mjrod

Any Anvil members showing up? I would like to punch out 150 on a belly dive and join the infamous club. >

Where is this class? Waller or Rosharon? I need to sign up/ Thanks >

Do documented \ manifested static-line water jumps count? i have at least 20 water jumps following a zodiac. Thanks,,, >

My wife got hooked this past summer, which justified me getting back into it after a 8 year layoff. Let's see..have to buy two of everything, one AFF course, she saw my neptune, so another one of those 10 K +- The weekends and jumping together.....priceless >

Flying the beach-ball is simple, it's this RW that kills me!! I saw the film the other evening, and it is well made. The tumbling with the ruck on the back of the legs brought back memories. I went through when they had one instructor to two students and was amazed how they could keep up with both of us,,,,,or did they? Anyway, transitioning to sport jumping is more difficult due to the new skills that need to be aquired, like rate control. The only thing I needed to control was falling in a group and clearing my ears and goggles,,,,,and make sure I don't suck up all my O2 at night,,heh heh. I did get spoken to after exiting a bit too soon after a formation group, not used to waiting to exit. I still remember and love those team exits with CEO2 at night. It really makes you feel alive. Take care >

Yep, I do agree with the considering myself on student status, especially after a 8 year break. It is on to coached jump and smaller formations to learn how to fly RW. Thanks >

I went out on my first 8 way ( Yes, beer) and was amazed at the things that happened. I have over 70 Halo jumps eight years ago in another life, and and 30 skydive jumps in the last 4 months, so I do not have a lot of RW skills, Learning to control my fall rate is paramount, especially at 245 lbs. max rate today was 147 and 153 for me. A Bev suit will be my next purchase. A lot of events happen in a short period of time, and I can see the skills are really needed to do this type of dicipline. It is easy to lose altitude awareness. I was so caught up in the dive, that when i saw everyone breaking away, I relialized, i was close to 3K, not low for me, it was the realization, that you can lose awarness, and then the canopy skills are very important, cause you don't have the altitude that you may be used to. Went back up and did a 3 way, which was better as far as awareness, but have got to control that fall rate. Have to jump evert weeekend in groups of 2 or more and have to get to a tunnel camp. This RW takes skill. Challenges result in learning. >

HALO jump 28, night jump in the PI with combat equipment and O2 from 25K, I lost altitude awareness under canopy, Checked my alti around 1K, thought I was flying through low clouds, then thump, crash, can't breath. The low clouds were light fog on the ground...ouch/ Knocked the air out of me, and cracked my O2 mask. Luckily, I was flying at half brakes, and my ruck-sack hit the ground which kind of told me something is happening real fast. Lesson learned...always maintain altitude awareness. >

I went to HALO course in 89 after having about 50 static line jumps. One instructor, two students, one day at Wright Pat wind tunnel. I was scared when the clam shell opened and I saw the earth...started taking baby steps to the ramp with Deloach behind us. But the O2 and CE at night was a different animal, but eventually I learned to ride the beach ball. Now, this skydive thing, this is fun, but again, I have to learn how to fly my bod and the smaller canopys and keep air separation....its all good/ >

What about AZ. We want to plan a vacation there and dp a canpoy control course. Any info? >

I found it at baddog. Thanks for you reply. How are the dropzones in CA for wear and tear on a canopy? I know at Spaceland, the conditions are good for packing. Thanks for your reply. Miguel >

I thought I saw a web site that had aplace where you could enter the canopy and particulars, and it would give you a price. I am looking to price out a few used canopys, such as a SAbre II 230 with 500 jumps, a Pilot 210 with 300 jumps. i cannot find that web site. Thanks >

Aubsmell, Thanks for your input. It is difficult after being out of the sport for 8 years and jumping military ram air chutes to figure out what the heck is going on. I will be talking to you guys soon to demo the Pilot and Solo. I had the same less than positive responses when I purchased a Raven III reserve, even though they have been making quality products for years. At my size\wt of exit wt 250 out the door I am looking for a 210 - 230, nd am jmping a rental Sabre 230 which seems ground hungry, especailly during final. Reading through the posts, I see a wide array of brands and for the most part, the people are more than happy with the choice they make. I also do not seem to see many used Pilots and Solos out there. Thanks >

Nick, Is there any chance there will be a Pilot 230 in the future? I was advised by Aubrey Easterlin that the Solo was the same canopy, but a hybrid, Your thoughts or input are appreciated. Thanks, miguel >

