jeiber 0 #1 May 2, 2006 Ok, put two jumps on a KA-135 yesterday - I know alot of us big boys are anxiously awaiting the release of the larger sizes, so here are my observations as a 'teaser'. Two jumps isn't really enough to get to know a canopy, granted, but there were some pretty obvious characteristics. My reference point: ~300 jumps on a Vengeance 150 (relined ~100 jumps ago), exit weight 270lbs. Exit from 13.5, deployed subterminal first jump, deployed terminal second jump. KA-135 was loaded at 2.0:1. Both openings were perfectly on heading, and very comfortable deployment sequence. This is a welcome change! The KA-135 was happy to have it's toggles unstowed, it really took off. Tested the brakes, great stopping power. Tested them deeper, huge control range, too! The canopy didn't appear to be anywhere near the stall point, but didn't want to push it that far. Much more range and braking power than my larger VN150. Next was toggle turns. Very responsive - not much input was needed to get into a tight turn. A brisk pull on a toggle to the half way point put me way above the canopy. The toggle response is much closer to that of a Stiletto than a Vengeance. This canopy dives hard, to the tune of well over 700' on a 270 from half brakes. No noticable oversteer. I let up on the riser, and it immediately stopped turning. Riser pressure on the KA135 seemed a little bit firmer than on my VN150. I wasn't nearly as aggressive as I am under my VN, so the riser pressure may be lower if I really would have gotten into them. Next time I'll put my big boy pants on and really get into it! Rumor has it they're ready to go, and will be ready to order very soon! Jeff ps- love my VN, btw, openings are a little (ok, alot) wild. Shhh... you hear that sound? That's the sound of nobody caring! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
packing_jarrett 0 #2 May 2, 2006 FINALY!!!! I won't buy one thoughNa' Cho' Cheese Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #3 May 2, 2006 Nice Jeff, Thinking about getting one? KA's are freaking awesome IMO. Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aneblett 0 #4 May 2, 2006 Any word on the KA-150?S.E.X. party #2 ..It is far worse to live with fear, than to die confronting it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
isaiah85 0 #5 May 2, 2006 We just finished the 135, 150 and 170. Shouldn't be much longer before you can come and get them. Isaiah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JumpRu 14 #6 May 2, 2006 >Both openings were perfectly on heading, and very >comfortable deployment sequence. This is a >welcome change! Little off topic but I just got my KA107 with 500 HMA and openings are sweet, much better then I was expecting. So far I made 8 jumps (2 sub-terminal 6 terminal) and all openings were very soft and 100% on heading. Good job PD! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeiber 0 #7 May 2, 2006 QuoteThinking about getting one? Yeah, at this point I think it's safe to say it'll be my next canopy. JeffShhh... you hear that sound? That's the sound of nobody caring! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
divnswoop 0 #8 May 2, 2006 THANK GOD!!! It's about time!!! I was getting sick of waiting for my KA-150. PD kept giving these excuses about it not being ready, blah, blah, blah.... Why can't PD just allow their customers to be their "test jumpers?" Other companies do... I guess this blows the lid off all the "conspiracy theories....." Of course I would have liked to hear it from pd.....not Jeiber!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeiber 0 #9 May 3, 2006 QuoteI guess this blows the lid off all the "conspiracy theories....." Of course I would have liked to hear it from pd.....not Jeiber!!! Ha! It's just eatin' you up, isn't it Swoop! I'm sure they have something official coming out. What can I say, the canopy was awesome, and I got the 'ok' to post about it, so why not brag a little?! I was jumping it Sunday, where were you? He had a 150 you could have jumped as well! You were a victim! JeffShhh... you hear that sound? That's the sound of nobody caring! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beverly 1 #10 May 4, 2006 Wiped that smile off your face yet Jeff? Was good to meet you on the weekend. I was lent one (107) this past week and I am loving the openings. Bev I think true friendship is under-rated Twitter: @Dreamskygirlsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #11 May 4, 2006 QuoteWas good to meet you on the weekend. Pffft. That must have been nice *grumble*can't believe she blew us all off in LW*grumble* To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeiber 0 #12 May 4, 2006 QuoteWiped that smile off your face yet Jeff? Smiling more than ever now! Great hangin' with you as well! Next time we'll have to actually jump together! Yeah, PD is really onto something with that canopy! JeffShhh... you hear that sound? That's the sound of nobody caring! