obi 0 #1 July 4, 2003 I know most of you will find it ridiculously stupid, but I'm considering it: going from a 120 to a a ~ 90 sqft canopy. I have had a Stiletto 120 for 7 years now and I feel it's time for a change. Of course small steps are better, but the problem is I just can't afford to buy new gear every year, that's why I'm thinking about getting something that will keep me interested for a while Yes, I will demo some canopies, but before that I already want to hear some advice from experienced HP-pilots. I usually have an exit weight of 165 to 190 pounds depending on camera, weights etc. That makes for 1.35 to 1.58 on the 120. I once jumped a 97 Stiletto @ 1.7 and did not feel that that was the smallest I would want to jump. So I think a Xfire 89 should probably be fine. But I have never jumped X-braced wings. Do you think that if I consider going from a 120 Stiletto to a 89 Xfire, going to a 90 Velocity would be ok too? Or what that be just an accident waiting to happen? I mean, is the step a lot bigger when I go to the Velocity? I think I have pretty good canopy-control with 2500 skydives, but then again I'm just another guy who has good and bad days and I do a lot of jumps on my tandem and base-canopies, so there's quite a bit of switching sizes. Thx for your input. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gus 1 #2 July 4, 2003 At 2500 jumps you have a better idea than anyone else whether it's a good idea or not. I don't think anyone is going to find you on a 90 ridiculously stupid, you have the experience to know when to take it easy and when you can push it, so demo some and see how you like it. Then come back and tell us what it was like! GusOutpatientsOnline.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #3 July 4, 2003 yeah give us a run down of how its like stepping from a 120 stiletto to a 90 velocity. Differences, similarities, etc. With 2500 skydives you can probably give a pretty good report on it! Be careful. --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhino 0 #4 July 4, 2003 I think a xf2 at 1.85 will keep you PLENTY excited for some time.. Demo one and see what you think. The xf2 REALLY TURNS AND BURNS. It is the fastest turning and diving canopy I've seen that is non-crossbraced other than the Diablo. The Diablo turned faster and might have even dove a little more but it didn't have much of a swoop or bottom end. No rush.. Rhino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sneaky 0 #5 July 4, 2003 Hey Dude I went through the same bollox... at 900 jumps I got my FX99...all the time should I ??..shouldn't I ??..But as soon as I had it WAHHEY!!! You know your limits mate...dont be intimidated by it being 90sq... its no comparison to a stiletto 97 so dont worry.I have flown a 77 ( Im 85Kg ) and it was manageble and great fun.....not a everyday canopy but one off nice... If I was you I would go for it.... and treat it with respect....and remember do it higher than normal ( way way higher.... ).. The only disavantage of a cross brace is when you get a spinner mal .... boy they can really go...watch out!! I had one and had too take the rest of the day off.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
