Jiggs

Hey all, I am just about to go out and get a EOS 300d (digital rebel to the US) and I was wondering what release I need to get. What is everyone else planning on using? I was probably going to go for a blow switch since I tend to move my head when I bite. Anyway what mods would I need to do on the release? "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Having seen some of the amazing footage from a few of his jumps, I had to say I was in awe of what he could do. A note to the others, journo's are also perusing these threads: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/06/1065292525849.html His death left devotees of the sport shaken and BASE jumpers worldwide posted tributes on the Dropzone.com website. A jumper from Portland, Oregon, using the name Narcimund, described Weston's death as "absolutely unbelievable". "Over 1200 base jumps with never a broken bone or other injury," he wrote. Matthew Nekvapil, of Kuala Lumpur, said: "Wow. I've read so much about this guy . . . Only 30, so young." Base570 wrote: "Dwain was a true pioneer in our small sport, always pushing the limits." - AAP, AP "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Dee; Snivel is the time that the canopy is actually out of the bag. The 1000ft that you describe would be how long in total it takes you to deploy. For example that would include wave off, reach, throw, inflate, etc. Many people say that their canopy takes 1k or more to open, generally speaking there is a host of factors that make people say this. (as noted by Phree) "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Sorry to hijack this thread somewhat but I've just had a brand new Odyssey delivered yesterday. Its very comfortable and looks pretty good, the only problem is that the rig does not have hip rings as I ordered them! DOH! I would just like to know what my options are? With the waiting times that are currently involved with Sunpath if I want to get it replaced will I be looking at the 26 week wait? Add that to the cost of shipping to Australia and I am not happy at the prospect of being out a rig for that amount of time. Especially since I sold my other set of gear. So do I grin and bear it or what? "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

I saw a student land a X300 with a lineover without getting injured, the landing was not great but that is to be expected. Very freaky to watch it. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Yes, I had one incident where it made me step back and really have a good long think about what I was doing and why. I did not break anything but I could not walk for awhile (no-one believed that I didn't break both my legs!) It really made me realise all of the sketchy things that I was doing. I mean I was really pushing myself beyond my limits without realising it. Really made me step back and realise what I could and could not do. Probably its the best thing that could of happened to me. I still swoop, but I am now more conservative and thinking a hell of a lot more about what I am doing. Its all about getting in the right head space. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Deuce; Thats camera-box looks pretty good; but the size of the whole setup is HUGE! How much does that setup weigh? How do you deploy with it? "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

The only thing I would say is take your time, its very easy to get into the mindset of "I need the next smaller thing" - Especially when you borrow smaller gear and it performs so much more than your current setup. A very easy trap to fall into. (have done so myself) The biggest thing I think that we all need to realise is that the mind set (not to mention skill set) of the jumper is of paramount importance. Collectively, we all find ways to hurt ourselves under perfectly good canopies. You can get hurt under any size canopy; being on a smaller one just ensures that there is just that much more pain when something goes wrong. So I guess I would say that its your choice, but I don't think its the right choice (or the right reason to change) *Provided you are not a tool under canoy I would assume you would be ok. ** Crossfire's can be made in size, hell you can even get a stock 139, or get a 132.197 Enjoy and BE SAFE "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Hey all, I am still looking for a smallish but decent digital stills to add to my setup; has anyone had any experience with the Canon G5? I know that a wide angle will be needed; but what else would need to happen to get this up in the air for playtime?? Is anyone using one? "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Thanks for the informative post Pat; that really sucks. Hmm I guess its either use the remote as a hand release or not at all. (I will be guessing for not at all; especially considering the slow purge/write rate) I know of a few people in the same situation; looking for a relative good digital without going overboard and getting a D10 Perhaps the as yet unrealesed Dimage A1 will be able to fill in the maket we are looking at: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/minoltadimagea1/ Either that or it will be a case of waiting another year or two waiting for the next big thing ---> lower price and higher quality "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

The downside to the GA8; speed!! Its slow on the climb (we have had our 206 faster). It is limited to some slllllllllllllllooooooooooowwww speed on descent (especially with the door open). I believe that the airframe is rated fairly low (descent speed). It is far more comfy than any of the small Cessna. The door does leave a bit to be desired, especially if you want to do some relative work. If there was a nice step and rail outside it could be quite nice. We have taken 9 jumpers in this plane; usually its 8 to height. We have been to 12k in this with 4way + camera (it climbs around the same rate) All in all much more comfortable than the small Cessna's. PS> Have hear rumours about a turbine version; could be interesting but with the price I think a Cresco would be better (if its just used for jumping) "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Quite interested to hear about the 5400 and shutter release; whats the story? (As I was thinking of one of these) "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

You should have your A license before starting your B-rels. I am not sure if you technically need it but its something that you should get ASAP. Also their is a very large problem with having students using non-student gear. (insurance coverage) $3400 for 20 jumps is expensive. $170 a pop, what happens if he fails any AFF stages? Thats more $$$ "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

1st student course at the new Dropzone (Tooradin) will be run at the start of next month and so on. THe student arrow and radios are being setup this weekend. You live at Frankston; it will take you 20 mins to get to Tooradin. It will be cheaper to do AFF there then it will at Nagambie. In terms of enough cash for jumping; there is no such thing! You can always spend more! Also as a student don't forget that you can fail jumps and need to repeat them. Also after a license there is B-rels for the B. Anyway all of this is getting way ahead of where it should be; do your first jump and THEN decide if you want to continue. Jumping is not for everyone; before you commit that sort of cash find out if you like it first. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

