Vector 2 Freeflying

[scottbre 0]

I have a Vector 2 rig, and have been told that it probably isn't a good idea to freefly it. I am wondering if there are mods that can be made to it so that it will be more freefly friendly. I am still on student status, and still nowhere close to where I will be ready to start learning freefly, but I am just planning for the future. Who knows, by the time I get around to learning to freefly I may have a new rig.
Anyway, if you are familiar with the Vector 2 and freeflying let me know your thoughts.
"Can't keep my mind from the circling sky. Tongue-tied & twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I."

[Canuck 0]

The only real problem with a Vector 2 for freeflying are the velcro riser covers. The reserve flap is secure, and the main flap is really no different than any other rig that closes top down (Javelin, etc.) rather than bottom up (Voodoo, etc.).
A girl at my dropzone just had her Vector 2 retrofitted with "tuck-tabs" on the riser covers. They work great. Just make sure it's a qualified rigger who does the job, and you might want to see if it affects the TSO (if you care).
Canuck

[riggerrob 643]

Vectors work fine for freeflying, provided you keep the main loop tight and replace pile Velcro every 100 to 200 jumps.
You might ask your local rigger to sew a bit more Velcro on the bottom flap so that less than 1" of loose bridle is exposed.
Canuck,
Please ask your local rigger to contact me.
Several local jumpers have asked me to retrofit tuck tabs to their Vector 2s.
As to whether modifying main risers covers affects the TSO ... I depends upon your interpretation of the law. Granted, the process does not involve any sewing on the reserve container, however if one riser cover does not release on opening, then your reserve will spin violently. Mind you, most riser covers have the opposite problem: they release too early.

[DanG 1]

I'm not a rigger, but I must disagree that the Vector II is suitable for freeflying with only mods to the riser covers. The reserve flap on older Vector II's tends to open very easily. The tuck tabs are not large enough, and if the flap is pushed to the side at all, it will flip open. Also, the main pin cover has a very small tuck tabe which seems to loosen over time, and no velcro to help keep it in place. I agree that tacking down the bridle is absolutely necessary, since the same amount of bridge is exposed on the Vector II as on the older Dolphin.
I won't freefly in my Dolphin because of the poor bridle and riser coverage, but with the Vector II, you get poor bridle and riser coverage, as well as poor main and reserve pin coverage. I think the Vector II is fine for belly flying (even then the pin coverage bothers me) but in answer to the original question, if you want to make a Vector II safe for freeflying, sell it and use the money to buy another container.
- Dan G

[RemiAndKaren 0]

I had a V2 for some 5 years and never did the reserve flap come open, and I cant say I've ever notice that on another vector. I came for a "Vector DZ", so there were lots around.
As for the riser cover, yes, the velco needs TLC (by the way it may be either the pile or the hook side (or both) that needs replacing. To check, take a new lenght of velcro, and try the old pile with the new hook, and the old hook with the new pile; if either combo isnt very secure, change the old componant)
Remi
Muff 914

[DanG 1]

On a recent jump, my friend's Vector II reserve flap came open on climbout. I spent the whole freefall reseating it.
On inspection on the ground, we found that you could open it with one pinky finger if you pushed it to the side first. I checked some other Vector II's around the DZ, and they had the same problem (to less of a degree than his).
- Dan G

[Aviatrr 0]

Quote

I had a V2 for some 5 years and never did the reserve flap come open, and I cant say I've ever notice that on another vector.

But we know that you don't freefly......just flail..
Mike

[RemiAndKaren 0]

Some call it flailing, some call it rw... just a question of semantics..
And DanG: thanks for that info, we obviously saw different things. I have a look next time I see a friend with a V2
Remi
Muff 914

[AggieDave 6]

First of all, I am not a Rigger and IMHO you should have a local rigger check your rig for FF safety.
I've been jumping an old VectorII for about 40 jumps now and I've logged probably 20 or so freefly jumps on it. I had some problems with stuff coming undone, unflapped, etc for a jump or two, then I changed some of the ways I packed it.
First thing I did was pack a little "looser" then I used to, so the canopy would fill the bag better, that the container would be a little tighter. I did re-check the closing loop tension after that to make sure everything was kosher. With the container "tighter" it helped bring the bottom of the right flap closer to the bottom of the rig (it had a BOC conversion done, so it's no longer a leg pouch), thus leaving less bridle laying around. Also, Ieft more bridle out (like another 1") of the PC when folding that. I used the extra bridle to put a bit of an inverted "U" under the right flap to give the bridle a little more friction to help prevent it coming loose in freefall. As for the reserve pin flap, I've never had a problem with it opening, the velcro is in terrific shape. The main pin flap stays where it should too and the riser covers just had new velcro put on, so they're good to go also.
Please understand that what I described is what *I* do, it may not be totally right. Any of the riggers care to comment? Also, that entire process was harder to describe then it actually is and I may not have quite gotten across what I actually do...
AggieDave '02
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Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!
BTHO t.u.

[riggerrob 643]

AggieDave,
May I add one small caution to your post?
Be careful deep you stuff the bridle under the right side flap. If you stuff it too deep, it might snag on the corner of the bottom flap stiffener. This can cause pilotchute hesitations, pilotchutes in tow and all other sorts of excitement.
That is why I preferr to sew a small piece of hook Velcro on the bottom flap and a matching piece on the bridle. That way I am stuffing a consistent amount of bridle under the side flap and I am reducing the amount of exposed bridle.
This advice applies equally to most other brands of containers.
The only thing that works better is the extra - bridle hiding flap - sewn to the bottom flap of recent Javelins. I have retrofitted these flaps to Mirages, Vectors and Javelins.

[AggieDave 6]

RiggerRob--Good point, I hadn't thought of that. There is some velcro running length-wise on the top of the bottom flap, under the right flap, but there isn't any running to the BOC pouch. After your advice, I think I'm going to get my rigger to sew some on. AggieDave '02
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Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!
BTHO t.u.