Is there a "test" to see if your BOC pouch is still sufficiently "elastic"?

[Newbie 0]

A couple of years ago, i bought a new Teardrop Superfly. I have no reason to believe that the BOC spandex has lost any of it's elasticity, but am curious to know if any of you riggers have a "test" or means to see if it's still deemed air worthy for freefly?

I have had no issues with it to date, but would like to know more about how to identify if the spandex needs replacing (i guess not just for my rig, but anyone elses i see where it looks like the opening has gotten loose). Is there a good way to test?

Thanks

Edited for tipoze

"Skydiving is a door"
Happythoughts

[Tonto 1]

Other components, like a Cypres, have time/number of jumps type limits. I'm not much of a gambler. I tend to replace things a little on the early side. My rule of thumb with things like this is..

"If you need to ask the question, you probably already know the answer."

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[Newbie 0]

I'm just trying to be proactive in my assessment, i don't really think it needs a replacement - the rig only has about 130 jumps on it.

I just want to make sure i can look for signs over time that might indicate "ok it's time to think about replacing the spandex". I know some people have said "if you can begin to see through the spandex, replace it" but i figure it should be done before that.

"Skydiving is a door"
Happythoughts

[darkwing 5]

I am not aware of any engineering-type test, for which a numerical result would give you a pass/fail, like, for example, a fabric tensile test does. I recommend you inspect other pouches, and ask how many jumps on them. Also, ask local riggers to show you some pouches to you and discuss the wear issues on each.

I replaced mine at 700 jumps, and it still had plenty of service left in it.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[Tonto 1]

Quote

the rig only has about 130 jumps on it.

It should be fine then, but remember there are other ways to wear it out, like sitting in the plane, losing it on landing, etc.

Spandex tends to get wrinkly when the elastic starts to go. By the way - it's good to see people being proactive about the maintenance of their gear.

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[Newbie 0]

good ideas, thanks.

"Skydiving is a door"
Happythoughts

[Hooknswoop 19]

With the main packed, the mouth of the BOC hould lay flat against the bottom of the container. The spandex/spandura material should still be elastic. The BOC should hold the PC securely.

Derek

[BBKid 0]

Quick hint: to extend the life of your BOC spandex, don't leave the PC packed in it for an extended period of time. When I pack after my last jump of the weekend I don't pack the PC, but just carefully place it inside my gear bag. When I'm getting my gear ready for the next weekend I just pack the PC (assuming I don't get paranoid and repack the entire canopy). I know plenty of others who do the same.

Nick
---------------------------
"I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

[riggerrob 643]

To test your BOC, attach a fish scale to your pilot chute handle and start pulling.
5 pounds is on the low end of the scale, and 20 pounds is more than some of us can pull at angle.

[Newbie 0]

Thanks for providing some numbers, that's really useful.

"Skydiving is a door"
Happythoughts

[pilotdave 0]

Quote

When I pack after my last jump of the weekend I don't pack the PC, but just carefully place it inside my gear bag.

That seems really excesive to me. I mean, if you were leaving it packed for months at a time I could understand... but from weekend to weekend? Is that really necessary (or useful in any way)? How much do you think that'll extend the life of the pouch? How do you know it doesn't degrade the life of the PC?

Dave

[fcajump 164]

1. When system is packed, must hold the pilot chute securely, but not so much that you have a hard pull. If it doesn't, replace it. If it is too tight, check with a rigger to ensure your are packing it correctly, if still hard to pull, replace it (a rigger can give you a little more room if needed).

2. When spandex starts dying, it often starts looking white (or salt/pepper) as the elastic starts breaking down. The aforementioned wrinkled look is also a great 'tell'.

3. If you get a hole in it, REPLACE IT. I've seen people jumping with holes in the pouch and it drives me nuts. Imagine the horseshoe that results from the PC being extracted through a hole in the pouch... Stop justifying why this may or may not happen... fix it.

Personal opinion: If you still have a Cordura pouch (instead of spandex), replace it. You can't imagine the hard pull this can cause.

Just my $0.02,
JW

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

[Treejumps 0]

*** "If you still have a Cordura pouch (instead of spandex), replace it. You can't imagine the hard pull this can cause."

I disagree. I've never had anything but cordura, and in 2000+ jumps have never had a hard pull. Proper packing is always the key to good operation.