Vector 3 closing loop length

[ramon 0]

I believe the manual states the closing loop should be 1 5/8" long (no longer no shorter). DZ gossip is that the flaps will not line up correctly etc.

Personally I would like to make mine about 1" because my main is a little loose.

One rigger (who jumps one like that) told me it would be fine.

Are there any downfalls to having the closing loop shorter than recomended ( I'm going to demo a slighlty smaller main and I will have to shorten it..period)?

bloo skies
ramon

"Revolution is an abrupt change in the form of misgovernment.", Ambrose Bierce.

[BadDog 0]

My manual says it may be necessary to adjust the length of the loop to make the flaps align properly. It says the main pin flap should cover the stitches on the side flaps, and no more than 12 pounds of force should be needed to pull the pin. I go by how firmly the pin is held and how much excess loop I can pull when closing the flaps.

[miller 0]

Are there any downfalls to a 1-inch length....?

From a safety standpoint, probably not. As long as there's enough room to fit the pin through once the loop passes through the final grommet. I may be opening myself up to some abuse with this next statement, but if you can get the pin through the loop, the loop can never be too tight. You won't get a pilot chute in tow with a properly maintained and routed throw-out system because the closing loop is too tight. There, I said it. Let the beating begin.

However, with a Vector III, if the loop is extremely short (three grommet thickeness plus pin diameter), then the grommets will end up stacked on top of each other when the container is closed. Is this unsafe? Not really, but with the cut of the Vector III, it will leave a little lump under the main pin flap. I think the intent of the slightly longer closing loop is to allow the grommets to lay right next to each other, not on top. This allows for a little bit more pleasing appearance once the rig is closed.

Rigger Rob, any comments? Maybe I'm way off the mark.


Rigger Mike