So I just replaced my Safire2 149 with a downsize to a Saf3 129. I also had the chance to try Michael's (hackish) Safire2 129 on a back to back jump.
I am loaded at 1.51 on the 129.
Full disclosure: I am a dealer for all 3 of the major brands and have been for several years. Everyone I've sold Safire3's to so far them to loves them.
What I noticed about the 3 vs the 2 after jumping it several times in a row:
The openings are fairly consistent. They are on heading, the snivel is long enough to be comfortable, but shorter than the Safire2.
The Safire2 has a steeper glide path than the 3, what I mean by this is that the 2 tends to lose altitude more quickly then the 3.
Front risers: the 3 is more responsive than the 2, (I'd say about 15-20% more)
Back risers: The 3 is much more responsive to rear riser pressure than the 2. You can easily control the canopy with them, but putting medium strength on them will get you to the stall point. I was surprised at how little effort it took, but am actually pleasantly surprised.
Brake lines: I prefer to have shorter brake lines, I had shortened the lines on my Safire2 by about 4 inches. I feel that the Safire3 would need about 2-3 as well to be where I like them.
Toggle imput: The Safire2 and 3 have similar reactions, I really didn't notice much of a difference between the two in the sky.
Recovery arc: I find that the arc is longer on the Saf3 then the 2. The most common complaint I have received from people was that the Saf2's arc was too short, this has improved that.
Flare: I can hold a flare going for days on the safire3, it flies quite well even when at nearly a full stop.
Line twists: The 3 flies quite straight while twisted (See below)
I posted a few test openings on youtube, 2 of which were in line twists. All 4 openings were while wearing a wingsuit.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Wd7fVwGIzHiKVlnfxkgiQ
Overall opinion so far: I love my Safire3. I've had a lot of fun flying it. I'm happy I replaced my safire2 for the 3.
Should you sell your Safire2 to buy the 3? It depends on what you want to get out of your canopy.
But in my opinion, it is an all around better canopy than the 2. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
www.skydiveaddiction.com
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