Chris-Ottawa

This looks great in my opinion and I wish them the best of luck. Seems to be very compact and simple. I doubt I'd pay a subscription, but I'm certain that some people will. Good on you guys! One question. Are the electronics (I'm guessing the GPS module) exposed like the picture shows inside of the riser? If that's the case, I believe that will be a HUGE design flaw. Here are some thoughts: A) Wires/Solder points will fail from repeated stress from packing and curving around the harness B) The electronics module will be crushed or damaged from repeated deployments from the riser covers or just general use. I assume you will be sealing it in silicone or something? C) What about moisture in freefall/swoop pond on the electronics (or the activation cable) Maybe include an o-ring if it's not already, and silicone the entire electronics module? D) Cold weather - While jumping, will these wires easily bend when partially frozen and deployed, or while packing on a cold day? I'm not intending to be an ass, just providing constructive criticism that can hopefully be considered in the final product (if they haven't already). Keep in mind that I'm looking at a picture and making best guesses... I'd be curious to hear their thoughts on the abuse and how that will be or can be mitigated. I know that if the circuit board was included in the case, it would be much improved, but that's not what it looks like. ***Also, there are several spelling errors on the campaign page. [inline electronics.jpg] "When once you have tasted flight..."

[inline serious.jpg] "When once you have tasted flight..."

Unless you like your women with a penis...I'm probably not your type. Even if you do...I'm not your type. Haha "When once you have tasted flight..."

Dude, people hate me because I can eat anything I want, all day long and never gain weight. I'm 31 now, and I've weighed 125 lbs since I was 17. I've never crested 130lbs, even in the winter after xmas or something. My metabolism is insane...for now! I do occasionally jump with lead, but it makes me feel fat, ha-ha. "When once you have tasted flight..."

I totally agree. Going from a 97 to a 79 sounds insane to me. Would I generally be OK? Sure, but that's not a risk in willing to take at this point. Going to an 84 might not be too bad, but who knows until I try something. It's just kind of a shitty place to be. On a small, lightly loaded katana, trying to bridge the gap to an appropriately sized xbrace. I'm sure there are women that have had this issue as well. For now, I'm keeping the 97. I don't feel quite ready to bridge that gap yet, but I'm considering my options and taking steps to go down that road. The intent is not to rush it. I guess it'll be easier once I've jumped a velo too. Maybe I'll just hate it and decide to keep the kat. Going to a smaller one at that point might be a better option. Maybe ill post an update later in the season or next year on what I decided to do. Thanks for the advice though...both of you! "When once you have tasted flight..."

I'm sort of in the same boat right now. I've been jumping my KA-97 for the last 5 years, and love it. I want to go X-Braced, but in weighing the pro's & cons, I'm stuck. Sure, the Velo might give me better harness control, deeper/longer flare, maybe more stability, but then I have to deal with the openings, the higher riser pressure etc. The other side of the equation is that I'm jumping the Katana 97 @ 1.5WL. To get a Velo loaded around 2.0, I'd need a 74. Obviously that's a terrible decision, so I was considering a 90 or possibly an 84, but others are telling me that it would be a waste. I'm told that X-braces "fly big", so if I don't get a 79/74, it'll feel like a dog. I could downsize the Katana to an 89 and/or an 83, but I have reservations about doing that too. Not to mention that they're few and far between. I like my Kat, I like the way it opens, I like the way it flies, but I do see distinct advantages to a Velo. Plus, they're dirt cheap right now since the VK came out. Time will tell... "When once you have tasted flight..."

The X2 and the R-Bird weren't able to make it in on this jump, and some of the canopies ended up being too floaty. As such, it ended up being a 4/5 way. As far as why it took so long to get out, it's generally because we don't want to get out on top of the canopy pilots, but also to give them time to stow their RDS and get set up tightly together. It was only 10 or 12 seconds before we started exiting. That being said, none of us are XRW experts, however I'd be happy to hear your recommendations so we can improve next time. Is there a better way to do this? "When once you have tasted flight..."

