Vortex container question

[e0782 0]

Alright, so I have a question. I have a vortex container, v6. With a volt 185. I’m looking to make a change in canopy. Possibly a little downsize action to a 170. I checked the parachute systems website for info on which canopy can get shoved in the bad Larry but I have come up with ZIP. Hoping for some advice and guidance 

[mathrick 2]

In general, almost any container will have no trouble going down one size down from the recommended main. And in my experience, Vortex is very good at accommodating smaller mains. I personally use V4 (for 150 main), and have jumped an Optimum 143 (that's pack volume somewhere below 120 main) in it with absolutely no issues. I know of at least one person who's jumped non-crossbraced mains in the 107 range in a V4 and they were happy with it. I wouldn't necessarily recommend going down so aggressively, but you shouldn't have much of an issue with a 170 in V6.

The usual disclaimer applies: internet wisdom is not a replacement for your rigger's advice, and actually trying it out for yourself beats anecdotal evidence any day. Get you a 170 main (either Volt or a comparable 9-cell ZP) and see how it fits (and have it looked at by a rigger if in doubt). If the main tray holds shape, the d-bag isn't excessively soft, and—most importantly—the closing loop (which you might need to shorten) can maintain proper tension, you should be good. If you have a semi-stowless d-bag, you should also look at whether the line stow pouch is tensioned properly to stay secure; semi-stowless bags tend to be more sensitive to the exact pack volume than conventional, so you might need to work on fluffing the packjob up to make it work.

[chaospilot 5]

The Vortex V6 should fit a 170 standard zp main just fine. Confirm with your rigger and you will probably need to shorten your locking loop a bit. Feel free to message with any direct questions!

Bryan Cavage
DropzoneSolutions.com