Bluhdow

Just over 8 feet? Weak. I suspect that the more we learn about this (size, speed, price) the less attractive it will be. It's designed to attract families onto the ship. Tunnel flyers were not on top of the priority list and the design will reflect that. That said, it's probably an awesome gig to be a tunnel instructor on the ship! Apex BASE #1816

Can't you just d-bag a paraglider off of a balloon or heli? No interference with normal DZ operations, no need for modifications/inventions, no need to reinvent the wheel. I don't feel like browsing youtube to find a bunch of examples, but I've definitely seen it done. Apex BASE #1816

If you're really looking to get into FF, skip the grips. The few freeflyers I know who have the grips regret that decision. Apex BASE #1816

This thread makes me want to trick you into an ocean landing. Apex BASE #1816

Awesome. So is this thing done? Or is it going to re-emerge in a few months with a different name? I think most people agree that some beefing up of the WS language in the SIM is a good compromise. Any talk around that? Thanks for the update! Apex BASE #1816

I think in the case of lost conciousness a wingsuit flyer would be likely to reach speeds sufficient to trigger a normal AAD. Apex BASE #1816

Winner. Apex BASE #1816

Maybe you should revisit that Micro Econ 101 book eh? I seem to recall something about competition for market share driving prices down. Apex BASE #1816

Spoke with the nice folks over there. Based on my size it seems that either is a solid option for me. They are pretty similar with the only differences occuring from the knee down. Thanks! Apex BASE #1816

I should also mention that I'm 5'10", 160 pounds. I would hesitate to call myself skinny...but I'm definitely trim and fit. Apex BASE #1816

The "Tonfly vs. Sonic" thread has raised a few questions in my mind. First, here's the situation: I'm looking to buy a new FF suit. I currently have a stock Square1 suit that is baggy and it's time to upgrade. I've got around 250 jumps and 1.5 hours of tunnel time. Mostly FF and WS jumps. I'll also be headed to Utah next month for an additional 3 hours of tunnel time. I'd like to get a Tonfly suit and originally planned on getting the 618. Hoever, the other thread seems to suggest that it's an advenced suit and newer freeflyers will struggle in it. I'm not exactly a new freeflyer, but I'm also not yet proficient on my head...so where do I fall (pun) in terms of an appropriate suit? I don't want to get the 619 and wish it was tighter in 6 months...but I also don't want to flail around in the tunnel because I got the 618 too early. Any guidance or thoughts are greatly appreciated! Apex BASE #1816

That should help me. Since I'm in the desert this will help it fill out the container more. Muchas gracias. Apex BASE #1816

Perfect, thanks! Apex BASE #1816

Current setup is a Mirage G4 size M2. I've got a Smart 135 and a Pilot 150. The current fit is pretty tight, I think the Smart is a little big for the reserve tray. Mirage's sizing guide describes the fit of a Pilot 150 as "optimal." Looking at picking up a Pilot 132, which is described in the sizing guide as "soft." I'm sure this means it's the smallest size that Mirage would recommend be fit into the rig. Seems like it should be a decent fit with the Smart in there and a shorter closing loop. My question is, what am I missing? Are there any other variables out there that I'm not thinking of? Thanks! Apex BASE #1816

I've been flying a Phantom 2 and recently put a Havok order in the queue. I flew a friend's Havok to check it out and that was all the proof I needed that it was my best option. Even according to PF's descriptions and star rating system it seems like the Havok can do everything the Ghost can do and more. Perhaps someone with more experience can chime in...but for an all around suit would there be any benefit that the Ghost would provide which the Havok couldn't? Maybe marginally better performance... I'm not sure why the Shadow is on your short list. It's basically a Phantom without grippers. Apex BASE #1816

Really? If he learned in Mexico at 60 jumps, then had 100 WS jumps after that, you won't let him fly WS at Elsinore? Not to derail this awesome thread...but this seems like a "letter of the law" vs. "spirit of the law" debate. I get that the "letter of the law" suggests 200 freefall jumps before wingsuiting...but the "spirit" of that law is to ensure that the jumper is qualified to fly WS. That being said, wouldn't a jumper with 100 WS skydives (and 160 jumps total) be MORE qualified than one of your FFC students with only 200 freefall jumps? Would you have let him jump WS if he did a coach jump with you so you could check him out? I'm not trying to be argumentative, I'm just curious.

Weather looks promising for Perris and Elsinore. I think you'll be fine. Apex BASE #1816

This is good advice, and easy to remember. Thanks! Apex BASE #1816

Thank you for your helpful reply! My first thought always seems to default to "how can I get down to just one canopy," but it might not always be so simple. Apex BASE #1816

How about you tell us when you would cut away from two out and we'll tell if you if got it right or not. Sorry for asking a question. Your smartass reply has made me a much more educated skydiver. Thanks. Apex BASE #1816

Why? I personally don't love the cutaway system...I think it's definitely slower than going straight for the zips. But in the case of a stuck zipper I'd be very happy to have it. I'd only be comfortable without the cutaway on a suit with a escape sleeve type of feature. Apex BASE #1816

Were the two canopies never far enough apart to justify cutting the main away? Wouldn't that have been a feasible option...or am I missing something? Apex BASE #1816

When I read your first post I thought to myself, "this could be Struppa." Then I saw this: And I friggan' knew it was you! I'd just ask Duane. I'm sure you can demo most of these options through Square1. See you this weekend! If it's not pouring. ~Joe Apex BASE #1816

Apache Rebel. Apex BASE #1816

"with a narrow window of controllability" I'm not sure what the intended message is here, but it comes off as a huge negative the way I read it. Apex BASE #1816