Vector 3 or Mirage G3?

[BFK 0]

I've settled on what I am choosing for a main, reserve and of course a Cypres.
But I am really struggling with what to get for a container. I will spare no expense when it comes to a container. I want the container that is the safest for all types of flight (freefly, freestyle, etc.).
I think the safest is probably the Vector 3 or the Mirage G3.
Does anyone have any reason why one of these is safer/better than the other?? Or is it a toss up?? I want to feel comfortable going head down or standing, or jumping in groups.
I really appreciate any advice on this.
Brad

[Zennie 0]

I just bought a Vector III on my rigger's recommendation. The primary advantage was its pin protection. Which is pretty important.
I believe the Mirage is the same fundamental design.
So it's probably pretty much a toss up. I'm pleased as punch with my Vector, but I have heard a lot of Mirage fans talk about how comfortable their rig is. So it will probably come down to a comfort question. Try both on and see which feels best to you.
------------
Blue Skies!
Zennie

[Vlad 0]

You can spend less money and get the same quality/comfort/safety if you buy either Wings or Infinity. I bought a Wings for myself and could not be more happy. But I know people who are jumping Infinities and love them ,too !

[BFK 0]

Is Wings the same quality material as the Mirage or the Vector?? Does it have the same protection and retention of everything??
Brad

[BFK 0]

Okay, I checked out the Wings website and now I am VERY confused.
Is there anything about the Vector, Wings or Mirage that makes ANY of those choices better than another???
Brad

[OmriMon 0]

try to look what standart option u get with each of the conteiners with the complete first price, some containers come with stainless steal hardware with no extra price and stuff like that, check it out and see whats the best deal
Free Skies,
Omri

[mattb 0]

Wings has very good riser and pin protection. As my rigger / salesman told me - the top 5 or 6 manufacturers are all about equal. Which one do you like the looks of? Price? Time to your door? Wings is a newer company and very hot right now - hopefully the resale value will be there in a few years.
my 2 cents,
-mob
ps - the Wings is one of only 2 containers on the market TSO'd to a higher set of standards. I'm not sure what the other one is, their marketing literature doesn't reveal that.
Edited by mattb on 4/19/01 06:36 AM.

[maretus 0]

You can read price comparison between Voodoo, Javelin, Vector III and Mirage from http://www.rigginginnovations.com/voodoo/product_compr.htm
That is of course from rigginginnovations pages but it should be quite right.

[Zennie 0]

I mentioned Wings to my rigger and he went "AAAGH!". I didn't probe much further (should have) since I was leaning toward a Javelin or Vector anyway. I know some rigs give packers and riggers fits when packing. That might be what his reaction was.
------------
Blue Skies!
Zennie

[Krishan 0]

Personally I like the Mirage G3 best. I like the fact that the tuck flap that covers the pin/bridle is bigger than most of the other comparable rigs, providing more protection against snagging. I have seen Vector 3's that had bridle sticking out from underneath the tuck flap due to the fact that it is rather small.
I'm sure they are all excellent rigs though.

[skybytch 273]

Between those two I'd have to pick the Vector 3. Built by Relative Workshop, who have been building containers since dirt was invented (or the mid-70's, I can never remember which). Comfortable, extremely high quality, and a company that will stand behind their gear and likely still be doing so ten or twenty years from now. They also test and fiddle with their designs before releasing them to the public. Oh yeah and this is the same company that brought us the throw out pilot chute and the 3 ring release.
The Mirage is a copy of the Vector 3. Comfortable, secure and well made from what I've heard/seen but the company hasn't impressed me with customer service and the pricing is a bit on the high side imho.
Personally I'm gonna save a few bucks when I get my new container and buy an Infinity. Comfort, security, good looks and a reasonable price.
pull and flare,
lisa

[alan 1]

The Voodoo by Rigging Innovations is also Tested to TSO C-23D
alan

[ditch9276 0]

you really want to buy such a container??? before buy one, jump they, and if you really want a good container for all kind of flying check this site >www.paratec.de< i think they build a famous container at a real nice price too.
with blue skies ditch9276

[Vlad 0]

As far as I understand, the newerer several rigs (G3, Vector, Voodoo, Wings, Infinity, Odissey) are very much equal in quality and comfort. The comfort depends more on such factors as presence of rings @ hips, the way you pack your canopy, if the container is sized correctly for you and your canopies and so for.
To BFK : yes, Wings is made from the same 1000-cordura as Mirage or Wings. The main container closes the same way. The principal difference is that Wings has a pop-top, just like javelin. Some people say, it is safer, I'm not sure how true this is. But that is a great container !

[BFK 0]

>The Voodoo by Rigging Innovations is also Tested to TSO >C-23D
What does this mean? I hear a lot about TSO, but I don't know what it means. Does this mean the VOODOO is tested to higher deployment speeds?
Brad

[maretus 0]

The TSO-standards can be quite confusing. I found the following explanation from fliteline's webpages :
--------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL STANDARD ORDER (TSO) CERTIFICATION
At present there are six levels of TSO Certification is use. There are systems built under TSO C23(B) in either low speed or standard category. There are systems built under TSO C23(C) in either category A, B, or C. As of 6/1/94 TSO C23(D) was implemented and TSO C23(C) was superseded.
TSO C23(C)
Parachute assemblies shall be tested to minimum limits of persons up to 115 kg (254 lbs..) fully equipped, and up to 150 knots.
TSO C23(D)
Parachute assemblies shall be tested to minimum limits of persons of up to 119.7 kg (264 lbs..) fully equipped, and up to 150 knots.
--------------------
At the moment I believe that all sport equipment are tested at least TSO-C23 (C).

[mattb 0]

I'm no expert so this could be wrong but i think the Voodoo and Wings and anything else with the higher TSO rating are tested at higher weights. Could be mistaken.
-mob

[Nash 0]

I agree with your assessment.
I think the G3s look a little nicer, but I think the pin protection on the Vector is better. The flap covering the main pin on the Vector is a little stiffer and less likely to get unseated by movement in the plane, even though it may not be as wide as the G3's. I also like the extra riser covers on the Vector better. But both are great rigs. I have a Vector 3 but would look at Mirage if I were in the market for another. I like the way the reserve packs on the Vector much better than some other rigs. And the reserve pilot chute has a really stiff spring which should help launch it clear and maybe avoid entanglement if you are unstable. I have not packed a Mirage, but understand they pack the same.
Hope my 2 cents worth helps.
Nash

[Cacophony 0]

Vector 3
Safe landings,
Alex D-23912

[Donna 0]

What are you getting for a main and a reserve, Brad?

[BFK 0]

Hey Donna,
I'm getting a Spectre 170 for my main and a PD reserve 160 or 176, depending on what will fit best in the container.
I've heard universally that Spectre has very soft openings and is possibly the most forgiving canopy on the market.
I didn't want anything other than the canopies most likely to cause me the least problems. I weigh 165 without gear if you were wondering about wing loading.
Brad
PS Thanks to everyone for great advice and information about the rigs. I really appreciate your opinions!

[Donna 0]

Hey Brad,
I've heard nice things about the Spectre, too. I almost went with one but chose a Triathlon instead, mostly because it's suppose to be a bit easier to pack. You'll have to let us know how you like it.
Blue ones,
D