jrmrangers 0 #1 June 25, 2011 I know im going to get hit with "search button" replies here but i tried about 15 different searches with no clarification so here it goes. I found a rig that fits me perfectly and the main is just what im looking for, the problem is the reserve size. I would be more comfy with a larger reserve so im trying to find out are there other low volume reserves out there besides the optimum? Im going to talk to my rigger tomorrow when i see him but i would like to do a little on line research first. Thanks in advance!Wait , I pull what first? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jurgencamps 0 #2 June 25, 2011 Optimum, PD Speed, Paratec Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deyan 36 #3 June 25, 2011 X-Fast, Basik Air"My belief is that once the doctor whacks you on the butt, all guarantees are off" Jerry Baumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyPiggie 0 #4 June 25, 2011 Quotethe problem is the reserve size. I would be more comfy with a larger reserve so im trying to find out are there other low volume reserves out there besides the optimum? Look at the data panel on the rig and find the cubic inch volume of the reserve pack. Then go to the back of a ParaGear catalog and find the canopy size chart, which lists all current production canopies and their pack volumes. See how many reserves you can find there that match your cubic inch volume. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #5 June 25, 2011 He wants the lowest possible wing loading for the available pack tray space...I'm betting an Optimum will be the best. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrmrangers 0 #6 June 26, 2011 thats exactly what i was asking, unfortunately that rig has fallen through for me though. I did however get a really nice Spectre for a good price and a reserve from likestojump today!! Wait , I pull what first? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deyan 36 #7 June 26, 2011 QuoteI'm betting an Optimum will be the best. Based on what you think that Optimum is the best?"My belief is that once the doctor whacks you on the butt, all guarantees are off" Jerry Baumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pchapman 279 #8 June 26, 2011 Quote Based on what you think that Optimum is the best? Because the original poster is in the USA. EVERY thread about low bulk reserves goes like this: "Get an Optimum" - guy from USA "Hey there are a couple great European low bulk reserves too." - guy from Europe "Europe? Wasn't that something we bombed or saved or seceded from years ago? Irrelevant to US skydivers anyway." - guy from USA But seriously, are there dealers for the European equipment in the USA? Without that, it's hard to break into the US market. I know Chuting Star is a dealer for the Basik rigs (the Seven), but Basik reserves don't seem to be sold. (I just checked the store's web page.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deyan 36 #9 June 26, 2011 So the question should be : "Are there any low volume reserves from US factories besides Optimum"? I will choose Speed over Optimum every day of the week. Lower price,longer on the market, build in Germany, packs smaller, flare better..... That's my opinion .....But maybe because I'm from EuropeNote: Packing volume on the reserves may vary up to 5-10 % between 2 identical canopies. So it's possible that the Speed I compered to Optimum was just on the lower side of those 10 % ,and the Optimum was on the bigger side. To OP...As Pchapman said, if you are from US, you should go for Optimum. edited for spelling "My belief is that once the doctor whacks you on the butt, all guarantees are off" Jerry Baumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #10 June 27, 2011 Pick the canopies you need for your size and experience, THEN go looking for a rig that they can fit in. A rig is not a good deal if you can't put the parachutes you need in it. The rig does not "fit you perfectly" if it doesn't hold the reserve you should have. A low volume reserve MAY be an answer but your still backwards in your thinking, IMHO.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
precision 0 #11 June 29, 2011 When Precision sent the r-Max 128 to be measured for the Parachute Industry Association's standard pack volume study, we were pleased at the report we got back which read in part: "The r-Max 128 packed amazingly small for that class of canopy. I measured 296 cu in. We packed it into the same reserve bag we’ve been packing a PD-106R. They packed almost identical." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffBarlow 10 #12 June 29, 2011 Can actually anybody confirm from their practical experience R-Max 128 packs as small as PD106R plz? And if that's the case what the next size up R-Max 138 would be equivalent to volumewise? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stayhigh 2 #13 June 30, 2011 So optimum 143 will be close to speed 150 or 135???Bernie Sanders for President 2016 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jurgencamps 0 #14 June 30, 2011 QuoteSo optimum 143 will be close to speed 150 or 135??? From http://www.pia.com/piapubs/TSDocuments/TS-104CanopyVolume.pdf OPTIMUM 126 - volume: 286 cubic inch - area: 128 square feet OPTIMUM 143 - volume: 327 cubic inch - area: 146 square feet SPEED 135 - volume: 284 cubic inch - area: 129 square feet SPEED 150 - volume: 316 cubic inch – area: 145 square feet ==> Optimum 143 ~ Speed 150 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deyan 36 #15 June 30, 2011 QuoteSo optimum 143 will be close to speed 150 or 135??? Speed 150. I'm not looking at the PIA chart, I'm talking from my personal experience."My belief is that once the doctor whacks you on the butt, all guarantees are off" Jerry Baumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites