sid

Bonnie, you bring up a very valid point. Every student/novice on the verge of buying gear should gather as much information as possible. With the availability of information via the web, from the upcoming Rigging Wiki, from Poynters (which every drop zone should have around) and from their instructors, riggers and peers, there is an abundance of information. Then they should filter and sort that information and check and re-check before buying. Your post struck home, because a new jumper at a dropzone that I work at was looking for gear and I got her a great deal on a Racer 2K3. Now it's no secret that I work for JumpShack on occasion, but I explained the details and differences between a one pin and two pin. I explained the perceived "pros" and "cons" between systems and she got an all black 2K3 which she was very happy with. Until at least one person who had instructed her started saying "but it's still a piece of shit Racer." This was possibly in jest, but as a student of this instructor she has some respect for him and doesn't know whether he's serious or not and doubt starts creeping in. Similarly, riggers in the area (other than me of course) tend to disrespect the rig because they don't know, won't learn how to pack it. Yet their own rigs are Canadian (and have Type 13 harnesses like the Racer) and are clones of other rigs and are not freefly friendly. The Instructor using the term "POS" has previously bought a rig sight unseen from a "less than reputable dealer" who had lied about the reserve and overstuffed the reserve container (probably) causing a bent pin and necessitating a new ripcord and a "reserve swap" and I'm pretty sure had done little or no research before ordering it. I agree with you, we tell enquirers too readily "Ask your Instructors..." but should definitely add the caveat - "then check, recheck and investigate." Damn, I remember when I got off student status in 1995 an instructor at the dz where I trained was telling ALL students to always get a round reserve and that nobody should ever consider jumping any other kind. I don't know if he's still in the sport, but if he is, I'll bet he's still telling them that too.......... Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

That's not professionalism, I'm just a ham whenever there's a camera around! Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

YEP! edited.... actually it was the risers that belonged to the borrowed main, but it was on my new rig...... I still love it long time though Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

yes please............................................... Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Shut up Cowden, I'm workin' here rl, you can put the harness on me and see how (un)comfortable we can make it Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

ummm - (gulp) maybe, (gulp - again) like if I held you in it especially on deployment, or if I paid extra attention sizing it, you know... like (oh shit - I need to quit while I'm behind) Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

I love you! (How was that?) Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

it's not just guys....... (pic by Jeff Colley!) Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

not sure, I'm not "Strong" enough to pick one up and examine it Oh God, I can't believe I went there............. Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Hopefully they'll teach you some grammar - technically that is "I are a collidge student" (unless you're actually learning collage, then it's "I are a collage student") Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

you beat me to it Matt...... good job with dealing with it.... when I used to teach first jump courses I always taught the first step was "Take a DEEP breath, then......" Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Here ya go........ Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Put the top fold in first. Hold it from underneath with one hand, S Fold the top fold and slide it into the bag. Slide the bag up on end and put the bottom S Fold in. That top fold is the one that wants to blow up, so get it out of the way first ....... Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

The newer tandem is based on the 2K3 design and has a different mid-flap and epaulettes (riser covers). This gives it a more streamlined profile. It still has the drogue riser with the three ring drogue hook up, and yes three cables. One for each drogue release handle and one which is part of the cutaway system, so that if you cut away you release the drogue as well. When I get home I'll be glad to take some close ups of the drogue riser for you and I'll post them then. It ain't fugly now is it? Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

seriously (in other words, not trying to be a smart ass for once) - is the Eclipse Tandem still in production? Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

you're a Sigma snob! Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

That's why it's either Tim Eason or me closing it! Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

nah - keep it running, I'm just hoping someone from L & B will read it and send me a replacement Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Scott. I couldn't look as cool as you if they painted me with Brad Pitt - but I'll take being a close second! Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

I trained on the Vector 2.... my comparison is here http://sidsrigging.com/skydivers/tandemreview.htm caveat! I consult for JumpShack, but I bought this rig! Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Why thank you! That would have been me........... Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

funny... I thought it looked like a droopy white penis hanging over the helmet (pun intended) - seriously - that's ugly and overkill Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Just an afterthought...... if you get an Optima (and you should) it comes with some "string" to tie it onto the helmet. I was a little worried about the strength of this, but when the tandem riser slapped the audible, it sheared it (the Optima) in 2 and left the base firmly tied to the helmet. Now that's some tough shit right there Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Mike, according to the other halves of my last few failed relationships, you better sign me up for'em all Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?

Got to jump my new tandem rig yesterday for the first time (I bought beer - the manifestress' favorite brand) and it was sweeeeeeeeeeet. Unfortunately none of my people wanted video so no "in flight" pics, but here's one of the rig sitting next to one of Art's new Sigmas (for size comparison).......... Pete Draper, Just because my life plan is written on the back of a Hooter's Napkin, it's still a life plan.... right?