Sunpath Marketing

[Unstable 9]

This is something That's been kinda bugging me for a while. If anybody has any opinions or comments concerning this, lets hear them! This issue is important to me as I am planning on buying a new container here in the next 6 months or so...

THe Sunpath Marketing scheme seems to be well layed designed to roll A number of Odessy's out. If anyone has noticed, Sunpath has made some slight changes to their website relativly recently drawing attention away from the Javelin and to the Javelin Odessy. (pm me if you would like some specific examples) I am very impressed with The Javelin and with the Odessy, and i think they are by far a superior Container compared to the rest of the market.
It seems to me that SP is trying to Phase out the Origional Javelin in favor of the Odessy. Not only with their marketing, but even their price increase would lead a customer away from the Javelin and to the Odessy. It seems very well laid out.
My problem - after putting around 15 or so jumps on an Odessy C-17 at WFFC and Mullins Boogie, I can't say that I find it much better than the Origional Javelin!! Maybe It's my body shape or Ergonomics, but as far as comfort goes, i don't see it worth the Extra money!
Will i still be able to Buy a Regular, Good Old Sunpath Javelin in 6 to 8 months!?!?!

Thanks, blue Skies to all,


Edited for Gramatical correction ***

=========Shaun ==========

[andy2 0]

isn't the odyssey a relatively new product? Companies tend to push their new products hard compared to their old reliables. Its a simple law of promotion, you advertise what is new and does not have as much word of mouth exposure. Subtly or overtly, most companies do it.

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let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[PhreeZone 20]

The Oddessy came out in 2001. Hence the name

I'd look for the original to be phased out since the only real difference is the laterals. At the moment the cut in laterals are a hot item, time will see if they stay hot or not.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[Unstable 9]

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At the moment the cut in laterals are a hot item

I honestly dont' think they are that great - hence me wanting a Standard Javelin.
I guess we'll just have to see what happens - I think SUnpath would shoot themselves in the foot if they discontinued it.

=========Shaun ==========

[PhreeZone 20]

Why? They are standerd on the G4, Wings are offering them, not sure about Infinity (but if its a selling item I'm sure VSE would do it). It seems only a few compaines (RWS, Jumpshack, Trident) don't currently offer them.

The Oddsey has improved riser covers and things too. That makes fora lot of patterns to keep around the office for all the different size containers now you want them to keep the old ones too and still continue to use them once in a blue moon?

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[skydivingdutch 0]

What are Cut-in Laterals?

http://dropman.com

[Chrisky 0]

They are that hip strap not originating at the corner of the container nut somewhat set-in towards the spine thing.
Serves the purpose that it's more comfy bcause it forms more natural around your body.
Can be dangerous for the lower ribs on very hard openings i heard.
I personally have been jumping a Jav for three years and wanted to get an odyssey. didn't order because of the long wait and got a Wings instead.
BUT even while i was still planing on buying a SP product, i reconed that the main flap is not an up-to-date design anymore, so you can't really say it is "far superior to the rest of the market" imho.

Just my two ¢

The mind is like a parachute - it only works once it's open.
From the edge you just see more.
... Not every Swooper hooks & not every Hooker swoops ...

[skybytch 273]

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Will i still be able to Buy a Regular, Good Old Sunpath Javelin in 6 to 8 months!?!?!

Never know. I'd think as long as the original Javelin design is still selling well they'll continue to offer it. But I don't know if the original is still selling well enough.

RWS did the same thing with the Vector 2 and 3. Marketing focused on the 3 but the 2 was still available for a few years after the 3 was introduced. It was only when sale for the Vector 2 had fallen off that they discontinued manufacturing it.

Heck, if you order one now you might actually be jumping it in 8 months... why wait and see?

Just out of curiousty, what other containers have you jumped and what size harnesses did they have?

[Vlad 0]

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I am very impressed with The Javelin and with the Odessy, and i think they are by far a superior Container compared to the rest of the market.

May I ask you why ? I think Javs are great (even though I do not care for the main pin protection). But so undoubtely are Mirage, Wings, Infinity, Vector and others. There is no real leader btw them.

[mr2mk1g 10]

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Heck, if you order one now you might actually be jumping it in 8 months... why wait and see?

What she said - order now... the lead time is approx 6 months.

