almirdemorisson 0 #1 December 17, 2006 Hello, I got a Batwing 116 recently at 1.7 WL. My progression in elipticals are 300 Jumps in a Stiletto 150, 50 jumps on a Stiletto 135, and 30 jumps on this Batwing 116. It´s not a very common canopy here in Brazil. Some people fly it on the South, but I leave in the North (hot, humid, sea level). I asked some guys and they said it´s worst then Stiletto, but I have to get more opinions from pilots that flown both (to have comparison between them). That´s why I posted here. I´d like some tips on doing good swoops FOR FUN (I do only 90 degrees front riser turns). My impressions comparing with my last Stiletto: 1 - Dive speed similar to but recovery arc quite different from the Stiletto. If you wait for the recovery arc to bring it naturally flat (as I used to do in my Stiletto) to just add a little flare at the end, it looses speed before it flattens (flares are deeper also). I have the impression I have always to hang a little bit on the rear risers to correct it´s glide angle on landing. Am I wrong on that? Is it just an impression because of my too few jumps (both total and in this canopy)? 2 - Less mobility during swoop than Stiletto. I could carve and move a litlle bit more in my Stiletto. It seems more "undriveable". Any Batwing pilot could confirm or disagree on that? Any additional Tips on this canopy landing? What´s the SPEED KIT for this canopy, previously mentioned on some messages here? Thanks, Almir de Morisson Brazil Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmccork1 0 #2 December 18, 2006 I'll try my best to give you my honest opinion of your Batwing 116. First of all, you should know that I've been jumping my Batwing 134 for 7 years. I also have a Batwing 116. Needless to say, my opinion is a little biased because I love these canopies. My exit weight is 200 pounds, so I'm loading my canopies 1.66 and 1.84. Please pardon me for writing this review in leyman's terms. I found that the front riser dive speed was very similar to the st as you did. I feel that when executed properly, the batwing can give you a much smoother dive transition with less counter input than a similarly loaded st. Even in full flight the ST's seem to be squirrelly. My batwings are solid, fast, and have lots of low end lift. My only trick is that I do set up for a 180 front riser hook, but as I am quickly approaching I slowly and smoothly let the riser come back up. At that point, I level out using either toggles or rear risers. I guess my point is, don't pull your riser down to make your turn and just let it go. Ease the riser out of the turn. As far as everything else goes, the Batwings and the St's are great canopies that have withstood the test of time. The Batwing just got a bad name early on... That's a shame, because they can be as tame or as aggressive as your skills will allow yourself to fly. My email address is rmccork1@charter.net if you have any more questions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #3 December 18, 2006 If I remember right the speed kit adds a length to the A and B lines causing the canopy to be trimed steeper. It's a great canopy, as much fun as my Stilettos were, and a better opening canopy.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
