Spectre packvolume

[badlock 0]

Hi Folks,

I'm wondering about the Spectre packvolume: The most jumpers I've asked told me that seven-cell-canopies would have a smaller packvolume compared to similar sized 9-cells.
Thats's also my impression: In my container, which should have a maximal volume of 380cui fits my Spectre 150 medium/soft.
But when i visited the PD-homepage my confusion was perfect: PD says, my Spectre (413 cui) would have more packvolume than a Stiletto 170 (385 cui) or nearly as much as a Sillhouette 190 or a Sabre 2 190 (both 416 cui) has.

So, what is true? Is it an error on their homepage, or what?

Don't be a Lutz!

[darkwing 5]

I put 600 jumps on a Spectre190. I demoed at Sabre2-170 and it was marginally smaller in pack volume. I now jump a Pilot 168, and it packs the same as did the Sabre2-170, a tiny bit smaller than my Spectre-190.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[AndyMan 7]

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So, what is true? Is it an error on their homepage, or what?

I don't know.

I do know that manufacturers report that variations in the bulk of fabric will result in wide range of canopy pack volume, even across manufacturers and canopy models.

From my observation, canopies built around the same period of time tend to have similar pack volumes. Alternately, a 2004 Spectre 150 could fit a given rig tightly while a 2005 won't fit at all, or will fit perfectly.

I suspect that any attempt to hammer down a precise packvolume is a fools game. If the primary purpose of determining pack volume is to target a specific container, it seems to me to be much wiser to purchase containers that allow for a wider range of canopy sizes.

_Am (not a rigger, YMMV)

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[andybr6 0]

I pack my spectre 210 into a rig [and d-bag] built for a 190. Its a bit of a bugger to get into the bag but it goes and with no excess material hanging out. I have put 40 jumps on it and the guy before me put 300 jumps on it with no problems at all.

------------------------------------------------

"All men can fly, but sadly, only in one direction"

[skytash 0]

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The most jumpers I've asked told me that seven-cell-canopies would have a smaller packvolume compared to similar sized 9-cells.

I'm no rigger or manufacturer, and don't know how much of the pack volume is actually due to number of seams (a reasonable amount I guess). One thing to bear in mind though is that 7 cell canopies are 'taller' than 9 cell canopies, so although there are fewer pieces of fabric to make a 7 cell, some of pieces are bigger than on the 9 cell of equivalent size.

tash

Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is a special occasion. Avril Sloe

[tigra 0]

My Spectre 150 fits pretty easily in a container made for a 135, and I seriously doubt I could get a Sabre 150 in there. Don't know if that helps or not, but I would say they pack up a little smaller than a 9 cell zero P!

[Kolla 0]

Hey Badlock, can you tell me where on the website you found the packing volumes?
Please reply with a link to the page you found that information.

PD has not published packing volumes in quite some time - we usually suggest following recommendations from each container manufacturer for the most appropriate fit.

On our website (that is at this very moment going through some changes, so be patient), you can find an excellent article about packing volumes and why they may not always be accurate: http://www.performancedesigns.com/canopyinfo.asp
- it's under articles.

7-cells usually have a tad smaller pack volume than a 9-cell of the same size, but I would definitely suggest that you follow the recommendations of the container manufacturer involved. Proper fit and sizing helps to make sure you get the best performance from your system as a whole.
D-bags and/or containers that are either too big or too small may affect the openings.

Hope that helps, if you have any other questions, please contact us at support@performancedesigns.com.

Blue ones,
Kolla Kolbeinsdottir,
Performance Designs, Inc.

Blue Skies Magazine

[skydiverek 63]

How much difference does line type make (volumewise). If you have a Spectre 190 with 825lb Spectra, and you reline it with 525lb Dacron, is it like going one size up?

[badlock 0]

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Hey Badlock, can you tell me where on the website you found the packing volumes?
Please reply with a link to the page you found that information.

OK, on your new homepage you haven't the packing volumes listed.
But I'm pretty sure that there were volume charts a few weeks ago.
Some equipment-dealers have copied the charts you listed on the old homepage (for example: check the Paragear- or the Albatros-Site ).

Don't be a Lutz!

[vt1977 0]

I recently had my Spectre 135 which had previously had microline re-lined with dacron. There was a small but noticeable increase in pack volume, but I certainly wouldn't say it was as much as going a size up. I didn't even need to adjust my closing loop so whilst I noticed the increase, it was minimal.

hth!
Vicki

[Kolla 0]

Hi Badlock, those charts you refer did not originate with us. The older website did not publish pack volumes either, only the wingloading recommendations - you must have us confused with some other website.

We do not have equipment to test the volumes, but Sandy Reid (from Rigging Innovations) has done pack volume testing for the PIA in the past.
Our reserve pack volumes come from Sandy - but since the volume testing is not very scientific nor accurate, I again suggest that you adhere to the recommendations of the container manufacturer.

Blue ones,
kolla

Blue Skies Magazine