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beverly 1 #13 May 6, 2006 QuoteQuoteWas good to meet you on the weekend. Pffft. That must have been nice *grumble*can't believe she blew us all off in LW*grumble* Love you too Ian. Will make more of an effort next time. I think true friendship is under-rated Twitter: @Dreamskygirlsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vertifly 0 #14 May 7, 2006 QuoteWe just finished the 135, 150 and 170. Shouldn't be much longer before you can come and get them. Making a 170? This thing flies perfect at a 1:9 or 1:8 wingload. That would make a pilot about 300 lbs. I would argue that if a pilot is 300 lbs, and unless a bodybuilder or incredibly in shape, they should maybe consider a different hobbie. I don't know...just thinking out loud. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jurgencamps 0 #15 May 8, 2006 QuoteQuoteWe just finished the 135, 150 and 170. Shouldn't be much longer before you can come and get them. Making a 170? This thing flies perfect at a 1:9 or 1:8 wingload. That would make a pilot about 300 lbs. I would argue that if a pilot is 300 lbs, and unless a bodybuilder or incredibly in shape, they should maybe consider a different hobbie. I don't know...just thinking out loud. A new tandem main? Yeah, tandemswooping Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites isaiah85 0 #16 May 9, 2006 some people think it is perfect at 1.2, it's not about wingloading it's about flying a canopy that works for you. Isaiah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites phoenixlpr 0 #17 May 9, 2006 All new canopies I see around me from PD are Sabre2 or Katana, so what do you think? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites drschneider 0 #18 May 9, 2006 What do you think about a Katana 135 with WL 1.4? Does it works well? What is the recommended WL, minimum and maximum? Is possible compare to a Stiletto 135 at same WL? Thanks, Danilo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites isaiah85 0 #19 May 9, 2006 What works for me might not work for you. It's all about your personal frame of reference. A lot of people have the number 1.8 as a magical wingloading for the Katana, for some that might be the case. I know people who seem to think it's 1.2 and I know another person who likes it at 2.6-2.7. Regardless of the wingloading there is a range the canopy has. At a lighter wingloading the canopy won't fly as fast but it will shut down really well. A canopy with a higher wingloading will go faster but the speed where it shuts down will be that much faster. It's a sliding scale. There is no wingloading on any canopy where the range increases at some "perfect" wingload. You go up in wingloading your going to sacrifice the bottom end on the canopy, go with a lighter wingloading you won't go as fast. If you are proficient at landing a canopy at the extreme end of it's performance, it is possible to get "acceptable" landings on the Katana at 1.8-1.9. If you’re Vladi 2.7 on a 97 is "perfect", for me and most other people thats way too high, but that's my personal frame of reference compared to his. Isaiah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites drschneider 0 #20 May 16, 2006 Do you know if Katana 135 is already available to order? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #21 May 16, 2006 what were some of the issues that delayed the release? just curious? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ntacfreefly 0 #22 May 17, 2006 Quote what were some of the issues that delayed the release? just curious? I'm sure Isaiah will address this, but it's my understanding that openings (consistency) were an issue. Performance Designs wanted to put out a product that opened and flew like all the other Katana's. Scaling doesn't work (although some manufacturers do it). PD continued to refine the sizes until the product performed to their criteria and expectations. Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites johnny1488 1 #23 May 18, 2006 QuoteScaling doesn't work (although some manufacturers do it). Scalling doesnt work if you are trying to make a 135, 150 and 170 from a 107. But I have talked with engineers that said they have found no difference in making a 107 a 110 or a 135 a 138. Changing an airfoil 1% is a lot different than trying to go 20%. Johnny --"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!" Mike Rome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ntacfreefly 0 #24 May 18, 2006 QuoteScalling doesnt work if you are trying to make a 135, 150 and 170 from a 107. Sorry Johnny, I should have been more clear. I meant the first example you cited of making a 107 a 135, etc. Blues bro! IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites johnny1488 1 #25 May 18, 2006 No worries. Gotta represent! You know how it is. Johnny --"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!" Mike Rome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
