Chris-Ottawa

Thanks for sharing! That was incredibly close and scary as hell. And as an FYI, that wasn't a single near-fatality, that would have been a double. Glad everyone made it out alive... "When once you have tasted flight..."

This would have been my first choice, but different people take different routes. I have passed along this thread to Chris and I expect he will provide a response to you via PM, or maybe the thread. FWIW: Chris is a friend and his suits seem to be well built. He has devoted basically all of his time to bulding freefall suits, and more recently, very economical wingsuits. I have yet to fly one though... (hint, hint Chris...) I'm certain it's a very simple misunderstanding/miscommunication. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thanks so far everyone! I'm hearing nothing but great things in regards to the Aura, and I think it more closely matches how I want to fly (or how I'm comfortable flying). Aside from the fact that I've heard rumblings of something new from Tony coming soon, and that Jeff N announced his company - Human Flight Developments (which I can't find any info on), I think the Aura sounds like a great option. If anyone has any additional feedback, I'm all ears and would still appreciate it. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Perfect...that makes my life easier...haha. Thanks! "When once you have tasted flight..."

I'm not sure you can change the default directory, but you can work from that directory. Put all your video files on the RAM drive, then when you open GoPro Studio (2.0), set the "Save to" path to the same RAM drive. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell these are the only options but they should help. Good luck! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Alright everyone, I'm in the final phases of buying a new wingsuit and I've settled on an X3. Now that I've settled, everyone is telling me to buy an Aura instead, but NO ONE has any info on why, just that "it's better". No one will give an objective review, so I'm trying a different tactic to get some info - direct questions. Since I've never seen an Aura, I'm hoping to get more info before committing to one or the other. 1) How does the Auras pressurization compare to a Tony Suit X3/Apache? Is it airlocked? 2) How does the Aura compare in flight characteristics? Is it similar to an X3, or does it fly more like a Phoenix Fly, or ???. 3) Assuming the same well-skilled pilot was flying both suits, which one would perform best in an XRW environment? 4) Which one is more capable of faster horizontal/forward flight? 5) Which one is more capable of slower vertical flight? 6) What material is each suit made of? Tony = Parapack, Aura = ??? 7) Which one do you prefer, and why, specifically? I haven't jumped an X3, but I'm told that it is much like the Apache, which I have jumped. I've mostly flown PF suits up to now, lastly the Vampire 4. I'm just trying to draw some comparisons to see if I'd like the Aura and should take a chance on it, or stick with the Tony suit I've had the opportunity to test out. Hopefully someone is willing to share their opinions/experiences, so I can get the best suit. I really wish I could demo an Aura, but Squirrel doesn't do demos, and I don't know anyone anywhere near me who has one, especially one that may fit. Thanks!

I'd happily jump those on a main (assuming they were built to spec, which it sounds like they weren't), but I'd never jump anything other than PD on a reserve. I've been using home made slinks since I started jumping. They're made by a master rigger and I don't have the slightest concern with quality. Most people would be hard pressed to tell the different between a PD slink and the ones I use. I'm not sure of the legalities of using them in places like the US on a TSO'd rig, but here in Canada, it's mostly free for all. I'd love to one day build my own complete container like several friends have done. "When once you have tasted flight..."

