 April 27, 2009 Try Seattle Fabrics, just google it because I dont know the exact address, they sell supplex and many other types of fabrics found in jumpsuits, ive bought from them before with no problem Im gonna need a bigger hammer.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisjudice 0 #10 April 28, 2009 For a basic pattern I picked apart an old pair of trousers that I knew would fit me and just went from there. I used a medium weight cotton canvas and it seems to be holding up well. (about 250 jumps on this pair) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J-Rock 0 #11 April 29, 2009 http://www.seattlefabrics.com/sale.html#Supplex Its on sale now for $3.95 a yard....pretty cheap Im gonna need a bigger hammer.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Teigen 0 #12 April 29, 2009 I got my brand new FF suit in supplex from Kurupee on friday! seems like a really tough fabric! and not as thick and warm as cotton! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
