gowlerk

-Joey- we need your type here. You come here and talk like a fool and it gives everyone a chance to explain why you are a danger to yourself. Others who are new are watching and they get to hear just how risky poor decisions can be. Don't you see? It's not about you, it's about the influence you give us on others. Don't be teasing us about changing. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

From the PD website: So you’ve decided to step it up from your Sabre2… The Katana is a fully elliptical nine cell canopy that is the ride of a life time for the experienced canopy pilot. Warning: this canopy is not for the faint of heart. Soft smooth openings, long control range, steep dive, light front riser pressure and powerful flare make the Katana an excellent choice for those looking for the engine to push their limits. Whether you’re considering an 83 or a 170 square foot wing, the Katana can provide the canopy enthusiast with the ride they are looking for now, and will continue to challenge their piloting skills for years to come. The Katana may look similar to a Stiletto at first glance, but beneath the surface they are two completely different machines! That's what they say. Here's what I say FWIW, which really isn't that much. Not all elliptical canopies are the same. Katana is a more advanced and extreme canopy and not really suited to intermediate pilots. But that still doesn't mean you can't try it, just that you need to get good coaching, choose a time with good conditions including when you feel sharp, and know that you need to be wary. But if a less aggressive wing is available, that would be a better experience for you because you would be able to have more fun and less stress. I don't know you and I don't know why your friends would push you in this direction so quickly, but the wisest pilots I know say that you don't need to downsize/upgrade until you are getting the maximum out of what you are already flying. Now granted, a Sabre one is an older design and you may very well have begun to outgrow it, but probably not to the max. Ellipticals are more fun, no doubt about it. Like switching from a station wagon to a sports car. But a Katana is a huge step, more like 2 or 3 steps up. Still doesn't mean you can't try it, just don't get fooled. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

It depends what you want out of a canopy. You need to decide that yourself. But a Katana is not the best learner canopy. I'd suggest a Stiletto type canopy first. Everything happens pretty quickly under a Katana, because they are trimmed so steep. Why do you want an elliptical? Is it just because it's being offered? Or do you feel ready? To directly answer your question, there is no average. Many people never make that move. But in my case 200 jumps. I went from a Cruislite to a Stiletto at about 1.1:1. Elliptical canopies are way more fun, but have several bad habits. If you are confident that your friends are giving you good coaching, it's alright to try it. It will help you decide what you want. But I will say that if you aren't sure you are ready, then you aren't ready to switch. But trying one and switching to one are not the same thing Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Not only is Arizona not in the northern USA, but I don't think Burner is anywhere near home in August! Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I can understand why you want to do the cool swooping stuff. I don't understand why you need the attention you get here. It almost sounds like a cry for help because you know the risk, or you just love all the reaction you get. Either way you need the kind of help that you won't find here. But we keep biting and snarling at you, so I guess you'll just keep on putting that stick through the bars. I really hope your bravado is just a game and not for real. Real hurts. A lot. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Would be a good POV for AFF. New trend. I'm sure -Joey- could get nice landing shots as well. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I believe the "Ted" comment was a reference to a jumper who came to an unfortunate ending. -Joey- is a different "special" person. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

That is indeed a nice shot. But I don't think too many people are going to jump with a 70-200 2.8 and a full frame. Yes shallow DOF can make nice shots, but it's difficult to use and compose correctly without a viewfinder. Your skills are well beyond mine. It would be easier with the fast 50mm. Was it wide open, or stopped down a little? Ken Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Nice one Joey! You got a rise from Dave again. Will he ever learn? Check this auction out for some cheap fun. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Javelin-RS-Velocity-79-PR113-/200934631074?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec8a326a2 Don't say I never helped you out. You're welcome amigo. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Cool. That POV makes me wonder if you ever considered commissioning a "Bobble Head Brian" doll. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I think what you are getting at is this. Although riggers will always tell you that the only correct answer is to follow the manual, and they are right, there is another factor. Many older but still airworthy and in service reserve canopies have manuals that only show a flat pack. Many container manuals simply say to follow the canopy manufacturers instructions for flaking and folding. Even if the container maker does include flaking instructions they will usually state to follow the canopy makers instructions if they conflict. In spite of this I know of no rigger who does not pro pack all square reserves into all modern containers. Pro packs are more likely to open on heading, and much easier to distribute the bulk evenly. In other words, just because the pro pack was not yet developed when the manual was printed does not mean that it won't be used anyway. I've always been a little uncomfortable with this, and I welcome all informed comment from qualified riggers. Ken Edited to add, by pro pack I mean nose to the floor with the material divided into half the cells on one side half on the other. Whether done on the floor or not. But flat pack, I mean side pack. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

The word that most comes to mind here: sanctimonious [sangk-tuh-moh-nee-uhs] Part of Speech: adjective Definition: self-righteous Synonyms: Pecksniffian, bigoted, canting, deceiving, false, goody-goody, holier-than-thou, hypocritical, insincere, pharisaical, pietistic, pious, preachy, self-satisfied, smug, stuffy, unctuous Antonyms: humble, meek, modest I agree. It fits your, and some other, posts well. Got anything that adds value to the conversation? In other words " I know you are but what am I?" What's next Pops? "Nnanananana I can't hear you?" You and Chris both need to grow up and learn to respect others. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

