I have made roughly 200 jumps on velocity's of varying sizes. My exit weight is 168 pounds. So far, I've jumped the 96, 90, and 84.
OPENINGS- smooth, soft, and on heading for the most part. The 96 danced a little on inflation, with the 90 it was less noticeable. The 84 opens perfectly. I think this is due to slider size and wing loading. You have to put some weight under this thing to get it to inflate. I average my deployment distance at about 700ft. However, I have had openings that took well over 1200ft, so be ready.
IN BRAKES- very controllable with harness input.
FULL FLIGHT- extremely ground hungry. The velocity has a very steep glide angle.
TOGGLE TURNS- not as quick as a stiletto. There is a lot of altitude loss if turns are made with only one toggle. I would compare toggle turns on a velocity to shallow front riser turns on a stiletto. You will most likely spend the entire landing pattern in half to three quarter brakes.
REAR RISER FLIGHT- soooo much fun. Its like flying a jet. By mantaining a high rate of speed and translating that speed into lift will leave you begging for 12,000ft hop n pops.
FRONT RISER APPROACHES- be ready to fall out of the sky. Even the smallest amount of front riser input results in a HUGE altitude loss. The pull out arc is enormous. Much larger than the Icarus FX. I beleive this is due to the longer line set. The velocity will not pull to a flat glide after a dive, toggle or rear riser input is necessary.
SWOOPS(w/ toggles)- long and fast. Not much running involved if you don't abuse you flare power.
SWOOPS(w/ rear risers)- eye watering speed is all I have to say. This style of landing should only be attempted by skilled, current pilots. If you are unsure if you are one of them...you're not.
STRAIGHT INS- not my favorite way to land, but achievable.
PACKING- a little thick, but no different than a stilleto. The only thing to watch is symmetry. Seeing how it takes such a long snivel to inflate, most discrepencies only result in a small heading change.
All in all, a great canopy. Not for the faint of heart, and definitely not for the uncurrent. Mistreat it and you may find yourself really low, going really fast, pointed straight down. Just so you understand the kind of speed its capable of, my pro track flatlines on every landing.
My advice to those thinking of trying a velocity: take it slow, be patient. Rushing into cross braced canopy flight is a BAD idea. Remember, if you get hurt....you cant jump, and thats way worse than jumping something more docile until you're ready. I am fortunate to have people like Jim Slaton, Clint Clawson, and JC at my DZ to talk to. There are going to be guys at the DZ pushing small X-braced canopies. Just be sure who really has YOUR best interests at heart.
Soft Landings
