The better container...

[peenut557 0]

I have recently become fortunate enough to purchase my first custom container. I thought, "Great! But, oh crap...which one?!?" I'm having some inner turmoil about which container to purchase.

I currently jump a Mirage G3, and I'm sure I'd be happy to stay with Mirage, but, I've also been looking at the Vector 3-series Microns. I like that the Microns have the skyhook and I do get excited about the bells and whistles of Micron, like the magnetic riser flaps, for example. However, I've been told by a number of people that the Vectors are much less comfortable than Mirage and Micron does have a pretty long wait list (over 5 months!), whereas Mirage can get my container too me within 2 months.

As it stands, I'm having difficulty deciding between the two. I'd be putting a 170 Sabre 2 into the container I purchase. Now, I know there's an abundance of knowledge out there! So, I was hoping someone might share some insight on this matter....

[davelepka 4]

Of those two, it's the Micron. The Skyhook and magnetic riser covers seal the deal. I wouldn't worry about the comfort as this will be a custom container made to your measurements, and provided it's measured properly, it will fit like a glove.

When it comes to comfort, the only way to make a fair comparison is to have jumped the latest versions of both rigs, with both being built to your measurements. Anyone who borrows either one, or had one 'years ago' are not working with correct information.

And really, if the Micron wasn't a comfortable rig, would they have a 5 month backlog of orders? (The wait is due to the backlog of orders, not slow or inefficient production processes).

[matthewcline 0]

Of those two choices the Micron iswhereI would go.
I jump a miriad of V-3's at the DZ I work at and with the Demo Team. When it is time to buy a new rig for myself I'll go for a Micron.

Matt

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[billvon 2,990]

>and provided it's measured properly, it will fit like a glove.

I have had custom containers that fit perfectly and are actually painful to wear. I've tried used rigs on that feel great.

Everyone has different preferences on rig design, and prefer some rigs over other rigs even if they fit well. I'd recommend trying on various rigs to see if they feel good or not. I find Vectors feel pretty bad on me, but that's just me.

[PhreeZone 20]

After talking to Greg the last few weekends I am looking into a V3 this winter for a spring delivery also. UPT is expanding and increasing their employees so expect to see the delivery times drop a bit once they finish building on to their facilities.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[Fast 0]

I agree about the micron. I have two vectors. The newer one has spacer foam and is pretty comfortable. I have jumped other rigs that I have felt were slightly more comfortable, but I won't put comfort above function. I think the vector3 is the best designed rig on the market and in my opinion at least has the best customer support and quality control coming out of the factory.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[skybytch 273]

Quote

I wouldn't worry about the comfort as this will be a custom container made to your measurements, and provided it's measured properly, it will fit like a glove.

Harness comfort doesn't mean that what's sitting on your back is comfortable. Most Microns are sized so that the reserve pack job is tight, which means a firmer container sitting on your back.

If the firmness of the packed rig is the reason someone thinks a particular container is uncomfortable, but it has all the other things they want, they could order it to fit a reserve one size bigger than what they intend to put in it. The resulting container will be softer, and therefore more comfortable on the back.

Of course that would never work since we all know that it's more important to have the smallest possible container than it is to have a comfortable container.

[poe62 0]

My new Vector arrived back in December. I love everything about it! I think it is pretty comfortable too. I do get bruises on my collar bones every now and then...nothing other containers haven't done to me before.

~Nikki
http://www.facebook.com/poe62

Irgity Dirgity

[diablopilot 2]

Between the two, I'd rather be jumping my rig this season, so I'd go for the Mirage.

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[pilot-one 0]

Quote

>and provided it's measured properly, it will fit like a glove.

I have had custom containers that fit perfectly and are actually painful to wear. I've tried used rigs on that feel great.

Everyone has different preferences on rig design, and prefer some rigs over other rigs even if they fit well. I'd recommend trying on various rigs to see if they feel good or not. I find Vectors feel pretty bad on me, but that's just me.

Ditto on that. The Vector I bought new last year was very uncomfortable even after going back a few times. Another thing I've noticed on new Vectors is the riser covers never seem to be closed very good. Almost like the yoke is being stretched so much that the flap won't line up with its receptacle.
I have an Infinity that is awesome. Albeit the Skyhook isn't available for it. I also have a new Icon that is very comfortable as well.

