MrHixxx

My understandings is Slinks performed better in strength tests than regular links. So, based on that they are superior, barring rigger error. That is why I put them on my own rigs. Nonetheless, the proverbial Catch 22 is I am expected to inspect and repack per "manufacturers specifications". Even though they are stronger, if they aren't approved from each manufacturer, as they say in the law profession "your ass is hangin' way out". So, I was just curious if other riggers had been contacting mfgs. and installed them in common practice. Thanks for the responses, MrHixxx

Does anyone know if Reserve Slinks are okay to install on reserves that are not manufactured by PD? I bought them for my rigs, but I have PD reserves in both. Nonetheless, I just earned my Senior riggers ticket and was wondering if I get a request to install them on other reserves if it is okay. thanxxx, Hixxx

I put a couple on my new Xaos this weekend. "Instructions! We don't need no stinking instructions!!!" It is pretty obvious how to hook one up after looking at the order the factory puts the lines on the slinks. I didn't get a bridle extension with mine either, but I had one made before I jumped it. Psycho packing is new to me, nonetheless I would think having the extension on there has got to keep things a little more symmetrical during deployment. I am loading mine at about 2.15 coming from jumping a Cobalt loaded at 1.8. Screwed the setup for my first landing and just had to straight shoot it, no problem. Landing number 2 I set up with a nice 180 front riser carve and it came in smokin' faster than I ever have under the Cobalt. Inexplicable inner-grin generator! I think I salivated at the end of the surf. Differences I noticed: Openings: Both excellent, The Xaos opened on heading after a nice snivel both times. The Cobalt has always opened soft at varying speeds, though I have been smacked under it once when I opened with a slightly shoulders low in a slight track, but it was an anomaly. Turns: The Cobalt actually seems more elliptical and turns quicker. However, the Xaos seems to give up more altitude in turns. Riser pressure: The front riser pressure is a little bit harder on the Xaos initially, but definatly builds more pressure throughout the carve. I wouldn't feel comfortable with the front riser pressure with any lower a loading on the Cobalt, I would just be too soft. Brakes: Seem set a little lower in the Xaos, but the response is stronger. The wing itself seems considerably more rigid with the cross-bracing. I still like the versatility of the Cobalt. Doing demos, landing on the beach, even some CRW. It is a really fun canopy to fly. My only downer with mine is that it seems to "conk-out" and run out of lift on longer surfs when there is no wind. The Xaos is a much more intense and disciplined experience piloting, which is good.I think I'll have a good 100 jumps on it before I take it anywhere other than my home dz though. A reasonable amount of respect needs to be factored in with its use. The biggest plus other than performance I noticed was the incredible amount of lift this canopy sustains from surf to finish. Welcome to cross-bracing huh... I still only have 2 jumps on the Xaos compared to nearly 200 under Cobalts. My 2-cents worth, Hixxx

I am downsizing to a crossbraced canopy loaded at 2.1 (Chaos 21) this weekend from a non-crossbraced at 1.8 (Cobalt). Any advice out there from the extreme pilots on how to be smart about it? thanxxx, Hixxx

thanks for the info... I don't have a pouch, because I have a pullout with a pud handle. I use a 30" f-111 pc on a Cobalt 120 which gives me really sweet openings on heading and soft. When do you think the f-111 should be replaced? What is the comparable size if I chose to switch? thanx, MrHixxx

I have used both f-111 and zp pilot chutes and I find that I like the openings of the f-111 pcs more. A rigger friend of mine mentioned to me how zps force air to spill over the sides and jostle the pilot chute and consequently the d-bag around a bit. Since f-111s allow some of the air to pass through them they aren't being jostled around and the snatch is more consistent and controlled on the d-bag. Has anyone heard of this??? I realize that the f-111 chute will not last as long as the zp, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make for better openings, especially under elliptical canopies... -Mr Hixxx

I received an e-mail stating the Chicago fatality was linked to incorrect reserve slink installation. Does anyone know anything about this and what the error was? thanks, Jon

I have a Cobalt 120 with Spectra lines and soft links loaded at 1.8. Being my first high performance canopy and considering how radically different I fly it from my Triathlon with much more force exerted on the canopy from front riser input and swooping landings, I would like opinions on how differently this will wear the equipment if at all. How can I objectively check my gear to make sure it is staying in spec for full performance and safety? Can line groups be compared (all the As, all the Bs etc.) for length to check for shrinkage on the outside lines? Has anyone experienced a wear limit for soft links or suggested jump number where they should be replaced? How about mini risers? Experienced opinions appreciated... thanks and blue skies, Jon

I just ordered my custom colored Cobalt 120 a few weeks ago. I am glad to hear that the performance comparison between these canopies is negligible as both were up for consideration. Some 8 months ago I put in for a Crossfire demo and was blown off by Icarus after being encouraged to buy one and return it if I did not like it. I also put in for a Samurai demo shortly after and was forgotten on this list too. It took all of two weeks to get a Cobalt demo on all three requests, not to mention tons of support I received from Mike at Freeair and Dan in piloting and picking the right canopy. With concern for product support, these canopies are not really so equal in my experience.