VanillaSkyGirl 6 #1 November 6, 2003 I am 97 lbs. and can comfortably fly a Spectre 150. I have never worn a weight belt. I just began to use one in my tunnel camp and am going to be adding lead in freefall...probably about 10-14 lbs., for now. It seems that it will be like downsizing my canopy one size. Should I do hop'n'pops with the weight belt and slowly add lead? Should I just slowly add lead during jumps with others to see how much I need? I need more when I am very tired as my super arch suffers. Will it affect me a lot under canopy as I am so light? Ladies, small men and those in the know, please help. Thank you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #2 November 6, 2003 100 jumps and only 97 pounds. 15 pounds of weight is 15% weight increase..... (or if you count the gear at 20 pounds, it's still 12 or 13% kick in weight. you are going from wing loading 0.8 (120 pounds) to 0.9 (nearly 135) best to take it easy and add a couple pounds at a time to see if you notice any issue. Really, someone local who knows if you are a good canopy pilot would be best here. Also, PD may have some input on performance vs changes in wingloading for a Spectre..... Glad to hear about the tunnel camp. What do you think of Mantis? Any Spectre pilots out there? (I fly a Stilletto 120 at 1.6 and don't see any real dif in feel with 10 pounds but this is a much bigger proportional difference to you) ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #3 November 6, 2003 QuoteGlad to hear about the tunnel camp. What do you think of Mantis? I was already jumping mantis when it was taught to me by MJ (2-way camp) from about jump 32 onwards, but I loved tunnel camp. Yes, I feel that at my weight, it would make such a big difference to add even 10 lbs. I will have to begin adding weights slowly, for sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdy2skydive 0 #4 November 6, 2003 That's a lot of weight. I love my weight belt but can't wear more than 8 lbs in it, even though I could use a few more. On my next repack, my rigger is going to put some weight in my container. That my be an option for you. I would definitely recommend starting with a few lbs and then adding as you need it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #5 November 6, 2003 I have a friend who is 105-100 lbs and is 5'1". She wears a tight suit with spandex arms. She wears 17 lbs of weight. Most women jump with weights. I weigh between 185 and 195. It varies throughout the year. I wear 4 lbs because I weigh 185 now and I am lazy. The combination of a comfortable body position, suit, and weight should enable you to fall with others in the middle of your range. You should be able to increase or decrease your speed as needed. Try a no-grip 4-way jump with people that you regularly jump with. This way you do not rely on the grips and get a real feel for your fall rate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #6 November 6, 2003 Rosa, so glad to see you posting and asking this question. One of your tunnel coaches spoke about you and the weight issue. Not to worry, it was all good. As someone who wears weights, I would suggest adding a few at a time. Make sure to keep some kind of journal with the amount of weight you are jumping that time, and also as to how the fall rate went. After awhile, you'll have it dialed in. But don't keep adding and subtracting. That's what's going to mess with you. As for landing under canopy with weight. Yes, it will make a difference, hence adding and working up to a weight that works for you. Now, I may get some grief for this, but I would suggest the weight vest. You asked why? First off, ask yourself where most women's center of gravity is. (not that you have much) Are you getting the picture? We carry most of our weight below the waist. Now why would you add more weight to that center of gravity? I have found wearing the weight vest is more comfortable and it brings me a tad chest down, instead of back-end down. I know, I'll get picked on for that, but it's what works for me, and has worked for close to ten years.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #7 November 6, 2003 QuoteWe carry most of our weight below the waist. Billvon spoke to me and suggested the same thing, but I told him that I have an unusual problem for a woman. I have large breasts (& wide shoulders for my size) and no hips (ok, fine, unusually small hips!). I have always had problems with my size/shape as it is not the way most women are shaped. QuoteOne of your tunnel coaches spoke about you and the weight issue. Not to worry, it was all good. Oh, yeah, people freaked when they realized that I had done a full day and night session in tunnel camp without any lead and no turning down the speed. (I didn't know that you could do that, at first...) I was having a hard time as I was working it to the fullest. Whew, the next few days were easier on me, once we put 10 lbs., and eventually 12-14 lbs on me for the remainder of the camp. Everyone with weight belts who jumped with me had much more lead than I did! LOLOLOLOL! They were wearing at least 18+ as opposed to my 10-14 lbs.! (Beginning rant) A somewhat substantial sized man with 3000 jumps (who kept reminding everyone within earshot of his jump numbers and 24 years in the sport...blah, blah, blah) was wearing a lead belt with about 18 lbs., flying dearched at the hips and getting