UKFSChick 0 #1 July 23, 2006 Hiya I'm thinking of switching from a Sabre 2 120 to a Katana 107 (I used to have a Stiletto 120). Any Katana/ Sabre 2/ Stiletto users able to comment on openings and performance? I've always loved my Stiletto but switched to the Sabre 2 due to using packers on tight back-to-backs... the Stiletto has always opened beautifully when I've packed it but not always so pretty depending on the packer and their schedule! I also like the flight characteristics of the Stiletto, and the landings, as a preference to the Sabre 2, and would have stuck with it were it not for the potential opening issue on a scrappy pack-job. I am hoping a Katana 107 would be higher performance than a Sabre 2 but with more predictable openings than a Stiletto, bearing in mind whatever I have is likely to have been packed in 3 minutes flat :) Any feedback appreciated. Thanks Emma ps I should add I am not a big swooper, with an exit weight of around 145lbs depending on who I'm jumping with and how much lead I have on. I won't be loading a 107 very heavily. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dploi 0 #2 July 23, 2006 I once switched from a Sabre 2 107 to a Katana 97, and it was perfect for me. I swooped the hell out of that Sabre 2 over 400 times. I then demoed a KA 107 and 97. The same size KA felt much more responsive than the SA 107, but not much quicker overall. Going one size down was perfect. Your mileage may vary. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headoverheels 333 #3 July 23, 2006 I find that openings on my Katana are less predictable than those on my Stiletto. However, it is a Katana 107 and was a Stiletto 135, so maybe more sensitive to body position. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKFSChick 0 #4 July 23, 2006 Thanks. Do you often get twists? I was wondering if thicker lines would make a difference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headoverheels 333 #5 July 23, 2006 I have had line twists a few times; it can be very exciting. As far as I know, the size of the lines will not affect whether you get twists. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKFSChick 0 #6 July 23, 2006 I have enough excitement in my life! All I want is soft, reliable openings and nice, soft landings...But I wonder if Katana from a Sabre 2 might be a bit much of a leap, on top of downsizing... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #7 July 23, 2006 Line size will not make any difference to the chance of linetwists. Only your body position during deployment and inflation. The KA isn't a canopy for everyone. If you're thinking about the 107 I'd just demo the KA AND the Sabre2 107's before buying. You may find the Sabre2 satisfies your needs more. Blues! IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivenagasaki 0 #8 July 23, 2006 QuoteAll I want is soft, reliable openings and nice, soft landings...But I wonder if Katana from a Sabre 2 might be a bit much of a leap, on top of downsizing... Many people are quick to overlook the Spectre as a small wing but probably the most underrated canopy on the market. The Katana is a WAY more agressive canopy than the Sabre2 and if you're looking for reliability with openings and perfect landings, at least putting some demo jumps on a Spectre wouldn't hurt "and if you don't like it then 'Hey Fuck You'" --The Beastie Boys-- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKFSChick 0 #9 July 23, 2006 Good idea. Do you know how the Spectre landings compare with a Stiletto? And is the Katana more similar to a Velocity, or to a Crossfire, would you say? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #10 July 23, 2006 QuoteKatana more similar to a Velocity, Correct.To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivenagasaki 0 #11 July 23, 2006 Quote Good idea. Do you know how the Spectre landings compare with a Stiletto? And is the Katana more similar to a Velocity, or to a Crossfire, would you say? Quote I agree with Ian, more similar to a Velocity, as far as landings, we have a guy at our dropzone with a Spectre 97 and he can swoop the hell out of it or can land it dead center of the peas, all depends on how it's flown - a super versitile wing. "and if you don't like it then 'Hey Fuck You'" --The Beastie Boys-- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Spizzzarko 0 #12 July 23, 2006 The spectre has a deep flare stroke (Flaring all the way), but it is probably the best all around canopy ever made. Yes you can make it go fast, and you can make it go slow too. It opens good, packs up small, and fly's nicely. It isn't going to get back from the long spots like the stilletto, but the stilletto is really a flat flying canopy. Have fun be careful That is all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #13 July 23, 2006 QuoteI have enough excitement in my life! All I want is soft, reliable openings and nice, soft landings...But I wonder if Katana from a Sabre 2 might be a bit much of a leap, on top of downsizing... katana sabre2 crossfire sifire. I think the sifire is the best ALL AROUND canopy of the four in that list. