Canopy size question

[ladyskydiver 0]

A question based on a few incident posts and the latest one from Germany.

I know that cross-braced vs. eliptical vs....play into factors here, but how much size difference is there between (for example) a Springo 110 vs. a Stiletto 120? I'm looking at the size and thinking ok...10 sq. ft. is the difference between the two but is that really a lot?

I currently jump a 170 so would a 160 (if made and assuming I stay in the same category as my original canopy) really be that big of a difference?

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[mnealtx 0]

Based on what I've read here on DZ:

Going from a semi-elliptical to a full elliptical in the same square footage, or from an elliptical to a cross-braced seems to be considered a "downsize" as far as performance purposes go.

I could very well be wrong - I'm sure someone will jump in and correct me if I am...

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[ladyskydiver 0]

That I'm aware of. What I'm questioning isn't changing canopy type...it's just changing size - i.e. from a 120 to a 110.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[chutem 0]

I have less jumps than you so what do I know. The larger the canopy the smaller the same sq. footage change should affect things because it is a smaller percentage change in canopy size. From what I have seen in larger canopy sizes usually the smallest change is 20 sq ft. (sabre170 sabre150 never heard of sabre160) This is based on logic rather than experience (% change thing) if I'm wrong someone please correct my thinking.
James

[tso-d_chris 0]

Quote

I know that cross-braced vs. eliptical vs....play into factors here, but how much size difference is there between (for example) a Springo 110 vs. a Stiletto 120? I'm looking at the size and thinking ok...10 sq. ft. is the difference between the two but is that really a lot?

I currently jump a 170 so would a 160 (if made and assuming I stay in the same category as my original canopy) really be that big of a difference?

downsizing from a 120 to a 110 amounts to over 8% size reduction.

Downsizing from a 170 to a 160 only amounts to less than 6% reduction, and won't be as noticeable.

Canopy planform also significantly affects canopy performance, as has already been pointed out in this thread.

Line length will also affect canopy performance, primarily during turns. The shorter the lines, the faster the canopy will turn, all else being equal.

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[mjosparky 4]

Cora,

Try reading these 2 articles and see if that helps. I know there is a lot of chafe but they might give you the answers you are looking for.

Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[ladyskydiver 0]

Thanks, Sparky! Learning is always good.
Hugs, my friend. Hope all is well in sunny CA.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[riggerrob 643]

Distrust numbers published by canopy manufacturers - because every canopy manufacturer uses a different measuring method.
Far wiser to consult senior skydivers who have jumped both Stiletto and Springo, or read some of the reviews in the gear section of dz.com