cmfale 0 #1 April 21, 2010 I am trying to buy my first main and am looking at a 2005 PD Spectre 170 with about 500 jumps and two patches. Here is a link to pictures (scroll down) http://rr-3sb79.posterous.com I don't know what the general consensus is regarding buying a parachute with patches and would appreciate any helpful inputs. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,560 #2 April 21, 2010 If the patches are really close to a rib, it's not so good. If they're in the middle of the fabric, those look really nicely done. The blue one is absolutely no problem, and the green one probably not either -- it looks like it's at least 2" away from the rib, but I could be wrong. I have a couple of patches on my (used) canopy from about 500 jumps ago. No problems. Wendy P.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) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DocPop 1 #3 April 21, 2010 Why does proximity to a rib matter?"The ground does not care who you are. It will always be tougher than the human behind the controls." ~ CanuckInUSA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deyan 36 #4 April 21, 2010 Hm...Is the yellow patch placed outside the canopy instead of inside? Blue skies"My belief is that once the doctor whacks you on the butt, all guarantees are off" Jerry Baumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #5 April 21, 2010 They look good. Don't sweat it. Good professional quality patches are worth the money the current owner spent on them.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerpaul 1 #6 April 21, 2010 QuoteWhy does proximity to a rib matter? It sort of doesn't. US Senior Riggers are not allowed to make patches over a certain size or near a seam. Small patches that are not near a seam are considered minor repairs. Patches over a certain size, or near a seam are considered major repairs, and require a Master Rigger. I am having trouble locating my document that contains the particulars of size and distance to seam. I am sure it is in Poynter's manuals somewhere, but I don't have that handy. The recent FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook that I have handy didn't seem to mention these particulars. If someone else has the info handy, I hope they'll post it. But, in this instance, it is of little consequence. The description of the canopy said these patches were applied at the factory when the canopy went in for a reline. They are allowed to do whatever they want, and I am hard pressed to think that their patches would not be of the highest quality. Quote Canopy has been strengthened with two patches by Performance Designs free of charge when it was due for a its first and only reline. While I don't know if I would call that "strengthening", it is certainly not something to worry about a whole lot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #7 April 21, 2010 QuoteWhy does proximity to a rib matter? Ribs are stress points that might be more likely to pull stitching loose from a patch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muff528 3 #8 April 22, 2010 QuoteI am trying to buy my first main and am looking at a 2005 PD Spectre 170 with about 500 jumps and two patches. Here is a link to pictures (scroll down) http://rr-3sb79.posterous.com I don't know what the general consensus is regarding buying a parachute with patches and would appreciate any helpful inputs. Thanks! I would think these patches would be OK. Caption says, "Canopy has been strengthened with two patches by Performance Designs free of charge when it was due for a its first and only reline. Certification available on request." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #9 April 25, 2010 Properly done (e.g. factory) should last the life of the rest of the canopy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmfale 0 #10 April 26, 2010 Thank you everyone for all your help! I bought the Spectre 170 and am looking forward to using it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites