Megatron 0 #1 February 6, 2009 So I got my SMART reserve in a few weeks ago. Didnt even take it out of the box since I have no rig to put it in at the moment but when I took it out the other day I noticed that the fabric has a very odd texture to it...different from any canopy Ive even handled. Certainly different than my ZP (which is to be expected) but also different from a hybrid Ive flown and an F-111. It doesnt feel as synthetic and I can almost feel the fibers in the skin. Granted this is the first time Ive handled a reserve parachute but I just wanted to get your take on it before I ask my rigger, which Ill probably do anyway once my rig comes in. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanHarrop 42 #2 February 6, 2009 From their website: "The construction of the Smart uses high tensile strength 0-3 cfm low porosity ripstop fabric..." http://www.flyaerodyne.com/fly/products/smart.asp What is ripstop fabric... this will explain the feel: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ripstop-fabric.htm Edited to add - Lots of good information on materials used in skydiving here: http://www.parachutemanuals.com//index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=0&func=fileinfo&id=232"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #3 February 6, 2009 YOU HANDLED YOUR RESERVE PARACHUTE!!!! NOW IT WILL NEVER WORK!!!!! Just kidding. But probably have never felt a new non zp canopy. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #4 February 6, 2009 Quote YOU HANDLED YOUR RESERVE PARACHUTE!!!! NOW IT WILL NEVER WORK!!!!! Just kidding. But probably have never felt a new non zp canopy. Even if he handled it, a couple cups of propwash will take away the nasty human stain won't it? ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stitch 0 #5 February 6, 2009 Quote YOU FONDLED YOUR RESERVE PARACHUTE!!!! NOW IT WILL NEVER WORK!!!!! Fixed it. "No cookies for you"- GFD "I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65 Don't be a "Racer Hater" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linestretch 0 #6 February 6, 2009 where can you get propwash? do you need to dilute it?my pics & stuff! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #7 February 6, 2009 Quotewhere can you get propwash? do you need to dilute it? If it's too strong, don't try to dilute it on your own! Ask your jump pilot to cut it. It takes a licensed professional. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stitch 0 #8 February 6, 2009 Only wussies like it cut."No cookies for you"- GFD "I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65 Don't be a "Racer Hater" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GLIDEANGLE 1 #9 February 6, 2009 I need some propwash too. I have some nasty snipe stains on my left handed screwdriver, and propwash is the only thing that will remove them.The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,465 #10 February 7, 2009 Hi Mega, Rumor going around that Aerodyne has found a new fabric. It is 'apparently' not a ripstop in the conventional manner; apprently it has some type hexagon whatever in the fabric. As I 'heard' it, this same fabric will be used in both their mains & reserves; the mains getting it with silicone treating. The rumor went on as this fabric is about 20% less bulk than the fabric that it will replace. Take a real close look at your fabric and see if you see anything that might look like a hexagon. And then report back ASAP as Reno is next week. I 'heard' that they will introduce it at PIA/Reno. Anyone else know of this? JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Megatron 0 #11 February 7, 2009 having looked at it and read those links (thanks btw) it seems to have all the telltale signs of ripstop fabric. its an '05 canopy anyway so there's no way it could be of the new kind. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #12 February 7, 2009 Quote Hi Mega, Rumor going around that Aerodyne has found a new fabric. It is 'apparently' not a ripstop in the conventional manner; apprently it has some type hexagon whatever in the fabric. As I 'heard' it, this same fabric will be used in both their mains & reserves; the mains getting it with silicone treating. The rumor went on as this fabric is about 20% less bulk than the fabric that it will replace. Take a real close look at your fabric and see if you see anything that might look like a hexagon. And then report back ASAP as Reno is next week. I 'heard' that they will introduce it at PIA/Reno. Anyone else know of this? JerryBaumchen Jerry I have an inside source... the verdict is that they are switching over to synthetic yak's hair. They were going to use radioactive spiders that would weave the whole canopy but Bill kept getting bit and reinacting scenes from the past couple Spider Man movies. "The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,465 #13 February 7, 2009 Hi Doug, Wow, you're closer to the facts than I am. So why not real Yak hair? JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #14 February 7, 2009 Smells too Yaky? "The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
