gravityizsexy 0 #1 February 10, 2005 Would anyone who knows recommend a set amount of experience before modifying the basics of freefall style?(Box-man) When I go up by myself I like to experiement with alot of different things, I've recently been playing with the "mantis" style, and I travel alot so I really can't get a instructor who really knows my flying. But I would like to know, is it traditional to master box-man before working on other aspects of flight? I see people that use this and when executed properly it makes for superior response time and heightened stability and control, thats my opinion anyway, but should I keep practicing box-man until I know it's perfect or could I start looking for other training and work it into my style. I personally don't think it is all that dangerous see'ing as how I could revert to a stable box position when its necessary, I just wanted to know what everyone else thinks about it. "'Someday is not a day in my week'" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gravityizsexy 0 #2 February 10, 2005 I gotta jet, but thanks in advance.... "'Someday is not a day in my week'" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #3 February 10, 2005 The sooner you learn it, the easier it'll be to change. Watch someone with 1000 boxman jumps get in a wind tunnel and try the mantis. Then watch someone with 20 jumps do the same thing. The guy with 20 jumps will pick it right up, but the guy with 1000 will struggle for a long time and constantly revert back to the boxman. I wish I'd learned it right off AFF. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #4 February 10, 2005 Did a 2 way recently with a ~200 jump novice without a lot of RW experience trying to use the mantis position. The constant correcting and overcorrecting with hands/arms made me have to orbit around to get the first dock. It was very irritating having my target doing unnecessary adjustments. maybe having the hands in front of you is likely to make a novice 'twitchy'.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattjw916 2 #5 February 10, 2005 I learned mantis right off AFF and never looked back... forget boxman and get some coaching on mantis.NSCR-2376, SCR-15080 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #6 February 10, 2005 Being locked into any one body position is hugely limiting.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisL 2 #7 February 10, 2005 I'm curious. I've never been taught anything that was called "mantis" but I've heard the term on here before. Does anyone have a good pic of this body position so I can see it?__ My mighty steed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
idlewild70 0 #8 February 10, 2005 QuoteI'm curious. I've never been taught anything that was called "mantis" but I've heard the term on here before. Does anyone have a good pic of this body position so I can see it? I believe that there was a picture of it in this months parachutists.-Fish Blue skies, Soft landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #9 February 10, 2005 I have taught people mantis before they did AFF. It is nothing more than a way to maximise effect with minimal input....you can learn that at anytime. Also, it is not a magical position anymore than there is a magical freefly position."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattjw916 2 #10 February 10, 2005 Who said anything about being "locked in" to one position? NSCR-2376, SCR-15080 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smooth 0 #11 February 10, 2005 QuoteDoes anyone have a good pic of this body position so I can see it? ____ It's not a good picture of the position but it might better explain it for you. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=629304;page=2;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25; another link here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gravityizsexy 0 #12 February 10, 2005 Thanks for all the input peepz, I'll get started ASAP... well with instruction anyway... thanks... -Tony "'Someday is not a day in my week'" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headoverheels 334 #13 February 11, 2005 QuoteWho said anything about being "locked in" to one position? JP did Just don't be using that mantis on big ways, out on a loop somewhere. It's not good for those docking on you, having to fish for your wrist, rather than having out in their face. When the tension gets high, you won't be able to maintain the position, and the transition can add to problems. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #14 February 11, 2005 QuoteJust don't be using that mantis on big ways, out on a loop somewhere See this is what I am talking about...The mantis is NOT a stationary position. Watch Airspeed, they are taking grips, flashing...ect yet most would say they are flying in the mantis. I fly the "mantis" all the time. If you want to call it that. But I still take grips, present grips and flash. I know folks on the 300 way that were flying mantis. People think this is a solid position...Its not. Its taught that way just like the boxman was taught that way. Once you get the basic idea, then it is a very fluid position that has a few basic ideas: 1. Head up so you can look around. 2. Puting preasure on the air with your upper body so that your legs are more effective. 3. Use of legs as a primary input to move. It is a concept, not a stationary position."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
