Demoing: Cobalt vs. Samurai

[flyingferret 0]

I am not a swooper by any means, but I am thinking about eventually downsizing. Probably not immediately, just because I dont have the money, and I am playing with new camera gear right now. But I am thinking about demoing at least one canopy this summer, just for fun and in preparation for the eventual downsizing.
Current stats: about 120 jumps, 110 of them on a Sabre 210 loaded at about 1.1 I am a relatively conservative flyer, and at that wing loading even surfs on no-wind days are nice, but not that fast. However, I have done crew with the canopy, so I am pretty conscious of its control range.
Now the question: I am thinking of demoing a Cobalt 170 or Samurai 170, maybe both. I know the Cobalt flies 'big', not sure about the Samurai. Before I demo one, what advice do people have concerning the two for a beginner like myself? Speed, control, pack volume (versus my massive 210 in the container), etc....anything would be appreciated.
Malachi

[PhreeZone 20]

I'll just say this... the Cobalt might fly "big"... but its a HUGE change from a 210 to a 170. I went from a 170 to my 150 and the change was big. The Sam flys actually true to size and is very touchy to input in brakes from all accounts. I've heard a Sam is the next proformance level up from a Stiletto. Both are fully elliptical and are going to require your full attention in flight.
"Hey.. Its my camera, and my remote... I'll rewind if I want to!" ~ Goat #2

[flyingferret 0]

Well, I think that rules out the Samurai then. That kinda surprises me. I thought I read otherwise, but maybe not. I read too much to remember it all, which is why I asked here :)

[AggieDave 6]

Remember the size of your landing area, or almost lack there of. That and how the winds roll over the hangers on many days, effecting the winds in the better landing spots. Beyond that, I could see you jumping a 190 for a few jumps then going to a 170, but personally I wouldn't downsize quite as quickly with out a step between. Doesn't Trevor have a 190 Sabre, I know he'd let you fly it. Hopefully when I get up there in a few weeks, I'll have a 190 Sabre2 on demo you can jump. "Are they short-shorts?" T.B.

[JJohnson 0]

From the 200ish foot student F111 canopy to my own gear was a Triathalon 150. The jump was huge and not to be trifled with. I made plenty of errors, fortunately none that cost me more than embarasment, laundry detergent and some bruises.
Like you I am a fairly conservative pilot. I put a few hundred jumps on the Triathalon before I went to something semi-elliptical. My choice was a Silhouette 135. (billed as a tapered canopy. Very lightly elliptical) Again the jump was enough to give me all new respect for the chute. I still own the canopy and use it in my second rig for camera work. I can still fly it on the edge enough to scare myself.
After another few hundred jumps betweena Safire 129 (lightly elliptical) and Crossfire 119 I am looking at going to either the Cobalt or Vengeance, size to be determined after a dozen or more demo jumps on them.
Do not be in a hurry to jump down in size, plus go to an elliptical. You are asking for trouble, and I am not in anyway knocking your skills. All it takes is one mistake and you will find these parachutes a Hell of lot less forgiving than what you got now. Moderation is a good idea here.
MHO
JJ

[flyingferret 0]

Well, thanks for the replies thus far. I think I made a mistake, so let me fix it real quick. I meant to express interest in a Lotus not a Samurai. I had done some research on both big air canopies a while back and just got the names confused. So, that considered, anyone have any advice on the Lotus?
Dave, thanks for the advice, but I am not really worried about it. The jump is big, but the lower limit is not dangerous in my opinion. The 210 is pretty much rock solid, and on windy days, penetration is near impossible. I would be loading a 170 at 1.3, something I am pretty comforable with, especailly if I demo a Cobalt that flies 'big' I am looking forward to trying our SabreII, but I doubt the differences are enough to warrant me buying it as second canopy. It will be months at least, before I switch, I just thought it might be a good idea to demo a few and see what I think tenatively.
Malachi

[PhreeZone 20]

Think of a Lotus as a Sabre2 with airlocks and a tad more proformance. Brians got some great canopy designs and the Lotus is one of them. I'd personally stay away from the Cobalt untill you are ready to jump to full elliptical. I loaned my Cobalt out to a jumper that had jumped a Sabre in the same size, last weekend and watched them fly it. They were cranking out fast turns and wicked spirls. When I talked to the jumper they said that the canopy was a faster turner then their last canopy. Way faster then the Sabre.
A Hornet or Safire might be a good option too. Skydive Chicago has some used Safires for sale cheap if you are looking for a used one.
"Hey.. Its my camera, and my remote... I'll rewind if I want to!" ~ Goat #2

[cobaltdan 0]

note: many people on this forum jump cobalts at high loadings sometimes giving a false impression that the canopies are for turf surfers only.
cobalt canopies have a wide loading range and like their predecessor the space have an trully excellent track record as begineer canopies loaded under 1.4.
if you are demoing a sabre 2, hornet or safire, a cobalt should definately be on your list to try.
the cobalt has staged openings making it safer at higher speeds, and has a better glide/flare. it is not a faster than the sabre, hornet or safire.
sincerely,
dan

[mountainman 0]

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the cobalt has staged openings making it safer at higher speeds

Check out their website and see the headdown deployment.
That was pretty neat, Dan.
You can see it...[here=http://www.extremefly.com/aerodynamics/press/multimedia.html]HERE[/url].
Both videos are good watching, by the way. Good luck!
JumpinDuo.com...come and sign the guestbook.

[HeatherB 0]

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So, that considered, anyone have any advice on the Lotus?

I would recommend demoing a Lotus to anyone thinking of a SabreII, Hornet, or other of that class.
I have a Lotus 136 and am very pleased with it. I'm only loading mine about 1.05:1 out the door but I have friends with higher wingloadings (1.5+) who absolutely love theirs as well.
Beautiful soft, slow openings. Smooth turns, great glide, and nice and solid above your head. I know there are lots of discussions right now about whether or not airlocks are worth it, but try them out and decide for yourself.
I'm won over. As are many people I know. Also, Big Air's customer service is outstanding! They go great lengths to make sure their customers are completely happy.
Their website: http://www.bigairsportz.com
blue skies,
Heather

[flyingferret 0]

Well, Heather and Dan, thanks! Nothing like having the company itself respond to your post. The Cobalt really has my attention right now. Well I will try to demo a Lotus and Cobalt this season, if the pack volume is right for my rig, I better check that. Thanks guys.
Malachi

[Spy38W 0]

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They go great lengths to make sure their customers are completely happy.

Sounds like another company I recently dealt with recently. --
~Captain Cutaway
I can disassemble a rig in less than 5 seconds...