davjohns

I bought mine used. It needed new risers. The factory was communicative, helpful, and quick. They also helped me with canopy size selection.

The rig is the most comfortable I have used. It was one of the few times I didn't think about comfort during my time under canopy. I've had plenty of times when I couldn't wait to land to relieve the pain the rig was inflicting on me. I have no idea what the design differences are. I haven't placed this rig beside another to analyze it. I'm sure the designers have.

It packs just like any other rig. All flaps are stiff and manageable like they should be. I really don't understand why someone would pay so much more for a different container when this one is so good and reasonably priced.

David

With the military discount they offer, I couldn't even get a well used canopy at the price they offer for a new one. Red was perfectly reasonably communicative via email. It sometimes took a couple of day to get a response, but I consider that reasonable when ordering a product that takes a while for decisions, production, and shipping. Their reported manufacturing time of six weeks was only two for me. I was pleasantly surprised. I took a stock (yellow) reserve to save production time. If my reserve is out, I don't care what color it is. Yellow lets people know there was a problem anyhow. Shipping was fast. The colors were what I wanted.

I took the canopies and container to my local DZ (France) and had the rigger put it all together with a new Vigil 2 he sold me. Then, I paid someone else to pack it. I learned some nifty new cuss words in French. Wings says a 210 will fit in a W-22, and it will...but apparently it takes some cussing to grease the fit. That's why I paid someone else. The next pack went better. Not the canopy's fault. Just a tight fit.

The first opening was looong and incredibly soft. I don't think I've every had an opening that soft before. The left end cell seemed to be the last part to inflate and I was a bit concerned it wouldn't do it, but it did. Handling was great. Turns were responsive, but overly so. Flare seemed really good in the air. I did some 360's and S turns. Everything checked out nicely. In a 14mph wind, I was barely making headway on final. The flare was predictable and strong. I only used about half the toggles to set down to a perfect landing. The canopy didn't fight me in the wind after landing.

The second jump was about like the first. Soft opening on heading. Predictable response and flare. It's not sporty, but it is a good canopy for a newer jumper (57 jumps to date).

David

I like it better than my factory diver, but only because the visor opens. Fit is about the same.