Eclipse Container, Esprit 170 main

[jumpnjivin 0]

I'm a new jumper and thinking of purchasing this combo. did a search in the forums but didn't come up with a whole lot. Anybody have opinions on the container or canopy. I have read that the Esprit can have hard openings. Is the Eclipse a free Fly friendly container? Thanks for input.

[riggermick 7]

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I'm a new jumper and thinking of purchasing this combo. did a search in the forums but didn't come up with a whole lot. Anybody have opinions on the container or canopy. I have read that the Esprit can have hard openings. Is the Eclipse a free Fly friendly container? Thanks for input.

Don't know about the canopy but the container is basicly a Vector II knock off. If you are hard core into free fly choose a different rig, the Eclipse was built for "belly flying" (God, I hate that term!!!). Remember it's all belly flying at pull time (unless you like nasty supprises)!!!!!!!


Mick.

[jumpnjivin 0]

Well I'm not hard core into anything yet I only have 27 jumps, but I do see myself practicing freeflying. But it will probably be sometime before I get really good as I don't have a ton of money to jump all the time. Thanks for the advice.

[3331 137]

Your better off with a Racer from Jump Shack in Deland
I have two Racers and don't want to jump anything else. Yes I've tried the other rig's and owned an Eclipse for a year.

Jump Shack also makes the Firebolt main canopy, it's a real elliptical with soft openings and easy landings.

I Jumped with the guys who invented Skydiving.

[peckerhead 0]

I don't have an opinion on the canopy (never jumped one) But I do own 2 eclipses.

I think the eclipse is the most comfortable container I have ever jumped and I have jumped most of the popular containers availble in the last 25 years. I also have an Infinity and a Talon and the eclipse is by far my favorite.

The reserve contianer is very similar to a vector 2 but the similarities end there. One of my eclipses has an articulating harness, hip rings, soft reserve and cutaway handles, and is totally freefly friendly. The older one is the same but without the hip rings and the reverve closing flap is slightly different.

The walrus teeth tuck tabs on the main are unique to the eclipse and I don't think you will find better main pin protection. the reserve pin protection is equally bullet proof. The reserve pin protection on the early models was not quite as good as later models but still good enough. The tuck tab riser covers are just as good as anything out there. I have never had a problem with any flaps coming open.

These rigs are kinda rare because they don't make them anymore. If you can find a later model in good condition I would jump on it. They are becoming hard to find. Stunts was a small company so they did not make as many as the big manufacturers so you don't see them very often.

[jumpnjivin 0]

Thanks for all the advice. I talked to a rigger at SDD today and he said parts were hard to find. and unless it was a really good deal another container may be better. I think it is one of the older models as well.

[Elisha 1]

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Thanks for all the advice. I talked to a rigger at SDD today and he said parts were hard to find. and unless it was a really good deal another container may be better. I think it is one of the older models as well.

I was talking to "Shoobie" at the American Boogie by chance (didn't know who he was at the time), and he said that Ray Ferrel from SkyDance in Davis, CA owns the Eclipse brand (bought it from the previous owner). They do parts, but no new production. This is hearsay of course, so don't quote me on it.

[peckerhead 0]

If it is the one listed in the classifieds that looks like the newer version to me. (the reserve closing flap is tucked in on the sides and bottom, the older ones were round and only tucked in on the sides)

If they would sell the container seperately I would consider buying it myself except it is a bit too big for me

I have never had a problem getting parts.

[JerryBaumchen 1,455]

Hi Elisha,

Are you sure about that. I understood that Ray bought the rights to the Reflex and that Bill Dause (of Lodi fame) bought the Stunts rig/rights (along with Rodriguez).

Jerry

[hookitt 1]

Bill Dause and Jesse Rodriguez bought out Stunts Adventure Equipment. I believe the Greg Nardi now owns part of it when he took over the dropzone in Marina California.

jumpnjivin As for freefly and Eclipse, it's hard to say. Mine is positively freefly friendly. Some are exceptional rigs for freefly while others are not as tight. There were many design changes between about 1997 and 1999 so it really depends on which cut and which size.

I suspect that a 170 will be going into a size "C" ? Depending on the year that was made, the C was a pretty tight rig.

If it's the one in the classifieds, It's probably a "C". The picture should be taken on a person instead of lying on the floor. Its a good rig. It appears to be about a 1998 since the main cover flap and the reserve cover flap are wider than the models during end of production.

You may still be able to get parts at Skydive Monterey Bay or from The Parachute Center in Lodi.

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[jumpnjivin 0]

hhhmmm decisions decisions, I'm waiting to here back from the seller on what model and year it is. thanks again everybody for the input so far.