icevideot 0 #26 November 16, 2006 QuoteIt actually has the good manner to look worn out when it is Maybe from a structural standpoint but my concerns are with trim and it's effect on openings. The lines on my Stiletto 97 weren't frayed at all and new lines made an incredible difference. The lines on my 89 are only slightly dirty but very sound and I bet the trim isn't so great on it either judging by the openings so far. I would still rather break a line on opening because I didn't notice the more subtle indicator than break my neck but the lines are still strong enough to tow a boat. Mel did a lot of testing before advocating wide spread use of the new lines and now more and more manufacturers are using them on a wider range of canopies. Spectra had a negative side when compared with Dacron also from what I have been told. Dacron absorbed some of the opening shock with its stretch. Spectra doesn't absorb it it passes it right along to you but the trade off seems to have been worth it. What was it, less drag and after opening the lack of stretch was considered a good thing as well. I think this is just lingering resistence to change. I am glad everyone is pointing out the potential hazards of my choice though. It doesn't do to forget the dangers. Thanks"... this ain't a Nerf world." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #27 November 16, 2006 *** Most people I jump with have no idea of how many jumps they or their equipment have on it. I think that's where spectra may have the upper hand. It actually has the good manner to look worn out when it is Quote Ahhhhh ,,, this is where the problem lies though. Spectra has usually gone way out of trim BEFORE it shows wear !!! Cheers, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites icevideot 0 #28 December 18, 2006 QuoteI don't really like the idea that PD will only sell a certain line for a certain canopy. Don't get me wrong... PD makes great products and has great service, but there are more factors to consider when choosing lines. I wanted to post an update on this since I finally went and saw Mel at Skyworks. I have made 6 jumps on my Stiletto 89 with new HMA lines and it opens almost as nice as a Crossfire. I opted for the heavy lines (650 I believe) due to the amount of time I stay in the landing area videoing tandem landings. The added UV exposure outweighed the potential gains on my speed/distance. Per Mel's advice I also opted for 1000 lb Vectran lower control lines. These will show wear better and he can replace them in minutes for a very reasonable cost when they start to show wear. The 650 HMA is still slightly smaller than the Spectra it replaced and I think the perceived increase in speed is disproportionate to the size difference. These lines are sweet! I also had the opportunity to visit Mel's loft while he installed them. I am not a rigger but I had no idea just how little I knew about lines. I also didn't realize how much improvement has been made in the use of the new line materials. All Vectran is not the same any more than all Nylon or even cotton is the same. Buy a set of cotton bed sheets and wal mart and compare them to a set at a high end store and you will understand what I mean. 5 or 6 years ago these materials were fairly new to our industry and there were some bumps and breaks in the road to progress. Even PD is using them more and more so they can't be as dangerous as some would lead you to believe. Unfortunately for Stiletto pilots, PD hasn't deemed the Stiletto to be sensitive enough to trim changes to be worthy of HMA. They were very nice and tried to be helpful when I contacted them but Mel is the one who was able to help me. After watching the process of building linesets, I think I will use Mel for all of my future line needs. I recommend that any of you with questions or concerns shoot him a pm or email and he will help you make an informed decision. He never tried to steer me anywhere he only tried to educate."... this ain't a Nerf world." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 2 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
icevideot 0 #28 December 18, 2006 QuoteI don't really like the idea that PD will only sell a certain line for a certain canopy. Don't get me wrong... PD makes great products and has great service, but there are more factors to consider when choosing lines. I wanted to post an update on this since I finally went and saw Mel at Skyworks. I have made 6 jumps on my Stiletto 89 with new HMA lines and it opens almost as nice as a Crossfire. I opted for the heavy lines (650 I believe) due to the amount of time I stay in the landing area videoing tandem landings. The added UV exposure outweighed the potential gains on my speed/distance. Per Mel's advice I also opted for 1000 lb Vectran lower control lines. These will show wear better and he can replace them in minutes for a very reasonable cost when they start to show wear. The 650 HMA is still slightly smaller than the Spectra it replaced and I think the perceived increase in speed is disproportionate to the size difference. These lines are sweet! I also had the opportunity to visit Mel's loft while he installed them. I am not a rigger but I had no idea just how little I knew about lines. I also didn't realize how much improvement has been made in the use of the new line materials. All Vectran is not the same any more than all Nylon or even cotton is the same. Buy a set of cotton bed sheets and wal mart and compare them to a set at a high end store and you will understand what I mean. 5 or 6 years ago these materials were fairly new to our industry and there were some bumps and breaks in the road to progress. Even PD is using them more and more so they can't be as dangerous as some would lead you to believe. Unfortunately for Stiletto pilots, PD hasn't deemed the Stiletto to be sensitive enough to trim changes to be worthy of HMA. They were very nice and tried to be helpful when I contacted them but Mel is the one who was able to help me. After watching the process of building linesets, I think I will use Mel for all of my future line needs. I recommend that any of you with questions or concerns shoot him a pm or email and he will help you make an informed decision. He never tried to steer me anywhere he only tried to educate."... this ain't a Nerf world." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
