CanEHdian

Yep, that was a steal. The Spectre is a great canopy and if it was well treated and in excellent condition, it should have sold for more. A rigger once told me that the rule of thumb for selling a canopy was to remove $1 off the original price for every jump you put on it. Especially with today's well built designs (PD, etc..) this was more than fair as a formula for an asking price. Opinions? [shameless plug] My beautiful, mint condition, babied, Spectre 170 is for sale, contact me asap![/shameless plug] Cheers, CanEHdian

Actually, that is closer to the slower end of the range Phree. As an average, it could be a little higher, somewhere around 155-160ish... sit or h/d, it's all freefly... and your range should be similar in whatever position - sit/stand & h/d. But as mentioned by Zennie, matching speeds isn't just your responsibility, it's everyone's on the jump. Cheers, CanEHdian

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. I'll let you know how it turns out... and what worked best. CanEHdian

Downwind swoop today, discovered that my old knees can't run like they used to... Looking for tried/true/proven methods of removing grass stains from a jumpsuit (white & red). Much appreciated! Cheers, CanEHdian

Reimburse??? I would like to think that the focus would be on the seriousness involved in his 'mishandling' of such objects (weapons), instead of just their cost. No offense, but that's just plain negligeance - his job should be on the line. CanEHdian

Without this thread turning to flame... the bottom line is somebody 'corked' (call it an abrupt level adjustment, sudden speed change... call it what you want for whatever type of dive you're doing - it's still a cork) and if/when this happens, the responsibility lies on that person... um, the 'corker'... if I can call her that. ;-) If we concentrate on the positive... some good points were brought up (using clean airspace to change speeds, flying in a manner that allows constant visual contact, etc...) and hopefully someone has learned from this. Cheers, CanEHdian

*Who was that girl?* - That girl was "Dangerous". CanEHdian

ChromeBoy, Excellent question and a very important topic. At this point for you, your best bet, unfortunately, is unless you 'know' their true level of skills (via a trustworthy & experienced source) - you're better off passing on the offer. It really doesn't take much for beginners to cork and/or 'drive' into eachother at first. Stick to coach jumps and solos... and when you're comfortable, sneak in as many 2-ways with experienced/proven freeflyers as often as possible. Even once you become more proficient, freeflying with new people should always involve some extra caution. As previously mentioned, do the 'discovery process' and keep that first jump simple, maybe even involving some distance at first. I was tought that 2-ways are not only the safest, but also the best way to learn. If/when it involves more than 2, I like the simple, but always challenging, 'campfire' dive to get to know other freeflyers and their skills - even if I'm told that they are good. Perception is a funny/relative thing sometimes, it's nice to see it for yourself... and hey, most experienced freeflyers will encourage/respect this approach. Worst thing that could happen is that you've just found a couple of better (and safer) flyers to jump with and learn from! ;-) Hope I didn't preach/bore you with stuff you already knew. Cheers, CanEHdian

Nac, I've been meaning to ask, with such a low profile lens, did you have any probs with your camera mounting/position and catching too much of your face/goggles in frame? ...and Faitor, you profile shows only 60 jumps... a lot can be said about safety, patience, proficiency at what you video... not dictating my friend, just raising a flag. Cheers, CanEHdian

Trey, here's the scoop straight from the horses mouth - sorry for the late reply. "The differences in the lenses, is the coating on the HI model. The KUW 042 lens the front surface is mono coated and the KUW 042 Hi has multi-coatings on the front and rear elements surfaces. The multi-coating will improve light transmission and help to control glare and flair. We hope this information is helpful." I'm still not sure how much difference this would make for us up there, if it's noticeable, etc.. it would be best if someone who's tried one could post his/her opinion. Anyway, here's the contact info for the guy who supplied the previous info: D. L. Roberts Technical & Customer Services THK Photo Products.. 800-421-1141 Cheers & blue ones, CanEHdian

Well said folks, good thread, and thanks. Been lurking so long that I habitually ignore my impulse to comment or respond. Couldn't help it on this one. There's a lot of us out there reading, especially in safety & training, and we realize that information is the key - let's keep it up. Blue ones, CanEHdian

Looking for a Kenko .42 - just wondering what the difference is between the standard and the hi-resolution (other than the price!)... and if the difference is noticeable/applicable for skydiving purposes. Thanks, CanEHdian

Many well known freeflyers have their number... as I'm sure there are some that don't. For me, getting my AD license was a significant personal goal and achievement. Just wondering, what do other freeflyers think about it? Is it still a goal for some of you out there? Cheers, CanEHdian

Yep, what Dave said... although, if you're a big guy (or should I say heavier), a properly designed FF suit may be helpful in the future to help you fly with others at a decent fallrate. If you also plan on learning to fly HD, a suit will also be helpful in this case. So why not start flying in a FF suit sooner than later... CanEHdian

lol... this thread kept me laughing during a crappy day at work - nice... CanEHdian -three blind mice, see them run... *tsk* - where the f**k are they going??

um.. you mean like a **unt double?

Hi Trent, "You can get forward/backward movement by moving your hips in the direction you want to go" - So it isn't the same as flying the X ? ...where to move forward you bring the hips back and vice-versa to backup? Maybe I'm not reading it right - long day at work! ;-) CanEHdian

"So, he tried without the tether... the ball hauled ass at the ground and landed in some deserted field. So it did work, but I think it also did affect his calculation of the ball's speed. Aside from all the important safety issues mentioned before... your statement itself brings us back to the relevancy of flying with the spaceball the way it was intended to be used. Any other way is not only that much more dangerous, but as mentioned before, it defeats the purpose and you accomplish nothing. Find a ball master, if needed, travel - it's a much fruitful experience. CanEHdian

I agree with Zennie, it would surely affect the flight of the ball. Training with it "teathered" would be defeating the purpose. CanEHdian