theplummeter 15 #1 September 11, 2010 Can anyone who has jumped both canopies compare/contrast a Precision Batwing 171 and an Aerodyne Pilot 188. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #2 September 11, 2010 I haven't jumped either and I can tell you they are apples and oranges, before even getting into the wingloading difference. The Batwing is a Stiletto copy. Highly elliptical, short recovery arc, turns fast, opens squirelly, and unlike Stilettos, doesn't land all that well. The Pilot is a modern tapered 9 cell. Longer recovery arc, nicer openings and easy landings, and yet it's still fun for more experienced pilots. I've never heard anybody who's jumped one recommend a Batwing at any wingloading to anybody with 20 jumps. I'd recommend a Pilot at 1.1 or less to anyone capable of landing a student canopy without hurting themselves. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #3 September 11, 2010 The batwing is a high performance canopy, very Stilleto-esc. You should not be jumping one at all for a few hundred more jumps. Even then, its an old design and you'll probably be more happy with something else. The pilot is a good choice, assuming that it is large enough to put you at a 1:1 wingloading (or a little less).--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aykay 0 #4 September 12, 2010 Want me to post a picture of my batwing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kuai43 7 #5 September 12, 2010 QuoteWant me to post a picture of my batwing? Yes.Every fight is a food fight if you're a cannibal Goodness is something to be chosen. When a man cannot choose, he ceases to be a man. - Anthony Burgess Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverkeith 1 #6 September 12, 2010 QuoteQuoteWant me to post a picture of my batwing? Yes. +1Blue skies, Keith Medlock Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theplummeter 15 #8 September 12, 2010 The Pilot would be just under 1/1. I've made some jumps on the Batwing and been lucky but have decided to upsize. I found a great deal on a Pilot 188 but would need to find a harness/container. Also while on the topic has anyone here jumped the Fusion? It seems like that would be a good canopy also, as long as it was loaded lightly. I just wanted to add that I'm thankful to everyone here for their experience and advice. The Batwing is a blast and the temptation to keep jumping it is there, but having studied past incidents and looking at real statistics the conclusion is obvious: I'm in over my head and won't really understand that until it hurts. I don't want to hurt. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drdive 0 #9 September 12, 2010 Am I the only one wondering that with your jump numbers, who the hell would let you jump a Batwing??? Congrats on your decision not to get one at your level of experience."We saved your gear. Now you can sell it when you get out of the hospital and upsize!!" "K-Dub" " Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #10 September 12, 2010 The fusion is okay-ish for a first canopy, but it's a good deal more responsive than a pilot, more like a sabre2. ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaffo 0 #11 September 12, 2010 QuoteThe fusion is okay-ish for a first canopy, but it's a good deal more responsive than a pilot, more like a sabre2. I just demo'd both the Sabre 2 190 and a pilot 188. I bought the Pilot. I actually thought it was a bit more responsive and really forgiving on landings. As I've gotten older I don't heal as well so I want softer landings. RyderTake chances, just do it with all the information to make good decisions!! Muff Brother# 2706 Dudeist Skydiver# 121.5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluetwo 0 #12 September 12, 2010 QuoteAm I the only one wondering that with your jump numbers, who the hell would let you jump a Batwing??? Congrats on your decision not to get one at your level of experience. The reality is that not all DZ's actually give a shit about their students to the degree a lot of people would like, which I can attest to personally._______________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #13 September 12, 2010 *** The Batwing is a Stiletto copy. *** Lisa, Actually, it is the other way around. The Stilleto came out well after the Batwing. You are correct about the openings being squirrely though. Cheers, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilot-one 0 #14 September 13, 2010 Quote but it's a good deal more responsive than a pilot, more like a sabre2. Huh? You've got that backwards. I have many jumps on the Sabre 2 and Pilot. The Pilot is far more responsive than the Sabre 2 at the equal sizing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #15 September 13, 2010 Quote Quote but it's a good deal more responsive than a pilot, more like a sabre2. Huh? You've got that backwards. I have many jumps on the Sabre 2 and Pilot. The Pilot is far more responsive than the Sabre 2 at the equal sizing. I really don't think so. Especially for wingsuiting, my pilot behaves much better on/after opening than a fusion or sabre 2: less responsive on harness turns, less divey, feels more stable/solid all in all. The pilot 124 feels a bit "boring" compared to a fusion 120/sabre2 120, which I like sometimes ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
