VX vs Xaos-27 - which is better all around??

[Swoopthereitis 0]

Just want to here what most people think is the better canopy VX or Xaos-27, (Loaded about 2.2)
not just for swooping, but for everything. I'm a freeflyer w/ camera and sometimes shoot tandem, but also love to swoop.
Thanks for the input
Blue ones
Ken

[hookitt 1]

Yo Swoop, how bout just a tiny bit of info about yourself? Like your experience level?

I have a fair amount of jumps an the Xaos and VX.

The last VX i jumped exibited fantastic opening characeristics. It flew well but the Riser pressure was intense. Other people have complained about VX openings but to be honest I think they have it sorted out. The riser pressure is still really high though.

The Xaos opens and flies great as well. In fact it's snappy sort of like a stiletto. The riser pressure is easier to deal with.

2.2 is a good wingload for a Xaos and a vx. That's taking into account that you've bothered to work up to the level of proficiency to fly it.

Given only those 2 choices, I'd go for the Xaos.

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[Skydive2 1]

How about a Velocity

[skygod7777 0]

either canopy is a great canopy for freeflying, or camera. the vx used to have bad openings, but they have worked that problem out now. mine was build in november of last year and it opens like a dream (a good 600 foot snivel, not a crossfire opening, but enough to slow down and then open).

the xaos has a longer snivil time, but i really think there is no reason for it.

the vx has high front riser pressure, while the xaos has relatively lighte (compared to the vx anyway) and the opposite on rears, the vx has light while the xaos is heavy.

they fly very similar in brakes and turning basically when ever flying with toggles, they fly similar in risers other than the pressure.

the dives are the same, i've seen team landings done with a vx and a xaos both loaded at about the same (wyatt drews under a vx and tj landgren under a xaos at rantoul).

either canopy would be a great canopy to have, it's just a matter of what you prefur.

i have about 300 jumps on a couple different vx's most on my 85. and about 20 or 30 on a xaos27 78

later

[jumperconway 0]

I jump 3 Xaos's, a 79'-27 2.3+/1, an 85'21 and 87'21 with about 500 jumps on the 3 of them. I've jumped VX's albeit not new ones and the openings left alot to be desired. Front riser pressure is twice that of the Xaos' and I found the VX to be much twitchier. All my Xaos' open extremely nice and if you are buying new, you'll love the extra silicone coating on the new Xaos'.

[YM4 0]

I've had two VX, my first one flew great, The riser pressure was a killer but could live with it, BUT the openings suck. I lost that canopy at Quincy few years ago after a line twist. Gone!

I bought another one with also great characteristics, also hard riser pressure and even worst opennings. A lot of line twist.
I tried every single packing trick there is but didn't help to much.

After my last cut away, because of another line twist, not to mention when flying the wing suit, I said that was it for my VX and called Chris Martin cause I wanted a Xaos which I had tried and was a blast in every aspect.

I didn't have the money for a new Xaos so I tried the Precision XVX Mod.

To make the story short, I love my XVX, Great opennings with slopy pack jobs, great line strech flying my S3 and really good and long swoop. Ohhh... Realy good riser preasure.

Can't say anything about the latest versions of the VX, cause I havent tried them yet.

But as soon as I have enough cash I will buy a Xaos.

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight,
It's the size of the fight in the dog!"

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

I used to own a VX and I loved the way it flew, but hated the openings; very "surgey". I have jumped Xaos 27's in a couple of sizes and think they are just a nicer opening canopy. I also appreciate the lighter front riser pressure. Still, everyone likes different things out of their canopies, so I would absolutely, positively demo both canopies in the same size before I spent my money.

Chuck

[swooper120 0]

All the above posts talk about all the same things I have experienced with both canopies..I jump and love my Xaos27-78, WL=2.1, swoops great on rears, front riser pressure is just right, and the openings are awesome..camera flying or FreeFlying

One thing, is Icarus utilizing Vectran or HMA lines on the VX now? I havent jumped a "newer" VX, or recall if they are using HMA lines..and the HMA Lines Precision installs on the Xaos are SUPPOSED to last longer than Vectran lines..so that can also be considered..

Demo them both and see what you prefer!! Also the customer service I received from Chris at Precision when ordering my Xaos and a buddies was excellent.

[koz2000 1]

Precision is doing what is called the X-mod on the Extreme canopies which includes HMA lines and new stabilizers.

http://precision.aerodynamics.com/X-Mod/X-Mod.htm

However Icarus and PD are still using Vectran on their x-braced canopies. (at least the last couple new ones I've seen, not including the PD Factory team canopies)

______________________________________________
- Does this small canopy make my balls look big? - J. Hayes -

[jumperconway 0]

Quote

Precision is doing what is called the X-mod on the Extreme canopies which includes HMA lines and new stabilizers.
______________________

I demo'd an XVX before I ordered my Xaos 27. The openings still surged like a bitch.Snivelllllllll
Z O O M!!!!! Nothing like the Xaos. It still had the Vx slider I think because it was still small.
__________________________
However Icarus and PD are still using Vectran on their x-braced canopies. (at least the last couple new ones I've seen, not including the PD Factory team canopies)

_______________

Is the PD team using continuous HMA?

[ianmdrennan 2]

I'm not entirely sure on this but I believe they are using cascaded HMA (which I don't believe they plan on offering to the public cause of the *bitch* factor).

Not sure though.

Blue skies
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Quote

Is the PD team using continuous HMA?

Cascaded HMA, but they change linesets very frequently.

[jumperconway 0]

Quote

Quote

Is the PD team using continuous HMA?

Cascaded HMA, but they change linesets very frequently.

Chuck,
My understanding is that cascading HMA wears it real quick. One of the reasons Precision chose not to cascade them. I also like the fact that they went to spectra steering lines!

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

I was at the first event that Xaos canopies participated in. All had continuous HMA, but some of the guys changed their linesets to cascades_during_ the event. Both have been tried on that canopy line.

[nicknitro71 0]

Hey man, I saw you swooping the thing, you're kind of awsome with that thing man! You're kind of like a skygod or so.

When I grow up I want a Xaos 45.

Memento Audere Semper

903

[GroundZero 0]

Hi Conway,

Those new steering lines are not spectra. Spectra shrinks from friction and the steering lines experience quite a bit of friction during both the deployment (slider descent) and steering (friction from the guide ring). The new lower control lines (white) are actually 400 lb. Darcon.

Nothing lasts longer than dacron. Perfect line for that application.

Chris

[jumperconway 0]

Hmmm,
Darcon, that's a new one!

[GeeeeeeFly 0]

How do you pack your Xaos?
And did you Psycho pack the VX when you jumped it?

"The edge ... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who know where it is are those that have gone over"

[jumperconway 0]

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How do you pack your Xaos?
And did you Psycho pack the VX when you jumped it?

from a previous post http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=786859#786859

Pro packed the Xvx and had a good packer try and tame it. Successful once!