I vouch for that...signs rarely work, and here's proof of the jump Daniel is referring to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4da89qdg_S8 It still worked, but I really wanted the sign to work. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hahah...I do want the suit to be visible, but not for that reason. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey guys, 2 quick and easy questions today. 1) Does Tony Suits offer any options on their wingsuits in the form of build material? (ie: ZP, Balloon Fabric, other?) 2) Is anyone able to share any images of material colours? I'm specifically trying to determine if I should go with orange or Flourescent orange. The wingsuit designer just doesn't do the colours justice. Thank you! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thank you for the details! Makes it all much clearer. One last question (for now), sorry! As per above, the X3 and Apache are essentially the same suit, yet they are at different pricepoints and I'm confused why? It's probably something very simple. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Not quite the same example, but we recently did several 9 and 12 ways and the flock consisted of all P2's and P3's with myself in a V4 and one guy in a Ghost3. I'm only 130ish lbs and 5'8", but had no issue whatsoever fitting in with the smaller suits. Taya Weiss was up here doing some coaching/instructing and a small wingsuit boogie a few weeks ago and she was quite happy with my flying skills. Enough that she commented on them to me, which was partially because I had told her that I had never done any flocking with the V4 before that day (which was true). The jumps were a absolute blast and the V4 has tonnes of range. This is my rear view on one of those jumps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSTIU165kkc And this is the outside video. I was either filming this (any shots from the right side of the larger formations, or the rear view camera, or I can be seen directly to the right of our awesome leader from above. https://vimeo.com/70863394 Not claiming to be the world's best pilot, but I think I can hold my own and do it safely. I'm certain that my flying will be picked apart shortly, but I've got nothing to hide so have at it. Sharing knowledge is always good, but please be nice. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thanks! I absolutely appreciate the input and am not at all opposed to it. Basically, most of my flying is solo flying as very few people have wingsuits around here. It's getting better, but people generally do a couple jumps, want to start flocking, realize that it's not as easy as it seems and go back to freeflying or whatever. It's often a "cool, I did it, now back to 4 way" type of thing. Only certain people get hooked I find. I love flocking, but it's pretty rarae that I get an opportunity to do it. So, since most of my flying is solo, I want to stay up for as long as possible, go for distance, and a couple of guys are getting into XRW and I'd like to join in. THe other jumper has an Apache Rebel, and I'm hoping to get out and demo it this weekend. Maybe I'll hate it and get an S-Bird instead, who knows. I don't hate the V4 at all, I actually love it. This suit will be my first custom wingsuit and since I'm already flying the V4, I want something equal or bigger and it must be Tony Suit. Thanks for your input! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thought about it, but it's the same reason why I'm wanting to get rid of the V4...it's a suit designed around BASE. I don't base and while I would love to, 100% of the jumps on this suit will be done skydiving. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thanks very much Tony! It sounds like the X3 is what I'm after then. I was mostly poking to see if there was a X4 or Apache v.Next coming out and I should wait a few months or just cave and order now. It's not like I'll be jumping all winter anyways. Jeff taught me to fly several years ago and I've been hooked ever since (I'm also the "model" flying the purple Tony Intro wingsuit in the Tony Suits ad that was published in the March 2008 edition of Parachutist - That photo was taken on my first jump). Back on topic...I'm just trying to order the most 'complete" suit I can with the right options installed (ie: innie/outie, extended leg zips). I don't want to say after the fact "I wish I knew that was an option because I would have ordered it!" As far as what I want out of the suit, I'm looking at max float time, some light XRW and general everyday cloud surfing. I want a Tony Suit because I've been jumping Phoenix Fly suits for a while now and while they're great, you guys have some simple design elements that just make it a better suit in my opinion (namely: full length leg zips to put the rig on, and stronger pressurization/airlocks). It seems so simple, but I think it's only you guys and Squirrel doing that right now. Also, if you guys have any suits in stock that haven't been claimed or paid for and would fit someone 5'8" and 140 Lbs....I'm very interested. It must have the innie/outie system though. @verticalflyer: I am looking for a suit of that capability and size. I don't forsee an issue, but I'm open to your input. I've been jumping a V4 without issue. I realize that the V4 is not an Apache class suit, but I pretty much only wingsuit and feel that I have the necesary experience. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey everyone, I am selling my V4 and am trying to upgrade to an X3 or Apache class suit. I've emailed Tony Suits 2 weeks ago, but so far haven't heard back. I also sent a message to Jeff N. on FB, but haven't heard back from him either. Basically, I'm looking to order a new suit, but I'm curious if anyone knows what the current fleet is as I've been told the website doesn't show everything. I''m most interested in if there is something newer/bigger/better than an Apache Rebel, or what the new suit features are. I understand that even on the Apache, the external rig zippers are now an option (which I would prefer and is not shown on the website). -What is the difference between an Apache, Rebel, X and XRW? -What is the difference between whatever the current Apache is, to the X3? -Is there an X4 on the horizon Or an Apache Beta 3. I'm not inquiring about research designs in progress, just what is out there now that the website doesn't show. Anyone with some insight that would care to share? ***Note: I have not called Tony as I haven't had time while they're open. I'm certain I could get a quick response, but I'm in no rush and this post is not at all to flame them for not answering. I'm simply asking for updates, so when I do call I'll have a good idea of what I want. Thank you! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Ice might not cut it, but if you get some dry ice, or liquid nitrogen (if you have a source), it will freeze it rock solid instantly and it will "break" off. Dry ice can be found at places like Praxair and you can get a 10Lb block for $14 or something ridiculous like that. Then, when you get the gum off your rig, drive to he dropzone and bring the dry ice. Find every pop bottle you can and have some fun. I did this once and it took about 45 minutes for 2 police cars to arrive and ask us to stop shooting guns. We explained what was actually going on, and they said to carry on. We stopped in respect of the neighbours. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZHGK37jBp8 "When once you have tasted flight..."

