Construction of Vector\Sigma harness ring-top connection point

[alexey 6]

Construction of Vector\Sigma harness ring-top connection point (and Next Tandem).

They use 2-pieces construction with 2 rings - for main canopy and for top connection of the passenger.

Others company tend to use 1-piece construction - on top hole connect canopy, on bottom - passenger.

The question is:
- construction (scetch draw).
- what is the idea behind 2-pieces construction.
- any minuses of such construction.

Thanks a lot.

Sorry for bad English

Lexa

[riggerrob 643]

Vector 2-piece construction method allows them to build tandem rigs with existing (MIL-SPEC) hardware.

On the other hand, Strong had to invent a new piece of hardware. The first few years of Strong tandem production included two pieces of MIL-SPEC hardware welded together (scary!).
Now Jump Shack buys 3D rings from Strong, while Parachutes de France makes their own 3D rings (to a similar pattern).

[riggerrob 643]

The webbing on Vector-style shoulder rings tends to wear out quicker.
For example, I just inspected seven old Vector II Tandem rigs. Their (Type 8) diagonal back straps were all frayed where they route through the shoulder rings. Most were only fuzzy (Stage 1 wear) but three of them were bad enough to need repairs. The worst harness frayed into the selvage edge of the Type 7 Main Lift Web.
Keep in mind that these rigs have been jumped hard for ten years.
I am not clear whether the fraying was caused by rings slapping together or from dragging while packing. There is some sunlight fading in the same area.
There are two loops of webbing showing on the front of the shoulder rings, but only one is protected by a Type 12 sacrificial layer.

To address the same problem, Strong Enterprises uses a larger - Cordura and ballistic cloth - cover over both pieces of webbing.
On a similar note: Strong Enterprises requires factory inspections when their tandem equipment is 8 years, 13 years and 18 years old. All Strong Tandem equipment retires when it is 22 years old.