0
vanessalh

Packing with smaller rubber bands or just double loop?

Recommended Posts

I just purchased gear, and am discovering the joys of breaking your own rubber bands. I notice they are typically sold in two sizes (large and small). I can only assume the smaller ones are used for the stows further down the bag.

Up until now I've been double looping the large bands to get sufficient tension on the lines. Should I instead be using the smaller bands here?

Does it make a difference on opening?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Advice from the PD reps at Summerfest this year was for me to ditch the small bands for the locking stows and double wrap large ones as the keep the canopy from moving around better as the bag accelerates off your back.

The above was for HMA lines but would hold true for Vectran and Microline (Spectra). Not sure what the advice would be for dacron.

Non-locking stows - do whatever you want as long as they all release their lines at the same tension. They really just keep things neat during the packing process.
"The ground does not care who you are. It will always be tougher than the human behind the controls."

~ CanuckInUSA

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

Does it make a difference on opening?



No. Your opening is a function of your pack job, airspeed, and body position. Rubber bands have nothing to do with that. Some will try to argue that proper tension is required, but reserves (besides Racers) and a good number of main D-bags only have locking stows, with no rubber bands at all holding the bulk of the lines.

Provided that your lines are neatly stowed in some way, and all the stows balanced in their size and tension, it will not effect your opening.

In terms of size, I use the big ones double wrapped. They're easier to wrap, and easier to change, and I just like them better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

Advice from the PD reps at Summerfest this year was for me to ditch the small bands for the locking stows and double wrap large ones as the keep the canopy from moving around better as the bag accelerates off your back.

The above was for HMA lines but would hold true for Vectran and Microline (Spectra). Not sure what the advice would be for dacron.

Non-locking stows - do whatever you want as long as they all release their lines at the same tension. They really just keep things neat during the packing process.



Ya know - I have heard that as well. I even watched the video, so did the packers I use. One of them had tight enough double stowed lines that I was getting stood up before the parachute was even remotely out of the bag, causing me to speed up and subsequently have harder openings.

Packing is like voodoo half the time.... bleh
~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I have to say that I feel like my openings have improved using the PD advice - but it's very subjective and I was looking for ways to speed up my openings anyway.

I use a semi-stowless bag with only two locking stows, FWIW.
"The ground does not care who you are. It will always be tougher than the human behind the controls."

~ CanuckInUSA

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Thanks all!
Since it doesn't make a difference either way it seems easiest just to use the large bands and double loop them.

On the voodoo of packing... has anyone else had the experience where packers give you harder openings than your own pack?

It happens to me constantly, to the point that I've decided to pack for myself all the time. It might not look elegant going into the bag, but I get a great opening so something must be working...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote


On the voodoo of packing... has anyone else had the experience where packers give you harder openings than your own pack?



Must be your body position! :P


You pay for the pack job, NOT the opening.;)
"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
One more thing, You might find the following interesting. They should be read sequentially as that is the order of development:

http://www.jumpshack.com/default.asp?CategoryID=TECH&PageID=Rubberbands&SortBy=DATE_D

http://www.jumpshack.com/default.asp?CategoryID=TECH&PageID=NEWSTOW&SortBy=DATE_D

http://www.jumpshack.com/default.asp?CategoryID=TECH&PageID=Speedbag&SortBy=DATE_D

http://www.jumpshack.com/default.asp?CategoryID=TECH&PageID=Reserve_Speedbag&SortBy=DATE_D

Our conclusion was that if the line stows are balanced then only one size of rubber band is required, from small diameter line to heavy line and none require double wraping.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

Some will try to argue that proper tension is required



I remember being told that it was good practice to have at least 12lb of tension to release each stow (i.e. you should be able to pick the bag up using the lines and the stow would hold). Is this not true? What would happen if I had no tension on all the stows with the exception of the mouth locks, would the opening still be okay?

I've taken a much greater interest in my packing since I had my 'Mike Tyson' slammer B|[:/]:( so all thoughts welcome!

Cheers All

Adam.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

I remember being told that it was good practice to have at least 12lb of tension to release each stow (i.e. you should be able to pick the bag up using the lines and the stow would hold). Is this not true? What would happen if I had no tension on all the stows with the exception of the mouth locks, would the opening still be okay?



