soft links

[jtval 0]

Question:

I am thinking about putting Soft links on my risers.
I haven't looked at many of them and I doubt I have ample opportunity.

Is there any dificulty putting these on? I hear they are easy to reverse?

are there any other kind of bumpers then the ones that have to be SEWN in by a rigger?

any info is appreciated

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[ZigZag 0]

There are basically 3 types of soft-links. Two of them have found their way into production by mfg's. Here is a brief description:
1. The grand daddy of soft-links was probably the Dacron type soft-link that was finger-trapped into itself and bartacked at the running ends which were finger-trapped once again. They were quite labour intensive to make and removing them required their destruction, so it was a one-shot deal.
2. Some genius in France had a good understanding of square knots and loops and came up with "French Links". French Links are Spectra line finger-trapped into itself with two loops at the ends, one loop holding the mini-ring you commonly see on type 17 risers. The finger-trapped portion is bartacked to prevent slippage. The length of the French Link is so that you can thread it through the suspension lines and risers twice. The loop end without the ring then gets threaded through the other loop end and slipped "back" over the mini-ring, forming a square knot of sorts. The "link" then is rotated into position so that the mini-ring is protected by the overfold of the riser ends. Most riggers then place a tack through the ring to prevent unwanted rotation. After a couple of jumps the soft link will take a set. These type of links can be removed and re-used quite easily. Precision Aerodynamics markets this version as the "Wrap-it" TM. The forged mini-ring has been replaced by a brass(?) ring on their version.
3. Based on the same principle, Performance Designs is marketing the "Slink"("S"oft Link), but they have gone a couple of steps further. The metal ring has been replaced by type III tape of suitable width and folds to form the "catch" for the first loop end. In addition they have TSO'd a version for reserves. Note that the "Slinks" have a tab referring to a patent no.

In a nutshell, they all work quite well, but the latter two have become popular because they are "reversible". A rigger that understands the workings of soft links can build you a set, but you are most likely better off, buying off the "shelf".
The issue with soft links is that you have to keep an "eye" on them. They are prone to wear and tear from friction and nicks on the slider grommets. There are some good threads in this forum, should you like to find more information about "soft links". Slider bumpers, in one form or another, need to be tacked down, lest you want them to ride up or down your lines or risers. The Precision Aerodynamics style bumpers don't offer much protection against chafing in this case.

Edit: Rapide links are no less prone to incorrect assembly. Finger tight and a quarter turn. Maintenance applies to all systems.

[rhino 0]

I use PD Slinks.. They have been great..

[jtval 0]

Thanks ZigZag

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[VectorBoy 0]

Jt next time your down perris way I'll show you my slinks and how easy they are to install, inspect on every repack and maintain. I also saved and have around the kind with the forged metal ring that came with my cobalts. I really like them, swear by them. I won't get into all the "whys" here cuz it has been beat to death, but they rock! Glen

[jtval 0]

Il be there memorial day
I will prob buy some and install them there! thanks!

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[fundgh 0]

I searched the forums for the whys, but it seems like I could read posts all day and not get an answer...Could someone give me a brief answer to why you would change to a soft link? What is better about it than the metal link that I have?

...FUN FOR ALL!

[Kris 0]

Quote

What is better about it than the metal link that I have?

I can't speak for other soft links, but PD Slinks are stronger, lighter, and have less bulk than standard Maillon rapide metal links.

Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and
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[fundgh 0]

Stronger? Really? I have a hard time seeing how fabric can withstand greater tension forces than metal, not to mention abrasion resistance.

...FUN FOR ALL!

[PhreeZone 20]

The threads on the rapid links can get stripped under less tension then it takes to break 1000 pound spectra line wrapped twice. Once the threads are stripped, the link opens up and gets bent. I have a rapide link in my tool box that fell off a riser when we went to pack it and that was exactly what happened to it.

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And tomorrow is a mystery

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[rigging65 0]

Quote

Stronger? Really? I have a hard time seeing how fabric can withstand greater tension forces than metal, not to mention abrasion resistance.

Then you should do more research. Rapide links have their own failings in many areas...as do Soft links. But if you do the research, you'll find that strength is not always where you think it is.

