RMURRAY

so it is a hybrid with zp top skin and the low bulk reserve material everywhere else? edit - I just read the "note on repairs's" section. seems the bottom skin and ribs are the low bulk reserve material. I always thought that there should be more hybrid canopies. I would like to try out a jvx with sail top skin with the same low bulk material everywhere else - would make packing mine much easier...

as far as I know you can order with velcro, tuck tabs or magnetic riser covers - ie you can get whatever you want. The tuck tabs came in about 2002 (ie. 2k3). I have an 98 NOS racer with velcro riser covers - I have had no issues but replace it often.

all but about 20 of my jumps are on racers. I will jump nothing else...will never be the most popular but may be the most comfortable rig and you don't need any extra rings, cut in laterals, padded backpad, extra padded legstraps etc to get comfort.

you have a ton of jumps but I would still say call Nancy at (386) 734-5867 and explain your situation. She will get you a canopy to try out in a hurry... R

There have been a couple of cases where a fully articulated harness may contribute to a bad situation. I will bet this is why some manufacturers do not offer full articulation and why some do not offer soft reserve handles. Here is an excellent post from a very experience jumper from several years ago... From RICK HORN: "I got saved by a backup device (RSL) on Thursday, August 28th. I thought I'd relay the information. My background: 5000+ jumps 107 cutaways (No, i don't need to learn how to pack, a lot of test jumps and films.) About 20 unplanned cutaways. 21 years jumping, AFF I/E, Static Line I/E, Full time instructor at Perris, AFF Course Director for USPA. Equipment Background Rig- Javelin, Articulated harness (Rings top and bottom), RSL and Cypres equipped. Soft Reserve pillow Main, Stiletto 135 Reserve- PD143R I wear my leg straps and chest strap quite tight. The jump: A great AFF Level 4, the student did well, I watched deployment on the student's canopy, and hung around to give a thumbs up for the camera. This put everything happening a little lower than usual, so I threw the main out at about 2100, as opposed to the usual 2500 since I've gotten older and hopefully wiser. The main opened into a severe spin. There were no line twists, but I don't know what caused the spin, as I could not see the left side of the canopy. After the usual playing around with it, I decided to get rid of it. My procedures are grab cutaway, grab reserve, pull cutaway, pull reserve. I went for the cutaway handle, and to my surprise, it was on the LEFT side of my chest. I grabbed it, and reached for the reserve handle. It was somewhere under my left armpit. I could only touch it with my thumb, and not grab it. My theory is that a combination of the severe spin and the articulated harness allowed the handles to move so far. I had also practiced hooking my thumb between the reserve pillow and the housing. I was unable to do it. I then pulled the cutaway handle, as I was not accomplishing anything in my attempt to find the reserve handle. After pulling the cutaway, I continued to search for the reserve pillow. I was unable to find it. I theorize that it tucked under the main lift web as the harness slid back into position. That theory took a couple of days to figure out. Being honest, I have my sincere doubts that I would have found the handle within the 6 seconds of working time that I had left. My RSL prevented me from knowing the answer. I have since modified my rig to include a standard ripcord on the reserve. This should also serve as a reminder that backup devices, whether they be RSL or AAD can save your life, no matter what your experience. Please don't make this into a debate thread, there have been enough. I just wanted to share the experience, so people could make informed decisions. Rick Horn D-6277 AFFI/E USPA AFF Course Director "

exactly, my container was 350 used. not new and shiny but works just fine. I always say spend the extra money on jumps and perhaps coaching/tunnel time...

thanks for posting. very touching video.

I agree with this except I would not cut away a main unless I was VERY confident that I would be free and clear of it. deploying a reserve into airspace that is not clear is a "crapshoot" - avoid the situation by maintaining your gear (for example, I get new PC every 500 jumps), packing yourself and don't borrow gear. R

as far as I know, VectorIII and Racer currently.

good point, it can be a factor according to bill booth and PD... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSVRSIicQDk

it used to be 500 jumps minimum but i guess the equipment is lighter and much cheaper these days. However it is easier to get lots of jumps in fast today. If someone were to ask me I would still say 500 minimum for video or camera...

this from the pd site.... "So, you can use the “psycho bagging” technique with your PD main if you want, but it is not the method we recommend"

I have seen a sabre1 170 go from "for hop n pops only" to opening nice and soft at terminal due to MELs dome slider.

that is funny

where are you packing - a sandbox? Here is what Bill Booth has to say. The underlying problem being - tuck tab riser covers can cause bad openings... "Magnetic riser covers are the only way to go. They answer all the problems that are inherent in tuck-tab covers. In a few years, I predict, tuck-tab riser covers won't even be made anymore. If you can't get magnetics, choose velcro" as far as I know available on Vector and Racer currently. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSVRSIicQDk

Personally, I would think twice about buying any new rig with tuck tab riser covers. Unless they could be converted to magnetic easy.

what is your container? is it new? does it have tuck tabs that may be too stiff to release a riser? R

I think it was riggerrob who said spectra can be out of trim at 200 jumps. I would go for vectran or hma on any canopy except if you want to guard against a hard opening (ie camera) then perhaps dacron. edit - don't ever get 550 spectra like I did many years ago.

I suppose you need to give credit to the inventor and give credit to the people who first commecialize and aggressively promote. You should never claim you invented something when you did not. You have to hand it to Bill Booth for promoting something he believes in! I am still trying to figure out how I did not know about this Racer option until it was on the market for some time. Has anyone modified a rig to have them added and are you happy with the job?

thanks for the coverage. I cannot believe only 2 Canadian competetors sent....and they take 2 in the top 6. Congrats Jay and Brent!!!

Just to clarify Atair (i.e. not bill booth) has an issued patent on this technology for parachute use. Also, here is an interesting quote from Bill Booth from earlier this year... "Magnetic riser covers are the only way to go. They answer all the problems that are inherent in tuck-tab covers. In a few years, I predict, tuck-tab riser covers won't even be made anymore. If you can't get magnetics, choose velcro"

every so often I ask Nancy to modify my Racer NOS to change out the velcro for magnets. This time she said yes! As usual, a very low key introduction from JumpShack. any feedback on how they are working out? "and are building new Racers with magnets. Send your rig down....Nancy Nancy J. LaRiviere Parachute Labs, Inc - Jump Shack 1665 Lexington Ave. #106 DeLand, FL 32724-2187 USA Ph (386) 734-5867 Fax (386) 734-8464"

it refers to the size of the reserve tray power racer: 9" x 9" thin line: 11" x 11" square back: 12" x 12" narrow: 12" wide at top 14" wide at bottom power racers are tiny and can hold at the most a 135 main and reserve. The smallest ones do not even have room for an aad. square backs are a nice format. I have had 2. the first one fit up to a 170 main and my current one fits up to a 150 main. narrow means narrow in thickness not width. most want a narrow and thick rig these days. not an option unless Nancy convinces you it it right for you. NOS is Narrow Over Shoulder. it is a nice option for narrow (type 17) risers. It also is used to make a racer fit a small frame nicely. http://www.jumpshack.com/default.asp?CategoryID=TECH&PageID=MAINXRESERVE&SortBy=DATE_D R

good idea. an rds ring like my paraconcepts would be possible. I would say a ceramic insert, place the part in an injection mould and mould glass reinforced nylon. although, it would be relatively expensive to tool up... R

just watch...Jay will come through!