Using altis to gauge swoop height

[conor 0]

I understand that most of the top swoopers are using altis to help them gauge what height they should start their swoop at.

Is there any particular alti that is recommended? How much do they cost and where can I get one?

I doubt they are using a standard Saphire alti (like my one). It doesn't seem to be too accurate at the level required for swooping (i.e. may give a reading plus or minus 200ft).

Any ideas?

[twnsnd 1]

Just want to say thanks for posting. That 666 sitting on the thread count was freakin me out. And who ever really knows exactly how accurate their alti is? Just use it as a back up to double check visual reference.

-We are the Swoophaters. We have travelled back in time to hate on your swoops.-

[ianmdrennan 2]

At the Red Bull meet in NE this year a fair number of them were using those alti watches. As mentioned previously it's just a gauge, density alti and things make the canopy perform differently so I wouldn't rely on it.

I use the neptune and have been VERY happy with the results.

Blue skies
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team

[garywainwright 0]

I use an alti 2 as a BACK UP to what my eyes are telling me. The weekend before last my alti was reading 1000ft but my eyes were telling me to start my swoop. I did my swoop and landed and my alti was still reading 1000ft.

Basically i will start my swoop on whichever tells me first ie eyeball or alti.

Altis are particularly useful at a new DZ.

Have fun!

http://www.garywainwright.co.uk

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[ianmdrennan 2]

Quote

Altis are particularly useful at a new DZ.

here, here!! It really can mess with your landings when all those visual references change, so I agree that it's a good tool to help overcome that.

Blue skies
Ian

Performance Designs Factory Team

[conor 0]

Hi it's me the original poster.

I know that the altis are just a backup. I'm just wondering what type of alti do the pros use mostly?

The watch altis or the bog standard altis?

[Samurai136 0]

I have a Digitude Pro model. The only reason I use it for a quick, precise, easy read of altitude. It's not any more accurate than an analog alti.

I've looked at my digitude and read 650' and looked at the ground and thought, " that looks like 400'." Landed and the alti was reading about 200' of altitude.

As far as swooping it's just an easier quick source of information. You still have to use your eyes and head to make appropriate piloting decisions
Ken

"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian
Ken

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

I have used all kinds of things, but generally use a wrist mount Saphire on my left inside wrist. I used to use an Altimaster III on a wedge on the front of my legstrap, but got it mud encrusted several times while belly surfing.

[LouDiamond 1]

While I am not a big swooper I have logged many jumps with my GPS on Birdman flights. I use the standard wrist alti on the left and I have the Suunto watch on the right, the GPS is on my chest strap. I have come to the conclussion that the wrist alti is not very accurate once in the +/- 500 foot range. The suunto watch is pretty good but the GPS is even more accurate. I have often wondered if serious swoopers would benifit from a GPS read out. Not to mention that the data from the swoop could be downloaded an analyzed to determine the best height, swoop speed and distance covered among other things.

Anyone used a GPS for swooping?

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[Jimbo 0]

Quote

I have come to the conclussion that the wrist alti is not very accurate once in the +/- 500 foot range. The suunto watch is pretty good but the GPS is even more accurate.

If you've got three tools that don't agree, how do you know which one is accurate? How accurate is the GPS?

-
Jim

"Like" - The modern day comma
Good bye, my friends. You are missed.

[LouDiamond 1]

Quote

If you've got three tools that don't agree, how do you know which one is accurate? How accurate is the GPS?

The watch and GPS tend to be closer together than the wrist alti. The GPS has been giving me a reading within 3 feet based on satellite reception.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[kansasskydiver 0]

Quote

here, here!! It really can mess with your landings when all those visual references change, so I agree that it's a good tool to help overcome that.

no kidding, i'm still a novice to the swoop, but all summer i was used to started my turn based on visual, always visual, alti is a 2ndary device when you may not be sure, but in that case don't swoop if you're unsure.

One of the farmers cut the corn... that really screwed with my swoop. i found myself being lower than usual and still in my carve.

so be careful when jumping at a new dz where you're not familiar with the landmakrs, and be careful when something changes... that 8 ft of corn could have been a problem if i wasn't alert

chris

<--- See look, pink dolphins DO exist!

[prost 0]

I use my altimeter to help me get set up correctly for the swoop. I want to start my turn at about 900 feet. Looking at my altimeter helps me get to the point over the ground I want to be at 900 ft. The turn is still an eyeball judgement just to make sure. The real trick to getting your swoops at the right height is not at the top of the dive anyway. No on e can judge within a few feet at 900. You need to be fairly close at 900 and adjust as you dive. There is obviously no time to look at an altimeter mid dive and all of these corrections must be done by eyeball.

[trigger 0]

Like you,i'd been making my turns based purely on sight picture without incident.But as my technique changes[initating turns higher and keeping the canopy diving longer]now pulling 270's,and following a chat with a mentor,i'm now an alti convert and i'm saving for a SUUNTO..

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