Sabre 2

[homer 0]

I have been jumping a Raven 3 for most all my 113 jumps. I have jumped a Tri 190 & 175, Spectre 170, and silhouette 170. I'm thinking of a sabre 2 170sqft as my next canopy in another 50 or so jumps. I know its a big down size and was wandering what you all think. Would a 190 be the better way to go for now. I'm just under 200lbs at exit with my current gear.

CSA #699 Muff #3804

[AggieDave 6]

Try this for right now, demo a 190, put as many jumps on it as you can. See how it feels to you, if you feel comforable with the performance of the canopy. Then demo a 170. See how it feels. When you jump it, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable landing it downwind, crosswind or in someone's small back yard. If you answer no, then maybe you should stick with the 190.

You've got over 100 jumps and are an intelligent individual, you'll make the right decision. If you have any doubts, ask some of the really-experienced jumpers you trust to watch you fly the canopy(s).

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[hookitt 1]

the 170 puts you at almost a 1.2 wingload. That's not to big of a stretch to see you under a 170. You mentioned you jumped a 170 already. How did it feel?

The suggestion to put some jumps on a 190 is a very good one. The jump from a large 7 cell down to a canopy that actually does what you ask it too is a big step. I would guess that you have the discipline to make those jumps on a 190 and then jump down to that 170. Are there some real good canopy pilots were you jump? Pick their brains about canopy flight.

Do this. Borrow that 190, pull at around 10,000 feet and just wring it out. Figure out what the canopy will do. Test flair it, stall it Riser turn it(front and rear) Go nuts! It's not only a lot of fun but it will improve your canopy skills immensely.

Email me personally if you want some cool canopy drills.

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[Ron 10]

General rule of thumb....

I got this From Brian Germain (Big Air) and I like it.

Your wingloading should directly relate to your jumps.

100 jumps? 1.1
200 1.2
300 1.3
400 1.4
500 1.5
600 1.6
(get the idea, or do I hafta keep going?)

While there can be no "rule" for each person, it is a great guide.

Canopy instruction can allow you to skip levels, but if you follow this plan you have a good chance of staying in one piece.

"You can always jump something smaller, if you live through the canopy you have now."

Ron

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[Kirils 1]

You probably could jump a Tri 160 now without a hitch.
With the SabreII, it's a completely different ride. It's a much flatter angle of decent. It takes a to get used to it and fly safe. The advise to get a few in on a 190 SabreII should be taken. Once you get used to the different landings you shouldn't have any problems with a 170 SabreII.

"Slow down! You are too young
to be moving that fast!"

Old Man Crawfish