Snivel - what else can I do?

[jumper03 0]

Question for you guys so I can gather some info and think about what to ask the instructors next week -

I jump a 9 cell PD-230 and the openings are super soft. But the thing just takes forever to open - 800 - 1000 ft typically (1100 ft one jump the weekend before last). I pro-pack it, don't roll the nose and do minimal cocooning. I just make sure the lines are neat, fold it and stuff it in the bag.
Short of packing with the slider down, I don't know what else to do (and I know what down sliders feel like )

Anyway to speed up the opening?

I got to really thinking about this saturday when we broke off a formation low, ~4000 and I pitched at ~2900 and was in the saddle by 2100 - only 100 ft above my personal hard deck.

Thanks and blue skies,
Jump

Scars remind us that the past is real

[PhreeZone 20]

Have some one else jump the canopy and see how long they think the openings are.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[andy2 0]

what about talking to your rigger? Maybe a different slider or a different packing technique may help. That said I believe its been said here that 1000+ feet of snivel is usually a misconception. Does your snivel really last 7+ seconds? That's a hell of a long time!

---------------------------------------------
let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[jumper03 0]

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what about talking to your rigger? Maybe a different slider or a different packing technique may help. That said I believe its been said here that 1000+ feet of snivel is usually a misconception. Does your snivel really last 7+ seconds? That's a hell of a long time!

Yes. I've been counting and watching the alti. 6-8 secs is the average. I look up and watch it and think okay....okay....okay....okay....okay....ANY TIME TODAY!!!!! Hence the reason I usually deploy at 3500. The guy I bought it from said it responded the same way for him. Really soft opening and long snivel but not quite as long as what I'm getting.

I'll be talking with the rigger this weekend about this. He's the one that suggested timing it instead of watching the alti. (didn't get a chance to talk to him this past weekend though).

Thanks all,
Jump

Scars remind us that the past is real

[VectorBoy 0]

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Short of packing with the slider down, I don't know what else to do

How about enjoy it.
If you own this 230 soft openings will be a selling point.

[Nutz 0]

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Short of packing with the slider down, I don't know what else to do

How about enjoy it.
If you own this 230 soft openings will be a selling point.

No crap! I'm thinking - sweet!

[skybytch 273]

Might try flat packing it. I tried propacking a PD170 and a Fury (220 sq ft) I used to jump and the openings were considerably slower than when I flat packed it.

[riggerrob 643]

Yes, those openings are unusually slow for a PD canopy made of F-111.
Ask you rigger to measure the line trim, especially the A to tail measurement when the brakes are set.
If he concludes that the lines are in trim, then ask him to cut a hole in your slider with a hot knife. Make the hole about the same size as the hole in a PD reserve slider, except make it circular.

[mr2mk1g 10]

eat more pie

or just pitch higher and enjoy the soft opening. The canopy I demoed at the weekend smacked the shit out of me... im envious.

or do what rob said.