antonija

There is a difference between lens being tinted blue (thus becoming light filter favouring blue-ish wavelengths) and lens being coated with a layer of blue-ish wavelength reflective surface. First one is bad, second should in theory be better than clear lens since some blue light is reflected (and seen in photos thus making you über cool). I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

That.... was.... disturbing? I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

This is the kind of reply I get from the internet forumz. When I talked to my rigger about this he said he likes to pack dacron reserves over spectra ones because dacron lines fold better (or dacron actually folds when spectra kind of "breakes"; not really breakes, but stays folded far longer while dacron "springs" back when released from container). He also said in his experience dacron does not add enough bulk so one would notice it while packing main (which are not packed as tidy as reserves). I do appreciate efforts of trying to scientifically measure pack volumes and different factors affecting it, but when field reports (my rigger for example) can not confirm those findings (they are either so small that one doesn't notice them or they are not there at all) then I prefer to hear from people who have worked with different materials and can tell me first hand if there was indeed a difference between two linetypes. I've contacted PD about this and they said they will provide me with a samples of lines they use on their canopies. The only downside is that I don't live in US and shipping will take looooong time :\ But having a physical example of materials will make it much easier to estimate pack volume difference and neatness of folds :) I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

Well the only dacron lines I've seen so far were some really wide ones used on a student canopies I jumped during my course. I have seen images of round braid dacron and not-as-wide-as-my-student-canopy dacrop, and I want to know what kind of lines PD uses for their canopies. I know how spectra looks so the comparison should make some sense to me. I will be ordering new canopies in near future and I wanted to know what I'll get. I've read several times that dacron adds ______ (some/quite few/alot) of bulk to the packjob. I've also read and heard from others that the difference is barely noticeable and I shouldn't make my decision based upon the added bulk thigie. This picture request is so I can better understand what kind of added bulk I'll be dealing with. EDIT: Thanks for the picture!! I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

What I'm looking for is a photo of lines PD uses on their canopies (Spectre and PD reserve) side-by-side. I've found some images of the lines on paragear catalogue but they are always single line. They also have several different braids of each material plus several different strengths. If anyone can provide me with a photo of spectra and dacron PD uses side-by-side with some kind of reference to size I'm looking at (like a penny or a ruler placed next to the lines)... I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

The camera on your head or the linetwists? I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

So does AAD. And triring. And square chutes. But there are more pros than cons from these, I'd like to do the same for skyhook. So far it's more pros than cons. I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

I did search this forum and I did found posts where people mentioned that skyhook _might_ cause line twist from spinning mal or cause entanglement with camera equipment. Apart from this "might incidents" I have not been able to find one where it was decided that skyhook was the cause of the mal or has worsened it. But I do appreciate the smartass "use search" reply... I know I use it a lot :p I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

That video was RSL pulled out by door handle. That was jumper fault as he could have snagged reserve cable as well and have a really bad day with or without skyhook. I would still like a link to an accident in which skyhook made things worse that they would be without skyhook. I keep hearing about "those" accidents but nooone seems to be able to provide me with a report or a video. I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

Can some1 please post links to the incident in which skyhook complicated things further? Just in rpocess of ordering new rig and I'm still not 100% on this one. I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

So if I understand this correctly: PD wanted to get C23e for larger optimums but C23e ceased to exist in December 2008. Will larger optimums now get C23d (probably with a lot of redundant testing because they were aiming for C23e) or do we have to wait so guys and gals come up with brand new C23e? I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

I asked UPT this same question and got response that 150 would not be safe in that container. V348 is the only one that will safely hold 170 (full) and 150 (normal). I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

PD put some more info on their webpage... seems FAI and PIA are too busy "debating" to approve TSO for larger optimums. I wish those guys and gals could debate a bit faster so we can finaly be able to buy larger Optimums :\ I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

Container for small rockets usually come in different reserve sizes. It's only the "conventional" sizes that come in one size fits all :( I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

