bliston

I've made them for much cheaper than that. The supplies I used were: - Foam padding from a camping store (the cheap sleeping pads cost 10-15 bucks - a 4x8 sheet of birch plywood from Home Depot - 16 1/4 inch bolts and 16 of the threaded "recievers" that you can pound into wood, and some washers - two cans of poly to seal it up - I think the wheels we got were Performa 2 1/2 x 3/4 inchs (and ask for a flat mounting plate - Casters of Oklahoma was the company I went through and they were easy to work with over the phone. Just build some... Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

The skyhook is a great invention that increases our chances of survival if we end up in certain UNPLANNED situations. Just like deciding to wear leathers and a helmet if you are jamming around a sportbike (if you don't plan to go down, why not just shorts and sunglasses?), the skyhook might be the thing that saves you if you find yourself very low on a cutaway, in a low wrap, or with a hurt left arm a malfunction and no cypres. Saying "just avoid those situations" is a weak argument - we all know talented, heads-up jumpers that have died because their reserves didn't have time to fully inflate. Telling someone who wants the safest equipment money can buy that they shouldn't base there rig decision on whether or not it has a skyhook available is just plain irresponsible. Would you tell the same person that about an AAD if some rigs weren't able to be fitted with them? What other factors above SAFETY should people decide to buy equipment based on? Looks? Price? Resale Value? Anything that helps people stay alive and safe is a good thing and should be encouraged. Before people get worked up, I'm not saying it should be mandatory, used for crew or camera flyers, etc. I'm just saying that discuraging younger jumpers from having it be a primary consideration when buying gear is foolish. Skyhooks should not replace safe practices, good training, etc., but even if it's sole result in a normal cutaway is to allow an inexperienced jumper on a long spot to land at the DZ instead of a tight out, it's done a good thing. We are all resistant to change, but even if you feel confident that you're so great that you'll never end up low, "long" on a cutaway where there are no safe outs, or in a low entanglement - don't be critical of those who decide they want something that might help them survive if everything else goes wrong. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

maybe use a toothpick, some super glue, and a a very steady hand... or maybe some sort of magnet... or maybe a really strong vaccum... That sucks, good luck. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

I, too, am a bit unclear on this point. In the earlier thread, there was mention of a difference between rigs that came from the factory without a RSL, guide rings, ring on the original risers, or pile sewn in. I'm holding one manufactured in April, 2000 that is came configured from the factory this way. Unless I missed something in the letter, they don't clearly state which units are affected - every Jav or Odyssey out there, just ones from a certain date forward, or only ones that came with RSLs from the factory... This is a pre-coffee post, so sorry if I missed something obvious... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

For some one with very minimal soldering experience, is replacing the plug portion of a cam-eye possible? The plug itself snapped... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

Great choice on the Vector! They also have redesigned the inside of the yolk so there is no binding tape there, which makes it even more comfortable... With all the latest improvements (magnetic riser covers, spacer foam, skyhook, new yolk design, new cypres window location (they're going to put windows both in the back pad and keep the one under the reserve flat), new reserve rip cord design...) there are sure to be more and more folks switching to Vectors. -Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

9-cell 135s pack up like bricks in NJs. I don't recommend it... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

I think there's actually an increase in the northeast... both formal and informal 4-way teams getting together and folks using Skyventure New Hampshire to improve their belly flying skills... - Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

I believe that the spectra ripcord design incorporates aspects that eliminate "floating handles" (an elasticity element retracts it back to the housing even if the handle is knocked free of the MLW pouch) and also eliminate the exposed excess cable length that exists on standard d-ring handles (While not a huge problem, I've definately seen people wedge it in the velcro or tuck in under the MLW in ways that could hypothetically create a problem). I'll let the video, pictures, or UPT reps out there clarify aspects of the design... I don't think it falls under the "fixing a problem that doesn't exist" category, it's a safer design that eliminates something that could be a problem in some cases... Don't knock it cause you didn't think of it! Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

