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pilotdave

Low pack volume mains

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Because the rig manufacturers insist that you keep the main and reserve close to the same size. I don't have a problem with my 168 reserve, I just would rather have something bigger when all hell breaks loose :ph34r:. The same canopy manufacturers that tell you to load their mains at 2:1 minimum, also recommend only loading a reserve at 1:1 right? I'm talking what is ideal, not what is accepted. I've got 4 rides on my Raven 1 at almost 1.5:1. Before the new R-max came out the next size down was the MicroRaven 150, which can't really be safely loaded over 1:1.

"If it wasn't easy stupid people couldn't do it", Duane.

My momma said I could be anything I wanted when I grew up, so I became an a$$hole.

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I wish they would've had those out when I bought my rig, I'd like a bigger reserve than my 168.



Fliteline (Reflex), Sunrise Manufacturing (Wings), Jump Shack (Racer), and Mirage have all made sensible main + reserve container combinations. Some will even do any combination but "won't promise it will look good."

You just can't buy a Javelin or Vector if you want that without jumping a sail fabric cross-braced tri-cell.

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>And all of a sudden, that container that comes with a 120 reserve for real
>cheap is PERFECT since it'll fit a 170 main.

Well, a 170 won't fit into a 120-sized main container.

But take the example of a jumper who wants a 150, but can only find a container that will fit a 120. Now he can shoehorn a 150 in there. And yes, the container was designed for a PD126 - but lo and behold, PD now makes an Optimum 143 that fits in the same container.

Or they might find a container that fits a Sabre2 150/PD143. And they can jump that or get an Optimum 160 instead. The point is that now they have more options when it comes to used gear.



That might happen but I think realisticaly people buy containers that don't match their experince, or needed canopy size because they are impulsive and the combo is available for purchase NOW. If it comes with a reserve that is smaller than appropriate, they probably aren't going to buy it and then swap it out for a newly purchased Optima reserve.

If they are piecing it together part by part I see your point, but most first rigs aren't put together ala carte.
"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

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>but I think realisticaly people buy containers that don't match their experince, or
>needed canopy size because they are impulsive and the combo is available for
>purchase NOW. If it comes with a reserve that is smaller than appropriate, they
>probably aren't going to buy it and then swap it out for a newly purchased
>Optima reserve.

I agree. But it also gives them an additional option even then. If the 200lb 100 jump wonder gets a rig with a PD126R, and finally the DZO finds out and says "there is no way you're jumping that small a reserve at my DZ" - at least he has one other option, instead of replacing the entire rig.

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I agree. But it also gives them an additional option even then. If the 200lb 100 jump wonder gets a rig with a PD126R, and finally the DZO finds out and says "there is no way you're jumping that small a reserve at my DZ" - at least he has one other option, instead of replacing the entire rig.



That's why I like the concept of low pack volume reserves. I think low pack volume mains will have the exact opposite effect.

I'm not saying they don't have advantages too. I absolutely agree with you that they open up gear options, especially when combined with low pack volume reserves. I'd love a smaller rig without having to downsize anything. But I do think a side effect of low pack volume mains will be jumpers downsizing reserves in order to get that smaller container.

I'm looking forward to container manufacturers catching up with the times (my idea of the times anyway) and designing rigs with main containers for fun canopies and reserve containers for appropriately sized reserves. I don't see it happening though, when companies like PD keep coming out with smaller and smaller reserve sizes.

Dave

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I could see a benefit to the low volume mains if your intention was swooping. You could get a container sized for a 150 on the big side, with a low volume 170 in it to start with, then you could downsize at least twice with the same container, safely. But I'd still rather have a bigger reserve.
"If it wasn't easy stupid people couldn't do it", Duane.

My momma said I could be anything I wanted when I grew up, so I became an a$$hole.

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Upsizing is something I’m thinking about, having badly damaged my knee twice when younger those no winds days are not so fun anymore. Firebird has brought out a canopy using a material that is said to be 35% lighter and thinner than normal, the biggest canopy I can get in my rig is 135 so having an option to go up to a 150 can only be a good one.

http://www.flyfirebird.com/catalog/information.php/info_id/92
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