arnewcomb

I was able to do a few jumps with a new, simpler and apparently improved packing technique. I followed the guidelines presented to me a long time ago during packing courses as a student, PD's recommendations on how to pack not only a Katana, but all of their canopies and additional suggestions presented here in the DZ.com forum. I stopped "tucking" my nose, as PD stated that this may cause off-heading openings and subsequently (in my opinion) the increased potential for twisting up. I also stopped rolling the tail "tight" and put only a few 1-2 inch rolls in the tail before lying it down on the ground. This, at least in my mind, seems to help prevent the canopy from spinning once out of the bag immediately prior to inflation. Anyway, the recommendations were immensely helpful and I appreciate them all. I'm now looking at symmetric, on-heading openings and feel more in control of the canopy throughout it process. Thanks!

Hey P! Thanks for getting back. I know I can trust your judgement. You almost bought Kruse's rig from me and my fiancé is currently jumping your wife's dinky Javelin. Glad to get advice from "family" haha. In response to your questions, it has brand new HMA lines (assuming it's all in trim). Is a 2006 with a decent of jumps (estimated ~500-700ish). It does have a small (1 ripstop square) size hole right behind the label on the top skin.

Here I am. Asking for help. I need it. Very recently I switched from a Crossfire to a Katana. I've never had to cut away until I switched over. Needless to say I was frustrated with that fact and am set out to resolve this issue before it happens again. I've noticed that the openings have been drastically different, obviously (regardless of packing the same way). This apparently has contributed to the problem because they are obviously two completely different canopies and may or may not require two slightly different packing techniques. Regardless, my problem is the opening sequence. On my Crossfire, I had been "tucking" the nose quite deep and noticed a great deal of end cell closure which was good and nice. After switching over and (not necessarily switching my packing technique) I've noticed an equal amount of end cell closure and a ton of twists!!!!! Right at the end of my snivel (which appears to be symmetric and straight) I'm turned one way and them BAM, twist (once inducing me to cut away). I've read recent posts on this subject and it appears that "tucking" the nose seems to be an issue. This makes sense to me in part because by tucking the nose you try to prevent the nose from inflating as quickly as it might be intended to and also because if you don't tuck it evenly one side may inflate more quickly than the other. This seems to be one of the highly suggested recommendations in regards to packing a Katana from those who have flown them. I ask, can this truly make a difference (I tend to think it can)? Are there other suggestions that may be beneficial? This is enough evidence for me to adjust the way I pack it before I completely write it off as something I don't want or something I'm not ready for. I'll post back with my results but would appreciate some constructive criticism regarding this issue from those who have actually experienced it. Thanks in advance.