andy2 0 #1 April 22, 2003 I'm in the process of buying new risers for a vector 2 container. I am going to ask my rigger about this, and then all will be good, but I want to have some sort of working knowledge so I dont sound clueless. What is the difference between the different lengths of the risers? Are longer risers for bigger people? Or does it have to do with the size of your canopy? Thanks. --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #2 April 22, 2003 Most container mfgs. have a "standard" length for their risers (somewhere between 20-22 inches, generally). Shorter risers help those with shorter arms get to the toggles/slider/etc.. In theory, each canopy has an optimum riser length that allows it to open up into the proper shape as the mfg. intended it to fly in. In practice, an inch or two either way doesn't make much difference. Risers that are too short will have a tendency to create bulk against the side of your reserve tray or the riser covers (depending on container type), as the toggle/links/etc. lay in there. It's also important, regardless of riser length, that you make sure to route the riser/lines down the outside of the main tray when packing, keeping them away from the corner of the reserve tray. If not, as the bag comes off your back, it may snag and tear the reserve container loose (at worst) or cause funky line twists. Just something to be aware of, ask your rigger about it. "...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..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZigZag 0 #3 April 22, 2003 Make sure that your control line lengths are correct, as too short a line can distort your canopy during front riser input, because you might be pulling on the tail as well! These days, risers generally terminate at the bottom of the reserve container or slightly further( when packed ). Should you have very long arms you may need longer risers than average. In that case make sure you stow them along the side walls of the main pack-tray rather than tucking them underneath the bottom of the reserve container to prevent them from catching on the corners of your reserve container during deployment. Practice your flare up high with the new risers and note where the stall point is. A longer stroke will get you to the stall point higher up during the flare. Riser length overall does not change anything about your canopy because the ends are even and the control line guide ring should always be the standard 4 inches below the end of the rear riser. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #4 April 22, 2003 Quote The shorter the risers, the shorter the stroke Shorter risers = stall point is lower down____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #5 April 22, 2003 QuoteRiser length overall does not change anything about your canopy because the ends are even and the control line guide ring should always be the standard 4 inches below the end of the rear riser. That's not quite true. Longer or shorter risers will change the angle at which the lines extend off the links as they go up to the canopy, which will change the overall shape of the canopy...especially what's happening spanwise with it. True, an inch difference in riser length isn't going to change much, but going from 22 in. risers to 16s is going to change things a bit. "...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..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZigZag 0 #6 April 23, 2003 By using the term "stroke", I am referring to the entire range, from full flight to as far down as you can pull. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #7 April 23, 2003 Oh sorry - too many beers I guess ____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZigZag 0 #8 April 23, 2003 If such a large margin for canopy sizes works on the same set of risers I will stick my head out on this one, with a qualifier: the effect on the planform of the canopy will be minimal, if not negligable. Then on the other hand, high performance canopy pilots do loosen their chest-straps to widen the space between risers and milk every trick in the book to get a better and longer swoop. Those that are stuck with 16" risers because of their short reach shouldn't be overly concerned. I'm sure we would have heard from them by now. But for the sake of exactness, you are right. I just don't think that it would become a problem. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZigZag 0 #9 April 23, 2003 Ale or stout? No offense taken...it is difficult to include a comprehensive explanation for everything, but it is also good to take me to task, should there be any doubt in the meaning of what I write, and if I can back up what I say. Always question, like that we all learn! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #10 April 23, 2003 Quote I just don't think that it would become a problem. You're totally correct, and I agree with you...I'm just one of those guys that likes to put the info out there and then qualify it. I hate it when people learn something, but it's based of incomplete information.Like I said, you're totally right in saying it doesn't make too much difference, but the fact is that it will change the shape of the canopy some. Sorry, I'm one of those anal Master Rigger types when it comes to technical descriptions. "...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..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