[erdnarob 1]

Go for the VECTOR III. This is the most avanced rig right now. I have had so far 6 Relative workshop rigs, Wonderhog, Sprint, Vector I, Vector II, Vector III, another Vector III this time with magnetic riser covers, Skyhook and hip rings. This rig is the state of the art, confortable and all hardware is in stainless steel as standard. It is equiped with the French "new" adaptors for the leg straps (made now in USA) and combined with the double #8 webbing is not slippery at all. The adjustment don't get lose.
The Mirage would be my second choice. About the riser covers for the Vector III, packers like it a lot. It's easier for them. For a Sabre 2-170, you need a Vector III M series #348. I had a sabre 2-170 and now I have in the same container size (#348) with a Katana 170 which fits perfectely.
About the SKYHOOK, remember there are 3 functions:
1) It releases first the left riser in case of the break down of the right one (the Skyhook RSL is attached to the right riser)
2) It pulls the pin
3) It pulls the briddle cord making the reserve deployment twice faster (timed on numerous videos) even in case of fast spinning malfunction. Who can top that!

Note: In case of a total malfunction, no problem to pull the reserve ripcord, it will pull the reserve pin allowing the pilot chute to launch and the SKYHOOK will release. More than a million of cut away have been made on it. See UPT VECTOR web site and download the SKYHOOK video. No wonder most of the manufacturers right now are trying to develop their own "skyhook".
And if you cut away, there is a good chance to recover your main parachute and free bag attached together.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[labrys 0]

My V3 is very comfortable now that it's broken in. When I first started wearing it, the hard cutaway cable housings dug into my shoulders a bit, but I either got used to it or they shifted to a more comfortable spot after I put some jumps on it.

The riser covers were very, very tight when it was brand new (pay attention to the packing instructions for the risers if you get one ). They have also relaxed a little with age.

Owned by Remi #?

[mnealtx 0]

Quote

More than a million of cut away have been made on it.

More than a million cutaways on the Skyhook? I think you overstate.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[davadikian 1]

Quote

I have had so far 6 Relative workshop rigs, Wonderhog, Sprint, Vector I, Vector II, Vector III, another Vector III

Your post demonstrates just how unbiased your opinion is...

I always felt I had the BEST container/canopy/reserve/altimeter/helmet/camera on the market, objectively speaking of course.

[erdnarob 1]

Since I am not a masochist, I come back to buy the system which is the the most functional, confortable and durable for me. I am also a rigger since 1977. I have packed many rigs and I find the VECTOR being the most rigger friendly. As a rigger I can see how the rig is made concerning the reserve. I have also performed my own tests like having the loop cut at the very bottom of the reserve container of the Vector and I can tell you, the pilot chute jumped as high as 5 feet. On the other hand, there is a rig (I don't want to mention the name) I have seen unable to lauch its pilot chute when the reserve loop is cut, is it scary enough? On a VECTOR III you have a reserve pilot chute without mesh, a reserve pilot chute of 40 lbs strength when compressed, now the Skyhook and the riser covers with magnets. Nobody else has that, isn't it?

Note: Mesh on a reserve pilot chute has always been a problem since the mesh is coated with a special treatment against fire. That coating can make the mesh becoming suddenly acidic. Never heard about acid test on mesh? The Vector is the only known rig equiped with a pilot chute without any mesh for the reserve pilot chute. No more acid test is required. Have you seen a pilot chute with acidic mesh? it's almost like toilet paper. Does your rigger make an acid test on your reserve pilot chute ? If he does it, you should find some blue spots on your reserve pilot chute, do you?

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[mnealtx 0]

Quote

Quote

I have had so far 6 Relative workshop rigs, Wonderhog, Sprint, Vector I, Vector II, Vector III, another Vector III

Your post demonstrates just how unbiased your opinion is...

I always felt I had the BEST container/canopy/reserve/altimeter/helmet/camera on the market, objectively speaking of course.

I don't recall the OP asking for UNBIASED opinions...just opinions.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[JerryBaumchen 1,358]

Hi erdna,

Quote

Mesh on a reserve pilot chute has always been a problem since the mesh is coated with a special treatment against fire.

