RMURRAY

it means that the worldwide production of oil has stopped increasing, it has leveled off and in the future will begin to decline. This even though the demand is increasing. I suppose it is since the cheap easy-to-get oil reserves are running out and being replaced by reserves requiring extra work and expense. ie Alberta oil sands. There has been much debate when this will happen - some are more optimistic than others...

Vectran shows wear just fine. HMA on the other hand doesn't. Remember, Velocities are still lined with Vectran (including brakes). I do agree that it does require more maintenance than dacron or spectre from a breakage point of view though. Blues, Ian I just keep records of exactly how many jumps on my canopy. Most people know that at as low as 300 spectra could be out of trim. Vectran lower control lines need to be watched constantly. I have cascaded HMA now (dacron lower control lines) I expect 800 from them but we will see.... rm

take a good look at it before removing the pivot/ratchet pieces. keep the left and right separate, don't mix up. put them on the new visor the same... rm

I was going to say the same thing but Thunder Bay is a pretty cold area. In S Ontario we jump all winter - I mainly just do hop n pops from 3500 ft.... rm

cranky skygod...

I am reading The Pagan Christ by Tom Harpur at the moment. It explains how Christianity got off track...good book. rm

you are right on the money. I agree with you some of the stuff is just plain ugly. forget what you look like on camera - just jump! rm

let us know how you like the JVX! rm

That's one of the things the split ring does well; it keeps the two loops separated to reduce friction (which of course results in heat/shrinkage) between centerline and bridle loops. I like this. In this way I can get rid of the last rapide link I have which is causing wear just like you describe. Where do we get the good quality ones? rm

you will not be able to undo by hand and will need the right size wrench. make sure you are turning in the right direction to unscrew - it is easy to get that wrong. I have 9 slinks in my rig. 4 for the main, 4 for the reserve and 1 for the d-bag attachment. rm

HMA lines aren't cascaded. Derek my VX HMA lines are cascaded, UV protected and should last 800 jumps. We will see... rm

Same way how a H/C looks gay. you have 337 jumps in 6 years, jump a VectorII and have posted 1018 times since june 2003 from the hotbed of skydiving (Finland of course) and you make comments like this. Are we supposed to take you seriously??? rm

check the classifieds under "misc" for weight vests... rm

how does it open, how does it fly and how does it land. those are the questions to discuss, not riser pressure... rm

do they still use velcro to close the reserve pin protector on the inside of backpack? I have never jumped a racer, but looks? really? That picture you posted and the rigs I have seen in person do not make racers look very appealing visually. I guess to each his own.

If the Velcro is well maintained, riser security is not an issue. I've seen very good freeflyers jumps pre 2k3 Racers without any problems. If the Velcro wears out (lack of maintenance) then it is a different story. I don't know about free fly - not my thing at all and never will be. But if someone is buying a new rig and you can still choose between the elite NOS, elite 2000 and 2k3, I'd recommend the 2k3 - I think all will agree it is bulletproof. someone mentioned the velcro on the reserve flap. Who cares if it still has velcro on the 2k3 - it is against your back.... rm

I have a racer NOS (with all the velcro on riser covers and down the sides). I LOVE it but may look at the power racer 2k3 if I ever bought another rig (most likely will NOT since a rig does not make you get more points or fly faster under canopy). I would say the advantages and disadvantates are: advantages... comfort customer service top notch simple and proven design (ie minimalist) lightweight hip rings not required for proper fit - in fact do not get them they are a waste of cash. fit for small women arguably the best available spare parts are low cost reserve pin protection sets you apart from the crowd - they are not popular at most DZs. disadvantages you need to have a rigger who is talented enough and willing to pack racers well. If you want an AAD, a 2 pin is required. If you want to just blend in not for you - not popular at most DZs. packers are not used to them - they need to be coached at first (even at Deland) distintive looks (I view this as an advantage) velco needs replacing on NOS every 200 jumps (there is NO velcro on the 2k3) NOS and 2000 models not the best fchoice or freeflying (but are fine for RW)

If I were you I'd get a belt but if you want a vest, I have 2 for sale for a friend. I'll put them up on classifieds under "misc". rm

the high riser pressure on my VX is no big deal. You get used to it. Long riser help so that your arms are fully extended to start. rm

exactly, and you don't need any rings (hip or chest) for it to fit properly. rm

here is some feedback from a discussion I had with John Sherman at JumpShack... -zero p excellent material but not as tough as F111 (ie the best reserves are F111). -F111 easier to pack. -F111 packs smaller. -F111 costs less than zero p. -identical canopies made from all zero p and with bottom skin F111 perform the same. -from aerodynamic standpoint, either the top or the bottom skin can be F111 (he still has trouble with this one). -loss of permeability in bottom skin does not seem to affect overall canopy life. -loss of permeability in the top skin occurs faster than the bottom skin (if both are the same material)*. -if bottom skin is F111 it does not require spanwise reinforcement (less bulk). -the reason most canopies are all zero p is "marketing" - most customers think it is better so that is what they want to buy. *my guess is UV and packing wear and tear is more on the top skin and zero p here is an added advantage. r.m.

realizing that it is not practical --- how many could have been prevented if a TM packed their own gear and owned/maintained the rig??? rm

I am not a TM but am interested, which tandem mains are hybrid, which ones are all ZP, which ones are all F111? rm

Thats a bold statement. Does this mean that you know EVERYTHING about your gear? Sparky no, but everyone should be able to hook up risers to a rig properly because they need to clean and lubricate the yellow cut away cable every 30 days (or whatever the rig supply states). rm

I have not stated that. And its not about the panform of the canopy, just the material. Hybrids are not the best, they are just a compromise. what are the advantages and disadvantages of each - I'd like to hear from someone who knows what they are talking about - i.e. someone who designs and manufactures canopies. I have a feeling that it is just plain convenient to make a canopy all zero p. rm