Vlad

I mean that in Mirage you cannot see an exposed part of the pilot chute (like in Javelin, Wings, and Dolphin). Exposed pilot chute means less flaps in a way of deploying reserve canopy.

SR kicks ass ! Their service is the best ! I had my Wings in 5 weeks instead of normal 8. I called SR, told them that I need my container before I go to California, and they made it in time without any "rush" costs. The container is the best I have tried. I wanted a Mirage before, but now I think Wings is better . I personally like the exposed pilot chute (Missing in Mirage), upward closing main flap (missing in Javelin), bomb-proof reserve closing flap (Missing in Talon - keeps coming open). The riser covers are big and secure, and they do not bend like many others - so they would last much longer. Comfort is just great ; legs pads are thick and wide, hip rings are the cheapest (only $90 for a set) and are comphy. Overall:: Great service and excellent container !

Wings' service is excellent. Their normal time to make one rig is 8 weeks. I called them and told that I needed container in 5 weeks, just before I go to California. And they pushed it and made it in time ! I was impressed. No rush fee as well !

PHREEZONE, it is certaintly a 143, I just messed up :))

Wings, Diablo 150, Pd-R 141, Cypres, RSL, Z1 fullface, Dytter, Altitron hand mount

Ramon, I did not get the idea about "first tier" and "second tier". Why didn't you include such excellent containers as Infinity, Wings, Voodoo, Talon to the first one ? What are they lacking in order to be as good as Javelin ???

I have jumped Dolphin, Talon2, Reflex,Javelin, Vector and Wings.the most uncomfortable was old Dolphin. My Wings is hand down the most cofortable ! Rings and padded backpad definitely help ! It also looks cool, and has some really nice and safe features.

My wife prior to her AFF classes went with me to dz several times, was cooking for me and fellow skydivers, helped to pack rigs, acted as a photographer and was happy ! I know that she would do that even if she did not want to skydive (and she wanted badly). I would do the same for her if she decided to go to a dance camp for example, or whatever. So, being a skydiver is not necessary for a happy marriage (but it brings such an excitement, when both people are skydivers !!), LOVE , FRIENDSHIP, and PATIENCE are !

Hey, today I jumped from an ultralight plane. That was awesome !!!! Flipped on my back, waved to the pilot, he waved back at me ! I'm buying an ultralight as soon as I, the poor student, can get an airplane loan...

Perris with Flyboyz should be a good one. I'm planning on going to them eventually. Olav Zipser has a school somewhere in the East, too

Breaks should be on rear risers, not on front !!! Front risers might have dive loops, but no toggles :)

I'm Vlad Paverman, a geology(volcanology) student in university of Alaska Fairbanks. I'm originally from Russia.

Rob, Go to PD's website>manuals> >how to prevent hard openings and you will read : "Other methods may not work as well . The "briefcase" pack job and the "roll pack" methods are definitely not recommended. " This are their words, not mine. What did they mean by "roll pack method"? I suppose, it is what we call "psycho pack".

Why is PD strongly against psycho packing ? Check their website, they say "definitely no rolling "

I freefly in my Z1 no problems. It never came open, always stays secure. I like it.

It actually does. 20 bucks for the pud, 30 for the hachey sack. Spandex lip ? I think there is only an elastic piece at the mouth of the pouch. I have not noticed any spandex yet :)

I also have the pud handle and BOC. It is great. The pc is not inside, but in the BOC pouch. THere is a difference, though : pouch is made of cordura, which is also cool BLue skies !

I have heard different opinions about pop-tops. I've heard that they are better because there are less flaps in a way of reserve canopy. Mirage states that poptops are bad, because of their "limitations these designs impose on pilot chute design" . Have there been studies on this topic ?

How come is Vector3 not suitable for freeflying ? It is one of the best and most secure rigs availalble. Also I would disagree about Wings. If you go to their website you'll find photos of some nice-looking rigs. I have Wings, and it looks excellent :))

You can now buy two awesome containers - Wings or Infinity, for the price of Dolphin. chech www.para-service.com and square1.com Get a used main and a PD or Raven reserve. The cheapest prices for PDr were on Pier's website. The cheapest prices for cypres I found on Skykat.

I just bought a Casio QV-3000 digital still camera. Will I be able to use it for skydiving ? Anybody has experience with digital still cameras ?

Is not that Wing's copy ? Looks the same. But Wings is $160 cheaper...

if you have a cordura pouch you do not need any replacements ! That's the point.

I have Wings with cordura BOC pouch. It is awesome ! It has an elastic on the mouth, and works just great !

I finally got a girlfriend ! She was a very attractive exchange student from Russia (i'm Russian, too ). The 3rd question I asked her was about skydiving. The answer was a loud : "YES !". So, we are about to get married, and she is about to make her 2nd freefall (6th total, including sl) jump. Soon the time will come to buy her a rig.... Where will i get the money ? But -hey - I'm the HAPPIEST MAN IN THE WORLD !!! YAHOO !!!!