"...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..."

[fundgh 0]

Cool, I just didn't know.

...FUN FOR ALL!

[Clownburner 0]

You're sort of right. The weak point of a Rapide link isn't the steel, it's the threading and nut, and once that's gone the link distorts easily.

And Spectra isn't really a fabric.. It's actually a polyethylene (plastic). And it's 10 times stronger than steel by weight.

The makers of Spectra (Honeywell) recently developed a special kind of rope for mooring deep-water floating oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, with a breaking strength of over 1,900 TONS. You could reel in quite a fish with that!


Now back to your regular scheduled topic...

7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez
"I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth

[fundgh 0]

Cool, we should look into soft hip rings, and soft chest rings. The comfort and fit of soft rings would be great, and you could replace them when your legs get too fat!
Polymers are great for that strength to weight ratio, as long as they are strong enough for the job. Titanium has a great strength to weight ratio, however the brute strength still does not equal that of steel.
Do you think that it is worth converting to slinks or are the rapid links equal but different?

...FUN FOR ALL!

[Clownburner 0]

I'm not qualified to answer that question, but personally I bought PD Slinks on the recommendation of three riggers.

Actually, most rigs use soft links for the hips - what's your main lift web made of? Remember, it's strength and flexibility that are important, which is why Titanium isn't used much (that and the cost, I imagine).

7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez
"I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth

[Yoshi 0]

i LIKE SLINKS ALSO BECAUSE i ALWAYS PULL MY SLIDER ALL THE WAY DOEN TO THE 3 RINGS AND WHEN THE SLIDER COMES DOWN ON OPENING THE GROMETS DONT SLAM INTO A METAL LINK THEY HIT THE FABRIC WHICH IS MORE FORGIVING ON THEM...
-YOSHI

_________________________________________
this space for rent.

[VectorBoy 0]

Quote

Cool, we should look into soft hip rings, and soft chest rings. The comfort and fit of soft rings would be great, and you could replace them when your legs get too fat!
Polymers are great for that strength to weight ratio, as long as they are strong enough for the job. Titanium has a great strength to weight ratio, however the brute strength still does not equal that of steel.
Do you think that it is worth converting to slinks or are the rapid links equal but different?

This has been done on metal -less base rigs for stealth reasons. I didn't dare ask any more questions of the fabricator for fear he may have to kill me. No joke Glen

[Tonto 1]

I get 2 meters (or yards) of Spectra.

Cut to 4 lengths.

Loop through lines and risers 4 times.

Remove metal link.

Tie knot(s)

Trim Slack. Burn ends, stitch if you're paranoid.

Repeat for other risers.

Been doing that for 12.5 years and 3000 dives plus, no problems.

Maintenance applies, but has never been needed.

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[fundgh 0]

Where do you get spectra, and other "exotic" fabric or material? When I bought the material to make my jumpsuit, I couldn't find anything at the fabric store that resembled supplex or the type of thread that was recommended for it. Any ideas on where to get these types of materials?

...FUN FOR ALL!

[rigging65 0]

Contact a fabric/material supply company...but you'll probably have to buy in relatively large lots. Of you can contact a mfg. that you know uses the material and buy some off them. Most of your generic fabric stores don't carry a lot of Nylon based materials like we use in skydiving applications.

"...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..."

[Clownburner 0]

Para-gear sells a lot of that type of stuff. Look under 'raw materials.'

7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez
"I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth

[Tonto 1]

Ask a rigger. They don't even charge me for that amount...

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[ZigZag 0]

[jtval 0]

thanks for all the info!
I appreiciate it!
edit:
I actually saw Cobalts Soft links and how the are designed and installed. it seems too simple! lol
I know what I'll do when I get a chance (maybe Ill buy some while Im at the ranch)

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[jtval 0]

ok so I finally (after 250 jumps)
was able to get a 170 (was on a 210 all this time)
I like it.

anyway I bought some pd slinks. and tried em out this weekend at perris.
the fact that I am typing shoul dtell ya that I put em on correctly LOL
I do like them alot. my risers are short. they only go down half way around the reserve.
so the slinks help keep my rig all neat and closed etc.
Any way! I just wanted to up dated this

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