Slurp56

Throwing a tantrum to get attention is what children do. Perhaps L&B have no time for children in an adult sport? ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I am too. Just look at how secure that bridle is! ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I would tend to think that a fat canopy made from low bulk fabric would still pack fat for a low bulk canopy. Your mileage may vary. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

20% Less than what? In my experience, Aerodyne canopies generally tend to pack fat. In terms of lowest volume, I would tend to think the PD Pulse with it's low bulk bottom skin would probably take the prize. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

The tool I see used most frequently is a hand swager by Loos & co. I'm not sure of the price, but its probably a bit more than you want to spend if you're only doing 1 cable. If it's a smaller diameter cable, you might check with your local bike shop, they have tools for manufacturing shifter and brake cables with swaged ends. http://loosnaples.com/swaging-machines/locoloc-m1-type-i- ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

A pilot 188 is comparable to a Sabre2 190. A Sabre2 170 is comparable to a Pilot 168. So the answer to your question is "One size." http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2246307#2246307 My experience has been quite different. Your mileage may vary based on container manufacturer. A friend had an Infinity that held a 135 class canopy. There was no way a ZP Pilot 132 was going to fit, she sold it and bought a Sabre2 135 and never had a packing problem again. The point of this post is to remind everyone that a Vector sized for a 150 compared to a Talon sized for a 150 compared to a Wings sized for a 150 will all have different container volumes. The best advice on canopy compatability has always been and will always be the container manufacturer

At 3:27 in the video you posted, it states that you can find all slider dimensions at PD's website Support > Sport > Line Trim Charts. Check it out! http://www.performancedesigns.com/support.asp?filter=sport Also, knowing what size Sabre you are working with might help. Another option to find the info would be to contact PD. They sold me one a few years back and seemed more than happy to tell me the dimensions of their latest slider. Good luck! ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

People under a fully inflated and flying main canopy. I can tell by your post that the light bulb has not come on yet, hopefully my cryptic response will help. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Hey Tara, As I understand it, what you are reffering to is an Airworthiness Directive (AD). AD's are issued by the FAA and are mandatory. Service Bulletins (SB) are issued by the manufacturer and are considered recommendations and are not mandatory. The above applies to most sectors of aviation, and then you have subpart F, Parachute Riggers. As others have contributed, CFR 14 Part 65.129(e) says pretty plainly that parachute riggers must not deviate from the procedures approved by the administrator (FAA) or Manufacturer. It's a round-a-bout way to make parachute manufacturers service bulletins mandatory. You'd be correct in almost every other corner of avaiation as far as the FAA is concerned. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Don't worry! I believe you! I know it! You should check out the article his company published on the RSL. If you search this website real hard, you're likely to find it in the article section. OMG! Me Too! I never called Bill a fool. I just called him human. I'd be less concerned about bursting the bed than I would be about having broken glass in my pockets. Let alone the inventor believing it was a logical scenario... Until next time, keep drinking that koolaid! ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

The Inventor is human, just like the rest of us, and just because it's typed on dropzone.com, doesnt make it gospel. I am surprised by the number of people on here that will read something and not even have the smarts to question the free advice they've been given on the internet. Integrity risers have their place in this world, just like everything else. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Part of the environment tests for TSO certification is to precondition the test parachute assembly (i.e. parachute inside container) at not greater than -40 for no less than 16 hours. Then stabilize to ambient and test jump. I would be willing to wager that your container and parachutes will survive just fine, but it might not hurt to send an email to airtec regarding the AAD. I have no idea the environment tests they do on their end. Please share, if you find out. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I am always interested to see other people's perspective. {Disclaimer for those who choose to read my reply: I don't have anyone's product in my crosshairs. I am generalizing. Keep that in mind and try not to focus on brand-x rig.} I understand your argument. Just because no one has posted a video on youtube about these systems, doesn't make the design impervious. For the most part, the length of closing loop between the cutter and the pin still needs to pass through the same number of flaps. With the cutter located below the freebag, there is arguably more loop that must pass through all the flaps on the way out. I would argue that it is easy to visually determine if the closing loop is too long an ANY rig. Just because the pilot chute is enveloped in the container, doesnt make it a mystery. This is hands-down the most common error that I see in the field. I also tend to believe it's exacerbated by the longer 180 repack cycle. I'm not "dis"ing any style of rig. I just think it's foolish to base your container purchasing decision around an AAD cutter location. I believe the video floating around on youtube was a reserve total on an enclosed pc system. I'm not saying the design isnt safe, it's just as safe as all the other major designs out there. I'm certain that you could take a rig of that design and pack it 100 times and do 100 aad cutter test fires on the bench and it would work 100% of the time. It's that 1 time, unlikely scenario, that might get you, and I can't confirm it's impossible to happen on any specific design. Can you? ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

