pchapman 279 #1 February 28, 2008 What is being used these days for brake lines on canopies, especially on higher performance ones? Between it being winter and not having newer canopies around, I must admit I'm not sure what current practice is. Are companies pretty much sticking with the same type of line the whole canopy is done with, but obviously heavier? Eg, HMA for HMA lined canopies, Vectran for Vectran lined canopies? I recall one company trying Dacron brake lines on their HMA lined canopies. I've made Spectra brake lines for my Vectran lined canopy -- since it was convenient, and I know Spectra wear characteristics better, although I have to deal with the shrinkage issue (i.e., build everything an inch or two longer and let it wear down towards the ideal setting.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #2 February 28, 2008 Precision, who pioneered the use of HMA on sport mains in the USA, is using 400lb Dacron for the mid and lower control lines.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parachutist 2 #3 February 28, 2008 QuotePrecision, who pioneered the use of HMA on sport mains in the USA, is using 400lb Dacron for the mid and lower control lines. Yes, that idea was beautiful IMO. Those work great for maintaining trim, has long wear, and seems to reduce chances of knots with brake parts (rings, toggles, risers) during opening. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #4 February 28, 2008 QuoteQuotePrecision, who pioneered the use of HMA on sport mains in the USA, is using 400lb Dacron for the mid and lower control lines. Yes, that idea was beautiful IMO. Those work great for maintaining trim, has long wear, and seems to reduce chances of knots with brake parts (rings, toggles, risers) during opening. So why not use dacron lines for everything? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parachutist 2 #5 February 28, 2008 QuoteQuoteQuotePrecision, who pioneered the use of HMA on sport mains in the USA, is using 400lb Dacron for the mid and lower control lines. Yes, that idea was beautiful IMO. Those work great for maintaining trim, has long wear, and seems to reduce chances of knots with brake parts (rings, toggles, risers) during opening. So why not use dacron lines for everything? Because the size of dacron line increases pack volume and drag. Two lines of 400 lb however is a worthwhile compromise outside of swooping competition. Also Dacron can stretch out of trim a bit, as opposed to spectra which shrinks... but in my experience it's not enough to matter when used for brake lines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #6 February 28, 2008 QuoteQuoteSo why not use dacron lines for everything? Because the size of dacron line increases pack volume and drag. Oh my, how horrible! A few extra cubic inches in size and a few fractions of a mile per hour slower - they oughta ban the stuff! Nobody who is cool should be caught dead jumping that stuff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnDeere 0 #7 February 28, 2008 Nothing opens like a Deere! You ignorant fool! Checks are for workers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parachutist 2 #8 February 28, 2008 QuoteOh my, how horrible! A few extra cubic inches in size and a few fractions of a mile per hour slower - they oughta ban the stuff! Nobody who is cool should be caught dead jumping that stuff. Nah, I know some cool people who enjoy the cushier openings provided by Dacron, and we CRW dogs like the doesn't-slice-through-flesh properties of Dacron as opposed to the razor wire feeling that other types of line exude when wrapped around an arm and pulled tight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #9 February 29, 2008 QuoteQuoteOh my, how horrible! A few extra cubic inches in size and a few fractions of a mile per hour slower - they oughta ban the stuff! Nobody who is cool should be caught dead jumping that stuff. Nah, I know some cool people who enjoy the cushier openings provided by Dacron, and we CRW dogs like the doesn't-slice-through-flesh properties of Dacron as opposed to the razor wire feeling that other types of line exude when wrapped around an arm and pulled tight. Oh my gosh, more good reasons for dacron lines. Who da thunk it! But, but, it's not "cool"! What's a skydiver to do? Jump what's cool, or jump what's safe and practical. I just don't know which is more important... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #10 February 29, 2008 QuoteQuoteQuoteOh my, how horrible! A few extra cubic inches in size and a few fractions of a mile per hour slower - they oughta ban the stuff! Nobody who is cool should be caught dead jumping that stuff. Nah, I know some cool people who enjoy the cushier openings provided by Dacron, and we CRW dogs like the doesn't-slice-through-flesh properties of Dacron as opposed to the razor wire feeling that other types of line exude when wrapped around an arm and pulled tight. Oh my gosh, more good reasons for dacron lines. Who da thunk it! But, but, it's not "cool"! What's a skydiver to do? Jump what's cool, or jump what's safe and practical. I just don't know which is more important... Hey John, there's not one answer for everyone. If there was, you'd be jumping a Manta.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #11 February 29, 2008 Quote Hey John, there's not one answer for everyone. If there was, you'd be jumping a Manta. Jumping a Manta isn't cool? Darn, now I'm going to have to go buy something else... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drjump 0 #12 March 3, 2008 John- Can you swoop a Manta? Doc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #13 March 4, 2008 QuoteCan you swoop a Manta? Hi Doc! Do I have to swoop to be cool too? Darn, I'm getting less un-cool by the day. What about a Pro-Tec helmet - are they cool? I think I'm pretty cool, even though I jump a Manta, with dacron lines, wear a plastic helmet, and land straight-in. Oh well... Just call me a geek. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drjump 0 #14 March 4, 2008 NOPE--Just jump out of airplanes and get a good canopy over your head in time to slow your rate of decent prior to impacting something solid. Now, two zipper jump suits are cool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #15 March 4, 2008 QuoteNow, two zipper jump suits are cool. Even more so with club patches sewn all over them! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CazmoDee 3 #16 March 5, 2008 "Now, two zipper jump suits are cool." How 'bout this one ? ......I'm behind the bar at Sloppy Joe's....See ya in the Keys! Muff 4313 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drjump 0 #17 March 5, 2008 Needs a hard helmet to be Really cool. Otherwise-Yes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CazmoDee 3 #18 April 18, 2008 "Needs a hard helmet to be Really cool." How 'bout this one ? ......I'm behind the bar at Sloppy Joe's....See ya in the Keys! Muff 4313 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drjump 0 #19 April 18, 2008 That is the type that I made my first 800 jumps with. Probably offers more protection than anything being worn today. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gene03 0 #20 April 19, 2008 Folks are in a frisky mood around here tonight. Must be springtime.“The only fool bigger than the person who knows it all is the person who argues with him. Stanislaw Jerzy Lec quotes (Polish writer, poet and satirist 1906-1966) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
