s9801758 0 #1 June 8, 2003 Hi people, I'm looking into buying my first gear (53 jumps). Somebody is offering me a really nice set for a nice price, including a Vector container that fits really well. I'm just wondering whether anybody has any useful information on what the velcro on that container is going to do for potential future freeflying. I'd like to get at least a 150 jumps out of my first gear, before I get something else. However, what if I want to do a sitfly or maybe even a headdown before that? I'm not a big fan of premature deployments or even horseshoes. I'm going to have a rigger look at it, and explain me what might me fixable (fresh velcro on it), or moddable (flap-pockets under riser-covers, etcetera), but any other advice is greatly appreciated too. Regards, Jaap Suter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #2 June 8, 2003 Modding Vector2's seems to be a popular thing even though RWS says they don't want it done to their rigs. I'd look instead into putting the money towards new gear then spending lots of $$ on mods. A well maintained V2 with new velcro, a good BOC and decent bridal protection will do ok until you can get better gear. I'd take a V2 out in a sit if it was up to speed in its maintence. Just kinda a side note, I bought my first rig used at 35 jumps or about and 500+ later I'm still on the same container. It might be worth the money to get something upfront thats going to last a while. I can still go one size smaller on the main and that will probally get me to 1000 jumps before I'll look at replacing the container. Ask the container makers what size and type of rig will let you grow as a skydiver the best, for my exit weight, a J2 or M2 was perfect. It would hold a 170 7 cell, 150 9cell, 135 9 cell and a 120 Crossbraced. Food for thought...Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #3 June 8, 2003 I'll never recommend that container for Freefly. You can mod it with a bridle cover, but that container will always have a tendency to peel the riser covers open. Good velcro on that design still comes open. As you become proficient in Freefly, it becomes MUCH less desireable. There's a reason RWS designed the Vector 3 the way they did. It stays shut. Main and reserve cover flaps tend to come open on many Vector 2's. My statement comes out of much experience in freeflying. Prime example is learning how to fly proficiently going fast in a head down then stopping on your back with all the wind pushing agains the sides of the riser covers then popping back to your head. I can open vector 2 riser covers that way regularily. Reserve flaps coming open are more of a nuisance in a feet to earth orientation. It can potentially cause trouble but mosly it's destructive to the flap attachment. Main covers open on lots of rigs so vector 2's are not singled out in any way. Basically can you use it? well sure. But my freefly partner who used to jump his vector 2 had his riser covers open and toggles out over and over in the beginning. New velcro nice little Elastic mod for his main flap bridle cover, and still riser covers opened. The main cover flap stayed shut since the mod was nicely made. He got a new rig very quickly. Static positions are one thing but as you progress, it becomes much less desireable to have that rig on your back. You'll get lots of answers that state they work fine ... I'll disagree every time. But I agree to disagree. PM me if you care for any details cheers.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
s9801758 0 #4 June 8, 2003 Thanks for the replies so far! While I'm at it, there is also complete rig with a Sidewinder container that I might be buying. It's an older container, with an older cypress, for more money, which is why I like the Vector deal better. However, perhaps the Sidewinder container is better suitable for freeflying. Any opinions on that? Cheers, Jaap Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerry81 10 #5 June 9, 2003 Hey, I'm currently jumping a Vector 2 and so far have not had any problems freeflying with it. I think it has been modified quite a bit- the velcro strips on riser covers are a lot wider than what I've seen on other containers, the pin cover tuck tab seems to be a bit longer and there's velcro securing the bridle almost all the way from the pin (under the flap) to the pouch. I wanted to sew on a bridle cover, but my rigger said velcro should be enough. The guy who lent it to me did some 100+ freefly jumps on it and I've gone hd as fast as 220mph with it without a problem. Mind you, this might very well be an exception to the rule, but imo (for what it's worth) a properly modified V2 can be freeflown. Have a rigger inspect the container and tell you what can be done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
