Yoshi

When learning to swoop my advice is to start really slow. I currently have 220 jumps and have progressed a little faster than most would advise. last august I was at the richmond boogie landing as usual with a fairly steep 180 front riser. that particular landing almost proved to be my last. always make sure that your airspace is clear and make sure that you can think on all levels (even all aspects you wouldnt usually think of) such as another canopy in the way, sudden wind direction change, turbulence, or even the jitters and not wanting to commit to the turn. when I struck the ground at about 40 mph-luckily I had an angel on my shoulder. I saw the ground comming and dug the doggles as if I were pulling myself out of quicksand. spectators said that after the first impact with the ground I could have cleared a car on my bounce. needless to say it was something I wasnt ready for and I have since toned down my landings. dont move too fast. start with streight in double riser pulls to gain speed. then do about 20 45 degree turns and then 90 and so on. hooks are fun and definately a crowd pleaser when done right, but the best speed comes from a long carving turn. dont risk anything too soon. make sure you are ready for any pop up obsticles before committing to anything drastic yoshi

I have a crossfire 149 that did have the line mods. Before any mods were made the canopy flew fine (but I wasnt putting the input types explained to cause the problems) Now the canopy flies very nice. it is a little less ground hungry (flatter glide path) and the turns are still about the same as before. the only noticeable difference is that the front riser pressure is much more stiff after the line mod. I only wing load this particular canopy at 1.5... I have on the otherhand flow the 119 with no problems. It flew like a dream. After talking with Simon Mundell or icarus canopies about the problems experienced my mind is at ease with the precautions taken as well as the new line being the crossfire 2, which will be my next canopy. I do suggest, on the otherhand, that if you do buy a used crossfire you get the serial number and cross check it with the recalled list. if it is on the list make sure that the previous owner has had the mods made or will have them done before selling it to you or will compensate for the price if the mod is not made yet. BTW my 149 crossfire is on the market and it has been checked by riggers as well as had the line mod. -yoshi

I am 6'1 and 163 lbs...most of it my legs..I can track really flat and stable and pretty damn fast for my experience level.. the best track dive I have been on...hmm not a hard one.. 38 way 2 plane (super otters) track at skydive chitown (ottowa) organized by rook nelson and mike ortiz!... was a great time.. although because of a handfull of people wearing smoke (and me being a little high and behing) I smelled like an unlucky whore after standing in a bar the whole night... but with a little tide the smoke stench came right out of my jumpsuit!:) -yoshi

I jump a crossfire 149 with a raven dash-m reserve cypress all nicely packed in a reflex. it was my first canopy but I am not wing loading it too heavy I weigh 165 naked but dripping wet:) it flies great and i have had no problems landing it.. I love the size but someday soon (after enough experience of course) I wan to downsize eventually to a 109 or something equivelant. I am slowly learning the front riser approach for landing now doing 90 rights on the toggle and a 90 left on the front riser ...great swoops so far.. great fun!