Sabre2 150 or Pilot 150

[Al4 0]

Can someone with experience on either/both of these provide a comparison.

Downsizing from silhouette 190 a 150'sh canopy. 1000 jumps, 280 last 6 mos.

Thanks for the input.

[Shakey 0]

I have flown the Sabre2 and Pilot 190 (@1.1) and 170 (@1.25), but not the 150. There are pretty similar, with a few minor differences:

- Both open with closed end cells. Happens more often on the Sabre2 and the Sabre2 is more likely to turn due to closed end cells.
- Sabre2's have more flare power in the top half of the toggle stroke, the Pilot's power is lower down. I can't say that one is better than the other, it's just different.
- The Sabre2 will dive longer in a turn and has less front riser pressure in a turn.
- For getting back from a long spot, IMO, Pilots floats best in full flight with some rear riser, the Sabre2 floats better in brakes.

You didn't mention your WL or what you want to do with the canopy. Those factors could push you towards one of the other.

-Shakey

[Al4 0]

Thanks for the input. WL for the 150 would be right at 1.4. Which is about the max I want to go right now. Jumped a Sabre2 190 today and thought it was fun but too big. Openings were soft but a little off heading. Flare seemed to have a lot of power even at 1.1, with a straight in approach.

I plan on demo'ing both but it always helps to get input along the way. SAFIRE2? Same category?

[billvon 3,070]

>SAFIRE2? Same category?

Yes. I like the Safire2 over either the Pilot or Sabre2 but they really are very similar.

[5.samadhi 0]

I jumped them all in that size range and could not tell a difference between the canopies. They are all 9 cell semi-elliptical canopies with relatively short recovery arcs. Everything written above comes down to trim issues and brake settings of individual canopies and really has very little to do with the planform of the canopies being discussed. IMO.

[DBlank 0]

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The sabre 2 usually has soft openings but they can slam you if you pack sloppy. Sabre 2's almost never open on heading and almost always have closed end cells(not really that big of a deal though).

I describe the Sabre 2 openings like this: "SNATCH! snivel snivel snivel snivel snivel snivel snivel, inflaaaaatteeeee." I think the end cell closure is dependent on packing and WL in my experience, never had end cell or major heading issues at 1.1-1.2. You didn't say your WL by the way. I have a handful of jumps on a Pilot, about 100 on Sabre 2's, and 200ish on a Hornet which is very similar to the Pilot. I would say I like the openings on the Pilot better, soft but not sniveler, leave the nose wise open. But flight and landing characteristics the Sabre 2 is much more fun I think, its snappier and has a longer recovery arc. As others have said, the flare in the Sabre 2 is more in the bottom and the Pilot in the top.

"Do you really want to take advice from the guy we call Tarmac?"

[GobbleGobble 0]

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The sabre 2 usually has soft openings but they can slam you if you pack sloppy. Sabre 2's almost never open on heading and almost always have closed end cells(not really that big of a deal though).

I describe the Sabre 2 openings like this: "SNATCH! snivel snivel snivel snivel snivel snivel snivel, inflaaaaatteeeee." I think the end cell closure is dependent on packing and WL in my experience, never had end cell or major heading issues at 1.1-1.2. You didn't say your WL by the way. I have a handful of jumps on a Pilot, about 100 on Sabre 2's, and 200ish on a Hornet which is very similar to the Pilot. I would say I like the openings on the Pilot better, soft but not sniveler, leave the nose wise open. But flight and landing characteristics the Sabre 2 is much more fun I think, its snappier and has a longer recovery arc. As others have said, the flare in the Sabre 2 is more in the bottom and the Pilot in the top.

I think the flare on the sabre 2 and pilot is opposite of what you say. More on the top for the sabre and more on the bottom for the pilot

That has been my experience as well. I load a 150 @ 1.33. Still get end cell inflation issues on sa2. Safire2 is more responsive than sa2 at same loading according to a friend who owns both.