2011 Javelin Odyssey J3K Container Compatibility Question

[ChrisN_714 0]

Hey everyone!

I have a 2011 Javelin Odyssey J3K currently fitted with a Pilot 168 standard ZP main (Which is a tighter fit - Sure feels like these things pack larger than their variants) and an Optimum 176 reserve. I'm looking to downsize my main to a Pilot 140 standard ZP and was wondering if my setup will facilitate the transition without any problems?

I sent an inquiry to Sun Path and received this response:

"Our guideline is that you can install a canopy one size smaller than the size for which the container was built. In this case that would be the Pilot 150 ft².

Based on that guideline, the Pilot 140 ft² is too small for the J3K. It's unlikely that you will have sufficient pressure on the main pin the keep the container closed in all attitudes of flight."

I have yet to discuss this with my rigger as my schedule won't allow for me to swing by the DZ until later in the weekend and I currently have a Pilot 140 seller awaiting my response. I wanted to use this forum to seek out some external opinions and hear from some of you, if possible.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!


Best Regards & Blue Skies,
Christopher

[mark 102]

ChrisN_714

I sent an inquiry to Sun Path and received this response:

"Our guideline is that you can install a canopy one size smaller than the size for which the container was built. In this case that would be the Pilot 150 ft².

Based on that guideline, the Pilot 140 ft² is too small for the J3K. It's unlikely that you will have sufficient pressure on the main pin the keep the container closed in all attitudes of flight."

I have yet to discuss this with my rigger as my schedule won't allow for me to swing by the DZ until later in the weekend and I currently have a Pilot 140 seller awaiting my response. I wanted to use this forum to seek out some external opinions and hear from some of you, if possible.

If you don't get the answer you want, keep asking. Eventually you'll find someone who knows more than the manufacturer.

Mark

[ChrisN_714 0]

Hi Mark,

That wasn't my motive whatsoever, but I do appreciate your genuine concern. Again, as I previously had mentioned, I was looking for feedback on the matter which is in no way indicative of "Hunting out the answer I'm happy with." I was looking for opinions, experiences, etc. 10 sq. ft seems marginal, and that's what prompted me to ask the question in the first place.

[skytribe 16]

If 10 sq ft was marginal do you think the manufacturer would have given you the answer they did ?

[ChrisN_714 0]

Hey Skytribe,

To answer your question with an open-ended response: Perhaps? Maybe?

Is it far-fetched of an idea that they may have given that response largely in part to limit any liability on behalf of their company?

Additionally, am I wrong for having researched that many containers, albeit not all of them, typically have three "settings," so to speak? Tight - Normal - Loose, all of which could be functional through little to no modification? This is what primarily led me to ask about the fitment in the first place, since I would essentially fall within the "tight" category currently (Please correct me if I'm wrong).

I do appreciate the response and discussion - I'm honestly just trying to learn.

[tsalnukt 1]

This will probably start some excitement.........................

The manufacturers are going to give you the answer that bests covers their ass, as they should. Manufactureres recommendations are just that....recommendations. You are fortunate enough to have a rig where the closing loop retainer is inside the rig on the wall of the reserve container. This allows for a little more flexibilty in canopy sizes as that you can shorten the heck out of the closing loop and get the container closed with sufficient tension on the loop. With that being said, if you really want to know if iot will work, find someone with a 140 and pack it into your rig and see how it fits. shorten the closing loop if you have to. Show it to people with experience that you trust at the DZ and see what they say. It might be fine or it might not. Either way you will def be able to learn a few things about your system and how it works. Maybe Aerodyne, like others, measure their parachutes differently and a 140 is actually closer to a 150.

I'm not telling you to ignore the manufacturers advice.....I'm just saying check it out. You would not be the first person to put a canopy in their rig that wasnt' what the manufacturer suggested and you wont be the last. Just be smart about it and educate yourself.

[mjosparky 3]

It sure sounds like you are answer shopping. As a source it is hard to beat the manufacture. No one you talk to has more experience with their rig. But in the end it is your call.

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals