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Hooknswoop 19
QuoteYou had a bag lock on a tandem?
And, it was the rubber bands fault? That drouge was not strong enough to pull out the line stows?
Please, tell me more.
It's all in this thread.
Derek
Hooknswoop 19
Quote
2. Double (or triple or quadruple) stowing WILL NOT cause a bag lock.
These are the facts.
Yes, it can, I know this for a fact.
Derek
Quote2. Double (or triple or quadruple) stowing WILL NOT cause a bag lock.
Not too long ago, I saw someone get bag lock on a sport rig from double stowing using stow lengths of about 3 inches. The pc appeared to be functioning properly because a few of the stows did release, but one locked up tight.
Between seeing that and hearing about what happen to Derek on that tandem rig, I'd say that it can happen. Maybe not often, but it can happen.
John
QuoteBetween seeing that and hearing about what happen to Derek on that tandem rig, I'd say that it can happen. Maybe not often, but it can happen.
First of all, I need to make the statement that, yes, anything can happen! We're trusting our life to a buncha nylon and rubber bands. And of course, I wasn't there to see the results of 'ol hook n release' bag lock tandem. So it's maybe not quite fair of me to say this but I will anyway. You didn't have a bag lock because of double stowing your lines. Hook n pile didn't have a bag lock because of double stowing his suspension lines. John, you seem to be onea those newer jumpers that is going about things in the right way. I personaly apreciate that. But be carefull who and what you listen to.
If you've seen the movie Spinal Tap, you'll get this analogy....just make ten louder!
Brett
PS Check out the attached picture. Might Hoop n Load's bag lock have locked something like this?
sundevil777 102
Hooknswoop 19
QuoteMight Hoop n Load's bag lock have locked something like this?
No, pobastard, it wasn't. When I looked over my shoulder, the lines were even, running to one stow, which would not release. On the ground, I pulled all the lines as they went to 1 stow, holding the bridle with my foot. They would not release.
QuoteHook n pile didn't have a bag lock because of double stowing his suspension lines.
You right, it wasn't because I double wrapped them, the packer did. The bag lock was caused by double wrapped stows.
Derek
Since the incident in question happened on a Tandem Vector, here is what Relative Workshop says about line dump and double stowing tandem bands:
QuoteProper Stow Band Set-up
During test and evaluation jumps that RWS has done during the past several years, we have confirmed that our current recommendations are still valid. By using a large Tube Stoe on each of the two center locking stows on your main bag, and wide RWS tandem bands in all other locations, you will get the most reliable deployments possible. In combination with line bites that are 3.5-5 inches long, you can albeit eliminate line-dump. According to John LeBlanc from Performance Designs, line-dump is the primary cause of line-overs, tension knot malfunctions and hard openings capable of damaging other important components such as main risers, canopy and lines. Large Tube Stoes are available through RWS or Sky Systems, the manufacturer of Tube Stoes.
How to Prevent Bag Lock
There are several causes of 'Bag Lock.' The primary one being the type of stow band and how it is used. See our note in this newsletter about 'Proper Stow Band Set-up.' Military tandem instructors are taught to double-stow our wide tandem bands because they jump with heavier weight (up to 1000 lbs.) and use larger drogues with diameters of 60-72'. Double-stowing in the sport world with 54' drogues will most likely yield a bag-lock. Another cause to consider would be extra stow bands left on the bag which are not being used. These bands can jam up a line bight quickly. If nothing else, they can certainly cause a tension knot malfunction.
(Bear in mind that the line stow length on a tandem is longer than a sport rig because of the bulk of the stows.)
I have a lot of jumps on the military tandem rigs referred to in the second paragraph that double-stow the rubber bands (the first two locking stows are single-wrapped tandem tube stoes). The canopy is a PD421 loaded as heavily as 1.54:1. On loads that heavy we use a 72" drogue. I would not put one of those rigs on my back that had single wrapped line stows, nor would I allow anyone else to do so.
The Sigma Tandems we use at Raeford (Sigma 370 canopies) are single-wrapped tandem bands all the way across the bag. We use a standard 54" drogue and load the canopy as high as 1.35:1.
On both my personal canopy and my work canopy (both with 825 lb microline) I use standard rubber bands on the locking stows, double-wrapped, and mini rubber bands on the regular stows, single-wrapped. I have consistently smooth openings on heading, with my work canopy (a Silhouette) occasionally diving 90 degrees to one side.
In all four scenarios mentioned above, I have never had as much as a hesitation let alone a bag lock.
In Derek's situation I firmly believe the double-wrapped tandem bands caused his bag lock malfunction. Why? Because I trust the manufacturer's guidance.
I also believe that whatever stow band you choose should hold the line tight enough in place to result in 8-12 pounds of force to release each stow. Why? Because I trust the manufacturer's guidance (see this article).
Brett: you posted this question because you were "curious as to jumpers and riggers opinions" (your words). You received several very clear opinions from some highly experienced Riggers whose knowledge is respected both in these forums and elsewhere. Then you chose simply to argue, with the objectivity of your replies eroding to silly name calling and boldly stating that people reading this post should listen to you instead of three pioneers in the sport, a dead rock star, and God. We all understand what your opinion is.
Everyone else: information posted in this forum can be very informative and has likely saved people from injury or death. The key is in making an informed decision based on gathering information from trusted sources. Do your homework, discuss all of the information with the manufacturers of your equipment and experienced professionals that you trust, then decide for yourself.
This thread will continue if the posts are objective and civilized. If replies are made simply to make the other person wrong or to discredit them somehow by perverting their username, it will get locked.
Nuff said.
John
QuoteThis thread will continue if the posts are objective and civilized. If replies are made simply to make the other person wrong or to discredit them somehow by perverting their username, it will get locked.
I'm done, John. People certainly know where I stand on this issue. The smart ones also realize I'm correct.
Brett
skymedic 0
Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....
Kris 0
Quotethe smart ones realize quite the opposite
Well said, Marc. I think I'll stick with Bill Booth's thoughts on the matter as I tend to think he knows what he's talking about.
Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™
I feel, for sport rigs, there is nothing wrong with double stowing lines. the locking stows don't usually need to be double stowed, and I don't feel good about double stowing them, but I have done it many times without any issues. and for the rest of the stows, well, I haven't used small rubber bands since mid 2000.
for those that don't know me, I have about 5-6 years packing experience, so I am not just relating what has worked for me, but for hundreds of my customers over the years. I don't pack tandems, and probably have less than 1000 pack jobs on student rigs.
then again, this is just my opinion based on years of packing at busy dz's.
Abbie drove me to Idaho and all I got was this lousy sigline
Quotethanks, brett. this has been one of the most entertaining threads in a long time.
No, thank you little brother.
Brett
1. Double Stowing your suspension lines is not a good idea because it can contribute to line twists, off heading openings and harder openings.
2. Double (or triple or quadruple) stowing WILL NOT cause a bag lock.
These are the facts.
Brett
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