New Gear

[Iflyme 0]

I know someone here who just got her first gear -- and is she ever happy about it!

C'mon, tell everyone about it!

[gale 0]

Hello, I think he's talking about me!

Well, since you asked....

I bought a dolphin student container with a Triathalon 220 main and a Tempo reserve. I was really nervous about jumping it. I figured coming down from the Mantas would be a frightening experience. I figured I'd be coming in to flare and thinking I was going to die.

Nope. Definately not. Not dead. It was really fun and the best thing I've done for my canopy issues I think. OK, so I got a little muddy but you just can't smack this smile off my face
While we're on the subject of gear, I have a question: the main and reserve are small for the container and I was wondering if there was any danger in this?

Thanks,

Gale

I'm drowning...so come inside
Welcome to my...dirty mind

[drenaline 0]

Congrats and beer on your gear!

Quote

the main and reserve are small for the container and I was wondering if there was any danger in this?

Ask a rigger and/or email altico (they answer very fast) and they will tell you if its ok.

FYI I am using a 150 spectre main in a container suited for a 220 main and a 178 reserve and the container is suited for a 200 reserve. Model size is D-4.

HISPA 21
www.panamafreefall.com

[bobsoutar 0]

If there is a problem it probably would have come up at the last reserve repack - best to check with a rigger for peace of mind. Congrats anyway.

[beavdog 0]

we had a guy at this year that was jumping a 170 in container made for a 190-230 and he almost had a nasty horseshoe. if you are going to attempt this make sure that your closing loop is short enough to keep your pin in tight

Here's to the Breezes that blows through the Trezzez.....

[gale 0]

This has been checked by two rigger actually and I think it's ok. Here's a question though...

The d-bag is large for my canopy (nice and easy to pack) so it allows a fair amount of air in it. So it's squishy when I go to close it. So I guess the question is, how tight should the closing loop be? Do I make sure and squish all the air out and then close it or not worry about the air in it? (If all the air is out the colsing loop is obviously going to be more loose) Or am I nitpicking and this doesn't matter at all?

Sorry, maybe a dumb question, but I just want to make sure that I'm not overlooking something important.

Gale

I'm drowning...so come inside
Welcome to my...dirty mind

[PhreeZone 20]

If its loose after pushing air out with it in the container, shorten the closing loop. This is a big deal since loose it could and probally will eventually open in freefall.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[AggieDave 6]

When you pack, you want the grommets of the 4 flaps to line up (as close as possible, its hard to actually do). If the loop is too loose, then it could fall out and I doubt I have to explain why that would be bad. If it is too tight, you may have hesitation or maybe even a PC in tow.

Pack it like you normally do, then show it to a rigger you trust, have him/her look at it and make the final judgement, since its hard to judge it over the net with out seeing it.

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

[bobsoutar 0]

If your d-bag is much too big you may get some hard openings. You also want your closure loop pretty tight (particularly if you are freeflying) to avoid a horseshoe type malfunction - get a rigger or experienced packer to look it over for you.

[riggerrob 643]

Too large a D-bag is unlikely to affect how hard your canopy opens.
The important question is: are your rubber bands tight?
As for the main closing loop .... shorten it until it takes 15 - 20 pounds of tension on the bridle to pop the pin. Any less tension than that and you risk unplanned openings at a variety of altitudes and airspeeds.
I can't remember if the Dolphin main closing loop is anchored in the pack tray (like a Javelin) if so that is the best configuration for mis-matched canopy volumes. If your closing loop is not anchored in the pack tray, then you should ask your friendly neighborhood Master Rigger to sew in a Javelin/Wings style main closing loop anchor. I prefer the Wings style loop anchor because only a total idiot can snag lines on the grommet.
Also check if your Dolphin has a main-bridle-hider-flap similar to recent Javelins. If not, ask your local Master Rigger to sew one onto the bottom of your container. A bridle-hider-flap reduces the chances of the wind blowing your bridle loose in sit-fly, etc.