pissy asking why I and the other ladies needed the air turned down for our turn. (It had nothing to do with him!) Why the hell didn't he just take off his weight belt!?! He claimed that in the real world of skydiving, the air cannot be turned up or down (Really Einstein?) ...and proceeded to tell my instructors also that they needed to dirt-dive more. (According to him, in the real world of skydiving, that is how it works...LOL! My jaw dropped as Neal Houston just smiled and said "OK.") Sorry, but I am in a bad mood. There is nothing worse than a skygod, except people that are average, but think that they are skygods and put down others whom they deem unworthy! (ending rant!) Once, though, the air in the tunnel was somehow freakishly low during a 3-way with 2 large guys and myself. Even I was dearching! I was trying not to laugh hysterically as I spotted my teammates' frightened "deer in the headlights" eyes as they struggled to stay off the net. Yeah, I've seen that look before...try the opposite of that and welcome to my world! LOL!~ Edited: typos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lioness 0 #8 November 7, 2003 I'am a newbie.. but I weigh 100lbs and have had to wear a weight vest on a few jumps with heavier people... I wore 8lbs on a vest and didn't really feel too much of a differance under canopy (I jump a Tri-135). But like I said I'm a newbie so it may just have been that I wasn't paying too much attention to that. It did help in freefall however... didn't have to arch quite as much, and it was much easier to get down to the other jumpers. ______________________________________ Be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgskydive 0 #9 November 7, 2003 I don't have the problem of needing weights (thank god. But I am very glad to hear that you are going to be wearing them. Next time we jump together I can arch! YOOHOOO!!!!!Dom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cruzit 0 #10 November 7, 2003 I agree that you should add weights gradually. This will give you plenty of time to adjust to the added speed. A couple of years ago I was in the base of an all womens way. Several of us had to add weight to keep the formation moving. I ended up adding 25 or so pounds....WoooHooo!! Had some of the best swoops ever...but it got my attention. I definitely would start slow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fool 0 #11 November 7, 2003 I weigh a little more than you, but am apparently not as flexible, as I wear about the same amount of weight to put me in a comfortable range... I didn't gradually add wieght, and things worked out ok... that being said, I'm not all that smart, and I have good canopy skills to start off with... I did however notice differences in canopy flight in some areas, mostly with oversteer becoming an issue... S.E.X. party #1 "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "f*#k, what a ride". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #12 November 7, 2003 QuoteI am 97 lbs. No you're not! You are closer to 95 lbs. Seriously, though, talk to Betsy. She's kinda your size and has an assortment of vests and belts. She flies OC with an IC that is 225+. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #13 November 7, 2003 Hi Rosa, Weights have many influences. You'll be wearing enough to put you centre of your range on the dives you do. 1. It's harder to land with weight - than if that weight was part of you - so start slowly and work up. 2. If its an external belt - bear in mind it could affect your reserve drills. 3. If you jump near an open body of water - bear in mind it could have dire consequences. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
batbex 0 #14 November 7, 2003 Hiya - yet another small girl. because I'm tiny - I've always been made to wear weight, I usually only wear between 6 and 10lbs of weight(which feels heavy enough, and means I can keep up with 200lb men without breaking a sweat), 10lbs is still a 10% increase on my body weight - but I seriously don't notice it under canopy(I am on a 170 though!) In a cheating kind of way - it's also good for body position issues, e.g a weight belt weighs down your centrepoint and gaurentees bang on centre turns - and a weight vest - if you have backsliding issues because your comfortable body position is your top half bent right back(I've been told other girls have this problem) - it'll help balance you out a bit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #15 November 7, 2003 Quote3. If you jump near an open body of water - bear in mind it could have dire consequences. Smart comment, t - Also, personal opinion - vest bad, belt good Finally "(Beginning rant) A somewhat substantial sized man with 3000 jumps (who kept reminding everyone within earshot of his jump numbers and 24 years in the sport...blah, blah, blah) was wearing a lead belt with about 18 lbs., flying dearched at the hips and getting pissy asking why I and the other ladies needed the air turned down for our turn. (It had nothing to do with him!) Why the hell didn't he just take off his weight belt!?! He claimed that in the real world of skydiving, the air cannot be turned up or down (Really Einstein?) ...and proceeded to tell my instructors also that they needed to dirt-dive more. (According to him, in the real world of skydiving, that is how it works...LOL! My jaw dropped as Neal Houston just smiled and said "OK.") Sorry, but I am in a bad mood. There is nothing worse than a skygod, except people that are average, but think that they are skygods and put down others whom they deem unworthy! (ending rant!)" The real class act as always was coach. I bet they get all kinds. I wonder why the asshat was pissy when the tunnel was turned down for SOMEONE ELSE's turns...... ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #16 November 7, 2003 QuoteAlso, personal opinion - vest bad, belt good I'll add my 220 lbs man opinion to this.... Serioulsy, my wife is on the small side too, maybe not as small as you Rosa, but she still wears 12 lbs most of the time (she's 5'5 and 120 lbs) She went to a weight belt about 2 years ago, and swears by it. She was a bit worried about the center of gravity issue, but really, to her, there was no issue at all (and she is not big-breasted either). Its so much more confortable, can be easily removed if jumping close to water, and as stated, didnt affect her flying position noticably. I'm not gonna say Mary is wrong (that'd be pretty silly of me! lol) but for some, and even many women, the belt is a preffered option. Plus, if you're even the slightliest handy with a sewing machine, they are pretty easy to make (ask this 220 lbs man who is even less handy with one then that! lol)Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #17 November 7, 2003 Remi's right. My wife makes belts. Very easy, very nice. I really like mine (my OC is a fast faller) Also, look at the RW forum, there's some hints on cheap ways to rig one up from ankle weights. Sorry, no link, but it's on a specific topic on weights and should be in the first three pages or so. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmsmith 1 #18 November 7, 2003 QuoteI have large breasts (& wide shoulders for my size) and no hips (ok, fine, unusually small hips.) Guess I'm at the wrong DZ...sigh. Several of the (tight-body) ladies wear these "slick" jumpsuits that negate the lead requirement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Designer 0 #19 November 7, 2003 O.K.tried most of the over the shoulder types and found them very uncomfortable at opening with 12-16 lbs.You,my dear ,might have to go 16-20.Try the waist type? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #20 November 7, 2003 QuoteI'm not gonna say Mary is wrong (that'd be pretty silly of me! lol) but for some, and even many women, the belt is a preffered option. Thanks. At least you didn't call me a twit. If I'm jumping near water, like at Sebastian, when the plane takes off over the ocean, I wear my weight vest inside out, so I can start pulling weights off if needed. I wear up to 18 pounds in that vest sometimes, and haven't found it uncomfortable for opening. But that's me and that's what I've been wearing for years now. I guess it's all what a person gets use to. Rosa, play around and see what works best for you.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertsky 0 #21 November 7, 2003 I weigh 110 and jump with 8 lbs of weight added. Adding this weight and getting my wing-loading up to 1:1 really helped my landings - they are much better - I can swoop a little now (I don't do serious swooping obviously with a 1:1 wing loading, but before I added weight and downsized I had straight down landings because my canopy stopped dead or sometimes backed up at flare time). I will add more weight (up to 12 lbs.) in freefall too if I'm jumping with real fast fallers. I also use more weight if I'm doing crw and there's a difference in canopy speed with me and my crw partner. And if I'm jumping with a light weight newer student who floats, I don't use the weight belt at all. Get used to it at about 4 lbs first - and see what happens, then add more depending on the situation.*********************************** lookin' for that old time, friendly, club-like dz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HRHSkyPrincess 0 #22 November 7, 2003 Ah, good point, Tonto, about the water landing scenario! I'm a little woman, too, who often wears weight. (I'm about 106 on a good day.) If any riggers are dialed in here, how difficult would it be to add weight to my Javelin on the next repack? I think I'd rather have the rig bear it than me!***************** Attitude is everything! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mww115 0 #23 November 7, 2003 REHMWA, If your wife is making belts, can you email me off the forum about a belt, costs, etc? Thanks, Mike mww115@aol.comUntil you've stepped out at 800' in the dead of night with 100 lbs of chute and equipment.. you haven't jumped. AIRBORNE ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #24 November 7, 2003 I'll have to take a picture of mine once I get my computer fixed to download from the digital camera. Then I'll have her contact you. I'm not sure if she's making any for other than our locals. But I don't see why not. I'll send any further mail off of the forum. Check out the ankle weight thing too in the RW forum. Oh, Mary is definitely not a twit - 'sweet' is the word I was thinking of.... ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #25 November 7, 2003 Quote'sweet' is the word I was thinking of.... Stop sucking up.... And I was by no means trying to imply she was a twit, not by a stretch.... Just diverging opinionsRemster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
