Spectra cord on Sigma reserve ripcord

[back2earth 0]

I just received my new Sigma container (DOM Feb 2010) and on the reserve handle they are using a blue Spectra (I think) cord in place of the metal cable. I'm sure there are no concerns with this but I couldn't find a Tandem bulletin about this change on the UPT site. Has anyone heard or read anything from UPT on this ?

[TheCaptain 2]

I was talking to our rigger about it, there are some advantages to it, it is much stronger than the old cable as the crimp on the end of the cable is only rated to 500LBS, they bungee the spectra cord so if you have a floating handle (out of the velco sandwich) it stays much closer.

Kirk
He's dead Jim

[riggerrob 643]

Ripcords made of suspension line are not a new idea. Several manufaturers experimented with reserve ripcords made of nylon or dacron, back in the 1970s.

Sigmas have a few hundred thousand (maybe millions) main deployments with Spectra drogue releases.
Last year, UPT secured FAA approval to install Spectra reserve ripcords.
This change has been in the works for a decade now.

[back2earth 0]

Thanks, I was more curious than concerned !

[RiggerLee 61]

Not a thing in the world wrong with it, but lets be honest it's cheeper. Thats why their going to it.

Lee

Lee
lee@velocitysportswear.com
www.velocitysportswear.com

[djmarvin 2]

Check the 4 minute mark

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1J_zE3eFdw&feature=channel

DJ Marvin
AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E
http://www.theratingscenter.com

[Deyan 36]

Quote

Check the 4 minute mark

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1J_zE3eFdw&feature=channel

Or check the 1:50 mark on this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSaL2oCgYSY&feature=channel

"It cost me less,but I'll probably charge more,cuz it's new and cool"

"My belief is that once the doctor whacks you on the butt, all guarantees are off" Jerry Baumchen