Reserve handles

[DrunkMonkey 0]

In lieu of going thru years' worth of postings, I have a quick qestion--isn't there a hybrid-type of reserve handle, i.e. a cross between a silver handle and a pillow? I always jump with gloves (cut myself badly once on a sharp piece of metal near the door on exit), and a pillow would be slippery with gloves on. I also want to reduce the risk of someone snagging my reserve handle in freefall.

I jump a Mirage G3.

It'd be a kind of fabric loop, halfway between a D-ring and a pillow.

Any help is appreciated.

[mr2mk1g 10]

It's called a [drum roll] "fabric loop reserve handle".

They already exist. Literally a loop of fabric velcro'ed into the pocket.

Other options include a mini d-ring (just a low profile d-ring that sticks out far less) or a pillow surrounding a d-ring or plastic swadge (although these are mainly aimed at avoiding problems with pilows turning under the harnes).

[DrunkMonkey 0]

Thank you!

[piisfish 140]

the same also exist for cutaway handles.

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

[diablopilot 2]

I don't see how the fabric loop is a reduction in "snagability" In fact it's easier to mistake for a abit of webbing, or such simply from a tactile standpoint.

Mirage uses one of the best soft handles avaliable. It has a piece of pipe (aluminium I believe) inside the handle makinging it extremely "grabby"

Infinity (VSE) uses the same sort of handle.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[billbooth 10]

The Vector "soft" reserve handle has had a metal tube inside to "stiffen" it up, and to prevent tuck unders, from day one. It's the only way I agree to make one. No matter how you slice it, a soft reserve handle will be harder to locate, identify, and pull than a metal "D" handle. If you jump one, especially with gloves, please add at least 500 feet to your "hard deck"...and have a good reason, like a lot of freefly RW jumps. Soft reserve handles are simply not a good idea for inexperienced jumpers, simply as a "fashion" statement.

[sundevil777 102]

The small handle was not installed yet, that's why the cable looks weird.

As you can see, I also like loop cutaways.

Very easy to locate and use. No problem at all in holding them while using your reserve toggles (no need to drop them, no delay while stuffing them somewhere)

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[jmfreefly 0]

I have also seen pillows with either a webbing loop around the outside, or a 'pocket'. Both increase 'grabability'.

I agree with a previous poster that a fabric loop handle doesn't reduce snagability.

I also agree that Mirage makes a good handle nowadays. I haven't really looked at Bill's handles.

j

[diablopilot 2]

Quote

The Vector "soft" reserve handle has had a metal tube inside to "stiffen" it up, and to prevent tuck unders, from day one. It's the only way I agree to make one. No matter how you slice it, a soft reserve handle will be harder to locate, identify, and pull than a metal "D" handle. If you jump one, especially with gloves, please add at least 500 feet to your "hard deck"...and have a good reason, like a lot of freefly RW jumps. Soft reserve handles are simply not a good idea for inexperienced jumpers, simply as a "fashion" statement.

Agreed many times over.

I was pretty sure the Vector 3 would use the same handle as I think I know where the other two manufacturers mentioned buy their handles from.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[riggerrob 643]

Another factor that no one else has mentioned is that few soft reserve handles are compatible with RSLs.
Unless the handle contains a chunk of metal (steel tube in Vector III or steel ring in Reflex) there is nothing to prevent the RSL from sucking the reserve handle part way into the ripcord housing.

[firstime 0]

I rec'd my G3 with pillows but changed the reserve
to the D ring due to limited strength in my left hand.
Missing 2 fingers on my left hand via table saw. With the D ring I can get my thumb into it.