Supplex (aka taslan) vs. Polly Cotton ?

[mr2mk1g 10]

Does anyone have any input on the different qualities of these two materials in their application to FF suits?

Do they produce different free fall speed / control characteristics? Is one more durable than the other?

I have cotton FF pants and my housemate has Supplex ones so I know what each looks and feels like. Im just after opinions on how they fly in comparison to each other with a view to ordering a new FF suit in one or the other.

cheers

[skybytch 273]

A suit made from Supplex is going to be a bit faster (ie create less drag) than a suit made from polycotton, since Supplex is a lighter material.

[jmfreefly 0]

Yes, they can have different speeds.

Speed in a suit is pretty much based on 4 factors:

1) Fit. How much material is out there? (is it tight or is it floppy)

2) Hand of the material. How stiff or floppy the material is. The thicker the material (or double layered), the slower it will be (if the other 3 factors are held the same).

3) Texture. Nubby material has more drag than a slick material (again, if other 3 factors are held the same).

4) Porosity. (airflow through the material).

In general, each material has differences in all of the last 3. But, by varying the amount of material, you can often make suits from different materials and still have the same speed.

All things being equal, I think I have had the best luck with Supplex in terms of durability. However, when I have made suits, I often end up using polycotton/cotton material because of the print design.

[darkwing 5]

supplex may be more durable, but is lighter. My jumpsuit has doubled supplex in some areas to increase drag compared to single-layered supplex. You could also put the supplex over any other fabric to increase drag.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History