Slurp56

I am assuming, based on your previous posts, that you are very new to skydiving. Why the lack of interest in the Infinity or Wings? I understand people have their own opinions, and should buy what they feel comfortable jumping, just questioning the motive behind the lack of interest. You would assume wrong. I am coming back to the sport after a fairly long layoff (I once owned and jumped an Excalibur). First rig was a Racer, Vector, then Talon. First jump was a T-10. I'm not a kid trolling about smaller gear either like in the Swoop forum. Hence, i resent the Velocity remark. Is not allowed to have preferences or express an opinion, or what? I am not impressed with looks and/or fit of the Wings or Infinity containers. Sheesh, not everything opinion is meant to step on someone's toes. I was never interested in a 190 till I read the thread about the I5 Icon and have been impressed with how their rig has evolved. But is between the Voodoo and the Icon as of right now. Just to stay on topic, does anybody remember what it was about? Wow, I must have missed where I criticized you for your opinion I suppose my own curiosity is satisfied, so I'll just exit stage right. Good luck with your gear choice. As long as I am assuming, I'd assume that the "velocity" that Terry was reffering to, is actually the Infinity, which is made by Velocity Sports. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I am assuming, based on your previous posts, that you are very new to skydiving. Why the lack of interest in the Infinity or Wings? I understand people have their own opinions, and should buy what they feel comfortable jumping, just questioning the motive behind the lack of interest. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I understand the point that you are trying to make, but this is an example where the mistake is pretty damn obvious. You wouldnt be able to visually catch the mistake about the brake line without opening the packjob, but when you get on an airplane with someone and their reserve looks like a damn volcano... That should have never left the loft, and this is coming from a riglet who does not yet have a ticket. Let alone the brake line, how could any person in an un-altered state of mind NOT catch the brake line? I understand that with the longer repack interval, the visual quality of the pack jobs will begin to degrade over time, but it should never degrade to this point. A rig packed and sealed and sitting on a shelf for 10 years shouldnt degrage to this point, yet, "they're out there." JJ: I would inform this jumper of the problem and advise them of the consequences. I would also advise them never to use this rigger again and explain why this is unacceptable and what to look for in a good reserve packjob. I would also encourage them to tell their friends. If I knew who this work came from, I would take pictures and write a formal dated letter explaining why you think this is a problem and follow up with them, so the rigger understands why you think this is a problem. You cant expect to change them, the best you can do is advise them. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

So what's the harm in doing a sub-terminal jump first? Do a high hop n' pop, so that if there IS something wrong with it, you've got more time to deal with it. It's not unheard of for things to be wrong, straight from the factory. Like finger-trapped line cascades not being sewn down. Do you want those to pop out at 120 mph and 2,500 feet, or would you rather it happen at 60 mph and 5,000 feet? Or you could just inspect any new piece of gear before jumping it so that you dont have to wonder if the finger-trapped cascades (or any other manufacturing process) are going to hold together. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I seem to recall the bearded one touting 5lbs of force was necessary to pull the risers free on deployment. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

There are 2 camps of people on this subject, but without getting derailed, the Infinity has the cutter located above the pilot chute as well, if that is the "deal maker" for you. The Javelin has fewer flaps for the pilot chute to push through, so I'm not sure it's suceptible to the zig-zag problem that poor rigging induces into concealed pilot chute designs. Do you believe everything you read or are you just that gullible? Just because Bill Booth says something, doesn't make it accurate, no matter how convincing he makes it sound. I wont dispute the argument that Vector3 Magnetic Riser covers are better than Vector3 Tuck Tab Riser covers, but all tuck tab riser covers aren't created equal. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

While it's true that some grades of stainless are not magnetic, the stuff we typically get in the skydiving industry is magnetic. Less magnetic than cadmium, but magnetic none the less. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Looks like cadmium to me. Jumpers typically want cadmium risers if the base ring on their harness is cadmium. It's not a problem to mix and match material types, it's just, why pay more for stainless risers when I've got cadmium base rings? Budget may also play a factor. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Typically 1" Type III for kill-line pc's ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

