helldog

If it aint flying by the hard deck chop it! (Damn i forgot... don't take my word for it I'm still a low timer as well) I can still remember my first sniveling canopy (32 jump). I was used to the student gear opening imediately. The second jump on my new gear, a friend helped me pack it. He rolled the nose to the center...nice and tight. It was a good 600 ft. sniveler. I had never actually watched the canopy open before(never had the time) till then. But I too was ready to chop. It just looked like a great big beach ball up there...., then it gently inflated and began flying. (what a relief that was). Blue ones Jim

Getting back to the purpose of the original thread.... I purchased my first rig From Para-service. Price was great....Service was really good...Had broken lines on the first jump of the main (not good)....(but not their fault) they sent it back had it fixed payed the shipping both ways and the reserve repack no questions asked. Would I buy from them again... Yes! Hope this helps Blue ones Jim

What type of canopy??? and How much $?? What elevation do you jump at??? According to your weight a 210 sq ft. canopy would be an appropiate loading. Though I only have 75 jumps right now I can relate the downsizing decision. I went from a PD 300 (our elevation is 4200MSL so fast air) to FC 245 7Cell ( I weigh about 220 on the hoof and 241 out the door). Well actually downsized to a 220 sq ft. canopy first as the FC 245 lines broke on the first jump. While the 220 had totally differ flight characteristics than the giant 300 It was still controllable. I would recommend dropping in size gradually though. Like jump the 260 then a 230,220, and then to your 210. You'll find that it'll help you get more comfortable with the increased speed and glide. Of course this assumes the canopies are similar (same material and same number of cells). Just something to think about.(don't take advice from low timers....check out any advice you get with your instructors as they are the ones who have a better idea of your capabilities. Good luck with your decision Blue ones Jim

Its amazing how your training just takes over isn't it?? Had a cutaway on jump 31...my brand new out of the box equipment. Master rigger set it up, Jumpmaster packed the main. 3 broken lines later I was looking up at them and the training just kicked in. The canopy was flying normally so being a new rig I checked red and silver quickly. Then went to do a controllability check. My arms got half way to the toggles when the left side of the canopy curled up and began spinning the canopy violently. I was supprised how quickly the g-force became noticeable. I quickly got to red and with considerable effort pulled. I was shocked how hard of a pull it was to get it off the velcro( and i'm 6'3" 210 pounds and in good shape). I have since learned to peal the velcro first. Before i could reach the silver my reserve was over head (RSL works really fast do you not have one???). And like you I wasn't screaming woo hoo. It was more like... OH Shit OH Shit..... Then relief.... Then the most cautious ride down i've had to date. The next 10 or so jumps on the rig I was uneasy with even putting it on...But now, after 45 beautiful uneventful openings I look forward to it. Congrats on your save and as always Blue ones Jim Hey looks like i'll be up there next friday afternoon, saturday and sunday... lets get that 8-way going!

Windy and cloudy the past 2 weekends... and the dz is only open on the weekends... so Blue ones Jim

Who ever has some more pull with the man (woman) upstairs, let em know we could use some more climate weather here in west texas on the weekends. Don't for get to say please...... Blue ones Jim

Yep, Started Scuba first then apparently made the natural transition to skydiving. If the Caymans only had a DZ.....They would truly be heaven on earth! Blue ones Jim

If your congested at all due to allergies or a cold, you will have difficulty clearing your ears. Try doing an exaggerated swallowing motioin while in freefall and while under canopy. If there hurting stop jumping for the day until you sinuses clear up again. Blue ones Jim

Congrats....

66 Didn't start till April though.... and like that guy said earlier its quality not quantity Blue ones Jim p.s. Bob open the DZ on weekdays 66 is pathetic

In reply to Although it does make for very funny videos....my favorite comment from jump number 81 was "let's chase Michele!!!".... I think I'd rather than be an option rather than part of the dive plan, however.... Michele, Can you please post a video Im still LMAO... Blue ones Jim

Had the same problem with a screaming fall rate. As your jump numbers increase you will learn to adjust your body position to slow your fall rate a bit, and have a good swoop suit that fits will help as well. I would suggest that if you don't have a protrac or neptune borrow one and find out what your fall rate is so the suit manufacturer can design a suit that will best fit your needs. Blue ones Jim

The spectre will give you a more consistent softer opening. My concern is that with 15 jumps and a exit weight at 240lbs you be loading the spectre at 1.15:1. You might discuss that with your instructor and see if he thinks your ready to land at that wing loading. Also PD will let you demo the canopies for 2 weekends for $30. I'd recommend demoing before buying. Good luck with your decision Blue ones Jim

I go about 242 out the door and jump a Sharpchuter 245 by flight concepts (70 jumps) now that i've learn to roll the 3 outside cells to the middle its opens so beautifully nice & slow, with a bit of a snivel (500ft) and always on heading. I've heard that the Triathlons and Spectres are great as well. Blue skies Jim

1 Ride everything but the handle fell into the DZ landing area (thanks for the good spot roger) found the handle 15 minutes later about 10 meters from the the landing area behind a mesquite bush. Blue ones Jim

LMAO "dont jump up" classic anyways whats a typical altitude for a helicopter jump. And what type of helicopter have any of you all jumped out of ??? Blue ones Jim

Had one, jumpmaster packed it. Although the open seemed normal 3 lines broke, flew for about 3 seconds then viloent spinning mal. Chopped to my smart reserve. Dont blame the packer. It was a brand new canopy making my first jump on the entire rig.... Real Bummer Blue ones Jim

Check out para service I think they have one Diablo 150 left. They are discontinued I believe. Blue ones Jim

Due to broken lines i had the opportunity to ride the Smart 220. I liked the result...down safe and sound. It opened quickly and flew beautifully. Thats my 2 cents Blue ones Jim

I'm looking for some input on what would be the best place to position a hook knife on my rig. (ah chrismas and all the little goodies it brings) Blue ones Jim

Have to agree with skyyhi that elsinore (cool vibe decent weather) is the place to jump out west in the winter. But lived in Florida and their winters rock compared to just about anywhere else. Blue ones Jim

What do you recommend for cleaning your z1 lens without scratching it???? (For the love of god...it scratches if I look at it wrong!!) Blue ones Jim

Is psycho packing only for smaller canopies??? (someone mentioned that to me when i told them I was thinking of learning to Psycho pack) Blue ones Jim

in response to Sharpchuter 245 - now all 3 of my mains together barely equal that square footage. _______________________________ Yep 6'3" 220 Lbs. bare naked I used to consider that a good thing

I had a opportunity to ride the Smart reserve after having lines break on a new main. Nice opening (real fast thank god and my rigger) lot longer glide than the canopy i had by flying decent flare. Blue Ones Jim