Hard Pulls

[skydude2000 3]

Hi guys,

I'll bet there are threads about this somewhere, but I didn't find anything directly related to what I've been told. I had an extremely hard pull on my last jump, and if I remember correctly, I tried to pull one time too many. Which luckily happened to work. The bridle on the pc I'm using is unusually thick, and bunches up quite a bit when the pc is cocked. This makes it VERY difficult to back tightly, I've found, and numerous other people have had hard pulls on the same rig.

I'd like to think it's not my lazy pc packing, I've tried numerous methods, including that which Brian G. recommended to me when I asked him about it.
My rigger told me that it could have to do with the position of the bag in the container, if it's not even, and flat, it makes the BOC bow downward, putting more tension on the spandex. Other than trying to pack the bag evenly in the tray, is there something else I should do to ease the pressure on the pocket, or the pilot-chute to prevent scary, stupid, preventable shit like this from happening to me again?

Thanks a million.

PULL!! or DIE!!

[BUBLHED 0]

I your D-bad closed all the way?

What I mean does the material meet or are the rubber bands strecthed out between the gaps?

If the bag is not closed fully then the canopy needs to be stuffed in there more effectively to help alleviate the bulging. I had to beat the hell out of my last one to get it "square" then center it in the container and see if this helps.

Also try not to tip it into the container put it on top of the compartment square and pull the container up an around the bag. I believe this is demonstrated on the PD packing video. Do a search here to find.
The idea is to not shove the bag into the bottom of the container deforming the bottom.

I believe I'd also play with the PC. Maybie use Brians PC packing method but put the folded bridle beside the PC not folded in it, so it is not as thick. Basically fold the bridle on the outside of the PC then put it in the pouch sideways so the you end up with the PC and bridle side by side when looking from the bottom of the container.

ATTACK LIFE ! IT'S GOING TO KILL YOU ANYWAY!!!!

[erdnarob 1]

Your trouble can come from the pilot chute size. If you have a 36" diameter pilot chute (in F111 generally) then Brian Germain method is not adequate for that size. If it's your case, try to use a method which keeps the folded pilot chute longer like: fold it in half and say the round part is located at the bottom, then fold the 2 corners toward the center to make them overlap, then fold the the round part upward (2-3"), S fold the bridle in the middle (upward) and make a sideway roll with the whole thing. That method will make the final result longer therefore thinner. Your folded pilot chute should be stowed on the whole length of the spandex pocket. Try it then put it on your back with all straps attached and pull the PC and tell us if that works.
Brian Germain method is the one I used but my PC is 27" in diameter and made of ZP fabric. It then packs smaller.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[Martini 0]

Since this has occurred numerous times and is an obvious safety issue it might be best to simply replace the bridle/pc. You'll be out $100+ but you'll have a safe, reliable system. And peace of mind.

Sometimes you eat the bear..............

[jurgencamps 0]

A friend had the same problem. Her main was to big to fit in the container.

[ChrisClark 0]

What size is the container, should be on the data panel in the pouch with packing card.

[Martini 0]

Adam, the seriousness of your problem isn't being addressed here.

#1: A hard pull with multiple attempts at deployment can put you low and with bad body position. Think of the chain of events that can result.

#2: Being able to extract your PC smoothly both by the hackey or by pulling the bridle is a BIG deal. If your pin is knocked loose or your closing loop breaks you could be facing a horseshoe malfunction. Get your problem fixed, don't blow it off. Lean on your rigger until it gets done.

Sometimes you eat the bear..............

[DrewEckhardt 0]

Quote

Hi guys,

I'll bet there are threads about this somewhere, but I didn't find anything directly related to what I've been told. I had an extremely hard pull on my last jump, and if I remember correctly, I tried to pull one time too many.

Which luckily happened to work. The bridle on the pc I'm using is unusually thick, and bunches up quite a bit when the pc is cocked.

If the bridle is bunched up when cocked, the kill line is too short and needs replacement.

Quote

This makes it VERY difficult to back tightly, I've found, and numerous other people have had hard pulls on the same rig.

Your rig (Vector 2) should be old enough to have originally come with a legstrap mounted pilot chute pouch.

Riggers vary in their mechanical aptitude.The rigger one who did your conversion may have only made it big enough for the specific pilot chute and canopy it was being jumped with at the time. Or he may hae made it too small period.

Quote

Other than trying to pack the bag evenly in the tray, is there something else I should do to ease the pressure on the pocket, or the pilot-chute to prevent scary, stupid, preventable shit like this from happening to me again?

You need to get the pouch replaced and/or pilot chute replaced/repaired before the next jump.

[riggerrob 643]

"If the bag is not closed fully ..."

.......................................................................
If your main canopy is too big for your d-bag - and leaves a 3 inch gap bridged only by rubber bands, this can create another wear problem.
If canopy fabric gets trapped by rubber bands, it can get wrinkled, frayed and eventually holed. Rubber bands can also damage stitching on the center seam, near the tail.
The short term fix is to get a bigger d-bag.
The long term fix is to get a container properly-sized for your main canopy.