[Unstable 9]

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What she said - order now... the lead time is approx 6 months

I won't have the $$ for a down payment until my previous rig loan is paid off in Feb

=========Shaun ==========

[Unstable 9]

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Just out of curiousty, what other containers have you jumped and what size harnesses did they have

I have jumped Both the Javelin & Javelin Odessy in C-17. I have demo'ed Wings, Racer 2k3, i cannot remember size on the previous 2, but they fit well. I have about 170 jumps on my Dolphin (M), which after the extra yoke & back padding I had Mike Furry put in, is by FAR the most comfortable rig i have worm yet. There are several Reasons i am leaning towards the Javelin - for instance Resale Value in this neck of the woods, what the local riggers recommend and like to repack, as well as my personal preference in rig design. I like Javelins.
Edited because the first post was a horrible cut n' paste clusterfuck.

=========Shaun ==========

[diablopilot 2]

Here is the deal.

The Odyssey (according to Sunpath when they released it in San Diego at PIA 2001) is nothing more than a Javelin w/ cut in laterals, and the option of using the "Funky" fabrics.

Don't belive the hype.

If you want the Javelin buy it, they wont stop making them, it's what the Military buys.

Or better yet save some Money and buy an Infinity.

Or get it in the same decade you ordered it and buy a Mirage.

Or whatever.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[diablopilot 2]

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The Oddsey has improved riser covers

I asked about that at PIA 01'. If they would really keep two different patterns (or more like 30 for all the differnt sizes of rig)

Guess what, the riser covers on both rigs are now identical.

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Trident) don't currently offer them.

Check again. The new Viper has them avaliable.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[skymedic 0]

Or an even better idea...buy a Sunrise Rigging WINGS!!!!

Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....

[sundevil777 102]

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The new Viper has them avaliable.

The Viper is now available?

I'm suprised we haven't seen some mention of it lately here.

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[Unstable 9]

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The Odyssey (according to Sunpath when they released it in San Diego at PIA 2001) is nothing more than a Javelin w/ cut in laterals, and the option of using the "Funky" fabrics

Gee, looking at the Price Difference, those must be Costly options.

=========Shaun ==========

[skymedic 0]

Well you do get the "free" embroidery on the side walls too....

Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....

[skybrat68 0]

Gee, looking at the Price Difference, those must be Costly options.

[mr2mk1g 10]

im looking forward to receiving my new wings in the next week or two - fully loaded with tie die, rings, cut in laterals and yes, even the free embroidery on the side panels.

Oh sorry, were turning this thread into yet another "wings rock" thread arnt we...

I know putting other ideas in your head will piss you off initially (I was set on an odyssey - I even ordered one then heard about the wait time and converted to wings. Im confident I made the right choice, irrespective of lead times. Take a moment out of your life and have a look at other rigs on the market, you may well decide to change your mind.

[PhreeZone 20]

There are very few people that really need the cut in laterals. Those are the tiny people that have large rigs. Accuracy jumpers doing style in thier rig would benifit. The laterals keep the rig from moving around so much. On a lot of the smaller rigs the original lateral design "cuts in" and wraps around simply due to the difference between the jumper and the rig size on their back.

Put a TNJ on my back and the laterals are going to cut in and wrap around simply because of the size differences. No need for the option here.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[Unstable 9]

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There are very few people that really need the cut in laterals. Those are the tiny people that have large rigs. Accuracy jumpers doing style in thier rig would benifit. The laterals keep the rig from moving around so much. On a lot of the smaller rigs the original lateral design "cuts in" and wraps around simply due to the difference between the jumper and the rig size on their back.

For Myself, as A relative Worker, I just didn't think they made a difference!!

=========Shaun ==========

[canopywhore 0]

My rig came in 7 weeks and they had quoted me 8. I've had my rig a year and a half, and when I jump somebody elses rig that doesn't have the cut in laterals I notice the difference. I'm not saying the difference affects my performance, I just notice the rig moving on my back. I love my Odyssey it was every penny, which by the way was less than a wings

[mysky 1]

I have alway's had Sunpath products for around 10 years. I currently have 2 Odyssey's and a Mirage G4.1. I have to say the only reason I didn't get a Mirage for all these years was price. But they now have smokin deals on there rigs so I decided to finally take the plunge. I got my custom G4.1 about 3 months ago and I absolutely love it. I am not doggin on Sunpath but I think my Mirage is the far superior (at least in comfort) rig. It feels like I have a pillow on my back. If your issue is comfort then the Mirage is the way to go. If you are sticking with Sunpath then I would definetely go with the Odyssey, not only for the laterals and comfort but it is a much easier rig to resell. I had good ol Javelins for years and once I got the Odyssey I never wanted to look back. But anyhow food for thought about the Mirage, it's an awesome alternative if you willing to try something new. If not the Mirage and you are going to stick with Sunpath then just purely for economics I would spend the extra bucks on an Odyssey simply just for resale if for nothing else. Good luck with whatever you do.

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