huka551 0 #1 May 24, 2005 Most recently I did a dumb f*ck thing, and I first want to say I knew it was dumb when I did it. I rented gear, it was a 2004 Navigator (student rig), which I had used a few times before. We were on a 10 minute call so I put the rig on, tightened my leg straps, did up my chest strap, got a gear check, grabbed goggles, and helmet, and waited. I touched my handles, and noticed the rig had a little play on my back, it was a bit loose. I thought to myself I should take it off and tighten in before we go, but then I heard 2 minute call, and thought "I don't have enough time, I'll just deal with it". Knowing what could happen, by not adjusting it properly. On that rig, and for my body size it should have been tightened all the way on the latteral lift webbing or whatever its called, but there wasn't like a ton of play where I thought it would be a life threatening problem. So I jumped, and when I pulled and checked for a good canopy as realized my chest strap was about an inch under my chin and pressing up against my neck. Exactly what I knew would happen. When I got to the ground I thought "dumb f*ck"!!! I am just lucky the thing didn't break my neck on opening, or if a Malfunction would have occured...splat! cause my handles would have been unreachable, or I might have just gotten strangled by the chest strap. So what have we learned today children? Don't be in a rush, check your gear properly, and don't accept death or serious injury as a consequnce of stupidity! Muff Brother 3723 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #2 May 24, 2005 Good to hear you came out of it ok! Have you ever used a belly band? They can make a big difference if the rig is not fitting you or is too big for you. Hope this helps...Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huka551 0 #3 May 24, 2005 What exactly is a belly band? The rig fits fine if it is tightened all the way, and I'm not that small, it just is designed to adjust to fit a larger variety of sizes. It was dumb and a mistake I WONT be repeating! Muff Brother 3723 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MWGemini 0 #4 May 24, 2005 Sounds like the rig has an adjustable MLW, so the belly band would not help a whole lot if the MLW isn't properly adjusted. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huka551 0 #5 May 24, 2005 Adjustable MLW, yes that is what its called, I couldn't remember. Wasn't that an issue at some dropzones, the MLW not being adjusted properly and students breaking their necks on opening? Muff Brother 3723 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,095 #6 May 24, 2005 > it should have been tightened all the way on the latteral lift webbing or whatever its called . . . FYI many student rigs have an adjustable main lift webbing system (MLW); several older rigs also have adjustable lateral straps. Laterals are the things that go from the bottom corner of the container to near the legstrap junctions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MWGemini 0 #7 May 24, 2005 My DZ uses Javelin student rigs with adjustable MLW. I know that Javelin put out a service bulletin a while back to ensure that they get inspected properly. There have been two fatalities that I know of caused by adjustable MLW systems that have slipped. Check the Sun Path website, and talk to your instructors. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #8 May 24, 2005 QuoteWhat exactly is a belly band? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Belly bands are obsolete for solo jumpers. 25 years ago it was fashionable to stuff your main pilot chute into a pouch on the belly band, but after too many people died from twisted belly bands, they fell out of fashion. Belly bands are still used on tandem student harnesses, but that is more related to drogues. The only other rigs that still have belly bands are military freefall rigs, but that is because they have to be adjustable from "naked midget" to "giant in a parka." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Miami 0 #9 May 24, 2005 QuoteBelly bands are obsolete for solo jumpers. We use them for tiny/overly flexible students. Much like the purpose of the butt band on the sigma tandem student harness, the belly band (which is completely removable on the student mirages we use) prevents the student from slipping to the rear under the pack tray during opening shock while also helping to make the harness fit much better. It is pretty rare that we need to use it, but it does come up from time to time. Hope this helps...Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
Miami 0 #9 May 24, 2005 QuoteBelly bands are obsolete for solo jumpers. We use them for tiny/overly flexible students. Much like the purpose of the butt band on the sigma tandem student harness, the belly band (which is completely removable on the student mirages we use) prevents the student from slipping to the rear under the pack tray during opening shock while also helping to make the harness fit much better. It is pretty rare that we need to use it, but it does come up from time to time. Hope this helps...Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