WestJet sent me this when I flew to Florida a couple years ago. Had no issues whatsoever...except that the screener asked me why my rig had brass knuckles in it (3 rings and the cable housing definitely look like it, but I explained and went through without issue). ______________________________________________________________________ [Permitted in or as carry-on baggage ] [ _________________________________________________________________] [ [Permitted in or as checked baggage ] [ [ _____________________________________________________________] [ [ [Permitted on one?s person ] [ [ [ _________________________________________________________] [ [ [ [The approval of the operator is required ] [ [ [ [ _____________________________________________________] [ [ [ [ [The Pilot-in-Command must be informed of location ] [___[___[___[___[_____________________________________________________] [ [ [ [ [ [ ] [ N [ N [ - [ - [ - [ PARACHUTES (MECHANICAL) WITH AN AUTOMATIC ] [ [ [ [ [ [ ACTIVATION DEVICE OPERATED BY AN EXPLOSIVE ] [ [ [ [ [ [ CHARGE ] [ [ [ [ [ [ Explosive ? Parachutes containing an Automatic ] [ [ [ [ [ [ Activation Device (AAD) are NOT permitted. AAD ] [ [ [ [ [ [ contains explosives, (UN 0432, Class 1.4S) and ] [ [ [ [ [ [ are not permitted on a passenger aircraft as ] [ [ [ [ [ [ carry-on or checked BAGGAGE. ] [ [ [ [ [ [ ] [ [ [ [ [ [ Note: WestJet will accept a parachute for ] [ [ [ [ [ [ transportation if and ONLY if it does NOT ] [ [ [ [ [ [ contain any type of activation device or ] [ [ [ [ [ [ mechanism. ] [___[___[___[___[___[_________________________________________________] [ [ [ [ [ [ ] [ Y [ Y [ - [ - [ - [ PARACHUTES WITH A BATTERY OPPERATED AUTOMATIC ] [ [ [ [ [ [ ACTIVATION DEVICE are acceptable. They can be ] [ [ [ [ [ [ pre-programmed not to detonate at any altitude. ] [___[___[___[___[___[_________________________________________________] Here's a link on the explosive definition if anyone can elaborate on if an AAD applies.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UN_numbers_0401_to_0500 "When once you have tasted flight..."

My thoughts exactly...some people can never be satisfied and approach things in the complete wrong way. Also, keep in mind that companies who sell electronics typically give no more than a 90 day warranty on workmanship. Contacting them about a 10? year old device....they have no obligation to you, and anything they offer would simply be out of pure courtesy. Sounds like someone isn't getting the candy from their mommy, so they thought coming on DZ.com to pout would make them feel better. You'll be VERY hard pressed to find anyone who dislikes L&B here. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Same here, I ordered a box of rigging equipment, and it was $70 shipping. Pretty insane if you ask me, but generally we try to get a few people on any order we need and have everyone split the shipping. Also, you'll get nailed on duty too because they use UPS. Aside from that, product, customer service etc is all great. Good luck! "When once you have tasted flight..."

I'll put 5 bucks on that with you. The only reason I'd consider "pausing" jumping is for financial reasons, health reasons, or kids. I wouldn't want to leave her alone raising kid(s) if something happened to me. At this point in time, whether I do 10 jumps a year, or 1000...I'm not quitting and she supports this. She knows my position and that's that. "When once you have tasted flight..."

No problem! I'll share my medical appointment info then. I scheduled my balls to be surgically removed on Thursday. Is Thursday a good day for that? (just kidding - just another ball and chain joke). Haha, thanks for all the insight, opinions, congrats and warnings everyone! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Ugh...good point. You just made me realize how bad the wedding is going to break my bank account. Her family = Newfies My Family = Irish/French My friends = Skydivers Normal Wedding Beer + Newfies + Skydivers (free beer) + Irish + French = $25,000 is alcohol costs before gettign cakes, flowers, photographer, rental, ceremony etc.... Dammnit! "When once you have tasted flight..."

I'm not sure what you mean by this? "When once you have tasted flight..."

Haha, no. I actually did another jump after this as well. It was just a "ball and chain" type joke. Thank for the congrats! "When once you have tasted flight..."