2-1 Assist Risers

[BlindBrick 0]

I'm flying a 269 sf Safire II loaded at 1.2, I love the way the canopy flys with the exception of the fact that I can barely budge the front risers. I can use both hands to pull down a single riser and barely move it.

I've heard that CReWdogs use a form of risers with pulleys called 2-1 assists. I was wondering if anybody here knew enough about them to comment on where or not they'd work for high performance canopy manuvers. If so, what would be a good ratio to aim for?

-Blind

"If you end up in an alligator's jaws, naked, you probably did something to deserve it."

[diablopilot 2]

Would they work? Yes.

Are they a good idea? Probably not, and here is why. 1) You're complicating the system. MY assumption is you're looking to begin higher perfomance landings. A high perfomance turn close to the ground is exactly where you don't need any complex system going wrong on you or confusing you. 2) You will not get the same amount of riser deflection for the same amount of pull.

Most people having trouble with front riser pessure are really having more of an issue with technique. Understand that you may have to ease into the riser pull rather than just go for it. Know the pressure will be much higher if you've just come out of a turn as the airspeed, g's and other forces on the canopy and you are much greater. Learn how to "unload" the system a bit by using a small amount of brakes just before initiating the front riser pull. Make sure your canopy is set up properly, especialy that you are not deflecting the tail through control line input when using the fron risers.

Also know that Icarus products tend to have higher front riser pressures than many designs.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[johnny1488 1]

I would first seek the guidance of an experienced swooper or coach before you start high performance landings as a beginner.

I have never had a problem with riser pressure on any of my canopies, but I have also never jumped a 269sf one! I would experiment with using front risers (up high, of course) after applying some brakes. Go into half brakes then let up fairly quickly and feel the canopy start to surge. Practice helping the canopy surge and then dive by applying front risers while it is diving. The more you practice, you will develop a feel for using the front risers and wont need to use as much brakes.

I cant guess what the sesponsiveness of that canopy will be. Thats a lot of canopy you are pulling down with one riser. Mess around a lot up high and keep your progression slow! Be safe.

Johnny
--"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!"
Mike Rome

[BlindBrick 0]

Quote

I would first seek the guidance of an experienced swooper or coach before you start high performance landings as a beginner.

Yeah, I have become an avid reader of "The Canopy and its Pilot" and consult reguarly with a coach at my DZ who specializes in canopy control.

Right now I am not wanting to due HP landings. What I am looking to do is start practing HP manuvers at altitude. I also want a way to be able to turn out of an imminent collision at opening time without haveing to first pop my brakes and flare the canopy, and given my canopy's very slow turn rate on rear risers and weight shifts, I do not consider them truely viable options for such a scenario.

-Blind

"If you end up in an alligator's jaws, naked, you probably did something to deserve it."

[PhreeZone 20]

>I also want a way to be able to turn out of an imminent collision at opening time without haveing to first pop my brakes and flare the canopy,

That is rear riser control. Front risers are the last thing you want to do in a situation like that. If I could crank a PD500 tandem around on rear risers you can easly move a sport canopy around. I gave up tandems due to my lack of strength jsut made them no fun and yet I could still use the rear risers to get quickly away if needed.

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