9 Cell vs. 7 cell?

[NoShitThereIWas 0]

Hey everyone,

So I have a question for those who know a lot about canopies, I will probably also post this thread in the canopy and swooping section.

I now fly a Spectre 150 and I weigh about 130 pounds maybe a little less. My exit weight is about 150 so I am 1:1 wingloading this canopy. This was my first canopy that I bought when I had 80 jumps. I now have almost 600 jumps so I put a little over 500 on it.

After flying it at the Blue Water Boogie where the winds were high and feeling a bit like I have outgrown it, I am looking to downsize to a 135. I have tried flying a few different kinds of canopies and love my Spectre because the openings are so nice. I like consistency and soft openings because I also fly camera. I am a conservative canopy flyer, not a hot dog but I also want something with a little pizzazz. Eventually want to learn to swoop and all that but not for another 500 jumps or so.

So my major question here is: if I get a bad spot and want to make it back to the landing area will I have a better chance of getting back with a nine cell as opposed to a 7 cell? The canopies I have liked the most are the Spectre, Stiletto and Sabre 2. But after flying my friends Stiletto I was like this is a fun canopy but I can see myself hurting myself under this thing. My strongest skydiving qualities are in freefall and although I am a consistent good lander, I have had enough off DZ landings, downwinders and close calls to be concerned about safety.

Does anyone know the flight characteristics of 9 cells vs. 7 cells and/or have any canopy recommendations? I don't need anything too technical just a general this is what you can expect to get landing after landing.

Thanks and blue skies!

Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires."

Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say."

[Faber 0]

first of all why would you rather have a different canopi than Spectra,when you like it that much?

i do belive a 9cell should fly longer than a 7cell,but nothing to worry about if you fly it the rigth way.

from your text i would buy a spectra 135(if you want to downsize),from the text you write.
Try demo one first

EDIT:to give this link i think is good reading aswell about 9 vs 7 cell http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=444660;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread

Stay safe
Stefan Faber

[rigging65 0]

Sounds like you found a canopy model you like, so why not stick with it? If it's been serving you well thus far, you shouldn't need to change it. Yes, most 9-cells will fly a little flatter and longer than a 7-cell, but there is some argument about which gets better penetration into the wind. Certainly, the 7-cell class of canopies (lower aspect ratio) is more stable in turbulence, and, as a general rule, open nicer (not always, but mostly). There are pros and cons to both, it's all up to what you're looking for and what you like to fly.

If you like the Spectre you're on, why not try a 135 Spectre? If you want something with more pizzazz (nice word use) I might suggest a Diablo 135. I know there are several used 135 Diablos out there, as you can no longer get them new. As a matter of fact, I think we have one or two ourselves at Action Air (save your flames, I'm presenting information, not selling products). Regardless, it's a great canopy and you might think about giving it a shot.

By sticking with a 7-cell planform (Diablo) you're going to be mostly familiar with how to fly it, but it'll have a bit more zip with the tapered trailing edge.

"...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.
For there you have been, and there you long to return..."

[Samurai136 0]

You might consider a Lotus demo from Big Air Sportz. They fly similar to a Sabre2 and have airlocks. As an AFF Instructor, Brian may still be offering an 'instructor' discount.
Ken

"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian
Ken

[drenaline 0]

Quote

if I get a bad spot and want to make it back to the landing area will I have a better chance of getting back with a nine cell as opposed to a 7 cell?

If there was someting I learned at the canopy school with Scott Miller was that no matter if its a 9 cell or a 7 cell you will get back to the landing area if you know how your canopy works. Yeah a 9 cell might get you a lil bit farther than the 7 cell but the separation wont be that much.

HISPA 21
www.panamafreefall.com

[Tonto 1]

This is such a subjective arguement, and no one canopy will do everything we want it to.
Since you fly a camera, and are "not a hot dog" on the swoop, I think that your openings should be your priority, and when you consider that reserve, BASE and CRW rigs are (just about all) 7 cells - its cos on heading openings are what those jumpers require.
Having said that, we know that the higher aspect ratio of a nine cell will make it glide a little flatter, but there is more parasytic (sp?) drag on a few more lines, and maybe a little less cos its usually a flatter wing.
I'm thinking go down to a 135, and go square or semi eliptical. Safire 2 or Sabre 2 in a 135. Test jump, ask lots more questions. Seems you stick with a canopy, and if you're considering starting to swoop in 500 dives time, 9 cell will loom in the future one way or another. Regardless of your canopy of choice, your wing loading is prudent, and your disipline seems high. You should do great.

t

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[slotperfect 7]

-Generally speaking, a 9-cell will give you more glide than a 7-cell. Airfoil design has a lot to do with it though.

-There are 9-cell ZP canopies out there that open beautifully to support your desire for safe camera openings.

-While there are likely more choices, I recommend the Sabre2. If you choose to downsize to the Sabre2 135, I think you will be really happy at your wingloading. I load mine at 1.34:1 and I have lots of fun with it, but I can be conservative with it as well when I want to.

Have fun and be safe!

Arrive Safely

John

[skybytch 273]

Quote

If you like the Spectre you're on, why not try a 135 Spectre? If you want something with more pizzazz (nice word use) I might suggest a Diablo 135.

Agreed.
I'd suggest demoing some 135's - a Diablo, a Spectre, a Sabre2, a Pilot, a Safire2, maybe even a Stiletto, Crossfire or Cobalt. Decide which one you like to fly and which one fits your jumping routine best.

re: getting back with a 7 cell. At my light wingloading (about 1.0) on my Spectre, I find that a bit of rear riser and pulling my legs up gets me back from all but the worst spots just fine.

[VectorBoy 0]

[re: getting back with a 7 cell. At my light wingloading (about 1.0) on my Spectre, I find that a bit of rear riser and pulling my legs up gets me back from all but the worst spots just fine.