darkwing 5
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faulknerwn 38
Don't get the CRW toggles unless its a completely CRW rig. CRW toggles are generally MUCH larger and in general a pain-in-the-neck to get packed somewhere where they're not hanging out. Most CRWdogs just leave theirs out since we're not doing a long freefall, but you definitely don't want CRW toggles on a rig where you plan to be doing RW/freefly on.
W
W
bkdice 0
QuoteI plan to ask Wings to customise it as a tight fit for the canopies I am getting second hand.
I wouldn't. Wings tends to size the tray a bit small. I would tell them to size it for a 190 and you will find that your 170 will fit in there much better. Mine is sized for a 150. It took 2 people to get my 150 in there the first time I packed it. On some of my first few jumps, when I pitched, it I had major hesitation. I literally elbowed it out a few times.
It's better now, though I'm sure a 139 or 135 would be a much better fit.
Edited to add: I do LOVE my container though. It fits me like a glove.
I was just thinking that, I have a W-13, which is sized for a 170...my old Heatwave 170 was TIGHT in there, the 149 Xfire2 I was jumping fit just right...
--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."
QuoteMine is sized for a 150. It took 2 people to get my 150 in there the first time I packed it.
Same here, my container is tight, but NOT that tight, however, my D-bag seems a little small for my canopy (Sabre2 150).
I love my Wings anyway.
__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.
Hey guys. It's Paige from Wings. Honestly, when sizing a container, I do take into consideration if a customer may be wanting or needing to step down in the near, or even not so near, future. Some container sizes are easier to put more of a variety of sizes of canopies in them. I do take into consideration the number of jumps a customer may have when sizing containers. I understand that the fewer the jump number the better the chance that the customer will step down, probably even sooner the he/she expects. When I size a container, I try really hard to take many things into consideration. I even consider the humidity level where joe customer may be trying to pack. When I talk to joe customer on the phone, I even find myself asking, "are you a good packer?" before I try to place them in a container that maybe I could pack but a new jumper couldn't. New Zealand, from what I understand from Gareth at Garlyn Skydiving, is very similar in climate to Florida. He is very knowledgeable about our product and will be very helpful with making your decision to purchase a Wings.
There's also other contributing factors that I take into consideration when sizing a Wings container. If you're a new jumper, I'm aware that you'll probably be stepping down sooner than you think. If you're a good packer or (as much as I hate to say it) you don't pack for yourself, it's easier to place you in a more tight container than if you were gonna be packing for yourself. If we have a doubt that your canopy will or will not fit in a certain size container, we'll test pack it to see if it will go before we build your custom container.
Wings d-bags are designed to fit the container for which they are built. The design of Wings d-bags are different form other manufacturers. I've had two different d-bag designs. My first d-bag was short but wide. It was more difficult to pack, especially when I got my brand new, 0 jump canopy. My second Wings d-bag was more long and narrow. I find it easier to pack. No matter what the design, the d-bag assigned to each container is made to fit in that specific main tray.
The choice between BOC cordura or BOC spandex is purely personal preference. If you choose the cordura pouch, be ready to "pull it like you mean it". I was at Nationals and sent out a demo and I said to the guy just that and instead of listening, he chose to give a weak pull as if it were spandex and wasted plenty of altitude trying to get the pilot chute out. At Rantoul, a customer with a new Wings and a cordura pouch had a cut away because of a hard pull on a cordura pouch. True, you don't have to replace the cordura pouch ever but what's and additional $30 during a repack after 4-500 jumps? Obviously, I prefer the spandex pouch but it's probably about a 50/50 choice among customers.
In reference to the CRW toggles, if you're not concentrating on CRW and only CRW, it's a pure waste of money.
Call me if you have any more questions.
Paige
There's also other contributing factors that I take into consideration when sizing a Wings container. If you're a new jumper, I'm aware that you'll probably be stepping down sooner than you think. If you're a good packer or (as much as I hate to say it) you don't pack for yourself, it's easier to place you in a more tight container than if you were gonna be packing for yourself. If we have a doubt that your canopy will or will not fit in a certain size container, we'll test pack it to see if it will go before we build your custom container.
Wings d-bags are designed to fit the container for which they are built. The design of Wings d-bags are different form other manufacturers. I've had two different d-bag designs. My first d-bag was short but wide. It was more difficult to pack, especially when I got my brand new, 0 jump canopy. My second Wings d-bag was more long and narrow. I find it easier to pack. No matter what the design, the d-bag assigned to each container is made to fit in that specific main tray.
