Buying a New Canopy

[SCS422 24]

I am getting close to new gear and want specific stuff, I have no interest in swooping my expertise lies in RW, large round stars and formations and speed stars.  I want a canopy that opens on heading, no hunting around, short opening time and packs up fairly small.  

I have decided between a Pilot or a Saber 3 but thought I would ask others here for their opinion since it's been some time since I have jumped but am pushing 1K jumps.

Edited August 27 by SCS422

[kleggo 143]

The canopies marketed as wingsuit canopies meet those requirements, but check with the manufacturers about opening shock when jumping "slick".

I jump Squirrel Epicene Pro and Omicron and openings are quite brisk when jumping sans wing suit.

They typically won't last as long as a typical full ZP canopy.

 

[wmw999 2,313]

I’ve been happy with Pilots, but I’ve heard that lately they’re coming out with built-in turns sometimes (2 separate friends, 3 canopies)

Wendy P. 

[pchapman 277]

1 hour ago, wmw999 said:

I’ve been happy with Pilots, but I’ve heard that lately they’re coming out with built-in turns sometimes (2 separate friends, 3 canopies)

 

Huh.  Just a cheap shot but I'd say: 

" At Aerodyne, we value tradition and heritage. With the Pilot Classic,  we've brought back one of the most memorable features of our former Tempo reserve, and added it to one of our most popular canopies.   Straight -- or nearly straight -- through the sewing machine, to our customers!"

[chuckakers 416]

4 hours ago, SCS422 said:

I am getting close to new gear and want specific stuff, I have no interest in swooping my expertise lies in RW, large round stars and formations and speed stars.  I want a canopy that opens on heading, no hunting around, short opening time and packs up fairly small.  

I have decided between a Pilot or a Saber 3 but thought I would ask others here for their opinion since it's been some time since I have jumped but am pushing 1K jumps.

You didn't mention your age, but based on your commentary and profile photo I think that is an important consideration.

I am a very active jumper, but have made and am about to make another change in my main canopy to accommodate aging. At 63, my focus is shifting to solid openings and solid landings, and a sacrifice in performance will come with that.

Regardless of the brand and model you choose, I recommend considering wing loading as a primary concern.

 

[SCS422 24]

1 hour ago, chuckakers said:

You didn't mention your age, but based on your commentary and profile photo I think that is an important consideration.

I am a very active jumper, but have made and am about to make another change in my main canopy to accommodate aging. At 63, my focus is shifting to solid openings and solid landings, and a sacrifice in performance will come with that.

Regardless of the brand and model you choose, I recommend considering wing loading as a primary concern.

 

Yes, wing loading is my PRiMARY concern, I'm 84 and my days of jumping those hard opening and hard landing canopies is long over.  I'm exiting at 190/200 and the smallest I want to go is 150.

[chuckakers 416]

5 minutes ago, SCS422 said:

Yes, wing loading is my PRiMARY concern, I'm 84 and my days of jumping those hard opening and hard landing canopies is long over.  I'm exiting at 190/200 and the smallest I want to go is 150.

Canopies today have a variety of opening characteristics, so that should be a separate consideration in your selection.

Wing loading - that would be a 1.33:1 wing loading. I have no idea what your fitness level is, but at that wing loading things can be pretty sporting in light or no wind scenarios for us more "seasoned" guys. For longevity, you might look at staying even lighter. Nothing wrong with 1:1 in most cases.

2 cents

[SCS422 24]

I can live with 1:1, I'm torn between container size and canopy size but leaning toward canopy size.  I have no problem with the reserve I can get a pretty good sized reserve into a small container, I'm looking at a PD optimum or a smart 2000 in a 160

[wmw999 2,313]

How active and current are you now? I’m asking because canopies are so different from in the late 70’s/early 80’s, and at 150 a 150 is very likely to have you running on no-wind days. Is that in your repertoire?

Wendy P. 

[SCS422 24]

Not really, 150 was the min. that I was looking at, probably going to go with a 168/170.  Thats why I am getting further advice b4 I make my final choice.

What is the difference in the durability and longevity of the Aerodyne ZP VS ZPX fabric?

Edited August 28 by SCS422

[Alborne 2]

I’m 61 and thought I was getting old but at 84 you make me feel like a kid. I’m jumping a Pilot 168 and the openings are great and it is fun to fly but it doesn’t flare like a PD canopy. It flies very flat and takes a little getting used to to be accurate on landings. I like the canopy but if you’re used to a PD you might think the flare is weak. I haven’t jumped one but you might look at the Storm. It should pack a little smaller since it’s a 7 cell they say the openings are great and flare is strong. 

[SCS422 24]

I am really thinking about the Pilot because I can get it in ZPX fabric and stuff it into a smaller container, the 168 is the one I am considering.  It's my second choice I would rather have a saber 3 but don't think I can get it into a Infinity I-33.

[dudeman17 311]

22 hours ago, SCS422 said:

I'm torn between container size and canopy size

 

1 hour ago, SCS422 said:

but don't think I can get it into a Infinity I-33

Why are you fixated on that container size? Did you already buy that? If so, why did you do that before deciding on your canopy?

Container size is cosmetic, vanity. Canopy size and performance is safety, survival. Choose wisely.

[SCS422 24]

I actually not fixated on it I'm just trying to get the smallest neatest container system I can, I suppose moving up a size is not the end of the world.

Good point!  As soon as I can ascertain which canopy I am going to get (I have chosen the reserve) I'll get them sent to me and take them over to infinity for the containers.

Edited August 29 by SCS422

[dudeman17 311]

It's not like you're 25, trying to be one of the cool kids with a tight rig getting ready for the next freefly or angle jump that ends with a swoop. You're an older jumper getting back into the sport you clearly still love, wanting to have some fun in your golden years. You'll look far more cool in the loading area with a big grin and a maybe slightly larger rig, than you would lurking around with a cast on your leg.

I can think of a scenario where a larger rig may cause an issue, and that is if you decide to revive one of your old favorites and start a ten-man speed star team. A larger rig doesn't really fit into the tight line-up required. But hey, that's your ready excuse to insist that you have to go last! Ha!

[SCS422 24]

Oh yeah, I'm liking that, a very good excuse to go last!  I used to ask Steve Fielding "how come you get to go last all the time". his reply "It's my load"

I am real close, I can get a smaller rig if I use the Pilot ZPX but I'd rather have the sabre 3, better lower end and it's only one size larger, I'll look for you at Perris.

[Grumpy 6]

Is this a first? Someone comes on here with a question and an answer they'd prefer to hear but is open minded and when they receive some well reasoned information, they change the way they view the question and comes up with a different answer. I really love to see this and I think your attitude will serve you well in enjoying your return to the sport SCS422

[kleggo 143]

12 hours ago, SCS422 said:

Oh yeah, I'm liking that, a very good excuse to go last!  I used to ask Steve Fielding "how come you get to go last all the time". his reply "It's my load"

I am real close, I can get a smaller rig if I use the Pilot ZPX but I'd rather have the sabre 3, better lower end and it's only one size larger, I'll look for you at Perris.

Steve used to let me go last occasionally out of the DAC-3 while we were jumping Costerson's ranch in Bakersfield.

very occasionally.

[danornan 79]

I was very happy with my previous Pilot and just recently upsized it two sizes. I like everything about it from opening to the good landings, wind or no wind.