UKKid35 1 #1 October 7, 2004 I've just purchased my first rig and I need to swap the main (Heatwave 150 with 191 jumps) for something more suitable. I've been offered an Icarus Jyro 170 with 380 jumps relined 80 ago. I can't find anything online about it, and I'm not sure whether since it's F111 it might be too tired to consider. I'm 140 pounds and not current, any thoughts? TIA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 October 7, 2004 QuoteI'm 140 pounds and not current, any thoughts? Have you talked with your S&TA (sorry, can't remember what yall call them over in the UK) about canopy choices yet? I know you're probably getting tired of hearing that, but I firmly believe that DZ.com is not the place to ask for canopy advice at low jump numbers.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKKid35 1 #3 October 8, 2004 Yes I have (although not to the CCI yet) but everyone seems to have vested interests in whatever gear their mate has for sale. I really want to be armed with as much information from as many sources as possible when I do make a choice because my funds are very limited. In fact I'm sure you'd advise that I didn't try to get back in to the sport if you realised my budgetary constraints. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 October 8, 2004 QuoteIn fact I'm sure you'd advise that I didn't try to get back in to the sport if you realised my budgetary constraints. Naw. Skydiving is important, I understand that. I made sacrifices to pay for my student progression, then became a packer at about 100 jumps (100 jumps in 2 years) to pay for my habit. Now I'm an instructor which pays for my jumping. I'm sorry everyone is dicking you around instead of helping you out (so it seems), I'm assuming that the CCI is like a Safety and Training advisor...hopfully he/she will be straight with you to help you out. At your jump numbers and especially at your current level of currency, though, something to consider is keeping your wingloading conservative as well as the plane form (canopy design). You should think about having a wingloading around 1:1 and keeping away from higher performance canopies (i.e. fully elliptical canopies). ZP vs F111...well, there's nothing wrong with F111, although you definately don't want to wonder much too far above 1:1. The canopy's life is shorter then a ZP canopy since the fabric lets more air through as it ages and gets wear. However, F111 canopies can still be good canopies, even when buying used. You'll need to be cautious, find out if the canopy has been wet, how many jumps it has, etc. You'll really want to have a rigger check out any canopy that you are planning to buy as well, to check for airworthiness. Trust me on that one, I've got a good story about having a canopy rip up on me at a bit over 100 jumps. If I had had a rigger check the canopy out, it wouldn't have passed inspection. ZP canopies will most likely have a higher resale value, so you'll be able to get moreof your money back later. Something to think about as well. Good luck and be safe.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JonBonGraham 0 #5 October 10, 2004 A CCI is a Centre Chief Instructor - he/she basically runs the skydiving operation at a DZ, and has right of vito on everything that happens at that centre. I know my CCI isn't happy with people with low jump-numbers jumping F-111 canopies, so make sure you have a chat with him about it before you buy. Also try and test jump the canopy before you buy, especially as it's F-111 - if you find it comes down at an uncomfortable rate, you'll be glad you did, I know a guy who bought one on blind faith and spanked it in for the next hundred-or-so jumps! Durham University Freefall Club Grounds For Divorce website (band I'm in) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #6 October 11, 2004 380 jumps on an F-111 canopy is only half-life. Funny, every Icarus canopy that I have seen was made of ZP fabric, though I understand that Icarus makes a few hybrid models with ZP top skins and F-111 bottom skins. By comparison, our hybrid SET 400 mains last more than a thousand jumps. At 140 pounds, an Icarus Jyro 170 sounds like a wiser choice than the Heatwave 150, but definitely ask a local coach to supervise your first few jumps on any new canopy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhys 0 #7 October 27, 2004 does the canopy say icarus gyro? from what i understand gyro is a guy from auckland, new zealand and has been making canopys for many years. 'gyro' eventually chaned to 'n.z. aerosports'. i would steer clear of the gyro f111. is all good for a while but when you have finished jumping it, it will be near the end of it's life? you want to stay on a z.p. 9 cell sqaure! much safer landings! just my thoughts"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will see peace." - 'Jimi' Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #8 October 28, 2004 Jyro is indeed the name of the bloke from NZ Aerosports. NZ Aerosports designs Icarus canopies. Icarus Canopies Inc in the US makes the canopies under licence. As for the specific Jyro/Gryo canopy, I'm afraid I can't help. Why not ask Jyro himself? His phone numbers are on the site (please be aware of time zones ). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
