afreedman

Hey guys don't sweat the dry hands and bloody fingers. I used to pack so I know what you are going through. This usually happens the first busy weekend back after the winter, it will go away soon, your hands will become custom to packing and you shouldn't have a problem after a couple weekends. -Adam

The double steering line on large Sabres is similar to that of Strong Tandem Rigs. When packing a Sabre 190 and larger you should not just leave the excess line in the canopy, you should stow the single line from both sides of the canopy onto a rubberband attached to (I think, I havn't packed a large Sabre in a while) the inside steering line attachment point from either side. Blues, Adam

The FAA rejected the 180 day re-pack cycle and will not approve of it any time soon. :(

Yes, I agree completely, order the extra wide leg pads if possible. The standard leg pads are uncomfortable. I jump a custom Javelin which is much more comfortable.

When rolling the canopy as such in the psycho pack you are creating extra friction between the lines and the canopy fabric. This is on the lines above the slider stops. The canopy opens slower in a psycho pack because the fabric is rubbing against itself trying to find the proper place for opening. This is what causes "extra wear on the canopy and lines."

Going to a rigger school is probably the best idea. You should do/learn some hands on rigging before you go to the course. I recommend DeWolf's course. Also you should learn how to sew nylon on a machine before you go to the course. When you get to the course, one tip I can give you is to have an open mind becuase you will be learning from a different person then you are used to. And as said before don't stop learning!! Be Safe and Have Fun, Adam

I would not recommend psycho packing any canopy. I have packed 3000+ main canopies and have never had a problem PRO packing. I do not like the psycho pack because of the extra wear on the canopy and lines. When PRO packing you are orienting the fabric in the proper position and will reduce the wear on the canopy. If you are having trouble handling the Zero-P fabric, I recommend asking a packer at your DZ how he/she handles the material. If you have any questions I can give you some good pointers. I jump a Spectre 135 and find the openings are very good when PRO packed.

What you have to remind yourself is that a reserve is just a parachute. Reserves are designed to be jumped and to be used. A reserve with a number of jumps isn't to be expected to be un-safe. As long as the rigger does his/her job and inspect the canopy and lines each re-pack then there should be no problem using an "older" reserve. However, how much more will it cost you to buy a new reserve? Blue Skies, Adam, Senior Rigger

The Genera was the first rig I owned. They are very good rigs. First they are inexpensive, second they are well built, third they are based on a proven design by rigging innovations. I am a rigger and packed my Genera for all re-packs and it is a very good rig. If you are looking for a good first rig do not hesitate buying a Genera.