Malta_Dog 0 #1 October 11, 2004 In this thread, a lot of people claim that they dread the horsehoe malfunction. This month, I've been using Brian Germain's method to pack pilot chutes (Clicky!) to avoid the nasty consequences of a horsehoe (main-reserve entanglement because the main is held by the pilot-chute stuck in the BOC pocket). The short and fat packed pilot-chute holds very nicely into the BOC pocket and the required pull force is now a bit stronger, but I haven't had any trouble so far. I just would like to know if somebody, by using this method, has avoided a horseshoe or, to the contrary, has encountered another kind of problem. I understand that by putting the pilot chute bridle attachment point close to the BOC pocket entry, the bridle should be able to get the pilot chute out and turn a horseshoe into a premature deployment (still hazardous but probably less so). I'm a bit uncomfortable though with the folded bridle being so close to the hackey and I'm always extra careful not to misroute it. Any experiences/advices/opinions? Thanks All your dropzone are belong to us!!!!111! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #2 October 11, 2004 Fortunately horseshoes are rare with modern Spandex BOCs. The other major factor is keeping closing loops tight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyhighkiy 0 #3 October 11, 2004 I gotsta gets me a big metal hook knife, Hyuck hyuck. I actually do have a question about this. I've heard of the small plastic hook knifes breaking, what's the chance of getting through a bridal and deploying your reserve before smacking in to the ground if using a double-bladed metal hook knife BE THE BUDDHA! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #4 October 11, 2004 I've been in the sport for 5 years, and have spend virtually every non-winter weekend on a turbine dropzone. I've never seen a horseshoe malfunction. Modern gear is very good at keeping container secured until the pilot chute is extracted. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #5 October 11, 2004 QuoteI've heard of the small plastic hook knifes breaking The cheap ornage plactic "Zak" knives do have a nasty habit of breaking. When presented with a better alternitive, Sunpath (on of the manufacturers that used to include them with their rig) changed to the much more robust knife procuced by Square 1 and Saftey Knife.com. Nearly indestructable (right KellyF?) Quote, what's the chance of getting through a bridal and deploying your reserve before smacking in to the ground How much time do you have? Quote if using a double-bladed metal hook knife A metal handled knife is probably the strongest thing avaliable, howeve a double bladed knife is not always the best thing. Double blades, especialy when mounted in a flexable plasic frame, are both less efficient and more prone to jams/clogs than a properly designed single blade knife.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyhighkiy 0 #6 October 11, 2004 I'm currently the owner of one of those awesomely constructed Zak knives. thx for the info. I guess my question, regarding the bridal thing is, has anyone seen someone cut through the bridal material or does N E one know how quickly a hook knife can cut through? BE THE BUDDHA! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #7 October 11, 2004 I've tested knives on the ground cutting through everything from type 3 tape (pull up cord material), type 4 (many bridles), to type 7,8,13, and 17 (various webbings used in harnesses. In each instance the single blade 4" knifes, and the metal double blades cut through a 1 to 2 inch wide sample in less than a second.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyhighkiy 0 #8 October 11, 2004 sweet ass, thx BE THE BUDDHA! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billbooth 10 #9 October 11, 2004 Here's a simple test I've used from day one (25 years ago) designing pilot chute pouches. Pack your BOC in the pouch with the main container closed. Now, pull the pilot chute out of the pouch by the BRIDLE (not the handle). If it comes out relatively easily, your packing method is OK, and you will not have a horseshoe because of a premature main container opening. With a Spandex pouch, it's very hard to flunk this test. That's why you rarely see a horseshoe resulting from a pilot chute stuck in a pouch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