I've been using a sailrite machine for a while now and love it. It's an industrial strength, portable, walking foot zig-zag and strait stick machine. It's also made to handle #69 and heavier thread... http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.603010/it.A/id.3901/.f?sc=2&category=18576 It's not "standard" for the skydiving industry, but the price is right... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

We been very happy with them as a 4-way team. They're great in Freefall and the tunnel... - The custom fit that their liners provide is awsome. - They're lighter than any other full face I've seen or used. - The latch mechanism is awsome, especially secure for tunnel use... You'll be happy you got one. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

In addition to the great coaches and instructors on staff at SVNH, Mass Defiance offers free coaching for belly flyers (general skills or 4-way specific) on Thurs. nights - we'll be training in FL this week, but will be there consistantly each Thurs. in February. Be it back flying, sit, headdown, or belly stuff, you'll be able to get the instruction you want there... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

The new padding is already in! Looks and works great.... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

I think the most important thing is finding teammates who you like and get along with on personal level, and finding 5 folks that respect each other and will continue to treat each other with respect even under "battle stress" or the inevitalbe frustating moments. We spend alot of money playing this game - I think it's a shame when I see teams that don't look like they are enjoying the process of training together. If folks are just focussed on the end goal of competing or winning a meet, they're letting a lot ride on a single performance... I truely believe that being happy with the PEOPLE you are flying with is one of the most important things in building a team. I did my first pick-up team when I had 500 tandem video jumps and about 500 RW jumps. This season will be my 6th year jumping w/ a team. My current team has stayed together and competed at Nationals for the last 3 years and will be jumping together again this season. All members were connected by jumping on teams together before, but some of us had only jumped with one other person out of the group. A longer history of how the team formed is on our website. I attribute the fact that we have had zero turnover to our friendship, being happy that we met our goals (sucess feels good and makes you want to continue working hard - though goals don't have to be winning or even a certain avg.), our ability to form new goals that challenge us and that we all buy into, and our willingness to sacrifice a great deal for the team (I switched to become a part-time, rather than a full time student for example and we've all spent a boat load of money...) Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

I've got the Optima/Viso combo and they're treating me well. The Viso tracks numbers and other stuff and the Optima is priceless for it's freefall and swoop alarms. Having a visual and a audible that does both freefall and swoop beeps for not too much more $$$ than Neptune is a "no brainer" for me. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

Sometimes it's not a matter of a tunnel bumping an individual group, but simply the whole schedule getting backed up a bit. Skyventure NH has made a commitment to make sure that folks that buy smaller blocks of time, (2,5, or 10 minutes) get to FLY that whole amount. So, they were losing time in the transitions and getting a bit behind schedule... but for a reason that was very honorable. They are now building in "catch up" time as they fill their schedules to keep things on schedule and STILL make sure that people get their money's worth. This a good thing that they should be applauded for. They run a good buisness, care about skydivers, and have fantastic facilities. Leaving a DZ because manifest makes one mistake and you get bumped off one load would be a bit harsh of a reaction, this might not be so different... You've got a great facility in your backyard, a fanastic rate if you buy their 5 hr. frequent flyer package, and kick ass instructors that are always friendly and ready to share their knowledge. By all means, if you like FL - go for it, they've got a great crew down there. But it may be worth it to give SVNH another chance.... I think the vast majority of skydivers, myself included, have been thrilled with their buisness practices and how we've been treated. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

hah! maybe you're right about the tunnels making the people that are into RW better at it, but just that fact that interest in RW is still growing and new jumpers are drawn to the discipline speaks volumes about the RW community... Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

