RW suit Fabric / Speed Effect?

[halukb 0]

Hi,
I'm a 65kg (140lb) 1.68m (5'6ft) guy and will get an RW suit tailored soon. I couldn't find around any specific information on how much the fabrics effect the fall rate by percentage in average, for RW. I read people experiencing upto 40mph increase on switching from baggy to tight suits. That sounds drammatic. But I have no numerical info on how much of that gap I can cover using my posture, and still be in free motion, although I am some bit flexible.

As much as I know, fall rates of fabrics (the most common ones for torso and legs) are ordered as nylon-taslan-polycotton, from faster to slower. I wonder how much the speed effect is. Is it worth bothering the difference, if I am a novice in RW, attenting groups of 4 let's say for entertainment and groups of 30 and larger also?

Should I prefer a slower fabric for large groups? Or would it make an insignificant difference for me, since I am light and not so tall? I haven't yet used a booty, so I can't compare the effect of that. No tunnel experience yet either.

Any ideas?

halukb

[Alexg3265 0]

Talk to some instructors that fly with you. They'll tell you where you are neutrally. You should develop a good range completely independent of suit, then if you find you have to work harder to keep up or down you can tailor a suit accordingly to make your neutral fall rate match or try to match who you're flying with.
Ripstop is fast, taslan is a little slower, and polycotton is slower yet. Cordura adds drag. Handles add drag. Booties add drag. Bagginess adds drag. Double layered fabrics add drag. Try different suits at your dz and see what feels right. Baggy or fitted ect.

I was that kid jumping out if his tree house with a bed sheet. My dad wouldn't let me use the ladder to try the roof...

[dthames 0]

As Alexg3265 indicated, when you are jumping in groups, you will learn if you are too fast or too slow.

I was a bit slow and purchased a custom suit of slick nylon and spandex. The only not so fast fabric is the seat of the pants. The group of jumpers that I had floated above, now I fell low on. I was happy with the difference that the suit made. I would rather a fast suit than to wear weights, mostly because of my not so young back.

Instructor quote, “What's weird is that you're older than my dad!”

[halukb 0]

Thank you guys. The thing is, I'm in a bit hurry, with little time to get one tailored in a few weeks (this week actually), for a large group jump trial in Nov. And I haven't yet got enough experience in a group jump, so I can't compare it myself, nor make jumps meanwhile or have the possibility to ask for an instructor opinion. Therefore I was looking out for some numerical data to help me decide. I am feeling like leaning towards taslan as the main fabric, to stick to the average.
My previous suit was quite a little loose, but I could manage to go up and down wrt the group. However, since it is easier to adjust fall rate with a looser suit, I have concerns (with a faster suit with booties). I just need to make a choice at once..

haluk

[wmw999 2,545]

You can make a slow suit go faster with weights, but if it's baggy, then it's harder to control. You can make a fast suit go slower with sleeves or an extra shirt. If your current suit can go both up and down wrt the group then it's a decent starting point. But if you want a different suit, then I'd go with the same fabric, a little less baggy, and booties.
But if I were going to a bigway camp, I'd also consider going with the suit that I'm already familiar with, and using the camp to help decide in the next one.

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)

[halukb 0]

I don't have booties on my current suit (booties required to attend group), and it has a bad fabric that is coming apart (nylon threaded, rough surface, baggy cut). Also, since it's a bit baggy, I can't dive efficiently to the group. For these reasons, I have to change it.
I was thinking of wearing sth on top, if too fast as you said. Or maybe extra sleeve option you gave could be safer. Dealing with weigths sounds like more of an hassle on the contrary.

Thanks a lot Wendy. It's getting more clear now..

[wmw999 2,545]

Excellent reasons to get a new suit. Hurry up so you can have jumped it before camp. And enjoy the camp. Dealing with weights is really not a problem unless you need so many it's a burden (5+kg or so). Really. But for now get the suit, go equipped with things to help you fall slower or faster, and enjoy. To make your suit go faster, you can tie a pull-up cord around the leg above the ankle, constricting the boogie.

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)

[halukb 0]

Thanks a lot Wendy and everyone, for all the advices and encouragement. I'll try to take advantage of all the information you guys gave and will also keep the last tie trick in mind !

Best,
halukb