Mesh can be purchased with a ph test to ensure that it will not cause this problem. It costs more but it is an easy extra when purchasing the mesh.

Or you can buy other mesh that never gets this treatment.

The mfr just needs to know what to purchase.

JerryBaumchen

[diablopilot 2]

Quote

Note: Mesh on a reserve pilot chute has always been a problem since the mesh is coated with a special treatment against fire.

Actually it's pretty uncommon in this industry to have such coatings on mesh anymore.

And I haven't seen an AD or SB requiring acid mesh testing on a reserve PC made in the last two decades.

Quote

I have also performed my own tests like having the loop cut at the very bottom of the reserve container of the Vector and I can tell you, the pilot chute jumped as high as 5 feet. On the other hand, there is a rig (I don't want to mention the name) I have seen unable to lauch its pilot chute when the reserve loop is cut, is it scary enough?

And I've seen a Micron bench lock. What's your point?

It's ok to be biased.

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[caribadive 0]

I am also been having a difficult time deciding between the two. For me the skyhook was the deciding factor as well, but a little birdie told me mirage is announcing the release of their version of the skyhook within the next 7-10 days. I have already seen a demo cutaway, and it is extremely impressive to say the least. Plus it is less complicated than the skyhook, so I would wait at least a little while longer before you decide. Their system is incredibly simple, and engineered extremely well. That makes the only real difference the magnetic riser covers. However, in my opinion the difference in delivery times far outweighs the magnetic riser covers.

[Buffdiver 0]

I have a good number of jumps on the newest Mirage and Vectors and can honestly tell you its a personal preference. Me, I choose Mirage just cause my "new to me" rig is sooo damn comfy without any extra padding but my buddies Vector (which is a bit small for me, but fully loaded) is still amazing to fly with. My one cutaway has been with the skyhook. I did not have time to even reach my reserve handle before i was under my reserve. . I personally like the way Mirage rigs look packed as far as fit a finish. The Vectors I have seen tend to have a wrinkled area between the main and reserve flap. Not a functional thing but I like a good, clean looking rig. I personally think that the Microns look better than the M- series. Take a look around your DZ. do some jumps on the harnesses. You cant go wrong either way.

[luis 0]

Quote

When it comes to comfort, the only way to make a fair comparison is to have jumped the latest versions of both rigs, with both being built to your measurements.

I have both G3 and a Micron. Both built to my measurements and both fitting well, but I find Micron to be more comfortable. The difference is not big enough to base the decission on that alone though

[shropshire 0]

I love my rig : Thomas Sports Equipment Tear Drop SF, in Blue Alien Skin. I had it made to measure but improved by a rigger (re-sized the leg loops). Now, it's so comfortable.
But I covert my mates' ICON - a really sweet rig!!

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[pilotdave 0]

Quote

I have a good number of jumps on the newest Mirage and Vectors and can honestly tell you its a personal preference. Me, I choose Mirage just cause my "new to me" rig is sooo damn comfy... I personally like the way Mirage rigs look packed as far as fit a finish... Not a functional thing but I like a good, clean looking rig.

I agree that it comes down to personal preference and your post explains exactly why. Your personal preference is to put comfort and looks first. Those are the absolute last things on my mind when choosing a rig. We don't only choose the rig we like the best... we also choose the attributes of a rig that we find most important.

As far as looks go, I can only think of 2 rigs that are uglier than a vector.... racer and mirage. Just my opionion. You either love em or hate em.

Dave

[piisfish 140]

Quote

As far as looks go, I can only think of 2 rigs that are uglier than a vector.... racer and mirage. Just my opionion. You either love em or hate em.

ever saw a Dolphin ??

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[everymansaved 0]

Actually, the Sidewinder, made by Flying High Manufacturing (TSO'd Rig) uses the same mesh-less p/c that the vector uses...

As for the original topic, I'm not sold on fancy gimicks like magnetic riser covers, I likes me my G4. Plus, I got it in 6 or 8 weeks, and I've never had a problem with the riser covers!

God made firefighters so paramedics would have heroes...and someone can put out the trailer fires.