hillson

It will fit...though I found it (er, xf2 129) on the "larger" end of std fit if that makes sense. I know a few folks that use the Saf2 129 in a 308. I don't know why they list the Safire / Crossfire 119/129 on the same line for size as there was a noticeable difference. If you max out the reserve it will be a bit bricky.

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2955544#2955544 They still look the same today...and are still being earned.

if the account is locked *in* paypal (which the OP seems to suggest) - ie funds extraction not available until steps x, y, z are done...i'd suggest calling the paypal folks. they're generally pretty helpful. when you log into your account you can generally tell if things are fucked up...and why. [edit] this isn't to say that someone can't scam the dispute resolution system, of course.

http://unitedparachutetechnologies.com/PDF/Support/Sport/Collapsible_Pilot_Chute_Installation.pdf or http://www.unitedparachutetechnologies.com/PDF/Support/Sport/ALTERNATIVE_MAIN_CONTAINER_CLOSING_TIP_INSTRUCT-027_Rev-0.pdf

I have an OP126 in my 308 and it certainly isn't "loose" by any stretch...as a matter of fact it fits pretty much perfect. I know several folks that have a 308 or vectors with the sameish reserve trays and they all have a 126 in them.

not a chance

I have a 308 and a buddy has a 319 (also fits the same as a 320 but is even longer). In the grand scheme of things it really is personal preference, I think. My pud sits a little higher on my lower back his sits closer to the top of his ass. His looks longer and thinner (it is...duh) mine looks a little more full but the rig overall looks tinier. That pretty much sums it up. We are both 6ish feet and standard builds. Note: if you stuff the biggest canopies possible in there (OP 143 and a 135ish main) you're going to be hating life. It will be an absolute brick. Like no joke "vectors are bricks" type brick. Really don't even bother with the largest reserve and one of the "low bulk" 150s. If it works it will be fucking miserable. Plus...extremely tight rigs with extremely tight reserves can equal a very bad day if you have to go to plan b. If you're looking a bigger sizes get a bigger container. For smaller stuff it is like wearing a cloud. I have a xf2 109 and OP126 in mine and it is a dream. Barely weighs 20lbs. [edit] I've had a 109, 119, 129 in there with the same reserve. Comfort in that order. The 129 was a bit bulky / meh on comfort. Buddy has used a 107 and a 120. Started with a OP143 and switched to a 126. So that's that, I guess.

Who are these people? Experienced jumpers? Students? Instructors? I can't imagine an answer that is more incorrect. Well, TBH, there isn't one in the sense that it is equivalent to the A license card...there is the canopy card which lists jumps and tasks (which I guess passes as a "proficiency card"...then the rest is the standard license app...do your quiz, verify appropriate tasks completed required for the license...send in your money. So...less individual task sign-off and more of a block sign-off. I'm guessing that is what people were getting at. Besides, most courses to satisfy the B requirement with either a) tell you ahead of time to go download the form or b) have copies with the instructors that they will then sign.

half a mile apart, to be specific...

Oh, there is a whole bunch of stuff. In no particular order and not exhaustive: Age of the stuff...year manufactured. For container: year, model size, harness size. Get the serial number if you can - the manufacturer will be able to give you exact measurements etc. same for the nylon...year, how many jumps, jumps on the lineset, any damage / repairs. For reserves, year, how many pack jobs, any activations etc. if the person isn't the first owner some of the data might not be all there. Escrow through a third party and have the stuff inspected. If a deal sounds too good to be true...it probably is. Avoid really old shit with Velcro. PD reserves are the gold standard. Avoid really old stuff with crappy or no manufacturer support. In general you'll find in the used market what you see...javelin, vector, wings, infinity. Some aerodyne stuff, some rigging innovations stuff (talons and 1st gen voodoo). People jump PD, Icarus and aerodyne mains...in the Spectre, saber 2, safire 2, pilot, storm, triathlon, pulse flavors. Used reserve will generally be a PDR or Smart. Sometimes an Optimum - which will probably set you back the most. There are other things out there, older stuff etc. some cheaper stuff...Dolphins, genera by RI. Then there is the peculiar stuff like racers...some folks swear by them...most won't touch them with a 10 foot pole. Talk to a rigger and make your own choice. Lots of older reserves...tempos, Ravens / micro ravens etc. some people still use them...most don't. Get an RSL. No reason not to have one - especially as a new jumper. Get an AAD too if you have the scratch. Hard to find used. Be careful on here and on the FB groups...there is a world wide selling market. Everything I've listed above has a TSO and can be legally jumped in the US by an American. Some foreign rigs don't have a TSO approval...don't find out the hard way. All container manuf publish compatibility charts - or what sizes fit in which model. Double check...don't overstuff your reserve. EP handles are a personal choice...all have adherents and detractors. You're down at Spaceland it appears...there are some shit hot flyers and professionals down there. Ask around. Talk to Chuck Akers.

