jumpndoc

SIM gives 16 years old as minimum. All the drop zones in CA won't let a 16 yo jump because of liability (lawyers rule in CA). Other places is hit or miss. Two of my kids started jumping at 16 and one at 18 (for varying resons). I would put my 16 yo up against most the over 18 yo that start jumping at our DZ, but they grew up around the DZ and knew all the dumb mistakes that could be made. None of my kids were ready at 13. Two of them could have done well at 15 and one wasn't really ready until about 17 or so. It's a judgment call even for adults. There are a lot of skydivers oveer 18 I have seen around who scare me...

Bingo! Well put. Bill and Ron have lost their credibility in my eyes because of their dogma. They both have very good points in this thread but cloud them with pre-AAD dogma. Yes, all experienced jumpers (how do you define that?) should be as safe on every jump wheather they use an altimeter, ditter, pro-track, helmet, AAD, or any other device that IMPROVES safety. Using these devices does NOT make one less safe or competent or even dependent, simply wiser. We should all be doing all we can to prevent increased risk in an already risky venture. That includes the training and practice advised by Ron and Bill; the smart thinking BEFORE buying the reserve that can't land one relatively safely with stowed brakes and unconscious; the use of amazing technology designed specifically to help reduce risk; competent, deliberate progression in canopy handling (and buying); NOT jumping when you don't feel good, or are not sure of the safety of a specific jump or jump conditions; and of course, as Andy stated, wearing your seat belt to and from the drop zone. If a business owner wants to do this or that and the market will bear it, then more power to him. If a jumper wants to jump with or without an AAD, then more power to her. If the business owner's (DZO's) decision to have certain rules conflicts with the consumer's choice to use or not use certain devices conflict then the consumer can take their business else where, where the conflict does not exist. Isn't the USA a great country?!

Because I won't jump without an AAD does not make me 'more dependant' on a mechancal device than I ought to be. It just adds one more layer of protection against brain fart, other skydivers or any other number of unforseen incidents that could cause me to not pull. I have had a malfuntion and cut-away, and pulled my own silver handle with plenty of time as per BSR's and know I can do it. Does that mean I should just throw away the great technology of AAD's? The logic doesn't hold water.

Where do we send our $$ if we can't come but want to help?

I have been using Superbanz form Aerodyne for a little over a year now. I got them from the old website, before it was changed. I still have the original set that I put on my bag (so still have extras if I ever need them). I do not use them for my locking stows but do use them for all other stows and have not had any problems.

Thanks for the GREAT video! I am hooked just from watching it

Where can I order one? The only place I have found is on the Rigs and Things web site. Are there other dealers in the US yet?

Well, I finally got a larger slider and it makes a big difference. Still crisp but not bone jarring. Thanks for all the advice.

I jump a wings with the hip rings and find it to be the most comfortable rig I have ever jumped. In fact, the first few jumps I felt like the leg straps weren't tight enough because they were too comfortable. Now I have gotten used to the comfort...

I got a boomarang and didn't really like it. The space that is open around the visor causes the helmet to whistle constantly, even under canopy. My son, on the other hand really likes it (go figure), so he is wearing it

Well, the lengthening of the line stows didn't work (no change in vicious opening characteristics). So I am now putting on a bigger slider...

I have three different containers. A G3 Mirage, a Wings, and Vector II. My Wings has articulated hip rings (VERY comfortable, well worth the price), my G3 has just the regular harness. Both of these are more comfortable than the Vector II, but the Wings is more comfortable than the G3. I think only because of the hip ring. The G3 has a few more extras for riser and bridle protection than the Wings and a slightly smaller profile for essentially the same container size. If my G3 had the hip rings I think it would probably be more comfortable than the Wings, but it would be close. In the end it is a matter of personal taste. Which container can you get at a reasonable price and in a reasonable amount of time? If I was buying new right now it would be a G3 (not a G4 - $$ being the factor) with a fully articulated harness - UNLESS - it was going to take them 6 months to deliver. Then I would get a Wings... Just my personal opinion from using all three. Take it for what it's worth. Buying a container is like buying a car, some like one brand and some like another.

The better place to post this question would be on the Vigil website's FAQ. Get the info from those who KNOW not those who are trying to interpret a patent document - although I must say you did an excellent job...

Thanks, Miami and Skycop, I just talked to the Aerodyn guys and they think my slider is too small. I have always done the tail roll thing. Cliff at Aerodyn also thinks I am not making my line stows long enough. so I am putting a bigger slider on it and then lengthening my stows - we'll see how it goes...

Boy, that was QUICK! Yes I always have the slider all the way up and quartered. I will also take the advice of getting the packing video from the manufacturer... Any other Suggestions??