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites UKFSChick 0 #14 July 23, 2006 What would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #15 July 23, 2006 QuoteWhat would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Katana except i think the crossfires openings are a wee bit more predictable. but i havent jumped a katana, im just going off of what others have told me. not that i hear the katana openings are bad, ive actually heard they were great, just not as good as the crossfire. i think there is a point where you sacrifice openings to performance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ntacfreefly 0 #16 July 24, 2006 Mark is right, the KA is the direct comparision. Mind if I ask what's prompting the downsize? Honestly, there's little comparision (if any) between the KA and the Stiletto. Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites UKFSChick 0 #17 July 24, 2006 I think I will get better landings if I load slightly heavier, at the moment I am around 1.2. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites diablopilot 2 #18 July 24, 2006 Em, the openings on the Katana far less predictable than the Stiletto. Otherwise it's a great canopy to fly. Does much worse on gliding back from long spots, dives far more in a turn, but feels like a sportscar.....---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites dragon2 2 #19 July 24, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhat would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Katana I thought the vengeance was more of a xfire analog? ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites dharma1976 0 #20 July 24, 2006 I would give icarus a chance, I just had an AWESOME customer service experience with them, and can truly say that I was shocked having heard for years that the icarus customer support system was terrible... see if you can get a demo of a crossfire, the openings are beautiful....and the landings are long and getting back from a long spot is fairly easy.... cheers Davehttp://www.skyjunky.com CSpenceFLY - I can't believe the number of people willing to bet their life on someone else doing the right thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites KidWicked 0 #21 July 24, 2006 QuoteI would give icarus a chance, I just had an AWESOME customer service experience with them, Lucky you, it must have been a full moon.Coreece: "You sound like some skinheads I know, but your prejudice is with Christians, not niggers..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #22 July 24, 2006 QuoteWhat would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Katana except i think the crossfires openings are a wee bit more predictable. but i havent jumped a katana, im just going off of what others have told me. not that i hear the katana openings are bad, ive actually heard they were great, just not as good as the crossfire. i think there is a point where you sacrifice openings to performance. Mark, I've jumped both and currently own and jump a XF2. The Katana blows the XF2 clean out of the water in terms of overall performance. Its opens about the same as the XF2, the front riser pressure is super light, the rear riser pressure isn't that heavy either. The toggle stroke is shorter on the Katana, but its all around faster. Not just the obvious trim making it feel faster. Its faster in the swoop. After 600-700 jumps on a XF2, I've got the swoops fairly dialed in. With 3 jumps on a katana of the same size I swooper further and faster then I can with my XF2. Kinda surprised me, actually. The openings are very comfortable and managable. Very much like a Crossfire2. IMO the openings are much better then a Stiletto. Easier to control during the opening and much softer then the Stiletto. Obviously, this is my opinion, go demo the canopy to see if you like it yourself. Oh, I'm also saying all of this and I'm not going to buy a KA. I'm getting a Velocity next, but the KA is definately a nice canopy.