You know what is strange to me.....this whole thread about using black rubber bands started with a multi stow hang up in Moab at the Turkey Boogie. Not one person has mentioned that this situation was complete user error.
Now, I was born and raised on the black bands with my multi and tailgate. I've used them CORRECTLY on both, for the last 130 jumps on anything from a 270' crane in the middle of a busy urban area to the big walls of Norway. I know of several jumpers with hundreds of jumps that have used them CORRECTLY on every jump and have walked away safe.
I'm not saying these little pieces of rubber are, or should be the industry standard for the next few years. My point is that we need to (and I'm not ripping on the guy that packed the rig in question) recognize that human error takes place all the time. Like Karen said, we need to take responsibility for our actions.
Someone dying because of a f**king rubber band is not cool, but it's time this new generation of BASE jumpers steps up to the plate and takes some f**kin' responsibility. Learn every aspect of the jump from the pack job to the landing. If you don't know ASK!!!!
