LouDiamond

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Gear Reviews posted by LouDiamond


  1. By far the best and easiest to use camera helmet out there. The large platform allows for total custom applications of still and video cameras either single or in tandem while staying balanced. Fit is superb even without baking. Craftsmanship is top notch and Customer Service is excellent. Worth every penny.

  2. The most appealing aspect is the new shape of this helmet, it has gone back to it's "pimp daddy" shape and lost the cone head apperance. The improved shape and the chin strap/buckle make this the helmet to own. Comfort is excellent even without baking the helmet. Once baked the fit is "like a glove". Craftsmanship is excellent as is the Customer Service.

  3. All of the old gripes people have aginst Racers are gone in this model. It still remains one of the lightest, most comfortable rigs on the market and has a slim side profile. The options available as standard on the 2K3 are usually extras on other manufacturers rigs; you get more bang for your buck and the way YOU want it. Combine that with a 4 week delivery time and excellent customer service and you can't go wrong. Workmanship is beyond reproach as is the price. I have taken mine on Birdman ,RW, and Freefly jumps with no problems. Tuck tabs really stay tucked, risers flaps work even while Head down. No velcro what so ever on the rig(unless you ask for it), stock risers come with slider stops and dive loops that work and are comfortable on the hands. Snap toggles ensure you won't have a brake fire or accidental brake release. You could pay more for a bulky ,uncomfortable rig but why would you when can have a slim, comfortable Racer for less?

  4. I jumped the 128 and the 110 Firebolt and found both to be consistant in their flight characteristics. Openings are extremely soft, not the usual "pop" when a canopy inflates. Because of this the first couple of times I jumped the canopy I had to look up to see for myself that it was indeed open. It flys level even with severe line twists(which I induced on purpose). Turns, be it toggle or front riser are really responsive, similar to the Stiletto in many aspects except in the angle of attack when in the corner. The Firebolt has a much steeper angle of attack that recovers nicely if not a bit quicker than the Stiletto. Landings are similar to the Stiletto in regards to toggle stroke but the bottom end lift is amazing. It is easy to make this canopy pop back up even with very little forward speed. The Firebolt flys a bit larger than it's size. The 128 I flew felt more like a 150 and the 110 felt slightly bigger if not on par with a 97/107. I noticed that the more you wingload this canopy the more lift it generates not only on the bottom end but overall. The 2 brake lines may take a bit for some to get used to if they haven't seen them before but they work great even when twisted up( I intentionally twisted them. Other features I like aboout the canopy is the risers which have a snap toggles like a tandem riser has. The chances for a brake fire are very slim if the snap is used. Setting the brakes and stowing the brake lines is easy and fast with the configuration they have. Packing was easy ,even with a brand new canopy. While still slippery, it was easy to control and easy to get into the bag. Overall, I think this is a great mid range canopy for those who want a soft opening(camera men, people with previous injuries, etc) and a canopy that they can have a bit of fun with. While it might not win any contests, swooping is entirely doable and distances were pretty good.

  5. Superb design and function. The pantz work great for either belly /back tracking, sit flying or head down. Built of durable material that will withstand the abuse of a skydiver and still look good enough to wear out to the bar or club. Guys, you will get women if you wear these pantz. Gals these pantz will make your ass look fabulous from any direction. You can't go wrong with these pantz. Be sure to look at the sizes in the size chart as someone who wears a Small in the waist may find the length and cut to be a bit tight if you fall in between a small waist and a medium length. Recommend you go to the next higher size if this is your case and expect the length to be a bit baggy at the bottom like most Freefly pants already are.

  6. Not your standard run of the mill goggle. these flexible lenses conform to any face and provide good field of view and seal. They are lightweight and have a small head band so they can be worn under a tight helmet. The foam used around the perimeter of the goggle may be the first thing to wear out IMO but hasn't yet. They come in a soft lens pouch that can be used to clean the lens and store the goggle sin after use. Might seem a bit pricey compared to other alternatives but the quality and style of this goggle make it worth a look if you have a hard time finding a good pair of goggles to fit your face and want a cool looking pair of goggles.