Unstable

Wow this is a really really old thread =========Shaun ==========

Funny. I actually think the G3 has a few points up on the G4, but thats just an opinion.

I tend to agree, but this may be more of SC discussion at this point. =========Shaun ==========

Very informative, as Always, Rob. Agree, 'easy' and 'intuitive' are opinions, not facts, and differ person to person. I was lucky because being a Racer Jumper, that was the First thing I tackled when doing my 20. Can you post a picture of your Ghost loop design? Its funny because whenever we talk about Racer you bring up your Ghost loops, I was actually timing you (it took you 2 days this time, Tsk Tsk). Pics!

In the container section, Skyhook is a brand. I would tend to vote have a separate paragraph and describe the term MARD, especially if you are trying to keep it reasonably neutral. =========Shaun ==========

I think this is more likely, rather than the instructor pulling on it. =========Shaun ==========

correct, but there still are 'paper' cards issued by a certain manufacturer. I would mention their name but I've already destroyed 2 threads doing so.

So on a side note (Hijacking this thread, #SorryNotSorry) - Have you found a pen for packing data cards that you are really happy with? (I.e. Name and brand?) I find myself still after 10 years of rigging not satisfied, especially with Wings-style glossy cards. =========Shaun ==========

Intentionally lowering the decision altitude, believing it is safe because one is equipped with a MARD. I believe that would classify as 'misuse' of a MARD (regardless of the brand). On the misrigging or reliability side, I have seen 2 MARDs disengage during a cutaway from a main canopy (I won't get into the brands here either). I would tend to classify those in the misrigging category, but again there is no way to prove or disprove. =========Shaun ==========

I've been packing tandems since 2002 and rigging since 2006, and I tend to agree that the stowless or semi-stowless is not any easier or harder. "Easier" is an opinion, not a fact, and may differ by user. I have one on one rig and a standard on another, same same to me. If I had the choice to go stowless or semi-stowless and pay a few more bucks, I'd just save the $. =========Shaun ==========

No, there is a break in the housing and the rsl has an rw4 ring on the end. No pop apart action. =========Shaun ==========

I'll let the Manufacturer and the DPRE discuss the finer points, but during the course of this thread and the one that started this, several riggers commented on how the single sided RSL is uncommon and they have never seen one before on the Racer. The point I want to make is 'common' or 'uncommon' are very relative terms. I'm sitting here looking at my logbook, and this year along I have packed 6 Racers with Single side RSLs and setup 2 brand new rigs from the factory with them. Handling 8 Racers with single sided RSLs (not counting my own, of course) in a 4.5 month period would hardly classify them as 'uncommon' in my book, especially for a Kansas Basement rigger. The only Dual-sided RSL I pack for is a gentleman in Iowa with 2x Racer Tandems. =========Shaun ==========

That is exactly how the Racer Single RSL is. RW4 Ring, slightly larger than the housing to prevent the ring from sliding up. I have a few customers who recently purchased New 2K3s with the Single Sided option - Let me get them to grab a few images and we'll throw them up here. Tim, do you have any images on hand you can show? Only major difference I've seen is the Racer single side is using Mil-t-5038 TY-IV, 1" square weave rather than a 9/16th width material. I actually like that better. The wider RSL helps keep the assembly in place along the yoke and eliminates the need for copious amounts of velcro, elastic, keepers, etc... =========Shaun ==========

Yes. Now an option. =========Shaun ==========

Never my Home DZ, but it was 2 Hours from my home and they always hosted great boogies. Skydive Wichita in Kingman, Kansas. Here is a snapshot from Googlemaps and my scrawling in Paint. They had one of the fastest and nicest 182's I've ever seen. They closed ~2004(ish). Some may have input as to why, but it was a combination of burnout from those carrying the workload combined with bad relations with the airport. =========Shaun ==========

OK From the video it doesn't appear as if the Drone lifted him 1082' off the ground. Looks like he climb a tower and hung on a drone for a bit more altitude. Seems misleading. Am I missing something? =========Shaun ==========

I'm not a fan of the 2-sided. My last rig and others I've helped people get into have a standard single sided RSL option from the factory. You can have either one you feel better with. =========Shaun ==========

I'm going to second the motion on the Racer - for what you are describing, they are the best place to start. Call the factory or find a dealer in your area - you can get a CUSTOM harness, reserve, and Firebolt main for a bit more than a container alone of another brand. The design is simple and functions flawlessly. You mentioned your desire to have a new container for comfort - that is the Racer's strong point. Top that with Spacer foam backpad and articulation, you won't want for anything. THIS LINK is a good place to start understanding the benefits of the system. The 2K3 version has evolved and evolved, and come completely sealed with magnetic riser covers and 'double tuck' tuck tabs. I don't understand why some riggers struggle with them - to me at least they are easier and more intuitive than other rigs, but to each his own. =========Shaun ==========

Dude take the one up there - I promise that is as close as you are going to get. Ever. =========Shaun ==========

If you find your old reserve let me know. I'd be very interested if this works out for you. That would be the story of the century. =========Shaun ==========

That. Hit me last week and I assumed it was an error.. It same for me too... =========Shaun ==========

Ok Bob Barker, we all put our guests in. What is the real price and who gets to go home with Vanna White? =========Shaun ==========

I'll take the bait. I'm guessing $700-$800. =========Shaun ==========

Our dropzone had various Wings dealers at Sundry times, and we used Wings student rigs which I repacked for close to 6 years. They are a good rig - I think skydiving needs more good, basic systems that will get people in the air safely. I have a wings for an accuracy rig (Enormous W28) but all my sport rigs are another brand. Just like any rig they have their strengths and weaknesses. Here is my opinion (Warning: Opinion ahead). Here's my opinion, I'd love to hear people agree or disagree - I love these kinds of discussions! (+) Cost: Affordable Rig that gets people in the air at a reasonable price (+) Customer Service: I've had modifications done, spare parts ordered, rigging help requested - they do a good job. (+) Wings Boost: I believe it is a better Skyhook. It can be installed by modifying the the reserve bridle only, no container modifications, is reasonably priced, and has much less bulk. (+) Reserve Flaps, Pin Protection, Tuck Tabs: Secure, safe for any type of skydiving. (-) Reserve PC: Excessive bulk. On smaller wings, the diameter is close the the width of the reserve tray, which means when packed close to max, will be very difficult to have it seat correctly. (-) Wear: This is a soft criteria, but Wings seam to wear and tear more than other rigs and not age as well. This is an opinion and based on observations and not data. *Edited for spelling only =========Shaun ==========

I have a collection of cypres and Astra cutters - all expired and slated to be tossed. I was thinking about activating a few just out of curiosity. What is the best way to do this? 9V battery across the connections on the cutter? =========Shaun ==========