Unstable

My Firebolt is September 2015. It does not have it. Just a data point. Downstairs I have 2 Firebolts with rigs in for a repack. 2016 and 2017. Both have it. Absolutely Fantastic canopy BTW. They are pretty popular around here. =========Shaun ==========

Manufacturers are notorious on giving select riggers 'tips' on methods outside the manual. This manufacturer in specific. =========Shaun ==========

My story is a Soldier from Ft. Leavenworth that bought a Custom Talon container in 1990 as he was an active jumper a the time. He was deployed to Desert Storm and the rig was delivered while he was overseas. He returned home and never made a jump again. He gave us t he rig still with the work order tag attached to the chest strap and with the original packaging. We packed it up after converting from ROL to BOC and working with the manufacturer on applicable SB's and updates. As of a few years ago, that rig was giving great service (In Moab last I heard). No regrets. =========Shaun ==========

I have seen this done several times and I'm sure you will find someone here that will tell you it is or is not allowed. I won't go there. I will say in all honesty that with just a few more packjobs under your belt they will not be needed whatsoever. You will be surprised at how quickly you will outgrow the need for colored attachment points.

I think Gowlerk has a really good concept with his discussion and keeping the factors related to outdated designs out of the scope here. Let's be honest - the gear we use today (PDR, Javelin, Mirage, etc) is descended from innovations that occurred from 1988-1992, which seemed like a very pivotal time frame. Don't all riggers have a story about someone finding a closet queen,

No age limit, but I will not pack anything that is not safe or violates any manufacturer's recommendations. =========Shaun ==========

I want to add something too, but there is variability in pack volume even within a design. In the PIA pack volume chart which is based on actual measurements, you can see multiple tests performed on the same canopy at different times yields not insignificant differences! I have talked to 2 manufacturers about this and both have attributed it (independently,I might add) to variability between die lots of material. I always emphasize that using a low-pack volume reserve to try to get 1 size larger when you are really pushing the limits of your container/reserve combination, is just not a good idea. =========Shaun ==========

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that feature is unique to the UPT design. Strong and Racer stay inflated. Not sure about Firebird, Atom and the European market. =========Shaun ==========

Firebotlt w/ 725 Spectra: Double stow all with medium bands Sharpchuter with 900 Dacron: Single Stow only locking stows, double stow others - all with medium. I like the idea of double stowing the locking stows too, but with big heavy dacron that just aint' gunna happen. *Edited to correct the line size. =========Shaun ==========

I've seen them with Angelfire 226 for a square option and Preserve I. =========Shaun ==========

This is not something worth arguing about in the least bit. =========Shaun ==========

Shooting from memory here, but doesn't he Rigging Innovations Semi-stowless bag have the line stow pocket sewn closed on the bottom and both side, similar to a reserve freebag? A gentleman with a Curve had a bag with that configuration. Basically took the same amount of time to stow the remaining lines as packing a reserve. =========Shaun ==========

Quite a nice one at that. Nancy & Suzie sent me a few demos to show to my pilot customers. Very nice options, although the feedback I received from my customers is the preferred the thinner profile of the National or Softie back rigs. =========Shaun ==========

+1 We see a fair number of fully magnetic bags around here, many of which are taken out of service. Suffice it to say there is a reason manufacturers still keep at least 2 locking stows on their designs. =========Shaun ==========

I believe that you are going to have to ask the manufacturer - I asked and ended up using the normal Racer Manual.

I have read this several times and while I understand it completely, the concept and principles appear to be a design heritage of a 7-cell, low permeability canopy tuned for better openings. Here are some blurbs from the link you posted. ---------------------------------------------------------- So a 7-cell low Perm canopy. So a 7-cell low perm canopy tuned for slightly better openings. So a 7-cell low perm canopy. So a 7-cell low perm canopy. So a 7-cell low perm canopy. This is how a 7-cell, low perm canopy flies. OK so we are still describing 7-cell low perm canopy. Got it. Low Perm material packs smaller, especially if utilizing material similar to the Optimum. I can't help but read this and feel this is just a slightly modified 7-cell low perm canopy, old technology repackaged and tuned a bit more for today's pilots. Isn't this just 1 step removed from taking a PD 7-Cell (Hey, remember those!) of FC 7-cell, adding a domed slider or nose baffles for better openings and calling it good? Sorry for the long post - if my thought process is off please challenge!

Yes, I have assembled several new Vortex rigs over the last year I do not have a negative thing to say about them - right on par with top named rigs. They have a premium product. Not my personal choice for a rig, but the workmanship and quality are there. The only quality issue I have seen coming from Parachute Systems is a lineset with several mislabeled lines! But (correct me if I'm wrong internet people) I believe those are outsourced to some organization here in the US... A gentleman did a very nice review here on Dropzone over the features of a 2016 Vortex. TAKE A LOOK =========Shaun ==========

That manufacturer has approved the installation of a single-sided RSL and new rigs are shipping with that as well as the Dual-sided if requested. Up to the jumper to make their own decision. =========Shaun ==========

Why was it a waste of time? Did the refuse to provide? =========Shaun ==========

I travel for work almost every other week, and every month or so I will stay for the weekend and hit up a new DZ in the area. I enjoy seeing and jumping in new places. So if you have the following criteria: - Affordable and easy to get to - Exploring, Hiking, snorkeling available in the area - Good weather this time of year Sounds like you are describing Florida. Grab a Southwest right into Orlando or a Delta into Daytona and do all those things within a 30 minute drive in any direction and flights are usually less than $300 USD. =========Shaun ==========

Agree. The marketing hype is "Buy a Low Pack volume reserve, you'll be safer with a bigger reserve for the same container size." I have found that is sometimes true, but more often not. There are also pack volume charts out there that show negligible difference for some sizes comparing the same design between standard and low pack volume canopies. This could be attributed to variation even within a same canopy and design. Either way, I never advise individuals to bet on a LPV canopy in order to squeeze in just a bit more. =========Shaun ==========

I think this is a really good point. I see different levels of risk levels. a. No RSL, No Mard b. RSL, No Mard c. RSL & MARD Everybody talks about how much safer they are with a MARD, and I think they are comparing condition 'a' to condition 'c', which I think we can agree that data shows a major improvement. However, what is the difference between 'b' and 'c'? 100 feet? On another point, we have seen evidence in the industry of excessive bag extraction forces with containers with closed corners. Also, 'snively' reserves seem to be coming into popularity. Are MARDS then being sold as a fix for poor design in some cases? =========Shaun ==========

Not just in relation to this one issue, but I find myself asking the same question on quite a few 'developments' in the sport that bring added risk with no measurable benefit. =========Shaun ==========

I see a few out here - Flight Concepts is not a new kid on the block by any means. It's a fantastic canopy. =========Shaun ==========

I'll take the liberty and add some good beginner canopies (in italics) Performance Designs: Sabre 2 (NOT the Sabre 1) Spectre Silhouette Pulse (I tend to think the flare is weak, but some people love them) Storm Aerodyne: Pilot Pilot 7 Triathlon[/] Icarus/NZ Aerosports Safire 2 Safire 3 S-fire IPT Axion Flight Concepts Sentry =========Shaun ==========