Ok, who jumps a reflex?

[apoil 0]

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So if your reserve was blue, you would honestly search out a rigger that liked that color and was not irritated by it? I've known many riggers; not one of them would take less care on a rig that "irritated" them. Most riggers take their responsibilities far more seriously than that; if such things concern you about your rigger I'd strongly suggest finding a new one.

I'm getting real sick of hearing this argument with respect to the reflex.
It's always, if your rigger doesn't like it maybe you should find a new rigger.

Well sometimes you CANT find a new rigger.
How many bad reserve pack jobs do you have to go through before you find a rigger that packs the thing properly? How long is your rig going to be "in the shop" while you sit on the ground because you are evaluating yet another rigger to find out if he's one of the magical few that can pack your rig properly?

Here's the real issue.
You are making a purchasing decision:

Rig A - market leader, everyone knows it, parts are readily available, all riggers are familiar with it and have packed many.

Rig B - minimal market penetration, original company went out of business, many riggers are prejudiced against it, some hate it and refuse to pack it, others do so grudgingly, some are quite happy with it, yet even those never seem to get it packed so that the pop top stays closed.

Which one will you buy?

[billvon 2,989]

>How many bad reserve pack jobs do you have to go through . . . .

None. If a rigger packs a rig unsafely, then tell him about it so he can correct the problem. If it happens twice, tell the world so they can avoid that rigger.

Riggers are really not as incompetent as you make them out to be. I'm not a rigger - never got any formal training. I read the packing manual for the reflex and was packing them on my own within two pack jobs. Most riggers can both read and pack parachutes; most much better than I can.

>Which one will you buy?

I would buy rig C - a rig that is common here, that is easy to pack, that has no problem with the poptop staying closed, and that riggers don't mind. Around here, that's a reflex.

There are many variables in choosing a rig. Price, pin protection, type of main deployment system available, harness ring options, fit options etc. You may also want to consider how much riggers "like" it; that's up to you. I've owned some bizarre rigs in my time, including an older Racer (the rigger's nightmare if you listen to some people) and a Swift. I never had a problem getting those rigs repacked, even before I was doing it myself. Therefore, I put "rigs that riggers aren't annoyed by" last on my list of things to look for in a rig.

Of course, if you want to put it first, then by all means, do so.

[sundevil777 102]

If a significant % of riggers were so irritated with blue rigs that they would:

1) Do a bad job,
or
2) Complain so much about having to do it that one might wonder if they will do a bad job,
or
3) Decline to offer their services

then I consider it a disadvantage to have such a rig (blue or whatever).

In my experience (since '80), the % of riggers who will do one of the above for certain rigs is significant. To some degree, the perception of being a hassle/difficult is earned, and I do have complete faith and respect for many riggers who
complain about certain rigs.

I can't change their attitude, even if they should know/do/try better/harder.

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[sundevil777 102]

If you're packing it yourself, then there is no issue, any rigger can supervise, right? Or does it have to be a master rigger?

Anyway, you've got the issue solved and can probably show a lot of witnessing riggers the right - easy way to do it.

Too bad you still have to pay for it, or do you?

Is this the secret way to get free/reduced price repacks?

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[skygod7777 0]

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If you're packing it yourself, then there is no issue, any rigger can supervise, right? Or does it have to be a master rigger?

sen. rigger can supervise.

later

[pilotdave 0]

[replyI would buy rig C - a rig that is common here, that is easy to pack, that has no problem with the poptop staying closed, and that riggers don't mind. Around here, that's a reflex.

[riggerrob 643]

Two points:
First, silicone grease may be causing Pop-tops to loosen. I know that Airtec encourages riggers to lubricate closing loops with silicone grease, but adjustable loops should never be lubricated.
Even if a conscientious rigger never deliberately lubricates Reflex loops, chances are there is residual grease on his tools. That is why I try to use new pull-up cords when I close reserves with adjustable loops.

Secondly, a large part of this debate is over "regional" rigs. Back in the 1980s, lots of Californians jumped Talons , but hardly any East Coasters. At the same time, hundreds of East Coasters jumped Racers, but they were rare on the West Coast. A major factor in choosing a rig should be choosing one that your local rigger is comfortable with.

I still get a chuckle when I remember a rigger telling his girlfriend (circa 1982) "Sure you can buy a Racer, but you will have to send it out of province to get it repacked."
Hee! Hee!

[Rdutch 0]

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>oh but the grief I would get from riggers . . .

I find the reflex reserve pretty easy to pack.

>bye the way anyone looking for a very inexpensive Reflex?

What size person/canopies? Large or small harness rings?

Well uh, I actually agree with bill. Im larning to be a rigger and yesterday I was thrown a loop. My instructo says "Hey enough Vector3's you need to pack a lot of different rigs, here's one for ya" And throws me a Reflex. After reading this series of posts Im a little worried, turns out the reflex is one of the more easier rigs to pack. Closing them is easy as hell. There was an issue with the manual, it isnt as descriptive as it should be, but I would rather close a Reflex than a Mirage, Javelin and yes even a vector. But would I jump one with a Catapult? That is another story. But then again the catapult is an option.

Ray
Small and fast what every girl dreams of!