rapper4mpi

You'll love the Relative Workshop Vector Micron! Best rig on the market! -Rap

I don't own an Odyssey, so my oppinion can be ignored, however, I did quite a bit of extensive research until finally deciding upon a Vector III Micron. Anyway, the only negative I have found about the Odyssey (for the sake of knowledge) is this. There are no secondary riser covers, which in SOME cases depending upon how you pack, size of rig, etc... can expose the risers. However, the top freefly team in the world, all three teammates jump the Odyssey and fully endorse them. The only other problem I have with the Sunpath is the way they make their toggle stows on the risers. They leave the tip of the toggle exposed and in the day of increased soft links, this can and has resulted in toggle fires. I called SunPath about this and they said they were changing the design in 6 months (this was about 6 months ago) but if somone requested that change before it becomes standard, they would do that. I'd suggest checking on this and making the request. Other than that, the Odyssey is an excellent rig that you will be quite happy with! -Rap

The VHS is pretty good quality. I'd guess most of the footage was shot with Sony's and transferred well onto tape. As for missing footage, yeah, that kind of sucks, but all I really cared about were the top three teams in the open freeflying division. Which is included, except three rounds of Alchemy. Apparently there was some "debate" over Tim getting the footage for free, then turning around and selling the video. I currently have no oppinion on this, nor do I know the whole story. -Rap

I guess I should have been more clear with my last message. Unfortunately the video has to be ordered through omniskore.com for like $25. Which isn't really bad at all, but still not totally availabl to everyone. I don't know of any site that has these jumps posted online. I'll keep my eyes open. -Rap

I just received my copy of the 2002 U.S. Nationals Freefly video from Tim Wagner at Omniskore. As usual, excellent job. But what caught my interest was the top two teams performances in the freefly open division. Team Alchemy (Gold) and Arizona Free Flight (Silver) have such smooth moves and are quite innovative. The over-unders by Arizona are the best around. However, Alchemy does the traditional over-under with a twist. The aren't facing each other. Plus when they do their dual headdown carves, Mike and Rook aren't facing each other also. Absolutely incredible. These guys are good. Of course, let's not forget the camera people either. The best! I recommend checking the video out if you can. -Rap -Rap

I had to speak up when I see definitive answer like the ones posted so far. Freeflying is totally different than bellyflying in the sense, there is not a lot of "text-book" ways to perform menuvers. Freeflying is about using your total body, every surface to perform a move. So, depending on the situation, they may be different ways to turn a 360. For now, stick with what works best for you and practice it alot. Then experiment with other ways to perform a 360. Sometimes you can use your arms, your upperbody, and sometimes, it is necessary to use your feet and legs only. My point is this, always remember there are different ways of performing a move and some are better than others. I have about 700 "freefly" jumps and most of my 360s are performed using my feet to turn. It is a poweful way to turn and it keeps my upper body inline, especially when taking grips, or performing moves with other jumpers. Keep it up, you sound like a natural. And in about 50 jumps, I recommend spending some time with a good freeflying tweaking your style and tehnique! Welcome to the ranks! -Rap

This is a fun question in relation to freeflying. You asked "In your oppinion, who do you think is the best freeflyer" Well, there are several areas to base this on and many flyers that fit these. Innovation, skills, competition results, teaching ability, promotion of the art etc... However, there are VERY few freeflyers that stand out in ALL of these areas. If I were to make a list of the top 10 freeflyers is would go like this, in no particular order: Mike Swanson, Brian Germain, Dave Brown, Max Cohn, Rob Silver, Fransico Neri, Rook Nelson, Alaska John, John Matthews and Mike Ortiz. From there the list goes on and on to "2nd" level flyers who are better than most, but just don't devote all of their energy to freeflying to reach that top level of flying associated with SOME of the names above. Anyway, this is just my opinion. -Rapper

Believe it or not, but a TEMPORARY fix to your problem is to rub some beeswax onto the leg strap, both sides. This helps with the hardwear grip and does not hurt the leg straps. Of course this is only a temporary fix and your rig should be sent to the manufacterer for a permanant solution. Goof luck! -Rap