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Fast 0 #23 July 24, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhat would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Katana except i think the crossfires openings are a wee bit more predictable. but i havent jumped a katana, im just going off of what others have told me. not that i hear the katana openings are bad, ive actually heard they were great, just not as good as the crossfire. i think there is a point where you sacrifice openings to performance. Mark, I've jumped both and currently own and jump a XF2. The Katana blows the XF2 clean out of the water in terms of overall performance. Its opens about the same as the XF2, the front riser pressure is super light, the rear riser pressure isn't that heavy either. The toggle stroke is shorter on the Katana, but its all around faster. Not just the obvious trim making it feel faster. Its faster in the swoop. After 600-700 jumps on a XF2, I've got the swoops fairly dialed in. With 3 jumps on a katana of the same size I swooper further and faster then I can with my XF2. Kinda surprised me, actually. The openings are very comfortable and managable. Very much like a Crossfire2. IMO the openings are much better then a Stiletto. Easier to control during the opening and much softer then the Stiletto. Obviously, this is my opinion, go demo the canopy to see if you like it yourself. Oh, I'm also saying all of this and I'm not going to buy a KA. I'm getting a Velocity next, but the KA is definately a nice canopy. Just want to agree with dave here. I have a couple hundred jumps on my Crossfire 2-139 and had an oppertunity to put 4-5 jumps on a Katana-120 and besides the downsize the canopy was MUCH more agressive than the crossfire. I have jumped other 120 sized canopys and it wasn't like the katana. Like dave said, w/o many jumps on it and being dialed in, and being not being aggressive (smaller turns), I had a better feeling swoop on the katana than I do on my own canopy. If I had money I would switch right now.~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites trigger 0 #24 July 24, 2006 Not entering a pissing contest here. But 135 vs 120 i,d say 15 ft2 smaller canopy is obviously going to be more aggressive,hence blowing your 135 out of the water..CHOP WOOD COLLECT WATER. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #25 July 24, 2006 Quote Not entering a pissing contest here. But 135 vs 120 i,d say 15 ft2 smaller canopy is obviously going to be more aggressive,hence blowing your 135 out of the water. My comparison was the KA 150 vs. XF2 149. So even with an extra sq ft the KA still blew it out of the water.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. 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Spizzzarko 0 #12 July 23, 2006 The spectre has a deep flare stroke (Flaring all the way), but it is probably the best all around canopy ever made. Yes you can make it go fast, and you can make it go slow too. It opens good, packs up small, and fly's nicely. It isn't going to get back from the long spots like the stilletto, but the stilletto is really a flat flying canopy. Have fun be careful That is all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #13 July 23, 2006 QuoteI have enough excitement in my life! All I want is soft, reliable openings and nice, soft landings...But I wonder if Katana from a Sabre 2 might be a bit much of a leap, on top of downsizing... katana sabre2 crossfire sifire. I think the sifire is the best ALL AROUND canopy of the four in that list. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKFSChick 0 #14 July 23, 2006 What would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marks 0 #15 July 23, 2006 QuoteWhat would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Katana except i think the crossfires openings are a wee bit more predictable. but i havent jumped a katana, im just going off of what others have told me. not that i hear the katana openings are bad, ive actually heard they were great, just not as good as the crossfire. i think there is a point where you sacrifice openings to performance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntacfreefly 0 #16 July 24, 2006 Mark is right, the KA is the direct comparision. Mind if I ask what's prompting the downsize? Honestly, there's little comparision (if any) between the KA and the Stiletto. Blues, IanTo the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~ Lao-Tzu It's all good, they're my brothers ~ Mariann Kramer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKFSChick 0 #17 July 24, 2006 I think I will get better landings if I load slightly heavier, at the moment I am around 1.2. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #18 July 24, 2006 Em, the openings on the Katana far less predictable than the Stiletto. Otherwise it's a great canopy to fly. Does much worse on gliding back from long spots, dives far more in a turn, but feels like a sportscar.....---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #19 July 24, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhat would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Katana I thought the vengeance was more of a xfire analog? ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dharma1976 0 #20 July 24, 2006 I would give icarus a chance, I just had an AWESOME customer service experience with them, and can truly say that I was shocked having heard for years that the icarus customer support system was terrible... see if you can get a demo of a crossfire, the openings are beautiful....and the landings are long and getting back from a long spot is fairly easy.... cheers Davehttp://www.skyjunky.com CSpenceFLY - I can't believe the number of people willing to bet their life on someone else doing the right thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KidWicked 0 #21 July 24, 2006 QuoteI would give icarus a chance, I just had an AWESOME customer service experience with them, Lucky you, it must have been a full moon.Coreece: "You sound like some skinheads I know, but your prejudice is with Christians, not niggers..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #22 July 24, 2006 QuoteWhat would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Katana except i think the crossfires openings are a wee bit more predictable. but i havent jumped a katana, im just going off of what others have told me. not that i hear the katana openings are bad, ive actually heard they were great, just not as good as the crossfire. i think there is a point where you sacrifice openings to performance. Mark, I've jumped both and currently own and jump a XF2. The Katana blows the XF2 clean out of the water in terms of overall performance. Its opens about the same as the XF2, the front riser pressure is super light, the rear riser pressure isn't that heavy either. The toggle stroke is shorter on the Katana, but its all around faster. Not just the obvious trim making it feel faster. Its faster in the swoop. After 600-700 jumps on a XF2, I've got the swoops fairly dialed in. With 3 jumps on a katana of the same size I swooper further and faster then I can with my XF2. Kinda surprised me, actually. The openings are very comfortable and managable. Very much like a Crossfire2. IMO the openings are much better then a Stiletto. Easier to control during the opening and much softer then the Stiletto. Obviously, this is my opinion, go demo the canopy to see if you like it yourself. Oh, I'm also saying all of this and I'm not going to buy a KA. I'm getting a Velocity next, but the KA is definately a nice canopy.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fast 0 #23 July 24, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhat would you assess as being the PD equivalent of a Crossfire? If there is such a thing... Katana except i think the crossfires openings are a wee bit more predictable. but i havent jumped a katana, im just going off of what others have told me. not that i hear the katana openings are bad, ive actually heard they were great, just not as good as the crossfire. i think there is a point where you sacrifice openings to performance. Mark, I've jumped both and currently own and jump a XF2. The Katana blows the XF2 clean out of the water in terms of overall performance. Its opens about the same as the XF2, the front riser pressure is super light, the rear riser pressure isn't that heavy either. The toggle stroke is shorter on the Katana, but its all around faster. Not just the obvious trim making it feel faster. Its faster in the swoop. After 600-700 jumps on a XF2, I've got the swoops fairly dialed in. With 3 jumps on a katana of the same size I swooper further and faster then I can with my XF2. Kinda surprised me, actually. The openings are very comfortable and managable. Very much like a Crossfire2. IMO the openings are much better then a Stiletto. Easier to control during the opening and much softer then the Stiletto. Obviously, this is my opinion, go demo the canopy to see if you like it yourself. Oh, I'm also saying all of this and I'm not going to buy a KA. I'm getting a Velocity next, but the KA is definately a nice canopy. Just want to agree with dave here. I have a couple hundred jumps on my Crossfire 2-139 and had an oppertunity to put 4-5 jumps on a Katana-120 and besides the downsize the canopy was MUCH more agressive than the crossfire. I have jumped other 120 sized canopys and it wasn't like the katana. Like dave said, w/o many jumps on it and being dialed in, and being not being aggressive (smaller turns), I had a better feeling swoop on the katana than I do on my own canopy. If I had money I would switch right now.~D Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me. Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trigger 0 #24 July 24, 2006 Not entering a pissing contest here. But 135 vs 120 i,d say 15 ft2 smaller canopy is obviously going to be more aggressive,hence blowing your 135 out of the water..CHOP WOOD COLLECT WATER. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #25 July 24, 2006 Quote Not entering a pissing contest here. But 135 vs 120 i,d say 15 ft2 smaller canopy is obviously going to be more aggressive,hence blowing your 135 out of the water. My comparison was the KA 150 vs. XF2 149. So even with an extra sq ft the KA still blew it out of the water.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
