How do I find out if a canopy will fit my container?

[jahk 0]

I'm buying my first used rig in parts. So far I've got a Vector container (that's Vector, not II, or III), a Raven 160 reserve, and a Cypres. I'm looking for a main now.

The person who used to jump this rig had a PD 170 in it, although I'm not sure if it was a 7 or 9 cell, She sold it apart from the rest of the gear, so I couldn't buy the whole thing.

Now I've got a lead on a Silhouette 170. Everything I've read suggests this would be a good first canopy. And while it's smaller than the Spectre 190 I've been renting, I'd still be loading it at a conservative .85:1.

Even though it's the same size as the former canopy with this rig, I'm afraid the difference in design as well as the partial ZP construction might make it just a bit too big to fit.

So is there a way to find out? Or is it just a matter of getting the gear together and seeing if I can stuff it in?

Thanks.

Judith
______________________________________________

Imelda Marcos just wanted some cute shoes that didn't make her feet hurt. Why's that so hard to understand?

[DJL 235]

I don't know much about that rig or those canopies but I'll add something about tolerance. In my rig I've had everything from a 185 SF 9 cell to a 160 SF 7 cell to a 143 SF 5 cell CRW canopy.

Ask a rigger for help putting it together and bring some beer.

"I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher

[migliore 0]

Contact the manufacturer of your container (Relative Workshop). That is always the best starting point.

Shane

[D22369 0]

If you have a para gear catalog, each canopy lists its square inch packing size, do a crosscheck with the PD 170 to see if you are in the ballpark......rigs do have quite a bit of tolerance to them...

Roy

They say I suffer from insanity.... But I actually enjoy it.

[skydiverton 0]

If you have the change
TRY.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Using your droque to gain stability is a bad habit,
Especially when you are jumping a sport rig

[mr2mk1g 10]

Use this chart http://www.georgiajump.ru/shop/canopy/canopyco.pdf

Although helfully for some reason it lists only the silhouette 150 and 190 but not the 170. You'll see that the silhouette 150 has about the same pack volume as the PD170. Therefore I'd concluded that the silhouette 170 will be a little tighter in there than the PD170. That's not to say it wont fit, just that it'll be tighter if it does.

Like others say, check with RWS or try it. If it doesn't work out you can bookmark the link and use it next time you find something.

[skybytch 273]

Find out the container size. It should be written on the data panel that has the serial number on it; IIRC that is located under the top reserve flap on a Vector. It should be the letter V followed by one or more numbers (ie V4, V1-2).

With the container size and a Vector sizing chart you could easily determine what size main will fit. Don't have a Vector sizing chart handy? Yeah, me either. So I'd suggest taking the container size and calling Relative Workshop. Let them know what you have and what you want to put in it - they'll be able to tell you if it will fit or not.

I jumped a Silhouette 150 for awhile. I was putting it in a container that was built for a 150 zp (Sabre, Spectre). It packed up the same size as a Sabre 150 did, but it was a bit easier to put in the bag. Fun canopy - turns quick, great flare, easy landings (especially at the wingloading you're looking at).

I think V1-2 is the size Vector that would have been built for a PD170 - if that's what yours is then based on my experience I think a Silhouette 170 will be a very snug fit.

But again, RWS is your best source of information on this one. Have your container sitting next to you when you call in case they need info off of it.

Oh, and FYI - there is no Raven 160. It's either a Micro Raven 150 or a Raven I (which is 181 sq ft).

• Quote

[egons 0]

Kindly give me a phone call at RWS (1-386-736-7589) and I will be more than glad to assist you with pack volumes of the container.
Have your serial number and container size ready - either will do.
You can also e-mail me at egon@relativeworkshop.com

Cheers

"Start doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you're doing the impossible!"

[psw097 0]

Actually, that rig has had everything from a 245 Sharpchuter to a 129 Safire in it when i owned it.