realwildone2

Chad, I use a technique that came from Scott Miller, aka PD subject matter expert that works great. He actually sent me a video years ago and said try this technique. It ends up with the "s" folded canopy going in the D-bag (put in one side then the other). Then as you work on stuffing the main the rest of the way in basically trap it between the bag and the ground as you stuff it in insuring that you keep the slider up against the stops. You have to kind of roll the D-bag so the opening faces the ground with the main in between. This lets you perform the process without worry of the slippery sucker getting away while you are trying to stuff it in the bag. It is amazing how much simpler this is when you use the trapping technique. Then close the D-bag and stow using your favorite method. I do a couple of other things as well before getting to the "s" folds that virtually eliminate the chance of line overs etc. I have used this method for years and have yet to have a off-heading opening. I jump a Spectre 170/Mirage G4. Anyhow, hope this helps.

thanks for the "heads up" on the camera. I really want to minimize the hassle and have good quality video. Most everyone at home DZ, Eloy AZ jumps a helmet cam, Sony PC, TRV etc and seems to have good luck with them. I appreciate the feedback.

Hey, Anyone out there using any of the "lipstick" type camera setups with the digital camera in a pouch with the remote lens on the helmet? If so, how is the video by comparison to a full helmet mounted cam? I have seen two on the market that claim good results, reduced helmet weight and significant reduction in possible entanglement. I am interested in a good setup. I currently have a TRV 330 Sony and wonder if it is compatible with one of the remote designs. It has a LANC port and camera/vcr capability. Would appreciate any info out there or ideas from some who have been down this road. Thanks, Realwildone2

When I ordered this rig I knew it was a bit "pricey", but I had seen one that was delivered to a friend and I was really impressed with the quality of the construction and fit. I owned a Javelin previously which was ok, but this rig is sweet. The articulated Unisyn setup is very comfortable both on the ground and in the air. I too got excellent feedback from Justin at Mirage on the issue of the tight fit of the main which he insured me was fine and would allow "downsizing" if I go that route. I certainly was pleased with the delivery time(6 weeeks) and glad of my purchase after about some of the delays with other manufacturers. As far as packing this container I still use a pro-packing technique ala Scott Miller of PD and it works great. I had to get used to the "extra" stows on the D-bag and I also lengthened the closing loop by 5/16" to help with the main. You can't go wrong with this setup, quality, performance, and freefly safety built in. Money well spent!

Thanks for the input. I got an email back from Mirage on the tight fit and they said it should be ok and offers more range when I downsize. Now if it had been a 190 then the deployment may have been affected with an "extremely" tight pack volumn. I guess i'm not use to having some vertical movement of the container. I didn't notice it in freefall at all it felt very comfortable. I noticed it on the ground when I leaned over that it moved up some. My "propacking" technique came from a video Scott Miller of PD sent me and it is very good. I'm able to get the 170 in the M3 fairly easily.

I recently received my custom Mirage G4 and had my rigger assemble my main (Spectre 170), reserve-pd 160 and cypres. When I have the rig on with everything tight and adjusted I can reach around put both hands under the BOC, one on each side and move the container up my back about 4 inches before it stops. Is this amount of movement normal with unisyn? My last rig did not have articulated hip and chest rings and i'm wondering if this is a "normal" characteristic of this type of design. I jumped it last weekend and it felt fine in the air. Second question: They built an M3 for me and the "placard" shows a main recommended between 135-150 ZP. The 170 fits(had this on the order form), although tight (I had to lengthen the closing loop by 15mm) and i'm not sure how tight is too tight in the pack tray. Any comments from G4 owners or riggers would be appreciated.

yes. cut it in half lengthwise where one small rubber band creates two. Scissors work great for this (good ones). You can make a bunch and keep them with your spare stuff. Put one of the bands through the guide ring about half way and loop it through itself. Pull it tight just like a stow band on the "d" bag. Then "s" fold the excess line into about two inch lengths and wrap the rubber band loop around it. Holds the excess like a charm. Good luck.

Here is a solution that I use for excess brake line stowage. I use a small stowband cut in half (makes two) and loop it through the brake line metal guide ring on the riser then again through itself. Forms a small loop that can hold excess brakeline "s" folded about two inches in length until all the excess is "stowed". Works like a charm. I have 300+ jumps in this configuration with no snags or steering issues. The brakes unstow easily and steering is normal without interference. The bulk from microline is minimal and the risers pack away just as easily. I don't like the idea of putting the excess line through the riser where the slinks are, that's trouble waiting! Give it a try.

My last rig had the "standard" risers with Slinks. There was never an issue of the slider trying to come down beyond the slink connections. My question is: My new rig (G4) is coming with "mini-risers" and I plan on my rigger installing slinks as before....Is there a "preferred" method of stowing the slider and will it have a tendency to come down past the steering toggles during deployment, or will it stay above the suspension line connection point until I pull it down? If the slider stays up then I can collapse the slider after unstowing steering toggles. If not I will pull it "over" everything then collapse it and unstow the steering toggles. Looking for some input on what is "normal" practice for this setup.

I purchased mine after the research and physically seeing one that a friend bought, very nice. I liked the quality of the work and if the trade-off is a little heavier, then that's ok. You are right about cost not always a reflection of quality, but I think this case is different. Anyhow, thanks for the input. Exactly what I was looking for. Not only for my sake but my riggers too. BSKZ

I hear ya! I'm a stickler for quality, especially when i'm attached to it. I am looking forward to getting it.

I recently ordered a Mirage G4. Custom colors and stainless hardware, the works. I did a lot of research on the rig and as a freeflyer really liked the safety features relative to pin/bridle protection and riser security in addition to a quicker turn-around time to manufacture. My question to the "owners" of G4's is: How do you like the rig/quality and are there any things that you don't like about the design or performance? Basically, what are your pros and cons, likes and dislikes on the overall design/application. I will be taking my main(spectre 170) and reserve (pd 160) and cypres to my rigger for installation as soon as the rig shows up. I think I made a good decision for freeflying. My other rig is a J4.

A great tip I got from a very good freeflier was when practicing head down try to feel and become aware of air pressure on your legs front or back. Keep your hands and arms in a passive by your side position with the top of your hands facing the ground and primarily use your legs (stradle) position to "feel" for the air. When you don't feel much either way you're close to vertical. Keep your eyes on the horizon. Once you become comfortable and proficient try the "daffy" for fall rate control.

I just wanted to thank Omar at SkyAZ for taking the time out of his own jumping schedule to jump with a few "lesser" experienced freeflyers and giving a few pointers on controlling fall rates with different weight and sized individuals. It was a lot of fun and it is not often that you get an opportunity to interface with one of the best. He is a very personable individual and doesn't look "down" on folks who are wanting to learn. Also thanks to Jeremy too! My usual jumping buddies were stoked. ]

Possibly, but I think from what my rigger saw with the stretched out spandex, plus the zero porosity pilot chute combined for a easily moved and deployed unit. I'm just glad that it did not come out earlier. Do you know if Sunpath recommends not using zp pc's? When I changed my main I also upgraded to a kill-line setup which happens to be zp. Anyhow, thanks for the input.