I'm guessing that the pilots were around 170-180ish pounds (average). That puts an estimated exit weight of 195-205lbs, and a wingloading of 2.6 to 2.88 (on a 71sq/ft). Including weights, I think it's safe to say that the wingloads were generally around 3.0 "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thought I'd share one of the videos and a few photos of my first XRW attempts. I was hesitant and unable to close the last bit of gap as I was trying to figure out the best flight position. That being said, I can't wait for more! By far, one of my favorite jump days yet. The wingsuits were: Aura Jedei 1.5 X2 R-Bird2 Pro The canopies were stock, no trim tabs, and very little weight was worn. Some weren't wearing any weight. JVX 75 Comp Velo 71 Peregrine 71 (not positive on the size) Comp Velo 74 Valkyrie 71 (again, not positive on the size) Sorry for the terrible video edit...I did it quick and dirty. Video (My Perspective) https://youtu.be/PyoUFhjYhto Photos (Mostly from the Canopy Pilots perspective) http://imgur.com/a/na3nz Critique is welcomed, but here's what I already see: I'm quite a bit more arched than the pilot of the Jedei. He's also got his knees kicked out and his arms are much flatter. All things to try on the next attempts. Maybe it's just the difference in suit styles and pilot weight, but only time will tell. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Yeah, I just noticed that, and it's the same price. Seems an obvious decision. Thanks! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Perfect, that's the answer I was looking for. Looks like I'm in the market for an Optima II. Thanks again! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thanks. So, my Z1 doesn't have an audible port, it's tucked away inside the helmet ear pouch. I've tried to see if there was anything poking out, but I can't find anything. The only thing I can think of is that it rubs against my ear lightly when I put it on or take it off and doing that repeatedly (moving around) may just be enough to start the crack.. My helmet is fairly loose, so I can't imagine it's pressure and it really doesn't move around all that much. I guess mounting it on the outside would prevent the constant movement, but then it has to deal with moisture, rapid temperature changes and abuse from the outside. A certain mode of failure. Hopefully there's something more rugged out there. If I could get an Optima with an aluminum case...I'd be golden. Anyone own a CNC or a 3D printer and interested in some commission work? haha. "When once you have tasted flight..."

So, I love my Optima, but it's already been replaced by L&B once and the replacement is starting to crack again (top of screen, like most I've seen). I keep the Optima in my Z1 helmet 100% of the time, and as a result it is padded on one side and covered in fleece on the other. I even kept the rubber case on it this time as L&B recommended this when it was replaced. There's no way that I'm abusing it, especially given how comfy it's home is. I don't want to bother L&B for another free replacement because I don't want to be a mooch (and because I totally botched my attempt to glue the case back together when tape wasn't working anymore), but I do want another one since I'm really happy with the product. Does anyone know if the plastic casing quality has been improved in the last few years? I thought I saw a rugged wrist mount alti from L&B, but do they have a rugged audible? Does anyone? If not, what else does everyone use as an audible? I really desire something like the Optima as I can configure the 3 alerts to my preference (Solo would work, but I prefer customizable) and similar price point would be ideal. Thanks! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hahah...just a small peeve of mine, so I thought I'd have a bit of fun. Everyone calls them Visio's...not Viso. That being said, I had a Altimaster Galaxy...lent it to a newer jumper years ago, never saw it again, even after they quit jumping. Since then I bought a Neptune II and a VISO recently. I love both of them, and my Neptune lasted 8 years without issue. Last year, I was on a jump and it said "Error 43: Return for Service". Alti-2 repaired it for free and shipped it back to me. Going strong again.... The VISO...well, it's new so I don't expect I'll have much issue anytime soon. If only I could find an audible that held up as well as the wrist mounted alti's. L&B replaced my Optima once, and the new one slowly started cracking again. Eventually the case split open and I attempted to superglue it. I failed and now it only works sometimes. "When once you have tasted flight..."

I would almost certainly avoid older Visio's. There are just so many more features in the new versions which make everything so much better. I'd definitely get at least the 2013 version... https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/office/fp161226.aspx "When once you have tasted flight..."

I've got a split bag in my MXS.5, what do you need pictures of? "When once you have tasted flight..."

Wow! Some interesting engineering they've done there by getting rid of the leg straps altogether. Haha. My new Mirage, Vampire, a spare Vector 3 and Verso are in the mail...Can't wait! Anyone have a link for a reserve, Main and an AAD? K, Thanks! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Sounds like you might be ready to downsize, but you said a couple things that make me think otherwise. Reasons supporting your downsize: -You seem to be pretty current -You have a decent number of jumps -You want more out of your canopy -You have taken multiple canopy piloting courses Reasons not to downsize: -You can't front riser -You're already at nearly 1.3 wingload -You're downsizing into a much higher wingload -Dude from the Flight1 course said you should So, here's my take. First, call it what you want, chute, rig, parachute whatever. Moot point. Second, you're already at 1.3 wingloading, which gives you an exit weight of about 220lbs. That gives you a 1.48 wingload on a 150. That's a big jump. You have MUCH to learn on that Pilot instead of downsizing. I've jumped a Pilot 170 and I thought the riser pressure was surprisingly light in comparison to my Spectre. It's time to build some muscle...seriously. People swoop canopies with much higher riser pressure than your Pilot (not competitively, but they can and do). Third, as a Canadian, downsizing over winter is one of the less intelligent decisions you can make. First jump back after a 6 month break is on a smaller, faster canopy that you have never flown before and you are uncurrent. Sounds like a recipe for a broken femur! Anyways, I'm guessing that you've probably already made your decision, but just make sure you consider all the angles. Have you thought about just moving to another canopy of the same size? Sabre 2 maybe? 170's have a great resale value because a tonne of jumpers fly them. You could probably flat out trade someone for a Sabre2, put 50 jumps on it and then downsize if you still think it's not good for swooping. "When once you have tasted flight..."

