Brake line length

[heims 0]

A little background information:

I am a small jumper (110 lbs w/o gear, 5'3'') and am currently jumping a Sabre2 135, which I have jumped for the last 350+ jumps. My canopy progression has been Skymaster 230, Sabre 190, Sabre 170, Sabre 150, Sabre2 135. I have also jumped a Sabre2 120. My landings are easy stand-up landings with a straight in approach.

Here's the issue:
During my progression, including the Sabre2 135, I have always had an issue being able to get a full flare when the brake length is the standard manufacture recommended length. Getting a solid flare has not been an issue of strength but rather an issue of length of reach. As a result, after discussing it with my rigger, he adjusted my brakes on my S2 135 such that I could feel that solid flare when I fully extend my arms down (we spent several trial and error jumps trying to find that "sweet" spot). However, as I've continued to experiment with my canopy, I've found, with my current brake setting, if I use my front risers (while holding my toggles in my hand), my canopy buffets (which I believe is an indication that my brakes are pulling down on the tail when I pull on my front risers).

My questions:
On my current canopy, what can I do to be able to get a full flare from my canopy and be able to use my front risers?
As I look to downsize, what canopy characteristics would you recommend I look for to potentially help mitigate this problem? Do you know of any canopies that are known for requiring a shallower flare?
Also, will a heavier wingloading potentially help to alleviate this issue (more speed can generate more lift)?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Blue skies,
Sherri

[AggieDave 6]

How long are your risers? If they're really short, you may be able to go with a set of longer risers that give you the little bit extra bit for your flare and the ability to have your brake lines set out a little longer so you aren't deflecting the tail as much.

Good luck!

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[heims 0]

I do have shorter risers, but here again, it's an issue of reach. I had difficulty being able to reach my toggles and slider on longer risers.

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

I do have shorter risers, but here again, it's an issue of reach.

I thought that may be the case.

It sounds like you're going to have to find a middle ground of as little deflection as you can get, but still get a powerful flare.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[darkwing 5]

There may be some trickery you can pull with the upper control lines. You can re-engineering them, maybe add another one, such that the same control stroke gives more response to the tail, thus shortening the necessary control stroke. then you could go back and lengthen the lower control line such that there is a little excess and you can use your front risers with impunity.
-- > yes, I have designed and built canopies.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[mjosparky 4]

Put your brake lines back to the normal length and try grabbing a rap with your hands just a you start your flare.
Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[floormonkey 0]

As usual, it's best to consult and take advice from the manufacturer, a rigger (which you did), or a qualified instructor. Here's an article from the manufacturer. I would contact them or an experienced rigger for more information.
http://www.performancedesigns.com/docs/Best_Performance1.doc

[piisfish 140]

something which might be discussed, which helped me : grabbing my risers higher (at the links) instead of in dive loops... That gave me the extra centimeters in the brake lines so the canopy didn't start shaking.

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM