RMURRAY

front piece has the slot switcher OR miror image and switcher for the rear. I think that is right... rm

MarkM has hit the nail on the head. The Tempo is fine - spend money on jumps. I would not mind a PD reserve also but find they are (too) expensive - I'll spend my cash on tunnel time, coaches, team jumps etc.... rm

I have suggested to him (my DZO) the 206 mod to install the TIO540 --- 350 HP! Now that would be something else. It is very expensive though. Even faster would be the TIO540 in a 185. rm

this from a pilot/jumper in Ontario Canada.......rm As for 5 people in a narrow body 182. There are several problems: 1) it is VERY tight inside the plane 2) weight & balance: gross weight: 2950 lbs. empty weight: ~ 1750 lbs. Payload: 1200 lbs. Worst case, we carry about 3/4 tanks, which is about 39 gals, which is about 235 lbs, which leaves about 1000 lbs for 6 people. That means that each person has to weigh about 166 lbs each, including gear. Unlikely to happen without careful planning. 3) seatbelts: an STC is available for four belts for four jumpers. You need to find one for five belts, or you need to get an installation approved on a one-off basis.

he already has a C206 with lots of hours on it so does not want to sink too much into it - but he has been thinking about the IO550. I guess a C182 is affordable for him as a second plane. Of course, we all want a turbine but that is not going to happen soon.... rm

for DZOs, pilots or others that may know...can a narrowbody C182 carry 5 jumpers or do you need to have the widebody? Is it a seatbelt issue or is there physically not enough room for 5 in a narrowbody. My DZO is thinking about either a widebody or narrowbody with wing extensions, STOL kit and 285HP. I am suggesting the widebody because I know it fits 5 okay and is common. Does anybody have a contact that might know??? rm

I'd take it out and give it away - if it is not maintained there is a chance it could be a hazard to others...I don't have an AAD - probably never will - but would maintain it if I did have one. rm

For my VX, I am replacing the lower control lines now (at only 275 jumps) and will replace all the lines at 500-550. rm

if you can find a G3 (or other) which hold the right canopies for you and it does not have hip rings, it can be resized easy - at lease it was easy with my rig. rm

did you ever jump the Raven 181-M at 305lbs? you must have heard what they are like when over loaded.... rm

you can get a G3 for less than 1000! Check out the classifieds. I have a friends for sale for 650 - too small for you though...

there is no way I would wait that long for any rig...

I have the original TimeOut. It works fine. If it finally breaks I'll get a prodytter. I just don't get why people need a protrack or the others like it - unless you just like to spend cash that is. Who cares about that information - what matters it how the skydive went...

Who cares what others think. My next rig will be a Power Racer M2K - if it is as comfortable as my NOS.

I just dumped the reserve on my Racer and my friends nice fashionable Mirage M0. I always feel good when my reserve pilot chute launches cleanly the full length of the bridle before it hits the ground. The Mirage has a much stronger spring and launches well but (in my mind)it was no contest - the Racer wins. My next rig will be a Power Racer M2K if it is as comfortable as my NOS and I don't think they are. 2 pin vs 1 - who cares it works. all the velcro - no problem just replace it often. whining riggers - just get a good rigger. whining packers - who cares what they think. FF friendly - can't comment on this one since I will never own a baggy suit.

Nancy at JumpShack will send a video out to any rigger - I believe. Not sure if it is good or not. rob

exactly, my racer poptop is flush every time - my rigger knows how to pack them and knows my rig - others I have tried are just not able - just a matter of training.

exactly. just jump the thing! rm

here is the comment by bill booth... http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=126465#126465

a common problem with stainless steel hardware. there are a couple of other threads and a comment by bill booth on the subject I have seen.

For me, I would not get stainless steel hardware - it is heavier and does not improve function /safety. Yes, it looks OK but for me it is not worth it. Nickel plating and chrome plating are not the same - chrome plating would not stand up. I cannot understand why anyone would wait 26 weeks for a rig...but that is another topic.

so if there was a 3000 dollar rig you'd be first in line to buy - thinking it was the best. And you probably think tye dye and SS hardware are "must have" options - give me a break. I only buy used now - I can't afford new - I'd rather jump more. About the Dolphin - I have never owned or packed one so I won't comment.

1800US!!! - that is nuts. For me, that would buy a lot of jumps or tunnel time!!! I think I can say I will only buy used from now on...container, main and/or reserve. Currently, my container was purchased second hand from a guy in Montreal, main from Germany and reserve from someone in the North East US. Never a problem... rob

check the Relative Workshop site - i used their recommendations. Yes, cold water, woolite in a tub. A bunch of rinse "cycles" ...hang to dry..

You will get not get much help on this here - it is up to personal preference. I love my racer NOS (yes - the one with velcro). I have a good rigger and don't mind keeping it in shape. I am not a free flyer but have in my 900+ jumps have never had anything loose. They are very comfortable and proven. These days they are few and far between up here in Ontario - which I do not mind at all - you can get them at very good prices. I would not get one until you have a rigger "on side". Personally, I would not get a "2000" model, the new M2K I am not sure of...if you have any questions call Nancy at JumpShack---she is always very helpful. rob