I guess "North Orlando" sounds better than "South Sanford." This, allegedly, will be built in Altamonte Springs, IIRC.

If you look at regulations.gov and type in "horry" a bunch of the background data is available...hundreds of pages. There is a lot of poor behavior by all sides. The Letter of Agreement is pretty restrictive...the DZ appears to have pushed the letter and spirit of the agreement several times. The bit above about operating on a towered airport seems spot on...what a pain in the ass. Granted, the airport was probably being a bit unduly restrictive when it comes to "approved" landing areas...but the DZ appeared to be rather inattentive to some of the Part 139 rules when it comes to gaining permission crossing active runways / taxiways...having golf carts and vehicles not getting permission etc. it seems that there was a system setup that may have been ignored in some instances. Given the relatively small size of the operation there did seem to be a fair number of documented "way off" landings...though why the airport mgr was pitching a fit about ppl landing out on a golf course is a bit silly. I'm *somewhat* sympathetic to the airport's annoyance about not knowing about beach jumps and possible traffic concerns about traffic conflicts with banner towing planes...if anyone has been to MB you know that there are a ton of those ops, beach-side. Among other complaints: - Cloud busts - Disallowed crowds, vehicles on the ramp, loose dogs running around etc etc - arguing with ATC over open frequencies - Part 105 problems with parachutists crossing runways etc below minimums and causing documented acft traffic problems etc I think that a lot of the "lease / security" stuff was simply a way for the county to ride the ass of the DZ because they didn't want them there. A shame. It also looks like the DZ was a little sloppy...the landing areas were a bit strictly enforced but there does seem to be a higher than average number of folks landing on actual runways or taxiways...then again, maybe it is a function of it being documented by an aggrieved party...

yeah...dunno. I probably have 25ish night jumps in FL...all at "larger" airports that have been lit at night. At least there is no problem figuring out where you are. lol But, never jumped at night were there aren't tons of competing light sources.

Assuming that this was at the DZ listed in the OP's profile...facilities information lists that the runway has (keyed) edge lights. I wonder if they were lit...makes life easier for sure.

ZHills doesn't offer S/L as a commercial program. You could pick up a S/L rating via Skydive Ratings (Bram Clement), however. Frankly, it has been a rare S/L course that I've seen go through. IAD on the other hand...I see pretty frequently.

Depends...the last three Crossfires I've had have ranged between a few and 12 years old...all with around 1000 jumps when I got them. I really like the old ones with a brand new zero jump lineset on them. :)

Had to dig thru the archives a bit...a buddy is wearing something similar - though it has a black v stripe. I believe that the trim tape was olive drab. Randyswallows.com/december2012 has a few more in air photos I believe. If the link doesn't work just to Randy's site and find the dec 2012 in air gallery.

Yeah because analogs never have problems?? Big difference between digital and analog is you know when a digital goes to shit. An analog might look ok but be 1000s' of feet off. I can do you one better...two month old analog had the needle pop off the spindle in freefall. Good times. Manufactured things are good but can do funny things. Get one that works for you. Shit happens.

Perhaps...the gaudy numbers associated with some skydiving gear notwithstanding...in many respects one can make an attempt at explaining the value proposition. High end suits (vertical or comp flat), things like the FTP for dedicated video etc etc. Good products all, specific tools for specific jobs - plus a markup for label whores. :p A skiing helmet that is also the single-most expensive "skydiving" helmet? Hell, it is even marketed as a snow sports thing. Please. It doesn't even have any of the redeeming features of jump gear half the cost but adds a few gimmicks. If it had an "integrated tracker" for when I cut it away during a deployment entanglement...then I'd buy it. HA! But I agree...a fool and his money...etc etc.

800 bucks? You're off your rocker.

I had the exact same thing happen. I replaced the batteries...worked well for a bit and then it did the same thing again. Sent it to L&B and they replaced it...no problems after that.

You're probably overthinking it a bit...besides it is so other people and things in the sky can see you after deployment. Likewise Id guess that other jumpers on the load will have white lights and will be looking for flashing white under canopy - not red. At any rate the more annoying think is the dummy that forgets to cover his glow sticks in the plane...green in particular is bright. Or the dummy that sets off his strobe. Judt prepare for it I guess.

What year was your Vector manufactured?

I have that strobe. Works fine. Why would you swap the lens to red? For one it will be harder to see for the other jumpers in the air and I don't know if it would meet the 3 mile viz requirements (hell, who know if most cheap strobes do). I mount mine on the left lateral with the strobe part facing down.

yeah...I happen to know someone getting out of the sport that has one of those rigs and happens to be in FL...so I was hoping for some luck that it happened to be that one as the size was right.