Again, most every reserve and all 'stowless' main d-bags are just as you decsribed. Locking stows only, with the rest of the lines folded into a pocket or pouch, and they open fine.

The point is that rubber band tension has nothing to do with the opening itself. All the rubber bands do is provide neat storage for the lines during packing and deployment. As mentioned above, a pocket or pouch serves the same purpose.

What's important is that they are stowed neatly, and in a way that they will not effect the clean lift of the bag by the PC. If the lines were tight on one side, and loose on the other, it could lead to bag wobble or spin, which can lead to other opening problems. So if you want to 12lbs on each band, that's cool as long as it's 12lbs for all bands. Want zero tension, like a stowless d-bag? That's cool too, it just has to be the same all around.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Thanks Dave. That's interesting.

Is there a minimum tension for the mouth locks? I would imagine the mouth locks have to resist the inertial mass of the bag during deployment to make sure the lines reach full stretch before releasing.

Jeez. Been jumping 9 years and I still feel as though I know nowt.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

I just purchased gear, and am discovering the joys of breaking your own rubber bands. I notice they are typically sold in two sizes (large and small). I can only assume the smaller ones are used for the stows further down the bag.



Never assume anything. Ask your instructors or experienced jumpers before you do it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

Quote

I just purchased gear, and am discovering the joys of breaking your own rubber bands. I notice they are typically sold in two sizes (large and small). I can only assume the smaller ones are used for the stows further down the bag.



Never assume anything. Ask your instructors or experienced jumpers before you do it.



That's what he's bloody well doing, asking people here.
"Assume" can be used as part of a question, as a starting point in conversation. Even if he didn't use a question mark on that particular sentence, while doing so on two others.

I assume I've made my point against the "don't assume" cries we often hear on dz.com. (?)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I read/heard/saw/was told once/believe (can't remember which) that double wrapping with larger bands is the way to go as it also helps reduce wear and friction on the lines against the grommets.

On the locking stows, if you only single stow the lines, then the lines are being held on the top by the band, and on the bottom by the grommet. If you have even a slight edge/sharper bit on the grommet, this will wear on your lines as they are rubbing directly on the grommet.

If you double wrap the locking stows, then the lines are being held by the band on the top and the bottom (and sides) and are not in direct contact with the grommet, as the band is between them and the grommet. Therefore if you have a sharper edge or anything on that grommet, it is the band that suffers the extra friction, not your lines. The band will break, and you'll replace it - much cheaper than replacing damaged lines.

So definitely always worth giving your grommets a check for edges etc as well.

I always double wrap all my stows with large bands.
Sky Switches - Affordable stills camera tongue switches and conversion adaptors, supporting various brands of camera (Canon, Sony, Nikon, Panasonic).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote


Is there a minimum tension for the mouth locks? I would imagine the mouth locks have to resist the inertial mass of the bag during deployment to make sure the lines reach full stretch before releasing.



That's essentially what the PD boys were telling me.

If the locking stows allow too much stretch, there is the possibility that as the fall rate of the d-bag is slowed by the pilot chute it may partially strip off the canopy until the canopy has slowed down sufficiently. There is, apparently, a danger of disturbing the pack-job during this phase which could lead to a undesirable opening characteristics.

The fear that many people have is that overly tight locking stows can lead to bag-lock. I have heard two well-known John's discuss this:

1. John Sherman (above) points out that Mil. Spec. bands should break before a bag-lock occurs.
2. John LeBlanc has said that a bag-lock requires the prompt execution of Eps, whereas slammer openings have killed people. His preference out of the two is for a bag-lock.
"The ground does not care who you are. It will always be tougher than the human behind the controls."

~ CanuckInUSA

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote


1. John Sherman (above) points out that Mil. Spec. bands should break before a bag-lock occurs.
2. John LeBlanc has said that a bag-lock requires the prompt execution of Eps, whereas slammer openings have killed people. His preference out of the two is for a bag-lock.



I watched the PD video on youtube about bag locks which was also informative. I'd certainly avoid the slammer. Holy Sh!t: I'd thought I'd been in a car crash. I'm still not right with my back.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

Quote


1. John Sherman (above) points out that Mil. Spec. bands should break before a bag-lock occurs.
2. John LeBlanc has said that a bag-lock requires the prompt execution of Eps, whereas slammer openings have killed people. His preference out of the two is for a bag-lock.



I watched the PD video on youtube about bag locks which was also informative. I'd certainly avoid the slammer. Holy Sh!t: I'd thought I'd been in a car crash. I'm still not right with my back.



I would bet you 127 dollars and 50 cents it was not rubber bands. If the slider is allowed to come even a tiny bit before true line stretch, the bottom skin of the canopy will expand rapidly pushing the slider down resulting in pain, seeing stars, or worse.

If the bag stays shut through line stretch, that's all that matters when it comes to line stows. The 2 locking stows won't just fall out and let the bag open. The moment the bridle grabs the bag, the weight of the canopy, essentially pushes against the bags closing flap and causing the canopy to push against the grommets. What does that mean? It means the rubber bands get tighter before the bag leaves your back.

The most common error is not ensuring 100% that the slider is against the stops during, and after you S fold the canopy, then put it into the bag.
My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

I would bet you 127 dollars and 50 cents it was not rubber bands. If the slider is allowed to come even a tiny bit before true line stretch, the bottom skin of the canopy will expand rapidly pushing the slider down resulting in pain, seeing stars, or worse.

If the bag stays shut through line stretch, that's all that matters when it comes to line stows. The 2 locking stows won't just fall out and let the bag open. The moment the bridle grabs the bag, the weight of the canopy, essentially pushes against the bags closing flap and causing the canopy to push against the grommets. What does that mean? It means the rubber bands get tighter before the bag leaves your back.



I think it was the slider but I'd still like to think about the rubber bands. I'd be interested on your views as to what happened in the photo attached (and why!)

Cheers

Adam.

P.S. why $127.50?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

I'd be interested on your views as to what happened in the photo attached (and why!)



Bag strip.

Because the locking stows on the bag failed in some way.
"The ground does not care who you are. It will always be tougher than the human behind the controls."

~ CanuckInUSA

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
My bag has 3 grommets on the flap, and I use the larger rubber bands double looped to close them. It then also has 2 sets of 3 rubber bands on the sides for stowing additional line (which don't go through grommets) and I use smaller bands just single looped. Once I've stowed through the 3 larger bands, I've gotten below the cascades, so the line bundle thickness a lot less.

visually, the diagram below resembles a view looking down on the top of my D bag, the numbers are stowing bands, in the order I use to stow the lines. 1-3 are large bands double looped, 4-9 are small single looped.

-----2-----1-----3----
4---------------------5
6---------------------7
8---------------------9

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

Quote


Is there a minimum tension for the mouth locks? I would imagine the mouth locks have to resist the inertial mass of the bag during deployment to make sure the lines reach full stretch before releasing.



That's essentially what the PD boys were telling me.

If the locking stows allow too much stretch, there is the possibility that as the fall rate of the d-bag is slowed by the pilot chute it may partially strip off the canopy until the canopy has slowed down sufficiently. There is, apparently, a danger of disturbing the pack-job during this phase which could lead to a undesirable opening characteristics.

The fear that many people have is that overly tight locking stows can lead to bag-lock. I have heard two well-known John's discuss this:

1. John Sherman (above) points out that Mil. Spec. bands should break before a bag-lock occurs.
2. John LeBlanc has said that a bag-lock requires the prompt execution of Eps, whereas slammer openings have killed people. His preference out of the two is for a bag-lock.



The bungees resist not the inertial mass of the bag, but the inertial mass of the lines.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

The bungees resist not the inertial mass of the bag, but the inertial mass of the lines.



I was thinking about the ability of the mouth lock bungees to keep the bag closed at the point it decelerates immediately out of the container. Hence the photo I posted where the bungees had failed.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

Quote

I'd be interested on your views as to what happened in the photo attached (and why!)



Bag strip.

Because the locking stows on the bag failed in some way.



That's what you get when you use locking stows that are able to break too easily.

I am a big fan of locking stows that are very resistant to breaking.
People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

0