The choice between BOC cordura or BOC spandex is purely personal preference. If you choose the cordura pouch, be ready to "pull it like you mean it". I was at Nationals and sent out a demo and I said to the guy just that and instead of listening, he chose to give a weak pull as if it were spandex and wasted plenty of altitude trying to get the pilot chute out. At Rantoul, a customer with a new Wings and a cordura pouch had a cut away because of a hard pull on a cordura pouch. True, you don't have to replace the cordura pouch ever but what's and additional $30 during a repack after 4-500 jumps? Obviously, I prefer the spandex pouch but it's probably about a 50/50 choice among customers.
In reference to the CRW toggles, if you're not concentrating on CRW and only CRW, it's a pure waste of money.
Call me if you have any more questions.
Paige
Looks like I'll go with the Spandex because there seems less chance of any problem, which is my no. 1 priority.
I presume the FF handle still has the same benefit of reducing the chance of a Horseshoe whatever BOC material is used?
I made another thread on the Spandex VS Cordura BOC and noted a thread by Relative Workshop products mentioning that they use something called Spandura, which is a combination material...perhaps other manufacturers will go to that in the future.
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Taking risk is part of living well - it's best to learn from other peoples mistakes, rather than your own.
I presume the FF handle still has the same benefit of reducing the chance of a Horseshoe whatever BOC material is used?
I made another thread on the Spandex VS Cordura BOC and noted a thread by Relative Workshop products mentioning that they use something called Spandura, which is a combination material...perhaps other manufacturers will go to that in the future.
________________________________________
Taking risk is part of living well - it's best to learn from other peoples mistakes, rather than your own.
I've only seen one person mention the feel of the freefly handle vs. a hackey. I've never used one so I don't really know what it's like. How is it to grab with gloves on? I know some people that use freefly handles and love them, but to me they LOOK harder to grab than a hackey. When I reach back and feel my hackey, I know exactly what I'm grabbing. The freefly handle just looks to me like it would be harder to recognize, especially with gloves on.
Dave
Dave
hkf 0
I have a Wings with a Cordura BOC and a hackey, I've had it for about 300 jumps, and pull has always been nice, good resistance but never hard.
As already mentioned in the thread be careful aout asking them to make it tight for the main, as mine was tight in their standard configuration!
Congratulations on your great choice of a fantastic container!!
As already mentioned in the thread be careful aout asking them to make it tight for the main, as mine was tight in their standard configuration!
Congratulations on your great choice of a fantastic container!!
Well, one of my Wings was bought before you were there, so I think my experience is a bit broader than those that you size. And the 8 wings (in various sizes) at our dropzone all run on the tight side.
While I appreciate the extra thought that you might put into the sizing, I have to say I disagree with that policy in general -- of trying to predict someones canopy progression. There are plenty of folks out there that don't have any desire to downsize, both new or old jumpers.
Additionally, what does 'downsize' mean? If I order a rig for my 108 Nitron, what is downsize? a 90something Nitron, or a 90 something xbraced? If the latter, then there is actually an upsize in pack volume.
Anyway -- my choice is to get exactly what I ask for, size wise. And I still stick by my original advice: don't get a container undersized for the canopy you have unless you know for a fact that you are immediately going to downsize (e.g. a canopy on order).
On a side note (somewhat related), I have found that the rig closes a little different if you are using the inside grommet in the main pack tray vs. the closing loop in the bottom flap (an option).
Oh, one more piece of info on the wings, which may or may not bother you: The chest strap threadthrough is 'backwards' from Jav's and Mirages (and others). Friction adapter is on the left when wearing it. Because I had both Jav and wings, I asked to have it reversed (adapter on the right), so that I wasn't switching back and forth when jumping each rig. Wings did this any issue.
Bottom line, I like wings- that is why I have two of them. Paige and the rest of the SRI crew do focus on customer service, even if the build times stretch a bit long.
EDITED TO ADD:
Oh yeah, from what SRI had told me in the past (pre-Paige
While I appreciate the extra thought that you might put into the sizing, I have to say I disagree with that policy in general -- of trying to predict someones canopy progression. There are plenty of folks out there that don't have any desire to downsize, both new or old jumpers.
Additionally, what does 'downsize' mean? If I order a rig for my 108 Nitron, what is downsize? a 90something Nitron, or a 90 something xbraced? If the latter, then there is actually an upsize in pack volume.
