Viper Container

[pilotdave 0]

Just noticed Trident (aka Bomber Mfg) updated their web page with pics of their new Viper container.

"The mid and top flaps on all Viper series rigs are designed to be field replaceable. So, a bad landing no longer means living with a scuffed flap, nor a ridiculously expensive repair bill to have the flap replaced. So easy to replace, the new flaps can be ordered from Trident H&C, Inc., and installed by most any field rigger with an appropriate sewing machine! Tired of your old flap colors? Simply replace them. Selling your Viper? Replace the flaps and increase the overall aesthetic of the rig back to near-new condition."

I think they've been paying attention to me and my pink mid flap!

Looks like it comes in 3 versions. One's looks basically like a reflex, one is mirage style, and the 3rd is javelin style, at least as far as the reserve deployment system goes.

Dave

[fasterfaller 0]

I like the options they give of three different looks in one rig . That is just too cool .

[hobbes4star 0]

very cool i like that fact that you can take the best of all three rigs and make your perfect rig.

if fun were easy it wouldn't be worth having, right?

[PhreeZone 20]

I'm assuming that this will have rear pin protection like the current reflex? Or is that only on the exposed model? I'm wondering what one actually looks like in terms of the Viper and Viper PE models in terms of the pin placement and flaps.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[riggerrob 643]

Looks like it was designed by the marketing department.
This reminds me of a conversation between Ray Ferrel and I while I was working at Rigging Innovations.
As for the concept of a field rigger being able to replace the mid flap with a sewing machine ... it has been done before. On many popular rigs: Talon, Voodoo, Vector 2, etc. any Master Rigger can sew on a new mid flap. The trick is finding a Master Rigger who understands the tricks for sewing flaps on that particular rig. For example, I have replaced hundreds of mid flaps on Talons, but none on Javelins or Racers.

[freeflyfree 0]

It looks very nice, but I would like to choose a main closing flap also, between a javelin style or a mirage style, personaly I don't like javelin style flaps..you downsize and they don't stay shut in freefall, as long as you have the recomended canopy size everything is all good, but you go down one size and there is not enugh tension to keep things closed...anyway I preffer mirage/vector/wings style than javelin/vyper....

Felipe

--
Blue Skies
NO FEARS, NO LIMITS, NO MONEY...
"A Subitánea et Improvísa Morte, Líbera nos, Domine."

[riggerrob 643]

freeflyfree,
I agree with you.
I would much rather have a Vector 3/new Mirage style main pin cover.
They stay closed better in freefall, especially when you mis-match canopy volume.
Seeing as how the Viper designer is this flexible early in the process, maybe he/they will be flexible enough to offer more than one type of main pin cover.
In the long run, Viper customers will vote with their dollars.

[Kirils 1]

Have you seen one of their rigs in person? I bought a "flappette" from them for my Reflex earlier this year. I was really shocked at the poor construction.
The piece was not symetrical and the stitching was quite sloppy. I hope their complete rigs are better than the components they sell. If not they will be out of business in no time.

"Slow down! You are too young
to be moving that fast!"

Old Man Crawfish

[KellyF 16]

Quote

personaly I don't like javelin style flaps..you downsize and they don't stay shut in freefall, as long as you have the recomended canopy size everything is all good, but you go down one size and there is not enugh tension to keep things closed...anyway I preffer mirage/vector/wings style than javelin/vyper....

Not all "traditional" main pin cover flap are created equal. They can be made to be secure with varying sizes of canopies, it is a combination of closing loop location, and center flap design/geometry. There is actually a picture of one of the other rigs you mentioned in the '02 USPA calendar (April) with the pin cover flapping in the breeze. Just goes to show that nothing is perfect.

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