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skymiles

Is a FF handle (pud) harder to grip than a hacky?

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My decision between a “throw-out/hacky” and “pull-out/pud” system has come down to ease of grip. I realize there is less chance of a premature deployment with a FF pud, but is a pud harder to grasp than a hacky? I would like to hear from jumpers that have experience with both systems, and especially those jumpers, if any, who regret going with a pud.

Phil

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the pud is no harder to grasp and pull than a hackey.

my first rig had a pull out and I would be still using one today if I could do a kill line check after it was packed.

Roy
They say I suffer from insanity.... But I actually enjoy it.

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Depends on what rig you are talking about. I would not say that it is harder but it is just a little different. I just got a new mirage with the "freefly handle". I love it but it is not the same grip as a hacky. I got used to it after two jumps, it just has a different feel but I feel more secure with it than with a hacky. I havent seen some of the other rigs but the mirage handle is so damn cool the way it tucks in.

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My decision between a “throw-out/hacky sack” and “pull-out/pud” system has come down to ease of grip. ...



Hi, maybe I understand it incorrectly, but it seems a bit odd to me you're basing the decision between pull-out and throw-away on the handle.
Both systems have their specific pro's and con's and problems that can occur, or is this not a factor in your decision? Just trying to learn.

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Depends on what rig you are talking about. I would not say that it is harder but it is just a little different. I just got a new mirage with the "freefly handle". I love it but it is not the same grip as a hacky. I got used to it after two jumps, it just has a different feel but I feel more secure with it than with a hacky. I havent seen some of the other rigs but the mirage handle is so damn cool the way it tucks in.



Hi Ed,

I’m getting a Mirage. Is your FF handle part of a pull-out system or tucked into the BOC of a throw-out system? I would like to check out your new rig, are you jumping on Saturday?

Phil

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I've owned four pud rigs, with about 3500 jumps on them. A hackey is easier to grab than a pud. With winter gloves, you need to be deliberate with a pud, since you're gripping the pud almost by friction alone. With a hackey, you can wrap your hand around and grab, getting a good mechanical lock on it. I've had a total or two. A bad pack job on the bridle routing will hose you, too, but at least there is nothing trailing behind you when you use the reserve.

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My decision between a “throw-out/hacky sack” and “pull-out/pud” system has come down to ease of grip. ...



Hi, maybe I understand it incorrectly, but it seems a bit odd to me you're basing the decision between pull-out and throw-away on the handle.
Both systems have their specific pro's and con's and problems that can occur, or is this not a factor in your decision? Just trying to learn.



Good point.

I would prefer pull-out with a FF handle. However, my grip is not as strong as it used to be because I dislocated a couple of fingers a few years back.

Phil

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The hacky is easier to grab, but also bounces around when you're freeflying. I have a Mirage pud/freefly handle and love it.

Don't get a pull out.

--------------------------------------------------
the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

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I prefer pullout deployment but don't like the pud. I solved the dilemma with a pullout handle that has a hackey and a patch of velcro stitched to the type IV lanyard.



While I like your idea you probably should let people know you don't usually spend much time in freefall....:P

I really like the Mirage Pud/Freefly handle, and I use it with a pullout system.
----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

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I really like the Mirage Pud/Freefly handle, and I use it with a pullout system.



Out of the FF handle systems out there, I've dealt with the "major players" and have become a HUGE fan of the Wings' handle. RWS' handle is tiny and kind of annoying at packing time. Mirage's handle is a bit better on the size and packing, Wings' handle is big enough to be easily gripped without worry, but is still rock solid.

As for pull out vs throw out, well, there are definate pluses and minuses to both systems, so it really comes down to an individual preference. I also think it matters if you use packers, are there many pullout systems in your area, do the packers know how to pack them or will you be teaching them and hoping they do it right?
--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

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Don't get a pull out.



So in your 223 jumps how many have been with a pull out? How many have you packed? You may have a valid oppinion but we'd like to hear why.



In my limited experience, I don't think you gain anything by putting the pc in the container compared to well maintained spandex. I have slipped on a pud; with a pull out, I do not know if I would've gotten another shot at it before 2k decision alt, probably not.

I thought there was something about Birdman too. One of my friends had and just switched to a BOC from a pull out FWIW.

--------------------------------------------------
the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

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Personally, I've never jumped a pull-out. I've packed tons of them, but am limited to my opinion of it... being, I don't have one, I think it's up to each jumper individually.
As far as the handles go... My hacky handle was ok, but I fumbled for it a lot. When I bought my new rig, a Micron, I got the FF handle and I never want to go back to a hacky. It never moves, is always right there, solid and stationary when I reach back to deploy.
Sorry I can't give any advice on pull-out handles, but if you should choose throw-out, I suggest a FF handle.

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I've got a hundred jumps on a hackey followed by about 300 jumps with the FF handle from Mirage (throw out). I never had a problem with the hackey, but I do like the FF handle better now. It simply doesn't move. It may take you a few jumps to get used to it at first, but if the pulling procedure feels good on the ground you can make it feel just as good in the air. Try em out. If you don't like, don't use.

Chaps
Carpe diem

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I use a "Monkey Fist", I prefer it to a Hackey in that the Monkey Fist is more solid. When packed it had limited movement.
I has however been mentioned that the weight may cause problems with the pilot chute, this had not happened yet, and I maintain my gear pretty well.
As for the PUD, I've only tried them on the ground, I'm not a big fan of change at the best of times so I felt really insecure with the handle compared to the monkey fist.
You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

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I used to jump a Mirage G3 with a hacky handle. I never had any problems with it.

Now I jump a Mirage G4 with a Freefly handle (still throw out.) It took a little getting used to, but now I love it. From now on, I will always have that style handle. It stays in place and no bridle exposure. I didn't find it harder to grip, just different. I figured out on the ground the best way for me to grab it and did a couple practice touches in the air when I first jumped it.

Never jumped a pull-out.

Blue skies,
Sherri

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