The Diablo 150 I demo'd also had only 1 drawstring. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I guess I am a glutton for punishment. I jump camera with my sabre 1. I would say it opens a bit more brisk than my last canopy but it's by no means an uncomfortable opening. The hardest I've ever been cracked (on a square canopy) was a safire2. The kind of crack that the whole hangar empties and everyone comes out to see what that noise was. Ironically, I really liked that canopy and will probably buy one. If there is any doubt, call PD. They have revised slider sizes for the sabre 1 over the years, so make sure yours is the latest revision. I'm sure they would be happy to give you dimensions over the phone, and then you can check yours against it. Coupled with the current version slider, just make sure it's fully seated against the slider stops and quartered when packing. I also roll the nose on the outer 4 cells toward the center. Works for me and I love my Sabre 1. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Somebody a bit smarter than I suggested that this is not a photo of line dump, but more accurately, bag strip. Edit: Not that I claim to be smart or anything. I'm just in here stirring the pot. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

You don't trust them to measure the size of the canopy but you will trust your life jumping a canopy made by the same people. Sparky Different manufacturers have different ways of measuring size and volume. Have a gander through your most recent paragear catalog at the canopy volume chart located near the back. You will find that sizes and volumes vary wildly. Unless Aerodyne has recently changed their method of measuring, I would guess that you'll find a Pilot 168 to pack up more closely to a Sabre/Safire/Fusion 190. It could also be suggested that which container you are going to put it in will also affect the fit, as not all containers manufacturers have the same volume container that fits a 170 or 190. To agree with the OP, I dont really trust published numbers either and prefer to pack a demo before droppping a chunk of change on something that may or may not fit

Just because they have "swoop" in the name, doesnt mean that the jumper intends to do high performance landings. It's just a fancy dive loop that is intended to stay open and be easier to grab. After all, it is a USPA A-license requirement to do front riser dives and turns. Dive loops (of whatever variety) make it easier. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Functionally, I'm with you 100%. One could make the argument about the age of the airplane in which you trust your life with, to get you to a suitable altitude, to use your less than 7 year old skydiving gear. It's not un-common for a jump plane to be over 40 years old. I'll borrow a phrase picked up from a knowledgeable old timer: "I think skydivers, these days, all squat to pee." ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Brettski, I dont think Johnny is making that argument. I think the argument that he is making, and the argument that I tend to agree with, is that the skyhook isn't important enough to be basing your container purchase around. If the skyhook is available on the container you've decided to purchase, and it interests you, then by all means, order it. (Brettski, the following is in addition to my post, but not aimed at you) To liken the additional safety features of a MARD to those of safety equipment found on automobiles is also really grasping at straws. It's apples to oranges and just boils down to a warm fuzzy if you choose to rationalize it that way. It's also rediculous to be quoting altitudes or times as absolutes in this thread. To assume that a skyhook equipped rig will give you an extra 200 feet or 12 seconds of working time is foolish. It feels strange for someone like me, who really hasnt been around skydiving all that long, to say: "I remember when the policy used to be to get as much fabric over your head as possible." Never has a low cutaway been an option. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I can sum that up in 1 word: Marketing I've nothing against UPT, Bill, the Sky hook, or any of it. Bill knows he has a marketing advantage with the skyhook and he leverages it. Bill is somewhat of a celebrity among the skydiving community and people listen to him and head his advice whether they fully understand it or not. The majority of people see themselves as "less-smart" than Bill Booth and buy or do what he recommends. With that said, the majority of people are also the majority of the customer base in the small skydiving industry. Other companies are somewhat muscled into following suit to remain competitive. This is why *some* companies have elected to license the skyhook. Right or wrong, sometimes you have to give the customer what they want. If Bill booth says that magnetic riser covers prevent you from breaking femurs or death, right or wrong the tendency is to believe him, and desire that "feature". The idea of a MARD and the idea of Magnets are good, just dont think the skyhook will save your ass in a tight situation. It might or it might not. Focusing on what you are doing, to avoid that tight situation is a MUCH better alternative. Warning! This is my personal opinion: Thinking that the skyhook will save your ass from a low altitude canopy collision is rediculous! If that is your argument to buy a skyhook, you're grasping at straws. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