The lineset is Spectra but its only about 200-300 jumps old, I can't remember when exatly it was relined last. The line-set was supposed to be to spec lineset. It would be pretty surprising that it has shrunk by that much already. Hmm just thinking about it, since I am a bit of a short-arse I did end up getting the risers and break lines shortened some time ago, this probably has sped up the situation. I So basically if the canopy is opening near a stall, the solution would be to lengthen the lines somewhat? "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Hi guys & Gals, I have a quick question: Of late the openings on my canopy have been somewhat unusual, after deployment and the canopy has started to inflate I get this weird surge sensation as the canopy fully inflates. It is sort of like getting rocked backwards and then forwards but it can leave me feeling like a rag doll. For some reason (perhaps mental!) it really seems to have a greater effect when I have some of the really slow/soft openings. I was wondering is this a due to something in my break settings or what? What other potential casues can there be? Or am I just off my tree? "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Don't tell me you "rely" on myself and Jim for breakoff. Sounds like a 4 way cypress fire waiting to happen Actually playtime is sually over when we decide to freefly, that usually the best time to breakoff. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Never trust pilots; they have engines. In regards to exiting the Cresco, its fine. I have a fair few four-way and eight way exits out of it. The only interesting thing was taking of a 8way chunk, but that was related to the door and not the tail. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Be safe and don't fuckup. 335 jumps on a main is not that much, you are at the fun end of town at the moment, you are starting to get it zoned now but probably don't have the conisistency to do it every single jump. You might have done it for the last 20 or so jumps but do it for the next 200 and then get something different. Stick with and you'll be able to make that baby sing. Edit: Whoops, just reread that, 335 jumps total. There is always more to learn. I don't reckon that a 1.7 WL would be a good idea, chill out and it will happen over time. The faster you go the harder you hit when you screw-up and screwing up is an unforunate part of human nature, it happens to all of us at various times. Just reminds me of something that I heard the other day: "Free wheel chair rides for everyone" : I know of far too many busted up people. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Flying the canopy at height is one thing but its not the same thing as actually landing it, or landing it between obstacles. Also if you are doing solo's you don't have an objective reference to work off as such its not as good. SSK: Get video of your landing and get an instructor to review and talk you through it. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

I would like to say 1000 - 1500, but I been there on a few occasions and ended up dumping my main out. one of these was pretty interesting with borrowed gear (trying out a crossfire) and a cypress. Tracked hard after a zoo, 4 hard pulls later and a low deployment, I knew I was low and as the canopy started to inflate I took a quick look at the handles before jumping on the rear risers. Whole lot of pucker factor but I missed the cypress window. With my normal main (trusty old Sabre) it would not have been quite as interesting, still I think the thing is when the shit hits the fan get out whatever you can in the quickest time possible. I mean its just habit; think it and bang the main is out. Don't hesistate whip it out. I don't think that there is an optimal solution to this sort of situation as there are many factors that can go on. In the end I think its best to realise that: 1) Mistakes/shit happens - What matters is what you do when you are in this situation 2) Plan and stick with you breakoff. Usually this is what leads to going low in the first place. 3) When you track, track hard and keep you eyes on a swivel, keep lookout for people that will intersect/come close to you. 3) "Handle awareness" is a good thing 4) If you are intentionally going "low" eg dodging someone else realise the risks that you are taking and the necessity of speeding up your decision process. 5) Recognise you limitations and the limitations of physics - There is no such thing as negative height! Well not more than a foot or so and that is a one time deal. Be safe and practise those tracking skills. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

What do you think of using a 5700 for jumping? "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Usually I will only go low for the following things; (ohh I consider going low below 2k). 1. Very messy breakup on a larger formation, eg people all over the place. This is more of a problem when you are jumping with people you don't know. For example when jumping as part of a 4way team you tend to get a feel for what people will do in freefall. This also tends to stop the waiting game of "will they or won't they dump" when 2 jumpers are watching each other, waiting for the other to dump. 2. Jumping through cloud, if the base is around 2k or so, I will tend to deploy below the cloud base. The lowest I have ever exited into freefall is 1600. The lowest I have ever had a fully open canopy is around 1k. I usally deploy at around 2000-2500. I don't think its a particularly good idea, I am trying to increase my normal deployment height but every now and then I slip back to bad habits. At least we are switching to a turbine DZ where 14k is normal; as such we are starting to break higher (4k) so deployment tends to be slightly higher. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

Sorry Squeak but that comment about Brels is crap, personally I think the APF system is far better. The US system is far easier but at the end of the A license that is it. It can lead to some real bozos if they have not had some coaching/putting in some effort to really learn. With Brels you will be a better flier, knowledge is the key to this sport. The more you can get the earlier on in jumping the better off you will be. (and less money you will waste) That said, Brel's do take a chunk of cash, I was in more or less the same position, I couldn't wait for them to be finished. The idea behind them is to mitigate some of the gap from an A license so that you can approach 4ways with safety and something resembling compentence. "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus

I agree with hook, its crap to say that these canopies are appropriate for students. Any canopy that really dives during turns or that requires smooth control inputs should not be used for students. I would also extend that to novices. Crossfires are the "best" canopy that I have jumped, by the same logic should I recommend a really ground hungry canopy to a novice? "Don't blame malice for what stupidity can explain." "In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our despair, against our will comes wisdom" - Aeschylus