Kirils

I've just been watching from the sidelines... Dan, how do I get a demo Cobalt sent to me? How does the canopy differ from the Alpha? Thanks! Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

Check out http://www.icarus.co.za/, I have a request for 2 articulated Vortex II containers. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I have an Espirit 120. It flies like a Saber. Mine has a HUGE pocketed slider. I load it at about 1.6. I only got spanked once on opening, it was so violent I had kidney injury and heavy bleeding. I suggest you talk to a rigger as to the best technique to slow the opening, I haven't jumped mine since getting hurt. Good luck. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I don't do anything abrupt with the canopy. A long carving riser turn into final, 4-6" of front riser and a smoooooth transition to toggles gives me a nice short surf. My Heatwave is kinda like a family car with a big hot engine. My new Chaos is the jet funny car. My Triathlon is the family van. Each one has a speciality and when used for their intended purpose they are all great! Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I demo'd a 130 ( I exited at 190#) It flew very big. I thought it seemed like a 150. Openings were slow with end sell closure on 3 out of 5 jumps. Never a twist.Turns were slow. It has a very solid feel. Landings were easy with a strong flare and no runout. I regret I didn't try smaller canopy. It seems you got to really load this one up to get decent performance. Nice canopy, but I think it's overpriced. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I still jump the HeatWave...and enjoy it. It's just lately I like the ease and relaxing flight of a big boy canopy. (maybe it's just old age) Hey, the HW is a very good canopy. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I would have to agree with Geoff. Make you are stable and square in the harness at pull time. Be slow and methodical when puilling the first few times. You will soon learn you can steer the canopy on opening with your hips. Line twists can be a problem that may lead to a chop. The chute isn't nicknamed the "Spinetto" for no reason. (but most elips have this tendency). It's a good canopy. (I have a 150) Enjoy! Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I jump a 150 loaded at 1.5. I have jumped hotter canopies but still like my HW. I like it far better than the Spinetto or Vengence. I took 4" off the steering lines to get better landings. The quality of construction is outstanding and I love the colored line tabs. BUT ...I get tired of elipticals and their quirky openings (it's the nature of the beast) and the high potential for twists. Ahhhh...those old T-10 memories (grin) Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

Bill, I also think it reduces lateral shear forces on the fabric near the bridal attachment. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I just checked on the shipping for a full rig from SA to Ohio Via Fedex; $410.00 plus customs duty!!!!!! If you know a cheap way to import, let me know. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

Sounds like you are flying tense and may be bent forward at the waist. (time to video?) Don't fret, most everyone experiences these problems at first. Lay back in the kitchen chair position. You shouldn't have to use arms to counter the back slide zoomies. Forward and back movements can be accomplished by a slight pelvis thrust and retraction. Another hint is to try knee flying or "Indian cross-leg style" to get started. Pat Works book and video on Relative VRW is an invaluable purchase. Good luck! Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

Congrats... No better way to start the New Year! The Hornet is a great, reliable, well made chute. My DZ is in the middle of PD territory and you always catch flack over jumping PISA chutes. If they only knew... Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

6" is a good average. You need enough to get to the middle of the bundle without pulling the attachment off center. I have a 4" on my 108 and I had a 6" on my 170. I would imagine a "Big Boy" chute takes a longer one. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

If you have an attached RSL, why not just cut away and count on RSL deployment? Two canopies out with no time for a chop is not a good thing. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

OK, how did you stay warm? Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

The Astra has a clear cover over the off-on switch. I've never had a problem. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

Do you know how much it costs to ship from SA to the US? I bought a "deal" of a parachute from a guy in Capetown and Shipping was $120.00 US. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

A buddy of mine jumps with 2 hearing aids. He uses a full face helmet and has no problems. Years ago when he started jumping static line he didn't have a problem. It was when he advanced to AFF when the wind bothered him. The problem was resolved with a full face helmet. The instructor wired the radio in his helmet for him. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I just read an article in Modern Drug Discovery relating to your interest in hearing loss. It appears people exposed to high levels of noise who take anti-oxidents have significantly less hearing loss. So jump on the vitamin C,E, selenium, alpha lipoic acid and BHT!!! Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

Well said! Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

Lisa, We jumped Titusville last Friday... Ohhh, Ahhhh... It was PERFECT. You really need to come East to the greatest jumping on earth! Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I have seen at least a dozen different ways to fold a PC. The best strategy to avoid a monkey fist or hard pull is to keep the bridle folds on top of the folded fabric so that the PC pulls easy and free separate from the bridal. If you have the bridle folds inside the PC fold, it causes excess wear and can bunch up on pull. Mirage has instructions on PC packing at it's web site. You might want check it out. It's a good example how NOT to pack a PC. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I have 2 Reflexes and have found Bomber to offer incredible service! When I had my rig hooked up, I opted out of the "catapult". Thinking that it might be OK for a horseshoe mal, but the second reserve pilot chute will reduce the precious distance needed to clear other mals. (I had 4 chops on one rig) I had problems with the pop-top appearing to work loose, but I found a rigger at AerOhio (Wink) who new how to pack a Reflex. It looks good with no gaps around the pop-top. A reserve on a Reflex packs different than other pop-tops...make sure you find a rigger with Reflex experience. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

I've jumped Flight Concepts 9 cells maybe 35 times (espirit, manta, maverone and a griffin) I don't know if these are really different from the Pro series. I do know that every one of these canopies opened hard. One opening on an espirit caused kidney damage! Is there really an issue here? Jump the Hornet...jump the Hornet... Merry Christmas! Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

Have you thought about the "psycho pack" ? It's the best way to tame even the meanest ZP canopy. Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...