namdrib 0 #1 October 6, 2004 Ok, I am currently flying a Stiletto 97 loaded at 2:1, my question is regarding the Velocity. I would like to venture into this canopy but would like some comparison between the two. I do 270 hooks and am not getting the distance that I think I should get on my swoop. The Stiletto seems to die out rather quickly. I also shoot video for tandems so I would like to know if the velocity's openings are soft and consistant. Any information comparing the two would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.Unknowing attempting to take out all 4 wheeled vehicles remotely close to the landing area! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
koz2000 1 #2 October 6, 2004 QuoteI also shoot video for tandems so I would like to know if the velocity's openings are soft and consistant. IMO no, the opening aren't soft or consistent, Can you shoot video w/ one - yes - I did for about 800 jumps, even did some w/ stills. The openings really tend to search (sometimes violently). I have had some soft openings on velos and I have had some really hard spankers. As far as between the ST and VELO, the angle of flight on the Velo is MUCH steeper than the ST. I went from a ST120 at 1.8 to a Velo103 at 2.1 and it was almost scary the difference in non-braked straight flight. You have a ton of flare power on the VELO compared to the ST. You'll get some more distance once you figure out the canopy but it's still about the canopy pilot.______________________________________________ - Does this small canopy make my balls look big? - J. Hayes - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #3 October 6, 2004 Quoteso I would like to know if the velocity's openings are soft and consistant. Absolutely. I've got over 700 jumps on Velo's ranging from 103's to 84's. I've been spanked by a rouge opening less than 5 times total and the "spankers" have just been much quicker than expected. Rumor has it the earlier velo's opened quickly but that's definately not the case now. To be sure that it meets your requirements I'd grab a demo from PD and see what you think. I do concede though that they search, the trick is to not fight it, if you're neutral and dont fight it you'll find they open on heading 90% of the time with the odd 90 degree turn the rest of the time. It takes about 700 feet for mine to open after I've pitched and I've had as long as 1000 on some super, super soft openings. Call up PD or email them and test it our for yourself. I know I love mine Edit: I see you're in Alabama. If you make it out to Skydive Atlanta's Halloween Festival the end of this month PD will be there with a bunch of demos. You can test one out there if you'd like. Hope you can make it. Blues, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Canuck 0 #4 October 6, 2004 My experience with Velocity openings is that they are slow and snivelly about 19 times out of 20. Not really what I would call predictable either - they do tend to seek a lot during deployment and definately need to be flown through the opening sequence. However, I do jump my Velo 96 at 2.2 wearing my Flat Top Pro with an old style TRV in a d-box and a Rebel on a Stroboframe - not exactly a light set-up. For me, the performance after the canopy is open is worth the sometimes hectic, and ocassionally friggin hard, openings I get. Oh yeah, the few times I've had line twists, it flew straight and level while I kicked out. You can't even compare a Velocity to a Stiletto. I occasionally jump a ST 107 when I'm backing up loads, and I feel like there is nothing left at the end of the flare, unlike my Velo which has flare power that just wont stop. I wouldn't jump a Stiletto 97. I haven't, but would jump a Velocity 84 without any concern. Canuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #5 October 6, 2004 Stopped jumping my V-LO because of the openings. It flies real nice, but I prefer to jump my XAOS's---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdhill 0 #6 October 6, 2004 I jumped a ST for about 700 jumps or so, and have been jumping a Velocity for over 1000 jumps now, most of them with a multiple camera setup. The openings tend to search, sometimes allot, but are fairly soft. I've had the occational hard opening, but had the same with the ST... As for other characteristics, the Velocity will get you back from a long way, longer than I got on my ST, even at a 50% higher wingloading. You will need to turn the Velocity at a higher altitude... I generally do a 270 from between 1K' and 800'. JAll that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. - Edmund Burke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #7 October 6, 2004 Steve, you need to demo the main and make your own conclusions. Everyone you ask is going to give you their impressions of the canopy, but the only way you are going to find out how it's going to open for you. Me? I jumped ST's for six years in sizes 107 and 97 and have jumped VE's in 75,79 (the only one I have now), 84, 90, and 96. All have opened OK for me, but then again I always got great openings on the supposed "spinnetto." Never ever chopped an ST or a VE in over 2500 jumps on those canopies. A Velocity is a very, very different canopy than a ST. In full glide and in diving turns you come out of the sky like a bomb. Amazingly, the toggle stroke is long and the canopy has tremendous float in deep brakes. The VE has much more usable lift due to its increased efficiency and will, potentially, take you much longer on properly executed swoops. Demo, demo, demo. If I were you, I would not get one smaller than 84 for general purpose jumping. Actually, a smarter move might be a 90, but you will have to try them out and see what you prefer. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
namdrib 0 #8 October 7, 2004 Thanks Chuck.Unknowing attempting to take out all 4 wheeled vehicles remotely close to the landing area! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
proswooper 2 #9 October 7, 2004 I completely agree with chuck on this. I have many velo jumps and the openings for me have been very soft 99 times out of 100 but they do search and you have to learn to deal with that, especially if you want to fly video with it. I know many people who have a velo as a ' working ' canopy and are videographers but as chuck says the key to this is to DEMO DEMO DEMO. their demo program is very friendly. they will send you the canopy to keep for two weekends and then simply send it back. just email anabel@performancedesigns.com and she will tell you the rest. I also suggest reading the flying characteristics on PD s website to give you a heads up. They should be very accommodating for you, as you have a stilleto background and most of the velos flying characteristics are compared to the stilleto, www.performancedesigns.com I will attach the pdf or go to their website if it is clicky I wish you all the best with this and stay safe Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hkf 0 #10 October 7, 2004 I've only tried a Velocity a few times, and it certainly is an awesome canopy, if you are looking for something to get great swoops from, and to use as a working canopy then don't rule out the Katana, especially if you are gonna demo from PD. Just give it a try, you may be very suprised. Also read Katanas flight charecteristics on PDs site. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #11 October 7, 2004 Yeah I agree. The katana is a swoop machine. I loved jumping my wifes 107. Blues, IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