Footage of their jumps is not going to be easily attainable at this point in time. The reason? Well up until the Nationals most top teams keep their footage under wraps, to keep it all original, fresh, etc..., Now that they competed with those moves, the footage will be more available as the world gets to see thier flying abilities. Unless you jump someplace where someone has video (which isn't too many jumpers), you'll have to wait until the National Footage is released in December. IF anyone has the goods, share with us all! -Waiting in anticipation. -Rap

Leading up to a competition they are pretty secretive about their performance. However, go to www.omniskore.com and you can order the nationals footage and see all 8 rounds! -Rap

One could possibly argue that this team is made up of some of the best overall flyers to ever grace this sport. These guys are quite accomplished on their heads, feet, bellys, backs, sides and even under canopy. Very amazing indeed! -Rap

Amazing how fast a post moves down from the first page! -Rap

We were there too, all the way from Vermont. Couldn't believe they were doing 15 jumps before noon, then another 5 or so organized or coaching jumps! They deserved the wins! -Rap

Taken from Roger Nelson's site: "The biggest news this week is that Rook, Mike Swanson and Alaska Jon won the World Cup in Vienna Austria on Saturday. Team Alchemy did it again. They now are the current World Cup, World Air Games, World Game and US National Free Fly Champions! Congratulations!!! " These guys are good! No Doubt! Mike and Rook will be in Sebastian all winter long. www.freeflytrainingcenter.com -Rap

Taken from Roger Nelson's site: "The biggest news this week is that Rook, Mike Swanson and Alaska Jon won the World Cup in Vienna Austria on Saturday. Team Alchemy did it again. They now are the current World Cup, World Air Games, World Game and US National Free Fly Champions! Congratulations!!! " These guys are good! No Doubt! Mike and Rook will be in Sebastian all winter long. www.freeflytrainingcenter.com -Rap

May bad, you are correct. They are Guests and although they had the best score for that division, they were definatley more skilled than the other competitors in that division. And you are right, I'm sure they did it just for fun and to help other competitors! Congrats to the first place team! -Rap

Team Alchemy, Mike Swanson, Rook Nelson and Alaska John Devore took the 1st place finish at the US Skydiving National Championships this past weekend. They leave Friday for Vienna, Austria to compete in the World Cup. Wish them luck as they are representing the USA! -Rap

Team Alchemy took the win in the open freeflying division. Congrats, Mike, Rook and Alaska! Congrats to Team Big Air Pilots for winning the intermediate division. Brian, Colon and Saleh! CORRECTION, THEY ARE GUESTS. -Rap

Still waiting on results, are they posted someplace? -Rap

The Freefly Training Center www.freeflytrainingcenter.com is a great place. I've jumped with Mike Swanson and Dave Brown, as well as a few others from that school. They are very patient and non-intimidating. Check them out! -Rap

My home DZ will be rooting for Team Alchemy with Mike Swanson, Rook Nelson and Alaska John. They have been training over 100 jumps a week. Nice guys that are very innovative. This is going to be exciting. Does anyone know what day they compete? -Rap

Again, please watch for sharp edges on the inside ring, these can slowly cut into and fray the closing loop in a not so inspectable place. -Rap

Obviously there is a whole host of issues here. One thing for certain, if you are seriously considering using a space ball, that is cool. They are a lot of fun and really useful tools, but ask someone that really knows what they are doing. Contact any of the instructors at the Freefly Training Center in Sebastian. www.freeflytrainingcenter.com and they can point you in the right direction. -Rap

Every canopy is different, even the same model and size. However, your light wing loading would be the biggest factor affecting closed end cells. Since it is a Sabre 2 I would assume it is fairly new and in trim. Just get in the habit of flaring to open the end cells and in time when you progress to a different wing loading, the end cell closure will be a thing of the past! -Rap

I'm not a rigger either, but the nice thing about soft links is that when and if they fail, they fail completely, up high, during deployment. Rapide links can just bend a little and still hold the lines in. Scary stuff! -Rap