New Rig MT-1X

[nightjumps 1]

Just got an MT-1X. Have jumped them before and they are great for fun jumping. Didn't cost me anything. I was able to horse-trade some gear I had stashed in the closet for it - so no outta pocket cash.

Might wear it for the Veteran's Jump at the WFFC this year. Wonder how it works with a Birdman suit? hehe

Since I didn't get to go to HALO School, I've been entertaining some thoughts of strapping my old rucksack underneath just to see what kind of dynamics that adds to the situation. You HALO guys feel free to jump in and give me any advice regarding the ruck. Maybe I'll wait till the WFFC to jump the ruck so I can fanagle a class and JMPI off one of you guys.

[LouDiamond 1]

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I've been entertaining some thoughts of strapping my old rucksack underneath just to see what kind of dynamics that adds to the situation.

Why would you want to go and turn something fun into work? If you plan on jumping a ruck you need to have at least 45-50 lbs in it at a minimum so it isn't blown around. You will also need a spider harness to rig your ruck and a HALO sized lowering line. Jumping a ruck is no joke so I don't think WFFC is the best place to do your first one. Having a dangling ruck 12 ft. under you might scare some of the other jumpers as well as potentially make for a collision on final with the unobserving masses who jump there. Jumping a ruck is just about getting out, falling flat and happy and countering any spins caused by the ruck until it's time to pull. Sometimes you have to fly your ass off just to stay flat , on heading and stable becasue the ruck is moving or shifted on exit. To me, it's about like having a tandem attached to you but only from the bottom two attachment points and BEHIND you, unless you jump it front mount.


I wouldn't recommend it with a birdman suit as there is no good way to symetrically deploy with a handle that high on the main lift web. I think it could be done but not by someone on their first flight.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[riggerrob 643]

To me, it's about like having a tandem attached to you but only from the bottom two attachment points and BEHIND you, unless you jump it front mount.


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Let's hear from experienced HALO jumpers whether they prefer front-mounted or rear-mounted rucksacks.

[LouDiamond 1]

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Let's hear from experienced HALO jumpers whether they prefer front-mounted or rear-mounted rucksacks

Personaly, I prefer front mounted. For one I find it easier to get it situated right a lot easier than rear mount especially when on the O2 console. Rear mount is hit or miss IMO as all it takes is a shoulder strap sliding down your leg a bit and you have a built in turn or you're unable to fly that leg because of the strap. You usually come to this realization right as you're nearing the ramp or as soon as you leave. Front mount also allows me to situate my legs in a more natural position for me as there is no rucksack resting on my ass/thighs. Even if an adjusting strap slips or the shoulder strap slides down my leg a bit on front mount I can compensate and fly head high. On a rear mount it's usually takes you for a ride with an uneven ruck. I have watched many a person fly with one arm all the way out and the other in just to counter a bad flying ruck.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[usskydiver 0]

Keith,
I have to weigh in with LouDiamond on this one. Rucks are nothing to tioy with. I have 2,500 jumps (600 MFF, 200 + w/ Mr. Rucksack) and have had my ass handed to me by Mr. Rucksack. I urge you not to turn fun into work. During work ups, ruck sacks are planned into wind tunnel sessions to get re-familiar with them.
As a side note. Is your rig legal? If it's a military rig it was manufactured under a drawing number and not a TSO? A debatable subject I agree, but I'm happy to debate it.

Tim Tennant
Sky Swoop Team

[Hooknswoop 19]

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As a side note. Is your rig legal? If it's a military rig it was manufactured under a drawing number and not a TSO? A debatable subject I agree, but I'm happy to debate it.

A TSO, NAF, AAF, or AFN drawing number or any other military designation or specification number is an approved parachute and may be used for intentional jumping. [AC-105-2C dated 1/2/91 and I can find no other FAR that supercedes this statement within the AC]

Derek

[nightjumps 1]

Lou, Tim,

I've often seen skydivers with questions (as I'm sure you have) who go around to several different Instructors, Coaches or other skydivers until they get the answer they want to hear and then move in that direction...

Based on your experience and expertise in this area, I will forgo the rucksack endeavor and continue to use the HALO rig for fun jumping. I do on occasion like jumping it, getting out high, dumping high and using it for accuracy.

If you guys feel that strongly about it, then I value your opinion enough to continue using it for fun, accuracy and for other folks to enjoy watching me jump (although I must admit that I detest packing it - could it have come with any size smaller D-bag fur God's sake?).

And, just to avoid any controversy regarding TSO or Drawing Number at WFFC, I may bring it, but not jump it. Thank you for your time and input.

Keith

[nightjumps 1]

Thank you for your time & input, Tim. I've responded to both you and Lou above.

Keith

[nightjumps 1]

Derek,

Thank you for this info... While most of the DZ's in this area don't have any issues with my jumping it, I may need this info at a DZ that is not familiar with this information.

Keith

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Jumping an X, XX, XS, or MC-4/5 with a wingsuit is not advisable due to the ripcord/spring-loaded pilotchute configuration. Also, the side panels would not fit under the wing. Wingsuits are build for "standard" equipment and I don't see any way to route th additional bellyband, side panels, etc through the wings.

I, like my fellow monkeys, have "more than a few" jumps under all of these rigs and don't consider jumping a 65 pound rig with a 370 square foot main "fun." Hollywood jumps in any wind whatsoever were cause for concern with me. I would MUCH rather have a ruck hung on me to get me down. That said, I am equally happy with either a front or a rear mount, and have jumped both together on several occasions. Flying a ruck is much akin to doing a tandem with no drogue. I never really got taken for a ride that I could not control, but did experience a couple of broken shoulder straps while jumping rear mounted that took some funky flying in order to counter the spin it induced.

Chuck

MFFJM (among other things)

[nightjumps 1]

I kinda figured a Birdman suit was outta the question with the 1X. It is on my list of goals at this year's WFFC to hook up with you and do the Birdman thing.