my bad , I wouldn't use an AAD/Rig combination where a cutter failure would stop me from opening the reserve manually. While I tend to agree with you, know that every design is a compromise. Having the AAD cutter at the base of the loop facilitates the scenario of a total caused by binding of excess loop length. To me, it's somewhat 6 of one and a half dozen of the other. If you actually got low enough to have an AAD fire, how much longer were you going to wait before pulling your reserve? And if you are in a situation where an AAD fire is a legitimate save, then probability wise, it's likely best to have the cutter nearest the pin. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

apparently a case of RTFM... With a parameter I do not like. I have personally never read an Argus manual, or seen or touched an Argus. But for my personal preference another reason why I prefer the CYPRES Why? Lets be honest. Most of us have a DZ that we call home, and do the majority of our jumping there. If there is an altitude offset between the DZ and the LZ, it seems rather logical that an AAD would retain a setting in its memory. Certainly more logical than having to remember to set the offset every time the unit is turned on. Perhaps one might suggest it would be convenient for the offset to be displayed on the screen for easy verification? ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

After reading this I'm really not surprised there are so many fatalities in this sport. When you're about to get killed please let us know. I guess you'd have enought time to notice it, connect to internet and post the message prior the impact. Unless I missed it, I dont believe he states what altitude that he cut away. How do you know he was flirting with death? Perhaps he cut away at 4,500 feet, would you still have a problem with him then? Everybody is so quick to chastise everybody else, even when all the facts aren't known. I'm entertained that Alex didn't pull his ripcord, it sounds like something I would do, given the altitude. Alex: From what I understand you are not the first. In fact, I think you are one of the many and I'm certain that UPT knows it too. I'm not sold on today's marketing machine: MARD-mania. There are too many compromises with what is currently available on the market. I do believe that the skyhook (and similar devices) will help reduce the number of low-pull fatalities and I believe they will accomplish that, not by being a MARD, but by getting more people to jump with a standard RSL. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Seth, Be very cautious of online gear reviews, especially slander. As the posters above me have pointed out, almost all current design containers are great. Let me address a few of your concerns, as to give a little bit of insight on why people might complain and how it's most likely, user-error, poor maintenance, or simply the owner "living" with their purchase. - All containers may have stitching unravel over time. This is usually caused by stuffing too big of a canopy into the container, which causes unnecessary stress on the flaps. Too big of a canopy can also lead to broken stiffener plastic or damage to the flaps around the grommet as the user stresses the fabric while closing. If you stick to what the manufacturer recommends for canopy sizing, this is generally a non-issue. Another common cause of stitch ravelling is mishandling the container. Dragging it along the ground while packing (stowing lines) can take its toll. Also, if the harness is incorrectly sized for the jumper, it can also cause undue stress to junctions, which can lead to broken stitches. Everything I've mentioned above, I consider user-error and not a strike against the manufacturer. - The other 2 concerns about the rig moving around your back and/or discomfort under canopy, tell me that the harness is not the correct size for the jumper. The most common jumper remark is that "But the rig was custom tailored to my measurements!". Even so, manufacturers use your measurements as a guide, it's still an educated guess in the end. When you get your new rig, put a dozen or so jumps on it. If it's a little loose here, or a little tight there, dont just live with it! Tell the manufacturer ASAP and give them a chance to make it right for you. Most are willing to do the first harness resize for free, so long as you let them know right away, and not like a year later. So again, I chalk that up to user-error. I don't have any input on either of the rigs you are considering, but both rigs are popular, and I'm sure it's for a reason. Good luck! ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

in the event of a spinning mal, more nylon out is better than none. even if the cutaway cable is all the way out and the main stays with you, its better to fire the reserve and hope :) Pete, you exhibit the personality of a very new and very eager jumper. I understand your mentality, it's probably just as you were taught in your first jump course. However, as time goes by, you will start to understand situations more and make the realization that it is not always a black and white decision process. Sure, I can think of situations where your statement is correct, but I can also think of situations where its not. There is a time to handle malfunctions and there is a time to just get fabric over your head. How you deduced the proper course of action based off a photo of someone in a training harness is beyond me. The only person in this thread with a red flag over their head is you. Try to do a bit more learning before offering up advice. Other new jumpers are probably reading this thread, trying to absorb as much information as they can, and to be honest, you aren't the best example to follow. It's not about being right. It's about being safe. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Gary, I want to point out 2 things. Mind you, I dont have a dog in this fight, I am just observing. I know that you will do what you feel is right. Misrepresenting what is in the package is fraud and that's not what I am suggesting. (Unless of course, all $8,000 worth of gear is in the box, which is what he will be charged import fees on). Typically you will include some type of an invoice for import/export and the invoice needs to contain what is in the box, period. I think this will cause you more flak than anything else. Listen, I dont think you're wrong and I dont think he's wrong. Exacerbating the situation wont help. Finish this transaction as strong as you can and rid your hands of him. That's all there is to it. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

All business owners understand how some customers can be "that guy", I've certainly dealt with my share. By shipping a jumpsuit with an $8000 invoice, you are being a child and taking one last stab at him (unless of course, the jumpsuit is worth $8000). Email him the $8000 invoice for his records. Send him the package with the jumpsuit at the value of the contents of the package. From this perspective, you're just screwing with the guy (which admitedly, feels great, no matter how wrong it is). C'mon Gary, you're old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. Be the bigger man and chalk it up to a learning experience. You are half at fault for letting it get this far anyway. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

could someone just answer his question rather than criticize his experience? answers like "do more jumps" isn't helpful to the other people who would like to learn more about the differences between the canopies. Wow Pete, Seems like their replies have been just about as helpful as yours. Surely you remember your own posts from within the last week or two about not buying a vigil because you "had problems" or to be carefull when buying a pilot because a batch was produced with "built in turns"? ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I've had a non-collapsible PC for about 250 out of my 280 jumps under a Pilot 168 at 1.2. Can anyone make a good argument for me getting a collapsible PC when I'm not currently doing anything requiring more performance? No, not if you are comfortable and happy jumping your current non-callapsible pc. Having a collapsible pc just adds 1 more step to your packing process that could be forgotten. If you dont understand or desire the reward, its not worth the risk. Just understand how they work, in the event that you want to borrow or demo someone else's gear. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

www.parachutemanuals.com You should find packing instructions for collapsible sliders in just about any modern canopy owners manual. You should find packing instructions for Kill-line Pilot Chutes in just about any modern harness/container owners manual. Alternatively, you could ask just about any rigger (or jumper for that matter) next time you are at the DZ. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

The first thing you want to verify is that they are assembled correctly. You are correct, this wont change between jumps unless someone has monkey'd with your rig. Keep an eye on the overall condition of the webbing. Watch for spots along the edges that have been abraded, show signs of wear, or were damaged during repair or manufacture (hot knife knicks can be tough to spot). A nice hard opening can elongate the hole in the webbing where the grommet is. Sometimes you can see a bit of frayed webbing sticking over the lip at the top of the grommet. Some people freak out about it and replace the risers immediately, but I just make sure that the hole isnt spreading. Look at the piece of tape that holds the small ring in place. Just take a quick look for any signs of wear, fraying, or broken stitches. Also keep an eye on the metal rings themselves for elongation. Some cadmium rings in recent years were getting small dings in the plating after only a few jumps. This isnt an issue unless the dings are sharp and are wearing on the materials that they are in contact with. When in doubt, ask your rigger :) Also take a good look at the white loop. Check where it is stitched to the riser to make sure there are no broken stitches. Look over the condition of the white loop for any fraying. You'll typically see it turn a metalic color over time, where it passes through the grommets. Just make sure it isnt abraided, if it is, there could be a sharp edge on one of your grommets or it could be chafing between the grommets. Lastly, check to make sure the yellow cable is in good condition. Make sure that it hasnt been pulled into the grommet by the white loop and make sure there are no knicks or severe kinks in the cable. It's also a good idea to pull the cutaway handle and clean and lube the yellow cable. At the same time, flex and rotate the rings on the riser to make sure the webbing isnt taking a set over time. The last bit, is if you jump with an RSL. Make sure its routed properly, make sure there are no broken or worn stitches on the lanyard itself, as well as the ring on the risers. Make sure that the snap shackle has a reasonably strong spring so that it wont come undone in free fall. There ya go! A little more encompassed than just the three ring system, but stuff to watch out for. In the owners manual for just about every harness/container system, there should be a section on the 3-ring system. Most are a copy of the document that the relative workshop published with the system. It contains maintenance, instructions, and things to watch out for. Safe Jumps! ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Wow, was it really necessary to disturb Helmut to write and publish this safety notice? Perhaps he should have noted that you need to turn the unit on for it to work, too. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.