Riser failure

[bkoch 0]

Hello,

I am trying to decide whether or not to disconnect my RSL because I do freeflying and am afraid of a premature opening causinig an RSL side riser failure.
Are riser failures a common occurance?

When is the last time an RSL was a contributing factor in a skydiving fatality?

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my two questions.

Brad

"What kind of man would live a life without daring? Is life so sweet that we should criticize men that seek adventure? Is there a better way to die?"
- Charles Lindberg August 26th, 1938

[metalslug 36]

Some good reads:

Alan Binnebose post

Hooknswoops post

Top 5 myths about RSL's

I'm also curious to know how often riser failure has ever occured. I had always believed risers were designed to huge stress tolerances.

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No 'mericans were harmed during the making of this post.

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

I have seen two instances of mini-risers breaking. I forget one guy's name, but the other one was Chris Wagner, the then-teamleader of the GK 8-way team.

[riggerrob 643]

Circa 1993, PIA published one standard for reinforced mini risers.
In 1998, Relative Workshop published an even tighter standard for reinforced mini risers.
As long as your risers are newer than that, the riser of breaking one is tiny.

[billbooth 10]

Reinforced Type 17 (1") riser breaks are very rare. However, a single sided RSL (without a Collins' Lanyard) could kill you if the RSL riser breaks. For this reason, you should consider your options if you jump a Micro Lined canopy that opens even a little bit hard, especially if you weigh over 190 lbs.

[genitor 0]

This is very interesting to me.

I'm currently in the process of ordering a new Vector (with a non-skyhook RSL). I'm also a heavier (215+) jumper. Is the Collins' Lanyard now included in ALL Vector 3s with an RSL? If not, why not?

My current Vector 3 (non-skyhook RSL) does not have a Collins' Lanyard.