concerns with my first rig

[Joellercoaster 6]

On 1/1/2021 at 4:37 PM, wmw999 said:

The reason for hacky vs. pvc is cost. PVC is cheaper (and it was the original pull handle).

This is true, but some people still prefer them and buy them on new rigs, even though they can afford the hacky.

People's reasons differ - in my case I just like the positive way it feels to reach, identify, and pull on, and it also seems less flappy-aroundy (which is a real rigging term) when packed. I know exactly where it is going to be and it's easy to check without looking. The thumb thing *is* probably physically possible, but not if you reach with your palm.

There is also a tiny but non-zero (as in, it is a thing that has happened) chance of a bridle half-hitching around a hacky and causing a pilot chute in tow, which doesn't exist with the pipe (or freefly pud, which is a whole other can of worms). But the number of jumps done on hackies without issue tells you how much to worry about that, I guess.

Both are fine.

[riggerrob 598]

They best pilot-chute handles are the hexagonal carbon fiber tubing sold by a BASE manufacturer (Squirrel?). You can immediately identify them by feel.

[nwt 131]

3 hours ago, riggerrob said:

They best pilot-chute handles are the hexagonal carbon fiber tubing sold by a BASE manufacturer (Squirrel?). You can immediately identify them by feel.

Exactly what I was about to say. Additionally, the light weight is better for performance of the PC. It's the Sky Snatch and it is indeed made by Squirrel. I have one in my rig now and I really like it. Really cool vented toroidal design and it's even open source!

[wolfriverjoe 1,460]

On 1/20/2021 at 10:22 AM, Joellercoaster said:

This is true, but some people still prefer them and buy them on new rigs, even though they can afford the hacky.

People's reasons differ - in my case I just like the positive way it feels to reach, identify, and pull on, and it also seems less flappy-aroundy (which is a real rigging term) when packed. I know exactly where it is going to be and it's easy to check without looking. The thumb thing *is* probably physically possible, but not if you reach with your palm.

There is also a tiny but non-zero (as in, it is a thing that has happened) chance of a bridle half-hitching around a hacky and causing a pilot chute in tow, which doesn't exist with the pipe (or freefly pud, which is a whole other can of worms). But the number of jumps done on hackies without issue tells you how much to worry about that, I guess.

Both are fine.

All good points. Thanks.

Although, I thought 'flappy-aroundy' was an aerodynamic term.