The word that most comes to mind here: sanctimonious [sangk-tuh-moh-nee-uhs] Part of Speech: adjective Definition: self-righteous Synonyms: Pecksniffian, bigoted, canting, deceiving, false, goody-goody, holier-than-thou, hypocritical, insincere, pharisaical, pietistic, pious, preachy, self-satisfied, smug, stuffy, unctuous Antonyms: humble, meek, modest Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I know I should just let this go because it will inevitably lead to a discussion on the meaning of statistics and how they are calculated. But I will point out two things. Firstly, Wendy disagreed with this in her OP, and as far as I have seen she is always correct. (Wendy, if you are getting tired of me saying this let me know and I will stop. But I do truly mean it.) Secondly I would simply ask you how many jumpers do you personally know who have been killed or injured driving to the DZ versus those who have come to misfortune as the result of a skydive gone wrong? I also currently jump with no AAD or RSL in my personal gear. And I drive a truck long distance for a living, about 70 hours every 2 weeks. I am under no illusions which of these activities is more likely to lead to my death. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Yes Chris I suppose it must be so. Because if you acted in person like you do on this forum you would soon find yourself not welcome anywhere. I do not understand and I never want to understand why rude, disrespectful, boorish behavior is alright from behind a keyboard. It will never be alright with me to mistreat people like that. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I can't believe the general level of disrespect shown over this small matter. It's like a bunch of internet sharks pouncing to correct the faulty questioner. I'm guessing not one of these people would act that way in person, but somehow it's just fine to talk like that on forum like this one. It's all good to act out your frustrations from the safety of your keyboard. What a lesson you have delivered, you should be soooo proud of your skills, you really showed just what you are made of here. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I don't really have an accurate answer for that exact question. But the 20 years of storage should not be an issue. I pack 25 year old reserve parachutes on a regular basis. My guess is that no one can really answer the question you pose directly. Ken Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Yup, there are a lot of people that hang out here who are eager to criticize. It`s easier and somehow more fulfilling than being helpful. There is a trend for newer jumpers to take advantage of the marketing of jumping and getting trained to jump quickly without going through the slow and more balanced learning process that used to be the norm. A lot of the grief you are getting here is the result of frustration about this. People used to accumulate much more gear knowledge than they need to now, and it`s not a good thing. I agree that you have been trashed here and all you were doing was seeking knowledge. Ive seen it before, you aren`t the first victim of this. The best place to learn is at the DZ. Try to learn as much as you can from the people you jump with. FWIW I know lots of people with many jumps and limited gear skills. They pay packers and riggers and never learn very much. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Let me be clear Mr. Anonymous. Airtec makes a good product, and have contributed an enormous amount to our sport. That does not excuse them for the poor handling of the recent defect. The problem they are facing is known, and has a known solution. The only thing missing is the will to spend the money to make it right in a timely fashion. And it does not change the fact that the product they are selling represents less value for the money for their customers. People here often state that only a CYPRES will do. That`s fine if you want to believe their marketing. As PT Barnum said, there`s one born every minute. This will be the last time I reply to any posts on this matter from anyone who is anonymous. Except to point out that you are not willing to state your opinion openly. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Please stop talking....just stop. Nope, I won't. AADs do not cause fatalities. Although a mis-fire potentially could. The skydiving world has been well served by the AADs available. Any of the current ones are good despite scaremongers who pounce on every problem they have had. No device will ever be 100% guaranteed. I just checked your profile...blank. I'm assuming you are a regular here with a second ID for anonymous comment. As such I will take your opinion for what you consider it to be worth.... NOTHING. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

You might think so. But the truth is that I don't own one. My 1990 Talon one is not even AAD ready. I buy them and sell them and install them and advise customers about them. But unless I'm doing a tandem I don't wear one. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

All of these units are good. None of them have caused any fatalities. You are safe with any of them, but nothing is 100% guaranteed. If you need that give up skydiving. These are absolute worst case backup devices. Don't spend too much time worrying about your AAD. Worry about getting a canopy over your head in time. Although there have been problems with AADs the rate is very small and not statistically significant. Anyone who is so safety oriented that they need to split hairs on the effectiveness of AAD brands has no business skydiving. Arguing about which one is best is like arguing about which church will get you into heaven. I'm only talking about value for money here. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Have you read the Airtec SB? It states that their problem started when a component could no longer be obtained because it was no longer being produced. In other words, it became obsolete. I'm not sure when it was designed, but far enough back that it was left behind. And then they failed to do enough testing on the redesign. I did not make this up. It's right on their website. Along with a bunch of spin about "only a button push" while they make excuses why they can't repair the defect, except at the customer's expense and Airtec's convenience. Airtec has done a lot for skydiving. All the competition they have is largely based on form and function copied from the original Cypres. I'm grateful for what they have done. But not so grateful that I'm willing to pay them hundreds of dollars per device extra while they rest on their laurels and get overtaken by more modern designs. Their time has come and gone, unless they move forward. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

That is why I'm going by what the manufacturers say. I'm trying to be objective here, but all you seem to have is an emotional response about what you'd want when you are on your back unconscious. That is just fear mongering. Airtec also engages in fear mongering in it's advertising, so you fit right into the marketing plan. My opinions are indeed mine. I'm basing them on what the makers who do the testing say, and on the track record in the market. What are you basing yours on? Your favorite flavor of koolaid? Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Vigils are now getting to be nearly 10 years old. No problems so far, touch wood. I know you suggested at least 5 times that I try to deliberately damage the CYPRES, but that's not how I roll. There are thousands of Vigils out there for many years now. Your fears may turn out to be unfounded. But suit yourself, buy a CYPRES. The self test has been discussed and some of the "experts" here do seem to think that only Airtec's system is good enough. So far Airtec is the only company with failing electronics. So I guess it's a good thing they have 4 year checks! There are some knowledgeable people who post here, but none of them have access to the manufacturer's test data. So guess what? I'll go with the opinion of the real experts and the track record of the companies involved. Based on that I would say Vigil is the clear winner. Airtec does not even trust their own product. And they have an SB out telling their customers not to either. Why would I go by your judgement? Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.