peel and pull the reserve, dont just pull

[Newbie 0]

i just popped my reserve for its repack in my apartment hallway, and thought i would share that with you all - my first attempt to cutaway didnt work too well and i fumbled the pad because i just tried to yank it off (so to speak). It might be because the velcro is so fresh because the rig is new, but anyway, i had to do a real peel then pull motion - aside from that it all went well.

Just a reminder to all those due for their repacks - do a live cutaway practice, its invaluable (just make sure no one is stood behind you when you do )

"Skydiving is a door"
Happythoughts

[andy2 0]

you have a soft pillow cutaway handle? Hmm...

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let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[Newbie 0]

doesn't everyone?

"Skydiving is a door"
Happythoughts

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

doesn't everyone

Some manufactures offer(ed) "soft loop" cutaway handles. Specifically the Racer comes to mind.

Well, that's why at the Transition Course (tandem isp) I teach "Look, grab, look, grab, peel, pull, peel, pull."

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[andy2 0]

[QUOTE]Well, that's why at the Transition Course (tandem isp) I teach "Look, grab, look, grab, peel, pull, peel, pull."[/QUOTE]

This is how I am being taught, to remember that it is attached to velcro, and the easiest way to get it off is to peel. However, my question to more experienced folks, do you think the metal D rings are more "user friendly" i.e. the reason you see most student rigs with them? Just curious, although I guess when I get ready to buy custom manufactured gear I won't have to worry about being a beginning skydiver (read will be in a few years after college ).

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let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[billvon 2,991]

>do you think the metal D rings are more "user friendly" i.e. the
> reason you see most student rigs with them?

Yes. They are easier to unmate, easier to grab and easier to pull. This BTW is also the reason some experienced jumpers _don't_ like them.

[andy2 0]

[QUOTE]BTW is also the reason some experienced jumpers _don't_ like them.
[/QUOTE]

Right! I knew there was a reason people with higher jump numbers tended to use pillow reserve handles, I just couldnt think of it, thanks

---------------------------------------------
let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[johntheking 0]

I think that the metal D rings are more user friendly; it seems inhearent in their very design. They provide a more positive handle, in the traditional sense, and the ring seperates the velcro that holds it in by its own action. The pillow variety are, of course, less likely to become hung-up on objects/flailing limbs; which is why they tend to be favored by freeflyers. I, personally, would rather the pillow than the ring for my own rig. I think that the practice pulls for repacks are a very good idea, also. They would really help put into perspective the demand that is on you if the situation were to call for it.
John

[matttrudeau 0]

I prefer the D-Ring since I'm a newbie and I jump without an RSL. I feel more confident hooking my thumb and pulling. In a high stress situation, I don't want to be peeling anything. More experienced jumpers might prefer the pillow because they're doing more advanced movements like freeflying. But that also means you don't have to use a pillow reserve handle to freefly. The pillow handle looks good, but you should practice emergency procedures more than normal.

[SanDiegoRW 0]

I am a newbie myself, but when I purchased a new rig I opted for a pillow reserve handle and an RSL. I know people with well over 2500 jumps with not one reserve ride. I am not saying I won't need to pull that pillow one day by any means, but what I am saying is when the time comes to pull that thing I am positive that velcro no matter how new is going to lose the fight. Other than that, an accidental reserve ride at 10k feet going 150mph+ is not anything I want to experience. But you know, the cutaway handle is soft and held in with velcro.... as I recall from AFF training the cutaway gets yanked before the reserve in most situations. Yes, the soft reserve handle could burn an extra second and an extra second could cost your life. But. it's a chance I'm willing to take. My life, my choice.

-Kenny

[rigging65 0]

Quote

The pillow handle looks good, but you should practice emergency procedures more than normal.

Since most people don't actually pull their handles every time they practice touch, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to say you need to practice "more" because you have a pillow handle. What you're getting by doing a series of practices touches is a more firmly implanted muscle-memory of where your hands are going to go when the time comes.

If you want to be truly thorough, you should actually pull the handles weekly. Of course, unless your a rigger with lots of time on your hands, this probably isn't going to happen.

My point is, you need to get down the movements of your emergency procedures so you don't have to think about it...regardless of what type handles you use!
...and if you've got any second thoughts about your reserve handle in a stress situation, why aren't you jumping with an RSL? It's certainly not a replacement for you pulling the handle, but it is a damn good backup device!

"...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.
For there you have been, and there you long to return..."

[matttrudeau 0]

No worried about pulling both handles. The RSL debate will go on forever. I personally choose not to jump with one. I just meant I'm not as confident pulling the reserve pillow than I am with the D-ring. Mostly because I never pratice it with the pillow.

[TattooedMoFo 0]

Freeflyers prefer soft handles because of some of the exits you can make as well as harness grips that can be taken during a jump. A D ring is very easy to snag and a pillow reduces the risk but does not eliminate it.