RufusW

Could anyone point to a good video showing the Mantis? It seems to me very similar to the box, but with hands below your face - therefore forcing you to use your legs/hips more, but not actually putting them in much of a different position. It looks more stable and a position from which you can move/react more quickly from.

Thanks a lot for that. And it seems slow enough to shout to each other!? I suppose next thing is docking to the parachute... but then you're really loading it. Great vid.

I'm wondering how fast you're going and what the glide ratio is (if that's the right word).

Does a full face helmet stop the sound?

"It's like trying to escape quicksand...in mid air" Pilot got out though (according to you tube comments).

The difference being speed at deployment?

Thanks for that, should have realised there's obviously plenty of other factors involved.

This is the video saw of what I thought was a flat-pack by a BASE jumper. But it sounds like 'flat' doesn't just mean it's on the ground, but also the actual way it's put together. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=medttl2zc9E But what this thread has taught me is there's a lot more than I thought to look at with regards to packing.

Yes I've actually done zero jumps, and seen zero jumps.... I'm just checking out as much stuff as I can before the big day when I do jump! I'll fill in my profile. I was just wondering whether using clips during packing could provide a near 100% pack job. It probably stemmed from me seeing the pro-pack and thinking that it looked rather messy. But it probably isn't as bad as it looks to an outsider. Thanks for the replies. I searched for a thread on this so at least it's contributing something.

This is a little random but I stumbled across it watching a BASE rig being packed. Do many people flat-pack and do any of those people use clips? I saw that maybe riggers do for reserves, but that it isn't common (normal?) It doesn't sound like many people flat-pack at all but it appeals to me because it seems more accurate - especially with clips. It seems there'd be less chance of a mal... (yes, something I'm scared of without even starting to jump!)

"Flat pack - Easier to see all parts of the pack job. Easier to inspect topside of canopy. Easier to spot line problems. Pro pack - Faster. Recommended by most canopy manufacturers. Generally gives you more control over your opening." Could someone explain what 'more control over your opening means', and why a Pro Pack does that? I think BASE jumpers flat pack... Any information appreciated :)

Just want to commend Sgt on his replies in this thread. I think you handled the pile-on you received well and I hope you'll return, finish your AFF and become an awesome 'diver.

Hey Guys, I'm sure this has been asked a lot but I was looking for current thoughts. I'll be doing the AFF by myself, so I'd like a busy Dropzone. One that is open often would be good: are most only weekends? And I've got a feeling there's a wind tunnel around somewhere and a few minutes in that would be useful, but I'd prefer jumping. Anyway, I'm coming from the UK, so any information would be great! Thanks a lot Rufus