ScoopUK

Almost all scuba diving suppliers stock bungee of various thicknesses. Of course being hardcore techie types it will almost certainly be available in tactical black

I'm just coming back into the sport after a few years off and I'm thinking exactly the same. Having been in the scuba diving world in the meantime we had a similar issue there... FINS! They perfected the design of the perfect fin in the 1950s. But you can't keep pushing exciting new products when it's a just a big rigid lump of moulded black rubber. So then you started to get bells and whistles on fins, vortex creating whatsits, lightweight flexible materials that save you from getting tired leg muscles but don't offer any forward propulsion and even split fins, yet all accompanied with bright colours and clever marketing and being a good money earner for the manufacturers. Those in the know stick with the old skool rigid black moulded rubber variety. I kind of see container manufacture as being like that. Obviously there was a need to modernise as skydiving disciplines evolved with head down freeflying for example but there seems to be too much bolt on crap. In the end I decided to go for one of the new Shadow Racer Classics. No frills, seems to be constructed for function over form (although still looks good IMO) and for a cost effective 1400 dollars it just makes sense. Customer service has been great too with John & Suzie being really helpful. Scratching my head trying to source all new kit I was given a great offer on one of their reserves and that seems to make sense too. One of their own reserves in their own reserve tray gives me confidence every component in the life saving business end of the rig should work in beautiful harmony when I need it. I'm not a rigger or even that experienced as a skydiver but I was a mechanical engineer in a former life and I just want something that works, not mini rings here, extra long tuck tabs there, a reserve that is so damn secure it's hindered in its deployment etc... bonkers! Can't wait to jump it when it arrives

Great, thanks. I must be getting old as I'm noticing my IT skills are diminishing

Has anyone ever published a beginners guide to RW/FS? It would be nice to read up a bit more and understand what it's all about. When I currently read reports I struggle to understand as some of it is quite technical. It would be great if there was an explanation of what randoms, dive pools or blocks are for starters as well as rules of competition. I'm sure such a thing must exist somewhere, can anyone point me and maybe others in the right direction? I've just downloaded the BPA FS student manual for starters: www.bpa.org.uk/assets/Forms/The-FS-Student-Manual.doc

I reckon the Classic looks better personally but it's all down to individual taste I guess. In any case, function over form! That's pretty cool. Hmm, I wonder if they would do it on a Shadow Racer?

Yes, thanks. Your website is great at promoting the Racer 2k3. I understand you are a dealer, will you be doing a similar article for the Racer Classic? From a selfish perspective it'll give me something to perv over until I receive mine but also might be good for other potential customers.

My first jump was AFF and I was 19. The training was paid for by me, at the time a young apprentice. No rich parents paying my way or putting me in a tunnel... nt that I'm jealous or anything ... but then I stopped jumping as I couldn't afford it anymore on a measly wage. Couldn't jump often enough to progress. Now I'm earning more and after a break of 6-7 years the sky has been calling my name louder aand louder as every year has passed and so I'm coming back this year! Renewed my membership, ordered a new container, booked 2 weeks off work and flights for a skydiving holiday later in the year.

I've worn them and not had a problem. Did it shortly after getting licensed and let loose by myself. People were talking about 'feeling the wind' and other such phrases and I couldn't feel naff all other than wind buffeting all over and loads of noise. Probably as still being new I had a kind of sensory overload and was unable to tune in to the finer subtleties of what I was experiencing. Ear plugs helped marginally as it was one less distraction. I was also working with a lot of air tools and stuff back then in a workshop and I had a loss of high frequency sound on one of my checkups (I was only 19-20) so I started to be more careful with exposure to noise too. Thankfully getting out of that environment with a career change it recovered. One thing I did notice was to be subtle about it. Talked a couple of friends into doing tandems and shared the load with them and they were a bit concerned when they saw me putting in ear plugs but didn't have any themselves. Suppose if someone thinks they are missing some safety equipment (as they may perceive it) it's natural to be concerned.

That's good to hear that I've made the right choice and also refreshing to hear a manufacturer being honest about their products. Thanks John.

Why? Serious question.... As it happens I've just placed an order for a classic racer. I didn't really see what the 2k3 offered over the classic other than maybe more modern styling.

Thanks John, appreciate your reply.

Headcorn, only 25 minutes away from me.

Okay, thanks all. So what would be the default for a guy then?

Hi all, Probably a really simple question but I'm looking at ordering a new container (Racer 2k3) and one of the options is chest strap location and whether I would like it high or low. The thing is I don't really know. I like the idea of it being higher as it keeps the over-the-shoulder part of the harness together so it can't slip off a shoulder but then I like the idea of it low so it's not strangling me under canopy either. I'm 6'2" if that makes any difference. Not interested in high performance canopy flying but I want to be secure in my harness for freeflying. What should I go for? Is this meant more as a male v female preference for comfort? Cheers, it just confused me a bit!

You know, you're probably on to something there!

Thanks, bizarrely things seem to have actually got cheaper since I've been away!

Hi all, I was a member here years ago (2004-2007 ish) but got out the sport and out the scene. Now I'm back and have renewed my membership and have plans to get some refresher training and get back in the air. It's good to be back