ZP material

[cloud9 0]

This came up in a different thread so I thought I would start one to see if I could get a few opinions.
What is the difference in longevity of the ZP type that PD uses compared to the ZP that Aerodyne, PISA, and Atair uses.
It seems some folks think that the less slippery ZP will not last as long as the slippery stuff. I have seen no data confirming this. So does anyone know if there is a significant difference in wear? Will one last many more jumps then the other? Will say a Sabre or a stiletto last longer then a Cobalt or a Heatwave?

[AggieDave 6]

Another question I would like to add is how do the different ZP materials act in differnet environments. i.e. is one better for jumping in certain climates/conditions then the other or is there really enough difference to matter?
"ahhhhoo...the little guy hasn't done anything yet and you know its going to be good..."

[prost 0]

It most likely is not even important. I have seen both types with 2000 jumps on them. Most canopies never make it to 2000 jumps anyway. If I had to guess (and I have no concrete knowledge, so it is a guess) then I would say the slippier kind would last longer just because I have seen some of them with several thousand jumps on them, where I have not with the less slippery kinds of zp.
William

[prost 0]

I am sure each manufacturer will say there kind lasts longer though.
William

[billvon 3,092]

>It seems some folks think that the less slippery ZP will not last as long as the slippery stuff.
As I don't know which material came from which manufacturer I won't speculate as to what name brand is better. However, a friend of mine did some tests a while back on 1997-circa Triathalons vs. 1996-circa Sabres, all on canopies with 1000-2000 jumps on them. The Sabres still had near-zero porosity, while the Triathalons were approaching (and in one case exceeding) F111 porosity. The Tris in question had the fabric that some people call "tacky."
-bill von