Iceburner 0 #1 March 10, 2009 Well, it's finally my turn on the deployment cycle, and the workups have been a bitch to say the least...anyways, i will be gone from skydiving for about 9 months, and when looking at what i should do with my gear i came across a few threads on whether or not to unpack the reserve to release tension on the spring....being as i dont pack reserves, i was wondering if this is a good thing to do, or just leave it packed up and have a rigger re-pack it (as well as jump a larger main canopy for a couple months) is the better option. i'll be gone for the next 3 weeks for training, but i plan on putting this in my "watched" threads, so any response will be welcomed, even if i am unable to ask any more questions for awhile. Also, for the vidiots that may be reading this thread, is there anything i can do with my camera gear to make sure something doesn't happen while i'm away...i'm mainly worried about dust and whatnot getting into the gear, but i figured a few ziplock bags and my normal camera bag should work. again, any response is helpful Semper Fi Edit to add: I jump an areodyne container, Saber II 120, and a PD 150 reserve...dont know if the setup makes a difference for storage, but yea.... Thanks again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lilchief 1 #2 March 10, 2009 I think you'll risk more by having the reserve container opened then leaving the spring under tension. Remember, the reserve PC is made with the intention that it'll keep it's strength for many years, maybe even 20 years. Icon are fairly new rigs, so it won't matter if it's packed another 9 months. Btw...when packing a reserve, the PC only get's some rest for 2-4 hours and then gets packed again.. For the camera gear, my recommendation would be to store it in a dark dry place with a stable temperature. Maybe not in a ziplock, but in some sort of container/bag that locks up an protects it from an accidental drop. A closet that doesn't get direct sunlight would be fine I guess. "Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you long to return." - Da Vinci www.lilchief.no Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yarpos 4 #3 March 10, 2009 maybe for the camera gear if its 9 months, also remove all batteries and throw in a few of those moisture absorbing sachets in your packagingregards, Steve the older I get...the better I was Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #4 March 10, 2009 First the PC is under compression, not tension, but I know what you mean.More important than how you leave it is WHERE you leave it. It's best if it's in a controlled temperature and humidity environment. Air conditioned/heated building, stored in a closet or other place safe from physical assult (cat peeing, baby spewing, crap being thrown on top of it, being used as a bike ramp (I've actually seen this done by the owner)). I'd leave mine packed. It protects the components better. The only caveat is if the batteries in an AAD are near the end of their life I'd pull it. There have been rare cases of batteries leaking, usually very old batteries. IF you unpack it the best storage IMHO would be in a cotton laundry bag in a Rubbermaid type storage bin with the lid taped shut. Reserve fully unpacked, lines daisy chained, any exposed hook velcro covered with loop to keep it from snaggin things. Make sure NOT to bend the PC spring. But easiest really is to set in a closet, in a gear bag, where someone is living but isn't going to mess with it. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #5 March 10, 2009 Quote...whether or not to unpack the reserve to release tension on the spring... Springs are not weakened by staying compressed for extended periods of time. It's flexing of the spring that does that; compressing and uncoiling repeatedly. So it's okay to leave the reserve packed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plummeteer 0 #6 March 10, 2009 If you're main d-bag has brass grommets and rubber bands you may want to open it and remove the bands, the brass can stain and the bands will start degrading too. Edo Concumbui Aethrae Cernuare Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #7 March 11, 2009 Sell it. Take the money and party like crazy. When you get back order new gear with all the money you saved while on deployment. By the way thank you for what do for us. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcordell 2 #8 March 11, 2009 QuoteQuote...whether or not to unpack the reserve to release tension on the spring... Springs are not weakened by staying compressed for extended periods of time. It's flexing of the spring that does that; compressing and uncoiling repeatedly. So it's okay to leave the reserve packed. +1 on the spring. I am not a rigger but I am a gunsmith and people ask the same thing about magazines with self defense ammunition in them. It is better to leave it compressed as constantly manipulating the spring will weaken it, however leaving it in a compressed state will not.www.facebook.com/FlintHillsRigging Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnDeere 0 #9 March 11, 2009 QuoteBy the way thank you for what do for us. Yes thank you sir!Nothing opens like a Deere! You ignorant fool! Checks are for workers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erdnarob 1 #10 March 11, 2009 If you don't jump for 9 months, open and air your reserve (and main). And store it in a cotton bag or a pillow case and put it in a place at about 72 degrees F. and 72% of relative humidity in the dark like a in a closet. Let it breath.Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iceburner 0 #11 March 21, 2009 QuoteSell it. Take the money and party like crazy. When you get back order new gear with all the money you saved while on deployment. By the way thank you for what do for us. Sparky trust me, i've thought of this a LOT...especially since i'll be jumping a larger canopy for my first few (50ish or more...depending) jumps when i get back...which means i need to buy/borrow a larger main. as for the reserve, i've heard both unpack it and dont...it'll be locked in a closet in a temperature controlled environment, and i'm understanding what people are saying about the springs. I'm assuming for those that have said unpack it and put it in a cotton bag is to ensure no moisture gets in there somehow, and those that say dont unpack it are thinking that none would get in as well. I'll be talking to my rigger here shortly to see what he'd prefer, but thanks again for the input. Would you all suggest putting silica packets in the container where i'm storing it to ensure no moisture can accumulate? or would that just add to another possible contaminate getting in?? Thanks again for the replys! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hackish 8 #12 March 22, 2009 QuoteIt's flexing of the spring that does that; compressing and uncoiling repeatedly. So it's okay to leave the reserve packed. Not even that exactly. Consider the valve springs in my engine. Made of the same basic material. They're moved millions of times yet after 100,000km are still in spec. It's not the movement that weakens the spring. It's manipulating it beyond it's yield point. If you bend it further than it's working range so you end up with some permanent deformation then you are degrading it. I agree with most comments here, keep the reserve packed! -Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
