Jimbo

Done correctly they're both very reliable. Probably the main advantage of the PRO pack is that it's easier to do correctly (you can't forget the twist). The biggest advantage to the Psycho pack, in my opinion, is that it's easier and quicker than the PRO. Try them both and decide for yourself. - Jim

While I think it's important to understand the flight characteristics of your canopy in all situations I do have to ask why you're spending time trying to perfect a low toggle turn. That's dangerous. Quit it. Stick to the front risers. There's a reason all the pros use front riser approaches. There's another reason that _none_ of them use toggle approaches. Then why isn't it doing what you want? No reason you can't learn on your Sabre 170. Do you think those guys loading a Velocity at 2.2:1 learned high performance landings on their present canopies? Then you've got no business downsizing just yet. Amen. - Jim

You may not think you need it, but you'll want it. USB == SLOW. Does the camera have a Firewire output/input? Seriously, you might want to consider trading it in for something that does. - Jim

I think he was asking if the Cypres and FXC products needed to be 'licensed' or certified. Anyone know if the Cypres is a TSOd product? Who, besides AirTec has certified the Cypres and other AADs? - Jim

I agree with Lisa on this. Be conservative. Here's a good test that I think is pretty realistic. If you feel like you have to ask others if you're ready for a canopy, you're probably not. I think this is probably true in > 95% of the cases we see here at dz.com. Stick with the 150 or even your Spectre at this point. - Jim

The original Sabre was also a 9 cell. The Spectre is PDs 7 cell offering. - Jim

Nope. I'm making a statement that the average, in this case, is the sum of the opening distances divided by the number of openings. Example: 1000 + 800 + 600 + 1000 + 800 / 5 = 840. - Jim

Technically they're not. Since the average, in this case, is the sum of the distances divided by the number of openings, the data is there regardless of wing, pc, speed, etc.... That said, I do have an answer for me, and it seems to be about 1000ft from reaching for the pilot chute to sitting under a fully deployed canopy. - Jim

What's your definition of 'nothing happening'? On of _my_ pet peeves is people chopping canopies without actually trying to fix the perceived problem. After all, while the reserve canopy has an excellent track record, it is not without its recorded failures. - Jim

Let's start by saying that I am by no means a swooper or a pond expert. Is 3 ft deep enough, especially at the deepest part (presumably the middle)? What happens when someone starts their hook just a little too low, or maybe a lot too low, will they make it through 3 ft of water and then have to deal with the ground beneath? I'd be concerned about that. My $0.02. - Jim

Despair.com rules. One of these days I hope to own them all.

The link in the gear section for Velocity Sports Equipment is incorrect. It should be: http://www.velocityrigs.com/ - Jim

I've been looking around and this little snippit from L & Bs website seems to confirm that they're using a formula rather than a hard number to determine opening. Of course for the definitive answer you need to email the good folks at L&B. - Jim

And how do you suppose the PT knows when your canopy is fully open? Does it look up and check? I don't think so. There has to a magic number or formula there somewhere. Anyone know what it is? - Jim

0:5:0 Someone make the clouds go away!

This ought to be fun. Uh. I think anyone who's not actually from Compton, white, black or otherwise would be scared to be dropped off there at 2AM. It's not a race things at this point, it's a safety thing. Compton is known for its high crime, and much of it violent. To help drive the point home think about this, what race of people are hurt more by violent crime in Compton? I'm pretty sure it's not white guys in a business suit. Your argument is weak at best. I don't know anything about Boaz Alabama, but because you decided to use it as an example I'll bet it's known as an area where there are many crimes committed by whites against blacks. Again, this argument is weak at best. There's a difference between being afraid for legitimate reasons and irrational racism. You're right, both parties will be probably, and with good reason be very afraid, but it's got nothing to do with racism. It has everything to do with cold hard facts about crime. There are numbers to support the evidence here, it is not about racism. How in the world did you get from modern day racism to slavery and the Holocost? What's stopping you? Last I checked the Jewish faith was still accepting converts. - Jim

OH! Well, that explains a lot! Thanks for clearing that up for me! - Jim

In what way did they abuse their freedom of speech or their freedom to assemble? - Jim

And thank God that a cop didn't do that. The fact that the KKK can hold these demonstrations is wonderful, it's a perfect example of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Two things that are very important to me. I'm curious, would you have felt better if it were a group of militant blacks calling everyone cracker and calling for the new revolution? I hate to break it to you, but the Klan reaches far beyond the south. Uh, so them calling people niggers (the example you cited) is somehow less wrong than your calling them white trash? What's the difference? It's hate on both sides and it's not productive. As far as them being 'white trash' have taken a look at the Klan? Just like skydivers, they have representation in probably every profession in America today. Isn't the US of A great? - Jim

Or maybe Stacy's essay on how to land a Cobalt without flaring. Right back at ya.

Heh. That'd be nice. You can jump the tunnel and get your crack in one convenient trip. Camden is yucky.

Or, "if you don't remember something you're probably Shogo".

As an added bonus you'll get the opportunity to help tie Stacy to the Tiki bar and pie the hell out of her! That aside, these things are usually a pretty good time with lots of organized loads, jumps to 15K, etc..., all sorts of fun. And, if the jumping isn't enough, the party on Saturday night is something you'll remember (or wish you could remember) for a long time. - Jim

Then apparently you didn't watch the whole thing.

That's your impression of McDonands. I don't think of it the lowest quality food available to man, but rather the standard by which all other fast food is measured. Some is better, some is worse, but like it or not, they are the standard. Sound kind of like the PD of the parachute industry? I think it does. And apparently neither does Dan. Otherwise he wouldn't have said that PD make average to good quality canopies. So, if I had said this it would have been OK? That's certainly not fair and it's a double standard if I've ever seen one. It sounds to me as if you're reacting on the same Blind Faith that Dan mentioned in his original posting. Someone says that PD isn't the industry leader or that they don't make the worlds best canopies and you automatically assume the worst. Rather than take the statement at face value you chose to read things into it that clearly aren't there. My $0.02. - Jim