In that case I'd like 170 main with option to downsize to 150 and at least 170 reserve. I also really like Vectors so if you can muster up a size that fits these requirements... I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

Since optimums are not available yet and Aerodynes new low bulk reserve is still shrouded in mystery the only other way is Speed 2000. Does anyone have experience with packing Speed 2000 into Vector 3M V348? What is the biggest size that you can safely pack in there? I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

So now that we've established that jumping 160 reserve is not the best idea ever... riddle me this: When you check container manufacturers website for sizing info you usually find following combination for main/reserve: - Sunpath: J3K ZP up to 170/160 reserve - UPT: V348 ZP up to 170/160 reserve - Mirage: M3 ZP up to 170/PDR 160 M4 ZP up to 190 (only few models)/PDR 160 (Bigger Optimums are not TSO'd yet so we'll leave them out) Either these guys building fine containers don't know that people who jump 170 and plan to downsize to 150 would like to have reserve bigger than 160sqft even exist (not very likely) or I'm doing this very very wrong... I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

Must... use... search... function... aaaarrgghhhh!!! click me gently I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

Here's the thing: I'm planning tu buy Vector 3M V348 size which can hold 150-170 main and PD160, Icarus Reserve 169 or R-Max 168 (and smaller but I want bigger :p). Comparing these 3 reserves: Do they actually differ in size? Is Icarus bigger than R-max, and R-max bigger than PD? I read somewhere that reserves are usually bigger than stated. I currently jump 7 cell 170 main at WL 1.35. If I was under 160sqft canopy that would make WL 1.44. I've never flown a canopy loaded that high. So this is my dilemma: Is V348 (which can hold proper sized main for my weight and smallish reserve) good choice? I will most likely downsize to 150 on the same container, so I'd like the option to put 150 main in it safely. I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

My personal preference is Cypress over Vigil. I've witnessed two Vigil fires (one on plane and one in final under main) and both looked really scary. From what I read I understand that Vigil does not have the ability to check if change in altitude it detects is logical or not; good example is vigils firing when slamming the trunk - it should detect pressure difference but it should not fire if the change is that fast. Cypress on the other hand requires 4 year service (costs money) but then again you also repack your reserve much often than that and most people don't mind paying for it. But that's just my opinion, research for yourself, ask people around you and make your decision. I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

None of the above. You proclaimed a design error that puts users in mortal danger 10% of the time a minor flaw. Either that was a very bad attempt at humor or you're quite suicidal, in any case please remind me not to take gear advice from you. I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

And that's what you call minor design flaw? 10% of openings resulting in brake fire? I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

Last time I asked on these forums I got the "why don't you call them and ask them". I guess that's reasonable thing to do if in US but international calls are so damn expensive and phone is soooo 1876. Honestly, having up-to-date website serves much bigger crowd and you get less calls and have more free time.... Ranting aside I'd also like an ETA on bigger optimums... I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

#1 Canopy (main or reserve): (s)links, slider, lines, cloth. #2 Rig: Everything but #1 I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne

I read about reserve sizes on this forum and in every thread some one asked why manufacturers put smaller numbers on their reserves compared to "proper" size. The reply is always that manufacturers' numbers should be the relevant one and if you're not comfortable flying canopy of that size (160 sqft in case of PD 160 even if the canopy itself is bigger) buy something bigger. My instructor told me to look for 170 main/170 reserve container which I understood as "170 reserve or the next bigger size that is available" (not smaller one). It would be very easy if I had a chance to demo few reserve canopies but that option is not available to me. Even with mains I have to find someone with that canopy and ask him if I can jump it. And no, I do not have a dealer yet mainly because I'm the younger geekier generation and I do my own research first (if possible) and just buy the stuff from dealer. But when I decide exactly what to buy (and my instructor confirms it) then I will definitely consider few dealers to get the best price/service for the rig. But it will be at least a month or so before I start placing orders so I'm not in a hurry yet. I understand the need for conformity. Without a concise set of rules to follow we would probably all have to resort to common sense. -David Thorne