the difference

[cliffharris 0]

how would the flight characteristics and performance differ on a stiletto w/ 500 jumps vs an equivalentally sized brand new stiletto......assume the 500 jump stiletto has a new line set.
-tia

[Geoff 0]

If the used canopy is basically in good repair and hasn't been dunked in salt water or anything nasty, there should be no discernible difference.
Geoff

[riggerrob 558]

I disagree.
Fabric may wear very slowly, but Spectra lines shrink out of trim far faster.
By 500 jumps, the steering lines will be 4 to 6 inches shorter than when they were new. This is like flying final approach with 1/4 brakes. When you start the flare with less energy, you have less energy at the end of the turf surf.
Also, outboard lines shrink far quicker than inboard lines, so the outer A lines will be 3 or 4 inches shorter than the center lines. This changes the anhedral angle of the canopy, forcing it to devote more energy to spreading the end cells, so there is less energy available for lifting straight up.
When you re-line a canopy after 500 jumps, you notice improvements in both performance and handling.

[freeflir29 0]

Rob........
"assume the 500 jump stiletto has a new line set" "Carb Heat On....Carb Heat On.....Carb Heat On..."-Phil Polstra Clay

[Geoff 0]

....I know, Rob, but cliffharris said 'assume the 500 jump stiletto has a new line set'......

[imdskydiver 0]

"By 500 jumps, the steering lines will be 4 to 6 inches shorter than when they were new. This is like flying final approach with 1/4 brakes."

My question is when should i replace my lines , Should i wait till 500 jumps or maybe 250-300 jumps when they would only be out of trim by half that much . I fly a cobalt 120

[weid14 0]

you need to measure the lines to accurately guage when they need replacing. I'm sure Dan would give you the specifics. Line shrinkage depends on variables so putting a specific jump number on it is difficult. but if you want to spend the $$ and re-do the lines as a preventative measure, that can't hurt either.

[skybytch 259]

The one with 500 jumps on it is going to be easier to pack.
pull and flare,
lisa

[SkymonkeyONE 3]

Quote

I jump a cobalt 120

Ladies and gentlemen, my H-mod Cobalt 75 (the orange one)has a couple of hundred jumps on it, has been in the water three times (and dried in the sun), and still flies straight. I have never seen a main with lines shrunk five inches in my life. Two or thee inches, yes, but only after real abuse (like I put on a main).
As for the original post: That 500 jump Stilleto with new lines will fly very nearly identical to a new one (and will be much easier to pack).
Chuck
My webpage HERE

[imdskydiver 0]

I had a Diablo with 170 jumps on it and the steering lines were 3 3/4 " shorter than the new ones i replaced it with , The dam thing was a bitch to land before i got the new lines and a dream to land after i got the new ones installed , I guess that i am still a little paranoid .

[RemiAndKaren 0]

I asked PD about how often should lines be replaced, here is their Cust. Service Rep Kolla's answer:
"
On the Stiletto, most people find out that it's time for a reline when the canopy starts to behave a little bit odd - either on the openings, landings or in general response to toggle input.
Also, if the lines start to look worn or frayed it might be time to replace them.

On average people with 825 get anywhere from 400 to 700 jumps on their linesets - even more.
People with 550 normally get a little bit fewer jumps between each reline, anywhere from 300-600.
However, that number is quite individual, and depends on the wingloading the canopy is flown at, the environment you jump in and the general care you take of your equipment :)
"
Remi
Muff 914

[DanG 1]

So how long do you think the average, well-treated ZP will last before the porosity of the fabric will make a difference in how the canopy flies? I just bought a very used, but well taken care of, Stiletto with a fairly new line set. It has about 1000 jumps on it (150 or so on the lines), but it seems to fly fine to me.
- Dan G

[PhreeZone 15]

PD's got a Sabre in the field with 10000+ jumps on it and Atair has a canopy with a couple of 1000 jumps on it proving that the South African ZP lasts just as long if not langer with not difference then the PD. I've seen a Sabre with 1500 jumps that's gone through more owners then I can couny still fly like its new. As long as you don't drag the fabric, explose it to lots of light, and baby the canopy, the odds are the canopy will out last your time in the sport.
I want to touch the sky, I want to fly so high ~ Sonique