Unstable

Ya know, I've seen the advertising for the Genera, but in my 12 years jumping, I Have never actually seen one. I'm assuming it is simply a Talon with no options and no colors? =========Shaun ==========

You can't go wrong with any of those - Javellin/Vector/Wings/Mirage/Racer/Infinity/Vortex/Triton/Quasar2...etc. the rigs on the market today are all safe, well made and top-tier. At this point, it's a matter of preference. All rigs made after 2003 are going to be 'freefly friendly' - [opinion part] I think the Vortex shares many similarities to the Wings, but from what I have seen, has better workmanship. If you are concerned about the Cost, you can call Javelin and order a rig in solid black, and they will knock a few hundred dollars off. =========Shaun ==========

Wow! I mostly hear of jumpers landing those in the 150-170# range - that set you down reasonably well at 220#? =========Shaun ==========

Maybe it's just hard for reasonable minds to understand the behaviors of unreasonable people. =========Shaun ==========

It doesn't make sense. It doesn't. I've followed this case over the last year off and on, and I just don't understand the time, money, and effort KG has put into her Citizens for Quiet Skies. The data has proven on multiple occasions that the noise from the Otter is no more than background noise inherent to the area - she has sacrificed huge swaths of time, and essentially forfeited any semblance of a normal life. =========Shaun ==========

Those Louie Loops drive me crazy. Way too much bulk, will pop out of even the most 'freefly friendly' rigs. =========Shaun ==========

+1. Jumpshack risers are simple and the best. Find a dealer - they should be able to get you a better price. =========Shaun ==========

Be safe and go fuck yourself =========Shaun ==========

That is the standard method for the Racer 2k3, printed on the top main flap. =========Shaun ==========

What machine specifically? I've owned 2x 20u's (and -33 and -73, blue and green respectively) and I've had that issue with both machines. Timing the hook with the needle bar in the furthest position to the left takes care of that, but on All machines I have worked with that have a reverse, the stitch characteristics differ slightly in forward and reverse. For that reason, I use reverse only to lock the stitch, and not for general use. =========Shaun ==========

I've had 3 2k3's, and right now I am jumping without an RSL. However, I am currently researching methods to install a single sided RSL (left side). Edited to add: I am curious - for those of you that selected "Single Sided RSL" - I would be very interested in which method was chosen: a. Both Shackles on the left riser b. Single Shackle on the left riser, cable through ring at break between cable housings =========Shaun ==========

interesting point! I measure all pull forces for each rig I pack, and I really haven't seen a strong correlation between the effort required to close the rig and the measured pull force. I don't use a ratchet assembly to close a rig, just the packing paddle and bar, and even rigs with significant effort still stay in the 17-20 pound sweet spot. I have that measurement for every rig I have ever packed (~900), It may be a fun exercise to go plot it out by rig manufacturer, although I do not record the closing loop length in my logbook (and without more info, that wouldn't be incredibly useful). =========Shaun ==========

I repacked a VIII with a spectra ripcord a few days ago, and I did measure the pull force from the handle, pulling straight down away from the housing (there was no bend in the cable coming out of the housing) and I measured right at 19 pounds. I can review my logs and see what the measurements from others have been. You do have a good point - the biggest question I have regarding the Spectra Ripcords is what will they look like after 20 years of use? We know how the traditional ripcord assemblies look after that length in the sky, but only time will tell. =========Shaun ==========

Do you think you could have been more condescending on your response? I am not an attorney (as you have pointed out), but they are fair questions. Kim has been vocal on her twitter feed (sorry, cannot post a link from this server) but that this is viewed as a setback, rather than the end. It's fair to assume she is not going to just call it quits and move on with her life - to what extent can she keep losing yet keep dragging it out? =========Shaun ==========

(Maybe my post should be SC) but I think this whole incident is a good argument for some degree of Tort Reform. She can keep suing and suing and suing as long as she has other people's money, and she can keep losing with no consequences. Why isn't she reimbursing Mile High for their legal fees? =========Shaun ==========

On a few of the Wings I've worked on, there was so little room in the bottom I could barely fit the bridle stowes. The Wings design in and of itself I think is sound, but when they send out rigs with pilot chute caps with nearly the same diameter as the reserve packtray width, then there is going to be and issue with bulk distribution. =========Shaun ==========

I can agree with the top part. I packed Wings at a Wings-dominant DZ and racked up over 300 wings repacks, and you are right, there are some sizes that just....nope. I think they rely too much on the tight fit on the bottom half of the reserve container to stage the reserve deployment, which makes it a challenge. I don't know why they give you grief on parts ordering - I ordered a reserve freebag from Sunrise Manufacturing just last week - called up, placed the order, and it should be here Thursday or Friday. Making people go through a dealer for parts is insane. =========Shaun ==========

That comment hit home to me. I just watched a young guy at the DZ get his first rig - was more than happy to spend $3100 on a new container with every single option available (I'll leave the brand out), but wouldn't spend more than $300 on a used reserve. It's that same mindset. *edited for spelling =========Shaun ==========

I would struggle to believe they hold the skirt as reliably as a type 3 or 4. The tension required to unstow the rat's nest of lines in the bottom of the pack tray would be well in excess of the 2 or 3 loops required to open the diaper. On a side note, I have seen very few riggers do a 'neat' job of taking care of the excess line stow on the right group on the 304 seat parachutes. =========Shaun ==========

I agree. I still see the occasional Strong pilot rig with a 2-stow diaper, and according to Strong, they are A-OK (Even have instructions in the latest Manuals) - although we do have a local Rigger who grounds and replaces any Strong 2-stow diaper they come across. I have yet to see any documentation that supports that behavior. =========Shaun ==========

*2 Skyvans =========Shaun ==========

I'm building a few for fun - the prototype worked great. I'll have to load some pics when I get home. =========Shaun ==========

+++1. I didn't start until 2002, but looking at the development of gear, skydiving styles, and price considerations, the mid to early 90's got it right. Tandem jumping was a new(er) thing, and DZ's had had too much of an opportunity to become tandem factories. Modern AAD's existed, and 'how small of a canopy can you jump' didn't appear to be a big issue then. The gear we jump even today was 95% the same, but the prices were under control. =========Shaun ==========

This is a really fun game. here is a rig that was dropped off to me just this week. Suffice it to say I will not be returning the rig in this condition. OK or too long? *edited to add a smaller version of the .jpg =========Shaun ==========

+1. My double needle cost about $200 for the head and I spent $50 (paid in brewskis) to have a local machine shop remove and retap 6 o the screws, 2 of which we ended up going 1 size over. I guess I don't see how that would turn a machine into 'junk', but it certainly is a pain. =========Shaun ==========