There's been a shift in the RW world that I think is worth sharing here. More people have learned to love and gotten better at competitive 4-way and 8-way in recent years. This, in part, is a result of caring guidance, thoughtful and well delivered constructive criticism, and approachable role models - and a decrease in brash criticism and instruction (sometimes thought of as the "skygod" mentality - though I wouldn't use the term to describe folks here). Before anyone jumps to the defense of "we're talking about life and death in advanced canopy flight, not a funneled exit" hear me out. Any person who considers themselves to be, or aspires to be, a leader in our sport (or a specific discipline within our sport) should ask themselves this question: Do I carry myself and respond to questions in way that will makes people still want to approach me for advice, continue to respect me, and make them feel like I respect them even if I'm giving them information that is critical of their performance or not what they want to hear? If the answer is no even some of the time, it's something you should work on... you may be unknowingly shutting the door on a future question. The answer to which might save someone's femur or life. My words are grounded in a Masters in Education from Harvard, a long history of coaching athletics, and a sucessful few years of helping new and seasoned jumpers appreciate and improve their skills in my choosen discipline. I love flying my canopy fast and accurate, am intrigued by and interest in shifting to a higher performance wing, but I have been hesitant to post in this forum... although I read it all the time. I'm not saying you all shouldn't say the things you say, just that you should consider how you deliver information. Food for thought: If the overarching goals for the discipline of canopy piloting is to encourage people to ask questions and learn, to help everyone fly safely in the same sky regardless of what type and size canopy they choose to use, and get the respect you deserve for pushing the limits of our sport in a new direction - how should you converse with people on line, in person, and how should you carry yourself? Sometimes people hear what you're saying better when you whisper rather than yell. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

I've owned wings, javs, racers, and vectors. I think Javs are great, but I've seen the following issues come up - 1. Main flaps sometimes open up (you see this from time to time on video of 4-way climb outs) 2. Plastic on the riser covers sometimes crack (magnets on the new vectors solve this) 3. They use lighter webbing throughout the harness, which is plenty strong and makes it comfortable - which is good, but they don't seem to be quite as durable (long term) as some other containers. 4. If the reserves aren't closed well, the pilot chute material works it's way out (I personally prefer internal reserve PCs) Those comments aside, they're great looking, have a great resale value, and are super comfortable. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

Here are some examples of homemade mounts for my Viso. Materials are cordura on the back, vinyl on the front, nylon binding tape, and some velcro to close them up - I used a wide piece of neoprene for the one that's not sewn into a jumpsuit. Really pretty easy to make if you've got a sewing machine with a binder, and I like having the pouches on my jumpsuit (but still having the device easy to remove). One less thing to keep track of or drop... plus with the clock function on there, no need for a watch... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

Beyond "packing it wrong," the reserve pilot chute is from a different manufacturer... yikes. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

Does that mean that the 4-way draw will be on the 8th, or that the actual first day of competition will be on the 8th (draw on Fri. 7th)? Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

Well, I understand your concern about the material being "less strong," but I think the fact it's reinforced in ways to make up for the fabric strength. The fact that it will also encourage jumpers to get bigger reserves, and that it'll be a new design that has less opening shock, fly, & flair better, in my mind, more than make up for this detail. And on the material strength issue, it seems that problems with reserve strength (not necessarily PD products) tend to be with issues of broken lines or line attachment points, more than material failing. Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

Think about where the lower break lines are in the pack tray, if stacked ontop of the front risers, might be protected from a heat source. In the odd chance that the rig was stored without the main (sometimes in an upright possition (over a hotwater pipe under the floor or something) and sometimes lying flat... i don't know... just pondering posibilities.... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!

Our team decided to invest in coaching for this year and just had our first tunnel camp with Pete Allum. It was the best decision we ever made. We had a "we're gonna do it ourselves" attitude for the last three seasons, and felt pretty good about our progression, but even this first weekend with adedicated professional's input has been worth it's weight in gold. I know that the "worth" of getting coaching has been praised a great deal already, but I just wanted to keep the message fresh, even for teams that have continued for a few years, that coaching is worth every penny. We have a new direction, clarity in an overall season plan, and a much deeper understanding of block techniques as a result of the investment. And we found out that we can do blocks 3, 15, 18, and 22 as 4-ways in our 12 ft tunnel, even though we thought they would be impossible in there. (we've got some big guys, too!) - get someone that knows how to talk you through them and give 'em a go!!! The take away: include Pete or another world class coach in your budget (or even an experienced local if you're on a tight budget) as you start mapping out your year, they'll get you doing stuff you didn't know you could and change your perspective on FS in the best posible way. You won't regret it... Ben Mass Defiance 4-wayFS website sticks!