ManBird

DaVinci drew a few models out, as well. Flying on artificial wings has been thought of for as long as dreaming has been around. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

I basically treat mine just like a canopy, plus I zip everything up when it's not in use. If detached from my rig, I keep in rolled up in a gear bag, with the cutaway cables in place. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Hell, nowadays, if you want to see a 400'+ swoop, just go out to the drop zone. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Two people that I've known who've purchased the Neptune both ended up with cracks in the plastic around the screws where the unit is mounted. Sweet looking piece of equipment, though. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

NICE! "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Sounds about right. For those that are choosing to go right to the S1 or S3, take it very, very easy at first. Spend your first few jumps on practice pulls, leaving your entire body relaxed. Then work on getting your arms right, without pushing the legs or d-arching, for several jumps. Once that's dialed, then work on getting your arms right and straightening and widening your legs, with no d-arch. Spend a while on getting this stable. Once that's dialed in, move onto maxing the suit out... arms correct, legs straight and wide, toes pointed, shoulders rolled forwards, and a slight d-arch. If you're going right to one of these suits, I'd guesstimate that you probably won't feel comfortable and stable in an effective max position for at least 20 flights... more like 30 or so. Take it really easy. If it gets unstable, arch, relax, and try again. If you get into a spin, ball up. Dump high and be safe. The Skyflyer suits will spank you hard if you try to give them any shit. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

GTi and S3. Do Pantz count, too? Had a S1 for a tiny bit. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

In regards to canopy sizing, I would imagine that it would definitely be no easy task. Manifold calculations are right up there with some of the most difficult math that one can do. Especially when it comes to something as subjective as this (ie, calculating the surface area of the bottom skin versus the top skin versus laid out on the ground versus in flight, etc). "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Solo, I'd say a dive out is best. Personally, I find that I get stable most quickly my throwing in a loop when exiting towards the tail of any aircraft. Like a gainer out of a tailgate or a front loop out of a 182, but that's just me, and am not sure if that should be taken as advice at first. No, you WILL borrow a different main. ;) Having seen almost the exact same setup result in a mal on the second wingsuit flight of a very current and experienced jumper, I must highly recommend a docile square canopy until you are comfortable and consistent at on-heading deployments. It may only take a few jumps or it may take thirty, but definitely hold off on the Stiletto until then. This isn't really an issue as long as you burn off some forward speed before deploying by collapsing your wings for several seconds. I started flying a wingsuit with a Racer, 28" ZP PC, and 6' bridle. I only had line twists a few times, and only one time was definitely related to the corners (line twists before inflation), but that was also due in part to not slowwing down before deployment. I just recently borrowed an unmodded Eclipse, which is really, really sewn up, with a Crossfire 2, standard bridle, etc. Granted I have right around 300 wingsuit flights, but flying even a very, very unfavorable system (in regards to wingsuit flying) is possible, so long as you adjust your deployment appropriately. I'd actually recommend the TJN over the Racer, to be honest. I'd recommend at least 100 inches on the bridle. I did get some hesitations with standard length bridle. I'm sure you'll be just fine. All the mods are really just replacements for human error (which is why I have all of them). Just stay heads up and gradually get mods as needed or desired or as you can afford it. You're gonna love it. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

BirdLady. Saw one in DeLand. Don't know how many of those are out there, but it probably isn't too many. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

NICE! As far the suit being an original Classic, the only difference is that there is one zipper, not two, so it's a little tougher to get on and off. However, you'll be one of the few people to have a BirdMan suit with the old logo. Very, very cool. Hell of a deal, too. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

For those that keep saying that they want to get a wingsuit but can't afford one, you no longer have an excuse. An impressive list of stock and used suits is up at bird-man.com, some of which are severely under their retail value. Check it out: http://www.bird-man.com/index.asp?n=product&a=category&v=stock "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

That would be better. Some Mirages are kinda like that. If the rig was completely tapered, or zipped in like Niels' suit or the Sugar Glider, it seems to make the overall profile significantly thicker. One amendment I should make to my post is that each suit serves a different purpose. Niels' suit seemed to be purposed for BASE, as is this one. Starting to fly faster is definitely important in BASE. Even if the glide ratio isn't as high (and it might be or potentially might be), the distance you get in either one is evidently far more than is necessary to get away from an object or outtrack a talus. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

The problem with this is that the overall profile is much fatter, therefore inducing a lot of drag and slowing forward speed. The faster forward speeds contribute to lift. By having lift and forward speed, you get a good glide ratio. I'd imagine that this suit is rather floaty, as was Niels' and the Crossbow, because of this. Floaty as in the fall rate is decent, but the forward speed is slow. However, if the fall rate compensates for the lack of forward speed enough, a good glide ratio may be achieved. I think part of the reason behind the mylar in the BirdMan prototypes is not only to elminate flapping on the trailing edge and hold shape, but also to allow for a thinner wing. I don't think the turbulence generated by an inconsistent profile has a great deal of effect, as the turbulence is, in all practicality, completely away from the flyer. I'd rather have a thinner profile, albeit inconsistent profile than a flush, but thick profile. However, I definitely see advantages to making the rig flush, but it'd really only need to be from the BOC down to the rear deflector, which the rear deflector does a fairly good job of right now. The current rear deflector could stand to "raise up" more and be wider, but then the flyer would almost definitely need to use the BASE pouch, as the deflector could get in the way. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Just have to push your legs down harder, is all, as they can put you on your back a bit, otherwise. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

http://www.bird-man.com has moved over to a new server. Until DNS resolution is complete (probably Friday at the latest), there may be issues accessing the site or e-mailing people at Bird-Man.com. If your messages bounce or you do not get a response for an extended period of time, please attempt to contact them by other means +1 386 785 0800. If long distance charges are an issue (ie, calling internationally), I am willing to pass on messages to them. PM or e-mail me, if needed. After Friday, September 12, 2003, this should no longer be an issue. Thanks for your patience and understanding while we build a better bird-man.com. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

That does sound about right. I'd guess that many suits are out there, about 2/3 as many are BirdPeople and 2.5 times as many have flown them. My guess is based on no sort of data whatsoever. Just a guess. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Oh, yeah... well... yeah... steak grenade. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

The freefly version seems to be really popular. I got the BASE version. I don't freefly (anymore) so I'm wondering if anyone's tried freeflying with the BASE version, and are they really all that detrimental to your head down (obviously to your sit). "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

My camera broke before I could film it. :( Zaz will get some on the next one. I'm grounded right now while I get ny rig back together. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Did you get the freefly or BASE version? "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Within a few feet, but for thirty seconds or so. We haven't docked yet, but Zaz (Jason Zaslaw) and I have found that we can match our flight almost exactly (I even have to fly my legs a little bent/dirty) when he is under his VX 68. Personally, I like to leave the plane pretty much at the same time as the canopy pilot and have them open within 1500 feet of exit. Otherwise, you spend the whole flight diving. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

Sweet. I might have to pay a visit to Maine next summer. I'm jealous of your new flock. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

That's five, math junkie. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click

I'd like to be Angelina's Womb Raider. Wait... that doesn't sound right. "¯"`-._.-¯) ManBird (¯-._.-´"¯" Click