7-cell vs. 9-cell

[Dumpster 0]

Really basic question-
What are the basic differences between 7 and 9 cell canopies - (Other than one has 7 cell and the other has 9--) as far has handling and other characteristics? It just occured to me I haven't come across much information addressing this directly- Probably right under my nose --
Thanks in advance, folks!!!
--D

[polarbear 1]

7-cells typically have a lower aspect ratio than 9-cells, which means a lower glide and a more "sinking" type of flare, as opposed to a "swooping" flare. 7-cells usually roll into a turn quicker, but the ultimate turn rate will be higher on a 9-cell. 7-cells tend to exhibit more stable characteristics and malfunction less violently (one of the reasons they are used as reserves and CRW canopies). 7-cells also typically have lower pack volumes.
It should be noted that number of cells is only one design variable. The other design variables can make up for the performance differences caused by number of cells. A good example is the 7-cell semi-tapered designs, like the PD spectre. This is a seven cell canopy, but because of other design characteristsics, it behaves more like a 9-cell.

[billvon 3,120]

The only hard and fast difference is glide angle - 9 cell canopies tend to glide flatter. Everything else is variable. Diablos (7-cells) turn faster than Sabres (9-cells) for example. In general, 7 cells open better and sink better, and in general, 9 cells turn faster and surf better - but there are a great many exceptions to those.
-bill von

[rendezvous 0]

I thought 7 cells also handle turbulance better than 9 cells. Is that true ?

[Dumpster 0]

I'm currently jumping a 7-cell, 150' Spectre - I like it, buy haven't jumped much else to speak of, so I'm limited-

[PhreeZone 20]

Not always... Usually a 27 cell is better then a 9 in turbulence, a 21 is better then a 7. The 9 vs 7 is a lot on the design. I've been under a Tri that was bucking so bad that I could'nt WAIT to give the canopy back, then I've been under a 9 cell at the same loading that sliced through the turbulence like it was never there. Airlocks and crossbracing help a lot too. Design is the key, you can design a 9 cell to be stable, or design a 7 cell to be unstable.
If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will....

[billvon 3,120]

>Not always... Usually a 27 cell is better then a 9 in turbulence . . .
I tend to not use that designation, since I define a cell as a section of canopy between two line support points. If I didn't use that, things would get very odd since many tandem canopies (for example) have two "cells" in each cell in some positions, three "cells" per cell towards the tips.
But I agree, crossbraced 9 cells are generally more stable than non cross braced 9 cells.
-bill von