Hornet

[cloud9 0]

Ok I just looked through the archives and couldn't find an answer to this one so if anyone has any information please share.
I just purchased a Hornet 150 used with less the 50 jumps on it. Can anyone tell me how PISA says to pack it? How do you Hornet owners pack yours. I looked at the reviews and saw some folks seem to be getting slammed while others say the openings are sweet. (packing maybe?) I saw all the comparisons to the Sabre and sabre2 so my main concern is just packing. I'll be jumping it for the (beer) first time tomorrow. Also what's the thing with color coded lines? Do you mean the tabs where the lines connect to the canopy?

[PhreeZone 20]

If I remember right, the lines have actual color marks on them to help line them up during a pro-pack. I'm yet to see an owners manual from a company other then Icruas that did not say to pro-pack a ZP canopy.
When you bought the canopy, the original owner should have included the owners manual as part od the supplies with the canopy. Or At least I try to remember to do that on any thing I sell online.
A rainy day at the DZ is better then a Sunny day at work

[cloud9 0]

The previous owner did give me some packing advice, and I've packed sabre's, stiletto's, triathlon's and even a Jonathan. They all seem to respond a little different. So I was wondering how the factory said to pack, Such as roll the whole nose, fold cells in on each side of center or what ever. Aerodyne research says to fold the three cells each side of center in so they are all a little different. Precision says phsyco pack. and of course there are many ways to pro pack.
There are no marks on the actual lines they are all white. The canopy was made in 5/2001.
So does anyone know what the factory suggest?

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

I must say that I do not vary the way I "generally" pack any parachute, except for by size. Since you are talking about PRO packing, then just do it like you would any other main you have experience with. If you "anticipate" that you might get a spanker, then just roll the nose and tail more and see what you get. You will not be able to tell what you need to do until YOU make that first jump on it. People who jump Hornets here at Raeford just do standard PRO packs and none of them bitch about their openings. Four of my former students currently jump them in sizes from 135 up to 190.
Chuck
My webpage HERE

[cloud9 0]

Thanks Chuck I thought about packing the same way I packed the Heatwave it opened nice. I don't know if you remember our converstion on it. I liked it but it was way to small for my container it was a 135. So next best on the used market in my price range was the 150 hornet. Its still kinda loose in my container but will do for a short while until I can afford a smaller container.

[skymedic 0]

I pack my Hornet 210 by psycho packing it....I have had no off heading openings and all the openings have been sweet. just make sure if you are gonna go psycho on the thing to get a bridle extension...I usualy get about 600-700 foot openings with this...
Marc
Because I fly, I envy no man on earth

[cloud9 0]

Thanks Marc I was thinking about the psycho pack but the canopy is already to small for the container and the psycho pack seems to pack up a little smaller. But I'll probably give it a try.

[skymedic 0]

You are right on that...the hornet packs up small as it is and then you tag on the psycho pack ontop of it and it will be even smaller or at least thats how it seams to me...but it really has helped me...
Marc
Because I fly, I envy no man on earth

[NewGuy 0]

I've put about 20 jumps on my new Hornet and openings have been nice so far. I was suprised to hear other people had problems with openings, so maybe this is a sign of something yet to come.
The manual that came with my Hornet describes what I understand as the "pro pack" (I'm a newbie) .The only difference is with the nose:
"There is no need to fold the nose. Fold the adjacent cells on each side inwards toward the centre on an equale balance on both sides, which will give you a softer on-heading opening" (Heatwave & Hornet Packing Manual, step 8)
It also states:
"Pull the nose of the slider out in front of the nose of the canopy. This will ensure that the slider starts working as soon as possible and give you a godd opening" (Step 9) The illustration shows the slider nose poking clearly outside of the canopy nose.

Quote

Also what's the thing with color coded lines? Do you mean the tabs where the lines connect to the canopy

Yes - it's actually the tabs that are color coded, by line group.
PISA might have the manual in electronic format. I'd give them an e-mail to see: pisakzn@icon.co.za.
Cheers,
NewGuy

[cloud9 0]

Thanks NewGuy that's just what I was looking for. What PISA says about packing. It really is weird there seems to be two types of canopies out there cause some folks sure say their Hornet slams them. But most are very happy with the openings. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

[riggerrob 643]

At the last PIA Symposium, I got a PISA rep drunk and asked him what was wrong with the Hornets that opened hard.
He said that he asks the original owners to ship "hard" canopies back to the factory.
PISA mails a replacement canopy to the original owner.
Then PISA sells the used "hard" canopy to someone else. The second owner rarely complains about hard openings. So It must be a personal preference thing.
In comparison, a guy retired his Ariel 150 recently because he couldn't stand any more hard openings. I have put eight jumps on that Ariel and find that it consistently opens comfortably.
I suspect that it is a difference in packing technique.

[mountainman 0]

Quote

At the last PIA Symposium, I got a PISA rep drunk and asked him what was wrong with the Hornets that opened hard.
He said that he asks the original owners to ship "hard" canopies back to the factory.
PISA mails a replacement canopy to the original owner.
Then PISA sells the used "hard" canopy to someone else. The second owner rarely complains about hard openings. So It must be a personal preference thing.

You dirty, dirty man. Liqueoring up the PISA guys. Hehehe.
--------------
click me for a good time

[Dutchboy 0]

PISA recommends a PRO pack, which is what I do. I don't roll the nose, just tuck it in as recommended. I do make sure that the slider is quartered and that the nose is covered by the slider though. My opennings have been fine.
I've also pyscho packed my Hornet. It openned too slowly for my taste when I did this, so I went back to PRO.
I don't know if this matters, but I tri-fold my chute before s-folding and bagging it, instead of just mashing everything in to make the cigar.
The Dutchboy
http://www.geocities.com/ppolstra

[skymedic 0]

oh yeah, the color coded lines do make a huge difference for me...
Marc
Because I fly, I envy no man on earth

[cloud9 0]

Well guys thaks to everyone, I made 6 jumps on the Hornet this weekend and was very impressed with this canopy. The openings were all sweet. It didn't matter which packing method I used. Roll the nose, don't roll the nose. The standard pro pack with out rolling the nose was the easiest and was still nice openings. This is a great fun canopy for any one interested.

[skymedic 0]

Glad to hear it went smooth for ya...and yes it really is a fun canopy.
Marc
Because I fly, I envy no man on earth

[Kirils 1]

Yes Mark, it is a very fun canopy. So much so that PD copied
it and calls their chute a Sabre2... (grin)
Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...

[skymedic 0]

Yeah, after jumping both I just dont see why you want to pay an extra 400 bucks plus for the PD name on the side...
Marc
Because I fly, I envy no man on earth

[Kirils 1]

It's called the blind loyality of the PD lemmings. (grin)
No matter how well your canopy flies, or how good the manufacture's PR and advertising; there are other canopies, and there may be a better canopy. Empirical data and objectivity leads to safer and more enjoyable skydiving!
Skydiving is not a static excercise with discrete predictability...