Anyway -- my choice is to get exactly what I ask for, size wise. And I still stick by my original advice: don't get a container undersized for the canopy you have unless you know for a fact that you are immediately going to downsize (e.g. a canopy on order).
On a side note (somewhat related), I have found that the rig closes a little different if you are using the inside grommet in the main pack tray vs. the closing loop in the bottom flap (an option).
Oh, one more piece of info on the wings, which may or may not bother you: The chest strap threadthrough is 'backwards' from Jav's and Mirages (and others). Friction adapter is on the left when wearing it. Because I had both Jav and wings, I asked to have it reversed (adapter on the right), so that I wasn't switching back and forth when jumping each rig. Wings did this any issue.
Bottom line, I like wings- that is why I have two of them. Paige and the rest of the SRI crew do focus on customer service, even if the build times stretch a bit long.
EDITED TO ADD:
Oh yeah, from what SRI had told me in the past (pre-Paige
I jumped a rig with one (not a wings), and it just seemed foreign to me (having jumped a hackey for 3-400 jumps at the time). A hackey is a very distinctive shape (there isn't anything else that is a hard round sphere back there -- if there is, go see a surgeon ). The freefly handle was somewhat non-descript in feel. I remember thinking the first time I grabbed it to deploy
"Is this the handle, or the container??"
The hackey is fully symmetrical, while the FF handle is not, so it feels a bit different if you grab it at different angles.
). The freefly handle was somewhat non-descript in feel. I remember thinking the first time I grabbed it to deploy
"Is this the handle, or the container??"
The hackey is fully symmetrical, while the FF handle is not, so it feels a bit different if you grab it at different angles.
QuoteOne reason I’m going for a new container is that I have a longer than normal torso so if I get a custom rig it will be a better and safer fit, right?
A long torso or any other body oddity is an excellent reason to get a custom fit by ordering new. I'm sure you will be very happy with your new gear Congratulations in advance. Yes gear that fits well is safer. Having your handles where you expect them to be is a good thing!
You are doing a good thing by seeking advice before you commit to your decisions. I offer this piece of advice as well, be careful as to whom you listen to. Be sure the person offering you advice has the best answer possible. Find a mentor that you trust at your DZ, knowledgeable rigger (preferably not connected with sales), Instructor, S&TA etc.
PS Be safe and don't get in too big of a hurry to downsize. An uninjured skydiver gets more jumps in...
Hey guys. It's Paige from Wings...***
Paige, I applaud you for taking the time to address this post. You obviously believe in excellent customer service. Thank you!
riggerrob 643
I made another thread on the Spandex VS Cordura BOC and noted a thread by Relative Workshop products mentioning that they use something called Spandura, which is a combination material...perhaps other manufacturers will go to that in the future.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Strong Enterprises has been making tandem drogue pouches (really big BOCs) out of Spandura for years now. Spandura is just a heavy-duty version of Spandex and it lasts at least twice as long as the medium-weight Spandex normally used for BOCs.
skymedic 0
QuoteI've only seen one person mention the feel of the freefly handle vs. a hackey. I've never used one so I don't really know what it's like. How is it to grab with gloves on? I know some people that use freefly handles and love them, but to me they LOOK harder to grab than a hackey. When I reach back and feel my hackey, I know exactly what I'm grabbing. The freefly handle just looks to me like it would be harder to recognize, especially with gloves on.
Hey Dave,
I live in the midwest so know all about jumping with gloves. I also wear gloves full time year round. I am now on my second wings. the freefly handle to me is EASIER to grab and throw out than a hackey ever has. granted I am always a little wierd about stuff like that, and have never ever liked the feel of a hackey. I prefered the plastic handles more than a hackey. my only beef about the FF handle is that sometimes it gets knocked out pretty easily. where as a hackey is always out and you dont have this worry. all in all I would not change my choice but it is something I think about for next time...
Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....
I've never had a problem with my FF handle coming loose, actually, I can pick my rig up by it, its in there. Its still really easy to deploy, though, even with gloves on. I wear gloves year round to protect my hands, so I know this to be true (for me atleast).
--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."
skymedic 0
Skydekker was kind enough to put mine back in after it came out right before we were going to exit on a high speed C130 herc jump at WFFC...it has happened to me...not alot..but often enough. and trust me my rig is TIGHTTTTT....
Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....
Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....
-- Jeff
My Skydiving History
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