For those of you who are as impatient as I am when it comes to getting new toys... I found a best buy 10% off coupon in the "movers guide", a free packet the US post orifice hands out. Every post orifice has them for free, it contains info on how to forward your mail or change your address. The coupon is good until something silly, like sept. 1 2009. For me, this brought the price of a CX100 down low enough, where it wasnt worth it to buy online and deal with / wait on shipping. I stopped by my local store today and walked out with the camera for roughly $485. I'm not trying to advertise, just trying to give you other guys a heads up. Camera's are expensive and the price difference is a couple of jumps, plus you can have it today.

What's that all about? I would imagine that he's talking about the number of lines to gather for each line group while flaking out the canopy. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

You could very well be right. I wouldn't consider myself terribly technical or legal saavy, but after a quick google, what *appears* to be the patent for the collins lanyard has Booth's name on it. http://www.google.com/patents?id=uj0DAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&dq=Skyhook+parachute#PPA1,M1 again, I'm not sure how all this stuff works, so I could very well be wrong. I agree with you completely. Using a full or partially inflated main to quickly deploy the reserve is a fantastic idea. The race is on to see who can come up with the most elegant, reliable solution that doesnt require modification of your emergency procedures. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

I wouldn't call the DRX a Skyhook. That is in comparison, saying a ford taurus is the same thing as a toyota corolla (yes, both are cars). The DRX and Skyhook are both Main Assisted Reserve Deployment (M.A.R.D.) devices but they accomplish the same task by different means, even though they operate similar in comparison. A look at both systems indicate they are mechanically different. Yes, the Collins lanyard is a Skyhook System only feature, and last I heard, UPT was not interested in licensing it separate from the skyhook, for whatever reason. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Whoa... Hold up. I'm not partial towards either manufacturer in question, but you really need to stop and educate yourself on both systems before speculating any further. Let me put it this way. When the time comes for Mirage to make available their version, and you still feel that it is a copy of the skyhook, then you can safely say the skyhook is a copy of any of a number of other designs currently out there. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

That still doesnt define what ambient IS. We could be dropping it on a nice hot sunny day in Florida (likely) or a blistering cold day in Wisconsin (not-likely). Unless, I am missing something important, what is the goal of freezing the parts for 16 hours, thawing them, then dropping them? Other than perhaps part embrittlement, what can freezing, then thawing, tell us? I'd be more interested to see if the cold weather plays a role in part rigidity during use. I'd be interested to hear from the FAA types or manufacturers, unless I truly am missing something fundamental. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Parachute parts that have been TSO'd under C23c and C23d have practical tests that must be met. On the cold side, parts must be stored at a temp of no greater the -40F for no less than 16 hours, then brought to ambient and immediately drop tested. On the hot side, parts must be stored at a temp no less than 200F for no less than 16 hours, then brought to ambient and immediately drop tested. I am not sure how definitive the results are, since the parts arent dropped at -40 or 200, nor is ambient defined, so take it for what its worth. On a side note, there have been jumps into the north pole, Antarctica, and recently the Everest jumps. I would think it safe to assume that the greater majority of us do not jump in as harsh of conditions. Lets also not forget about high altitude miltary jumps that deal with freezing temperatures. On another side note, after a quirk with my Argus, I stored it in the freezer for 48 hours, and then cycled it while frozen. As frosty as it was, It went through its normal start up and appeared to work normally, though, I was not jumping that day and cant attest to the longeivty of the life of those batteries, which have since been replaced. I guess the point I am trying to make is, if you leave your rig in the trunk of your car, the least of your concerns should be the temperatue. ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

Go to www.precision.aero and navigate to the fusion canopy. Then click "Trim Specifications". alternatively, click this link: http://www.precision.aero/TrimSpecs/trimspecs.aspx ________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.