GTi vs. Skyflyer

[effinjump 0]

If anyone is contemplating a Bird-Man suit, but cannot decide which one to get, know this: With average skydivers, I've learned there is about a 10mph vertical difference between the GTi and the Skyflyer. In a real jump situation that means the Skyflyers end up way higher than the GTi flyers, with about the same distance covered, everything else being equal. In order to flock together, the Skyflyers have to 'fly dirty', which is not as much fun as flying full on. So look around and see what your friends are flying to help you decide what suit to get.

[SkydiveMonkey 0]

I've never noticed how much bigger the wings on a Skyflyer were until I looked at that.
When I grow up, I want to be a post whore

[cobaltdan 0]

skyflyers also require more skill and concentration to fly than a gti. if you simply want to have fun and not stress too much the gti might be a better choice.
and besides when you do a flock dive you almost always have to fly 'dirty'. (speeds are always higher than on solo's)
sincerely,
dan

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

I agree with Dan. At least when I flock, the fun lies in staying together and making formations, taking grips, then zooming over and under your buddies like dolphins do. The only people that get left in the dust are the truly sucky pilots. I have been in good-flying formations with people in all three types of BirdMan suits. The only time I see a "real" difference in flight characteristics is at breakoff time, when really good SkyFlyer pilots (like Jari) just kick in the afterburners and zoom away.
That being said, myself and one other Raeford guy are going to order SkyFlyers for "just us", faster, technical formation flying. This will also leave us with extra suits for instruction.
Chuck
My webpage HERE

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

UPDATE: I just got my SkyFlyer last night. I am stoked. That makes a total of five suits on the DZ now, including my two.
Also, while partying with Jari and Vladi last night at the Daytona Ale House, Jari said that he had been monitoring our forum. He said he was impressed with the level of participation and would soon be making time to post answers to questions and clarify some of the issues we have. For those of you who have not had the priviledge of meeting him, you are really missing out. He is a hoot.
Chuck
My webpage HERE

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

another update: I laid my two suits out and compared surface area and found my GTi to have almost exactly the same size wing area as my new Skyflyer. My Skyflyer is about an inch shorter in overall length, but still fits perfectly; just a tad tighter. Anyway, I have found in my maiden SkyFlyer flights that it requires less arm strength to maintain a smooth arm-wing airfoil, but the longer leg wing does indeed make the suit fly a little "looser" as others have stated here previously. Still, on my second flight of the day, I was rock solid, taking docks on Bobby with no problems whatsoever. Overall, I really love both of my suits.
Chuck
My webpage HERE