Mirage G3 vs Mirage G4

[taz9420 0]

Is the approximate $300 (G4) difference between them worth the investment?

[weid14 0]

depends what ya want. me, I'd get the G4, it's a bit smaller, and has some construction features that make it a little more comfortable (the way the seams are sewn). but the G3 is still a rock solid rig.

[skygod7777 0]

for me, no, i don't like the way the G4's look. they are fat. i just don't care for them.

but that's just me, other's may have different opinions.

later

[grega 0]

well for me, i won't even start with what i think about G4. in one word i love it , though i haven't even tried it. ask me in 2 weeks when i get it
The main differences are comfort, the looks and secondary riser covers. but it's you who has to decide if that is worth another $300.00

"George just lucky i guess!"

[Chaps 0]

Doesn't the g3 have secondary riser covers just the same??

Chaps

[skygod7777 0]

the secondary riser covers on the G4 are a lot bigger than the G3's

edit: i forgot to put, the bag on the G4 sucks ass. it has a gromet and a rubber band for it to split, and then you put your first line stow there (not locking the canopy in the bag, just closing it where it is split. and for me, it is just a big pain in the ass, that i see no good in (other than some gimic to try to cell more rigs).

later

[fundgh 0]

I love my G3, and I hear a lot of good things about the G4, but have never flown it. I watched a guy packing one and he was bitching about something, but it looked like it had some cool features. I think that you would have to wear em, and pack em to get the real difference.

...FUN FOR ALL!

[grega 0]

the bag is split because of the shape of the container. the mouth of the bag is smaller than the bottom of the bag, so it has to be split for the canopy to come out clearly.

for some locking the split bag is pain in the ass for others is even better than normal bags
i heard that new G4.1s bag is designed in the way, that you lock the split bag and close the bag with one rubber going through two grommets.

"George just lucky i guess!"

[riggerrob 643]

I packed a reserve into a brand new Mirage G4 last week.
It was easier to bag the reserve, but more difficult to shove the reserve d-bag into the container.
I do like the "molarized reserve d-bag.
The G4 main bag reminds me of an idea that Rigging Innovations tried in the early 1990s and rejected. The original concept for R.I.'s turbo bag was a variation on the old Velcro split bags that were fashionable when F-111 fabric was fashionable. Since the the Flexon's turbo bag was not significantly easier to pack, it quietly fade into obscurity.
Your explanation about the split being necessary because the mouth is smaller than the the rest of the bag makes sense.
Sounds like R.I. had a good idea, but it was not needed until tapered main containers entered production.

[BMFin 0]

I just love my G4.

In my opinion the shape is much nicer compared to the G3. I belive it also is more aerodynamical then the G3.

Packing is actually very easy with the split d-bag. I havent tried those old ones with the 4+1 grommets , but I have the 3+1 grommet bag.

My riggers really didnt have anything but positive comments about the G4 after they had packed it.

300 $ aint that much, because you get the "deluxe back-pad" with this extra money.

[KellyF 16]

Quote

I packed a reserve into a brand new Mirage G4 last week.
It was easier to bag the reserve, but more difficult to shove the reserve d-bag into the container.
I do like the "molarized reserve d-bag.
The G4 main bag reminds me of an idea that Rigging Innovations tried in the early 1990s and rejected. The original concept for R.I.'s turbo bag was a variation on the old Velcro split bags that were fashionable when F-111 fabric was fashionable. Since the the Flexon's turbo bag was not significantly easier to pack, it quietly fade into obscurity.
Your explanation about the split being necessary because the mouth is smaller than the the rest of the bag makes sense.
Sounds like R.I. had a good idea, but it was not needed until tapered main containers entered production.

Rob, I believe Para-Flite actually preceded RI with this bag design with either the Eos H/C or as the "standard" bag that came with the Super Evolution. But I could be wrong

[webracer 0]

the $300 is really $200 when you figure in the backpad which is standard on G4, $105 on G3. I planned to buy a G3 though (already have one), since I think the G4 looks wrinkly and unfinished. I ultimately got an Odyssey for a good price used, so that became my second rig. Maybe by the time they're at 4.3 or so, they will look as clean as the G3. They look great at shows, but those in the field get all wrinkly after a few jumps. The smaller ones seem better at staying wrinkle-free than the bigger ones.

And what are you polling above? There is no question to answer... G3vsG4 is not a question!!!

Troy

I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

[grega 0]

you got me all worried...

Quote

but those in the field get all wrinkly after a few jumps.

What do you mean by "after a few jumps" if it's sewed/designed wrong how can it get wrinkled after a few jumps. it should be wrinkled all the time, or not at all if everything is done right isn't it ?

Quote

The smaller ones seem better at staying wrinkle-free than the bigger ones.

which are the smaller ones? please say every container that is MT or smaller

"George just lucky i guess!"

[RTB 0]

I've packed 3 G4's and they do have a tendency to get small wrinkles in the lower part of the reserve container. However so do some G3s.(and sigma rigs) I think having a slightly longer reserve loop than absolutely shortest helps. And what Mirage also said to work the sides together slowly, without much force. (Reserve this is)

[Unisyn 0]

Any Rig not packed properly WILL wrinkle. There were some down sizing issues with the Mirage G4.0 these have been addressed with the Mirage G4.1 Unfortunately, ALL manufacturers go through a faze in development. The Mirage G4.1 is significantly better tailored.

Aesthetics and comfort are very subjective. There are some features found only on the Mirage G4.1 that are very nice. Some people prefer the classic shape of the Mirage G3.

We really do not have a preference which Mirage that you get. Both are great.

[grega 0]

Do you know if you packed only early G4 versions or newer G4.1, which are supposed to be without wrinkles.

"George just lucky i guess!"

[RTB 0]

All were G4.1
It's not much though, no one complains.
I'm trying to find out exactly how to pack them best.

[webracer 0]

IMO, the mirage is the best rig out there. I concede that the 4.1s are better than the 4.0s, but I think they still need a bit of work. I would have bought a G3, but with the size I was considering (MT), I think that a G4.1 would have looked good. I saw an MXS that looked fantastic. I think leaving the reserve container loose (too long of closing loop) does resolve the wrinkle issues, but creates safety issues (I'd rather have a few wrinkles than an unsafe condition). It also impacts asthetics with regard to the reserve flap sticking up too much (which can also be a safety issue). My G3 Unisyn looks so good that Mirage really has their work cut out to make one look/perform better. My NJ Odyssey doesn't look half as good as the Mirage (IMO), but is comfortable and easier to repack.

Troy

I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.