Diablopilot, There is the million dollar question. At my DZ, the choice of canopy is PD,,,ZPs. When I ask about the Pilots, or Tris, I get negative responses. I asked about the Hybrid Sillouette and got a negative response. I am advised by riggers and instructors to stay away from non PD products, especially reserves. Looking at reviews and these post, I see that Aerodyne and other manufactures put out good products, so I am searching for responses and experience within these forums for answers. I don't want to paint myself into a corner, without using my noodle. back to the original question of "Why?"...From what I understand, the ZP will last longer and has better performance than a F-111 or Hybrid, and the resale value may be better. I may be wrong, but I come to these forums for answers and assistance. I just don't know. Any advice is appreciated Thanks >

I only wish they made a 230. My exit wt is 250, so I was looking at the Pilot. The folks at Aerodyne said the Solo was the same thing but as a Hybrid. Quote from the rep" Along the same lines of the Navigator we have the Solo, which is our student canopy. However, it is just a Pilot, the exact same canopy, however built of hybrid construction. We build it in 230,250,270. There are some all ZP's out there that size, for instance we make the Triathlon in 260. I'm assuming you want an all ZP canopy because you think it will last longer? That may not be the case. The two factors that make canopies deteriorate the most is the sun, and touch (there are some other factors as well, such as very fine sand, and fertilizers, and farm chemicals) But mostly it is sun and touch. So a canopy with a zp top skin will last for thousands of jumps, without loosing all that much porosity. And the reason that we make those sizes hybrid, is because of both pack volume and ease of packing. If you want the performance of the Pilot, in those sizes, give us a call and take the Solo for a spin. See what you think." I would like to try them, but want a ZP, so I guess i will have to lose wt, or improve my canopy skills. I am flying/renting a Sabre 230 without issue, but I think i will see what my instructor thinks. >

Ok, here is my question, I have an extra container which I want to use as a accuracy rig and just do hop & pops, but I am thinking I can get away without a AAD. What are your thoughts on this? >

That is a good point. I have read the reviews, looked at the posts here with the comparisons between the Safire, Pilot, and Sabre II. It seems IMHO that it depends on who you are speaking with. At my DZ, PD is the preferred canopy, but I am open to different brand canopies. I spoke to Aerodyne about a 230 class Pilot, which they do not make, and this is the response: Along the same lines of the Navigator we have the Solo, which is our student canopy. However, it is just a Pilot, the exact same canopy, however built of hybrid construction. We build it in 230,250,270. There are some all ZP's out there that size, for instance we make the Triathlon in 260. I'm assuming you want an all ZP canopy because you think it will last longer? That may not be the case. The two factors that make canopies deteriorate the most is the sun, and touch (there are some other factors as well, such as very fine sand, and fertilizers, and farm chemicals) But mostly it is sun and touch. So a canopy with a zp top skin will last for thousands of jumps, without loosing all that much porosity. And the reason that we make those sizes hybrid, is because of both pack volume and ease of packing. If you want the performance of the Pilot, in those sizes, give us a call and take the Solo for a spin." I have all my rig ordered, except for the main, and I think it is probably wise for me to demo the Pilot, Solo, Safire, and Sabre II. I am looking for a 230 due to my exit wieght of 250, but I guess I coild drop 10 or 15 lbs to get under a 210. Thanks for the feedback. >

The best price I have seen for a Sabre II 230 is 1620. Has anyone seen any better prices around? Kind of diffficult to find used ones. Thanks >

regarding the Exit wts. One is mine and the other is my wife's. Guess which is which..heh heh >

One more question on ordering a Wings container. What type of riser assembly do I need and why? Mini-ring Type 17 Mini Ring Type 8 Large Ring Type8 The canopys are 170 and 230 and the exit wights are 170 and 250 Thanks, Miguel >

Does the PUD function the same as the hackey? I mean, do you pull and throw, and it hangs out behind the canopy with the PC? >

Hey everyone, I am almost ready to complete my Wings container order from http://www.para-service.com/ and I have a question as to the type of PC to order. Collapseable ZP or F111. We took advantage of the cut in laterals, articulated harness, and the backpad. My wife will be jumping a Sabre 170, and I am going for the Sabre\Sabre II 230 when I can find a used one, although I need to lose 10 more lbs to get down to 230. Thanks, Miguel >

Thanks everyone for the Cordura vs parapak answers. I was going to go used for all gear, but decided a new Wings container would be a good investment. The main and reserve will have to be used for now, as I am buying gear for my wife as well. She went and did a tandem, got hooked, is finishing off student status, and got me back involved again after a 8 year layoff. Thanks, again >

What are the differences between the Parapak and the Cordura? I am getting ready to order my first rig. I thought about used, but I think i will order a new Wings container, and then wotk on the rest. >