I wonder how many people frantically Googled about this guy last night to find "anything" about this. It seems so ludicrous that it can't possibly be true. And.....it's not, or at least as far as I know. I was just trying to have a little fun and see if anyone actually believed that it could be possible. Sorry for having a giggle at this guys' expense, but I know that everyone knew this was impossible (at least with that design and this guy). I'm all for innovation, but I'm pretty sure that we're not going to see a chest mount saucer that turns into a wingsuit anytime soon. I apologize for being a jerk...hehe "When once you have tasted flight..."

So, this may come as a surprise to many of you, but Alain made this a reality. The design has changed considerably, but the premise is the same. He is flying a rigid wing, wingsuit. He has done 5 or 6 test flights with a small amount of funding he received from a local investor, and his flights were done from a helicopter as the design is clearly not able to exit an aircraft. Everyone doubted him, but he continues to improve the design and I can see it soon becoming a viable option for a small niche market in the sport. Right now, he's getting comparable flight times as most of the larger wingsuits (Apache/Jedei/X2 etc), however he expects to triple this time once the design is closer to "final". I'll see if I can get a copy of the video from one of his test flights. It really is something to see. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Downsized way too quickly, but I am male and was in my mid 20's...so, figure that one out. -Some Student canopies -Jump 32 to 74 - Spectre 135 @ 1.1 -Jump 75 - 1 jump Stiletto 120 @1.2ish -Jump 99 to 265ish - Cobalt 105 @ 1.4ish -265 to present (600ish) - Katana 97 @ 1.5ish I absolutely love the Katana and see no reason to downsize again. It flies great, flares great and I feel confident under it. That being said...I desire to try some smaller X-braced canopies, but I'm afraid that I'll enjoy it more than the Katana and want to downsize and change planform again. I also jump a Triathlon 99 as my wingsuit canopy since I don't trust the Katana doing that. "When once you have tasted flight..."

I think he meant, what is the quickest/best method to reach your risers in a wingsuit, not just immediately cutaway. Depending on the scenario, a cutaway may be justified, but if you were plenty high, not ultra-violently spinning, but still needed quick action. Personally, if it wasn't a true "emergency", I'd just stick my arms out, but I'd also consider undoing zips if I needed a bit more freedom. Zips are much easier/quicker to undo before they're all bunched up on your upper arm. "When once you have tasted flight..."

I'm on board with Rob on this one. Use my name all you want. You can have your gear back when it's all paid up. Packjobs that "I did" but didn't have to invest and time/work...bonus for me. Fact is, people will pay to get their gear back. Will I lose a customer, probably. Frankly, I'm not interested in retaining people that would forge my name/signature anyways and there's usually a pretty small group of local riggers, and we generally all talk. I'm sure some would disagree, but that's my policy, and I do verify rigs against my logbook. This being said, as a rigger there are a few things you can do. Personally, my date stamp and seal # is "stamped" instead of written. I'll know which one you faked unless you went through the effort to get the same stamp. One of the local rigger here also had a stamp made with his signature. That's pretty hard to fake. BTW...I really like the idea Dmitry! It would be very good. Even abolish the repack card on the external of the rig, only one in this window even? "When once you have tasted flight..."

Very well done video! Thanks for sharing! One problem though. I'm assuming the videographer was the pilot, but there must have been some sort of editing error. It almost looked like they let the pilot jump, and we all know pilots aren't allowed to jump, haha. Good work! "When once you have tasted flight..."

We all know L&B has proved to provide phenomenal service, but I recently had the opportunity to deal with an L&B competitor and had a very similar experience. The first altimeter I bought about 6 years ago was a Neptune2. It worked flawlessly for me up until a month ago when I was at the DZ and went to check the time. I was shocked to see that the Altimeter thought I was at 8700 feet, then 4200 feet, then -840 feet, then 210 feet then 6300 feet etc... It was all over the place every second. I pulled the battery (twice), and it seemed to level off. I jumped the rest of the day while being skeptical of it's function. One week later, I was jumping again, and at about 4500 feet, I looked at my altimeter to see "Error 42 - Return to service center for repair". Crap! It was working fine just a couple minutes earlier. Continued jumping as planned without the Alti. So, thinking I needed a new Alti...I reached out to Alti-2 to see what options I had for trade up/repair etc. Barbara replied to my web ticket and told me to send it in for FREE repair or use it to take $100 off an N3. I would have loved to upgrade, but the budget didn't permit, so I opted for repair. I got it back about 3 weeks later, but it was not repaired, it was exchanged with a brand new Neptune 2 (likely refurbished, but it looks brand new anyways). Alti-2 has a new fan... I love my L&B dytter, but Alti-2 has certainly stepped up their game and I like it! Happy customer, happy review. Thank you so much Alti-2 and Barbara! "When once you have tasted flight..."