Falcon F111 canopy opinion

[Scoop 0]

What you think of this canopy in terms of its suitablity for new jumper. Wing loading will be 1:1

Although not looking for extreme perfomance (obviously), would you consider this giving me enough scope to improve my canopy handling skills and have fun at the same time?

[AndyMan 7]

Falcons on the market today are usually very old, very well used, and have little life left in them.

You would be well advised to try to find something newer, made of Zero-p fabric.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[tso-d_chris 0]

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What you think of this canopy in terms of its suitablity for new jumper. Wing loading will be 1:1

Although not looking for extreme perfomance (obviously), would you consider this giving me enough scope to improve my canopy handling skills and have fun at the same time?

I would recommend you keep looking. A canopy made with zero porosity fabric would be better suited to you. Some models that you might consider asking your instructors about are Sabre2, Safire2, Lotus, Pilot, Silhouette (ZP top skin only) or Spectre.

If you are on a tight budget, a Sabre (1) or a Safire (1) are both available used at lower costs than many other models, as both models have been discontinued in favor of sequel versions.

For Great Deals on Gear

[Mike111 0]

lol you been looking at the hinton skydiving used gear then???!!!!!!

hands off... its myne

[skybytch 273]

If you are really, really broke and the canopy is really, really cheap (US$200 or less) and it doesn't have a lot of jumps on it (<300)... maybe. If any of the above aren't true, you're far better off getting a used zp main.

You would be able to learn and practice survival skills (flat turns, flying a pattern, PLF's) under it. At that loading you should be able to get some reaction out of the front and rear risers.

One advantage to an all F111 main is that it would be much easier to pack than will any zp main. Another advantage for you would be not having to rent gear - but you'd be smart to save what money you aren't spending on rentals toward a newer zp main.

If you do buy one, be aware that the openings will be "brisk;" roll the nose tight and keep control of it when packing. Also be aware that compared to a zp main the flare sucks; practice your PLF's for those no wind days. And be aware that anyone who sees it is probably going to give you shit; develop a thick skin and/or the ability to say "Fuck off mate, at least I'm jumping."

[Scoop 0]

Cool, thanks for yout input.

Mike, that wasnt the one I was looking at. If you want it, knock yourself out

I shall continue my search concentrating on ZP, ive got a short list but finding things in the 210 sort of size is proving more difficult than youd think

[kelpdiver 2]

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I shall continue my search concentrating on ZP, ive got a short list but finding things in the 210 sort of size is proving more difficult than youd think

Very difficult, all right. I settled on a triathlon 220 which is still pretty cheap (570USD for mine), ZP, and out there in good numbers. The older ones like mine have a ZP coating that is not as long lasting (2000 jumps?), but good enough, and a bit easier to pack.

I did use the Falcon a lot in the 20-40 jump range and it seemed ok to me, but I think the others hit on the issues.

[JerryBaumchen 1,468]

Hi there,

Try looking at Performance Designs' website, they have some 210-ish used Spectre's there.

Look at their Stock List then go to Used Canopies.

HTH.

[wmw999 2,588]

They're in England, which means that something coming from the US would have an appalling-sized value-added-tax tacked onto it.
A canopy that's already in England is much more attractive, having already been taxed. At least as I understand it.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[riggerrob 643]

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What you think of this canopy in terms of its suitablity for new jumper. Wing loading will be 1:1

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Loading most F-111 main canopies at 1:1 is pushing your luck.

Back when the Falcon was introduced, hardly anyone used wing-loadings near 1:1 and if they did, their knees/ ankles did not last very long.
It was not until the 1990s that we learned how to design F-111 reserves that could exceed 1:1.2 without sore ankles.
The other problem is that F-111 fabric becomes more porous as it gets more jumps. So an F-111 reserve may be fine - loaded at 1.3 for a few jumps, but an F-111 at the same wing loading will land hard after 300 jumps.

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[andyflylife 0]

Like everyone here has said, keep looking for a cheap ZP canopy....

But if you do end up with a Falcon i jumped a 195 for my first owned canopy loaded at 0.9 and was amazed at its glide, zippyness and flare power. Loved it to be honest. The only bad thing i experienced was some hard openings but think this was mainly due to packing technique!! and sloppy bungee maintenance.

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[Spatula 0]

Must agree...I have a Falcon 215 with about 315 jumps on it. Starting to land a bit "stiffer" ....I'm in the market for a ZP....asta la pronto!!!


Wanna buy a Falcon 215?