jurgencamps 0 #15 May 8, 2006 QuoteQuoteWe just finished the 135, 150 and 170. Shouldn't be much longer before you can come and get them. Making a 170? This thing flies perfect at a 1:9 or 1:8 wingload. That would make a pilot about 300 lbs. I would argue that if a pilot is 300 lbs, and unless a bodybuilder or incredibly in shape, they should maybe consider a different hobbie. I don't know...just thinking out loud. A new tandem main? Yeah, tandemswooping Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
isaiah85 0 #16 May 9, 2006 some people think it is perfect at 1.2, it's not about wingloading it's about flying a canopy that works for you. Isaiah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #17 May 9, 2006 All new canopies I see around me from PD are Sabre2 or Katana, so what do you think? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drschneider 0 #18 May 9, 2006 What do you think about a Katana 135 with WL 1.4? Does it works well? What is the recommended WL, minimum and maximum? Is possible compare to a Stiletto 135 at same WL? Thanks, Danilo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
isaiah85 0 #19 May 9, 2006 What works for me might not work for you. It's all about your personal frame of reference. A lot of people have the number 1.8 as a magical wingloading for the Katana, for some that might be the case. I know people who seem to think it's 1.2 and I know another person who likes it at 2.6-2.7. Regardless of the wingloading there is a range the canopy has. At a lighter wingloading the canopy won't fly as fast but it will shut down really well. A canopy with a higher wingloading will go faster but the speed where it shuts down will be that much faster. It's a sliding scale. There is no wingloading on any canopy where the range increases at some "perfect" wingload. You go up in wingloading your going to sacrifice the bottom end on the canopy, go with a lighter wingloading you won't go as fast. If you are proficient at landing a canopy at the extreme end of it's performance, it is possible to get "acceptable" landings on the Katana at 1.8-1.9. If you’re Vladi 2.7 on a 97 is "perfect", for me and most other people thats way too high, but that's my personal frame of reference compared to his. Isaiah Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drschneider 0 #20 May 16, 2006 Do you know if Katana 135 is already available to order? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #21 May 16, 2006 what were some of the issues that delayed the release? just curious? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #22 May 17, 2006 Quote what were some of the issues that delayed the release? just curious? I'm sure Isaiah will address this, but it's my understanding that openings (consistency) were an issue. Performance Designs wanted to put out a product that opened and flew like all the other Katana's. Scaling doesn't work (although some manufacturers do it). PD continued to refine the sizes until the product performed to their criteria and expectations. Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnny1488 1 #23 May 18, 2006 QuoteScaling doesn't work (although some manufacturers do it). Scalling doesnt work if you are trying to make a 135, 150 and 170 from a 107. But I have talked with engineers that said they have found no difference in making a 107 a 110 or a 135 a 138. Changing an airfoil 1% is a lot different than trying to go 20%. Johnny --"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!" Mike Rome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #24 May 18, 2006 QuoteScalling doesnt work if you are trying to make a 135, 150 and 170 from a 107. Sorry Johnny, I should have been more clear. I meant the first example you cited of making a 107 a 135, etc. Blues bro! IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnny1488 1 #25 May 18, 2006 No worries. Gotta represent! You know how it is. Johnny --"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!" Mike Rome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
