The better container...

[erdnarob 1]

The Sidewinder uses a pilot chute made by UPT VECTOR at least the three of them I have packed (reserve) this winter.
A pilot chute unable to be launched when the reserve closing loop is cut is apparently a potential problem common to all small containers. Having the cutter at the bottom of the reserve makes the remaining of the cut closing loop longer then more prone to get caught when zigzaging thru the flap grommets. Remember few years ago when 3 Russians pulled low and find out at the landing that their Mirage pilot chute hasn't launched after their AAD had fired. This incident prompted Mirage to change the location of the cutter from below the pilot chute to above the pilot chute. The Vector III I have tested by having the loop cut at the bottom of the reserve (using a flat hook knife and a pull up cord) is a #348 M series for a 170 Sabre 2. (pictures of the test available on request)
For the mesh, I think you are still required as a rigger to perform an acid test on a reserve pilot chute mesh just to make sure. You never know when the mesh could become acidic. I have seen mesh passing the test and 90 days after failing it. The chemical coating is not acidic itself but with time and moisture, it can become acidic. That's why Bill Booth got rid of the reserve pilot chute mesh. And after an actual cut away I can tell that the "balute" meshless pilot chute works beautifully.
All the rigs are good otherwise they wouldn't stay on the market. But some are better tested than other. After all UPT VECTOR has built almost 50 thousands rigs so far. Nobody got close of that figure.

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

[hackish 8]

I deal with a lot of rigs on a day to day basis. I see a lot of nice features and differences from rig to rig. Mercedes or BMW? Take your pick.

Despite the fact someone else may develop a skyhook-like attachment I'd put my trust in the original product because I feel that anyone else is just a knockoff. Testing a product extensively is an expensive proposition and the smaller companies are unlikely to have the same resources to carry this out.

I like the mirage and the vector3 but there is vector3 that goes on my back.

-Michael

[freakyrat 1]

I have both a Micron and a Mirage G4. It's a matter of personal preference. The Micron's yoke design fits some people better. If you buy the Mirage get the full articulating harness this makes it easier to replace the main lift web center pieces if the rig is too short etc. Both rigs come with spacer foam which really improves comfort. Also both my rigs now have the PD Optimum reserve in them. The reserve containers on both rigs are small and the Optimum reserve fits very nice in both. My Micron was built for a PD143 Reserve and I have the Optimum 143 in it and the Mirage had a PD126R reserve in it that was kind of tight and was a bear for my rigger to pack. I have an Optimum 126 in it now and it is real nice. Neither reserve container is too soft with these reserves they are perfect and both rigs are so comfortable with this reserve setup. The spacer foam on the leg pads make a big difference in comfort when you are under canopy.

Good luck and try both containers. They are both well made.

Chris

[d123 1]

Quote

ever saw a Dolphin ??

Hey!!!! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Why do you have to be so mean to the dolphin?

And BTW ... the dolphin doesn't like you either

Lock, Dock and Two Smoking Barrelrolls!

[Kimsdu 0]

Micron all the way, Not only are you getting a fantastic rig but UPT have the best customer service.
It is a long wait but well worth it when you recieve the end product.
I have never had any issues with my rig not being comfortable in fact for me it is the most comfortable rig to sit in under canopy and i have jumped many.
You are a little more seated in a micron as apposed to other rigs.
I put my trust in a Micron and the company that are the leaders in safety and design.