rapper4mpi

I think those of us that started on Mantas (and there are quite a few of us) have a special place in our hearts for those big old flying mattresses! -Rap

Mike Swanson (3rd place) was on an airlocked/crossbraced yet to be named Big Air Sportz sub 100 sq. ft. canopy. Vert nice! -Rap

What I think you are referring to are "Airlocks". How they work isn't quite right by your description. What they do is allow air in, but don't allow it to exit the canopy cell very easily. The cons of this are once you have landed the canopy dosn't collapse like a traditional canopy does, so in high winds it can be a struggle. Another con is that I've heard of canopies continuing to fly after a cut-away. The pros are the canopy is stable in turbulance and maintains a cleaner airfoil. Check out www.bigairsportz.com to learn more about them. As with anything, airlocks have their proponents and naysayers. -Rap

My progression was rather conservative with about 650 jumps to date. But I've developed good canopy skills and still learning all the time. What are other jumpers downsizing progression? Mine is as follows: Manta 288 SharpChuter 245 Cruiselite 245 Fury 220 Excalibur 190 PD 190 Sabre 170 -Rap p.s. It would be interesting to know how many jumps you all did it in and maybe your wingloading on the canopy you currently fly. Like I said I did it in 650 jumps and currently load my Sabre 170 at 1.45.

Good point, I never thought of that. Thanks. -Rap

Well I'm not sure about your technique, but most people probably grab both toggles and pull down on them at the same time. So most likely you would have one stuck and one released. What would cause a toggle to become stuck? -Rap

I emailed Sangiro the list as a WORD attachmnet. Obviously there are many different categories and they change continually. The main thing is for people to talk about their experience with fit, flying characterisitics, etc... I've also suggested offering a feedback forum or review section to review experiences with manufacterers, but I think that can go right in with the gear review themselves. -Rap

This is why I went with a Vector 3 M-series! Bill is the man! -Rap

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What about adding jumpsuits to gear reviews? Jumpsuits are in fact highly technical and have a huge influence on in air performance. I can see starting out with the top 10 manufacturers, and people must enter if they have an RW, or Freefly suit to keep it organized...what do you think? -Rap

I have no further information on the canopy. I do know that the one Mike Swanson is jumping is sub 100 Sq. feet. Check out Brian's site to see the annoncement when it is official. www.bigairsportz.com -Rap

James, not to worry, sometimes people on here get a little worked up. You must take everything with a grain of salt and be sure not to take anything too seriously. Skydiving IS dangerous, and yes you CAN die, BUT it is safer than the perception that is out there in the general public. Some people want that perception kept intact to keep new jumpers from entering the sport (or at least letting it get mainstream) others want to demystify these perceptions. Either way, as long as you are aware of the risks, that is all that really matters. -Rap

SST stands for "Super Swooper Tandem" When they moved from the belly mount to both parachutes mounted in "tendem" on the jumpers back. Pretty lame name, but this is the truth! -Rap

This may be easy, but who knows what SST stands for in reference to the Racer containers? -Rap

I'm sure there are people out there that have more knowledge of the canopy than me, I haven't even seen it yet. But the fact that Mike Swanson did so well, and fully acknowledges and gives credit to the canopy says a lot. I think Brian is onto something BIG. Maybe he should call his company Huge Air Sports! -Rap

There's only one Cornboy! -Rap

Dove, please keep the name under wraps, as previous names have been stolen from Brian before the canopy has been released. As for the a site for the swoop meet, I'm unaware of any site. Contact someone at Perris, Skydive Chicago or Skydive Sebastian, they might know. -Rap

Mike Swanson who is well known for his freeflying skill and not for his swooping capabilities came in third at a Venezuala Swoop meet. He was flying one of Brian Germain's NEW Big Air Sportz yet to be named airlocked/crossbraced canopies. Mike gave all of the credit to the canopy, even though his own canopy skill is nothing less than incredible. Swanson was competing againts some rather big name competitors and was even leading the meet until a rul change mid-way through the competition put him in third. Nontheless this is a big win for both Swanson and Big Air Sportz. Keep your eyes and ears open to see when this canopy gets released. -Rap

Mike Swanson who is well known for his freeflying skill and not for his swooping capabilities came in third at a Venezuala Swoop meet. He was flying one of Brian Germain's NEW Big Air Sportz yet to be named airlocked/crossbraced canopies. Mike gave all of the credit to the canopy, even though his own canopy skill is nothing less than incredible. Swanson was competing againts some rather big name competitors and was even leading the meet until a rul change mid-way through the competition put him in third. Nontheless this is a big win for both Swanson and Big Air Sportz. Keep your eyes and ears open to see when this canopy gets released. -Rap

Just a smart promotional tool! -Rap

Aw, but what about states that do not require helmets? These would be legal to use.... -Rap

Actually, motorcycle helmets DO NOT have to be DOT certified. BUT if you buy one that is, you can be assured it meets certain safety standards. Have you ever seen those people that come from states that do not require helmets? If they are traveling through the country they usually have a small helmet like mentioned strapped to their gear for helmet required states. These helmets are barely helmets but nontheless fullfill that law. -Rap

I just received my custom ordered Vector 3 M-Series. I researched several container before deciding on the V3. I looked into the Vector 3, Javelin Odyssey, Mirage G3, Voodoo and Wings. After careful research, speaking with many people, and looking at the rigs themselves I decided to go with the Vector 3. From the start, Relative Workshop was professional, friendly, and very cooperative. The whole crew at RWS really was patient with me. I'm so impressed with the quality, workmanship and attention to detail. The riser covers and closing flaps are superb. The hardwear is the finest I've seen. The velcro-less toggles are so much more advanced than the competitors. I will give another review once I get 100 jumps on the container. Until then if anyone has specific questions about the rig, please email me and I would be happy to help you out. -Rap

Again, this really isn't that major of a deal, and I'm positive it happens to all containers. BUT once the phorographer submits a photo, it is no longer their property (there are some exceptions to this rule) so the publisher, in this case USPA, can change it any way they see fit. By changing the picture a little they are not doing anyone harm, BUT by leaving it as is, they are contributing to "bad press". That's all, enough said. -Rap

That's it! See the flap? Thanks. -Rap