BBKid

No offence to the chief rigger in question, but if the container manufacturer say it's OK, then a rigger in the field should be able to pack it. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

About me: 6'2'', 200lbs out the door, skydiving interests are FS, CReW, and canopy piloting in general. 52 jumps in 3 years (pathetic I know). No ratings or qualifications. BPA B104059. I bought my TSE Zerox (freefly friendly version) used as my first kit. DOM June 2003. The canopy sizes weren't exactly ideal in terms of making the rig valuable on the resale market, but that's nothing to do with the harness/container. The main thing I can say about it is that it's incredibly comfortable, in my humble opinion anyway. On the ground, with my 218/218 canopy combination on my back, I barely feel the weight - seriously. The yoke is so well cut that it feels custom-made for my shoulders, even though I know the guy who ordered it is nowhere near the same build as me! Mine also has the alcantara back and leg pads, which takes away the feeling of lines etc pressing into your back. Standard harness with narrow chest strap, mini rings, mini risers and RSL. In the plane, it's not as easy to move around, but again, that's down to the size of the canopies, and some say it might be easier if it had hip rings. Again, not the fault of the manufacturer. In freefall, I don't notice it's there. I used to think that this was just because I was enjoying the skydive, but on my last jump I had to use rental (student) kit, roughly the same harness size and canopies in the rig, but it was so uncomfortable I could barely arch properly. In "my" rig I can vary my fall rate by quite a bit when I'm on my belly, using rental stuff I just watched a friend of mine disappear above me, with no hope of getting back up to him. I can freefly in this rig if I want to (not many can say this about a second-hand first rig), and I know the tuck tabs, riser covers and pin covers are going to stay put until I want them to open, and not before. I haven't done any high-altitude hop-and-pops on it (yet), so I cant really comment on comfort under canopy for extended periods. Suffice it to say, it beats the student rigs I was using hands down. Onto negative points: As I mentioned in the 'cons' box above, the thread holding the part of the RSL which is stitched onto the harness by the riser is a bit loose in places, but I'm going to ask my rigger to look at this when she's doing my repack next week. I have no doubt that the RSL would still function as required, even though I don't rely on it, but I'm keeping an eye on the situation all the same. Also, I don't like the fact that my thin chest strap doesn't have a turn-back on it. It's long enough that it wouldn't come undone, but I personally don't like narrow chest straps anyway... I don't have riser inserts in my risers, I don't really need them with the canopies I use and my (decreasing) wingloading, but I'm sure TSE could supply them if required. My harness is the softer type (type 17?), and if I were ordering a rig I'd probably go for the firmer stuff, as I've heard it doesn't fray so much, though there's no evidence of any wear whatsoever on my rig. How I sum up a rig is by asking myself "would I buy another?". The answer to that is yes. If you're in the UK you can nip over to TSE in a couple of hours if you're in the North, get measured, tell them exactly what you want, and pick it up four weeks later or less. I believe it is TSO C23d certified, as it has the same reserve system as the NeXt (made under licence by TSE in the TSE factory). The first thing I would do if I were ordering one tomorrow would be to put "Alcantara back/leg pads" in the options box in big bold lettering! This feature alone launches it ahead of some other contenders for my business. I can't explain how great this option is. Overall, it does everything I need to saty safe, comfortable, happy and airborne. Don't be put off by claims that Zeroxes are old-fashioned. The newest models (more recent than mine even), have the hip rings at the main lift web/lateral junction like the Wings/Mirage Unisyn harness, and the main side closing flaps 'wrap around' the bottom of the container, again like the Wings/Mirage/Vector3, which gives more logical bridle protection (in my opinion) and the option to have the corners opened up for wingsuit deployment without the need for extra panels to be sewn in a-la Javelin. If anyone wants further details PM me and I can send you photos or even come to your DZ if its within my power - I always like to jump new planes! Have fun, stay safe! Nick

I own a TSE Zerox, which is almost identical to the NEXT. The NEXT container is made in the UK in thw Thomas Sports Equipment factory, and then sent to Germany to have the harness and a few other bits and pieces added. Apart from that, the only differences are the main closing flap and (I think) the design of the reserve PC, though I could be wrong on that one. Mine wasn't measured for me, and even with huge canopies (218M/218R), the design of the yoke means I don't notice the weight at all. I jumped a student rig last weekend and I couldn't believe how uncomfortable it was compared to mine, even though it was about the same size. Mine doesn't have hip rings, which I would like on my next rig, but it does have the Alcantara backpad and leg pads. It's supposed to keep you cool on hot days (not sure how something that feels like suede does this) and warm on cold days, but I do know it's incredibly comfortable, and I have no problem with lines or anything pressing into my back, even with my crappy packing! I'd thoroughly recommend that if you decide to buy a NEXT, you go for either this option, or the Aero-Spacer foam over the regular back/leg pads. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Quick hint: to extend the life of your BOC spandex, don't leave the PC packed in it for an extended period of time. When I pack after my last jump of the weekend I don't pack the PC, but just carefully place it inside my gear bag. When I'm getting my gear ready for the next weekend I just pack the PC (assuming I don't get paranoid and repack the entire canopy). I know plenty of others who do the same. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Just thought I'd defend Jumpmumki for a minute. The dealer he bought the rig from is well respected, and knew what canopies were going in the rig - he knew because he assembled it, and he wouldn't have sold him a rig that was going to be dangerous due to container/canopy size. And as for bravado or whatever he's been accused of - well, knowing him the way I do I just find that idea ridiculously funny! He's one of the least arrogant people I know, especially within this sport, and he's always open to new ideas. In the past he has been accused of not coming across too well in posts made in the Internet though... Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Loved the book, but can't watch the movie without flashbacks of school when all the other kids pointed at me, laughed and called me "Piggy" for weeks. It was like looking in a black and white mirror I hated school. But then I got revenge by tracking all those kids down and dropped rocks on them from a nearby cliff. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Happy Birthday crazy girl! Make sure you get a bit tonight! Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

One TM/camera flyer at my DZ use to have his wrist alti on his right wrist. Never could figure out why, and yes, he still hand a right hand BOC. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Arm pocket in jumpsuit worked fine for me, just remember to zip it up... Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Should be there by about 9. With Fosters, Strongbow and plenty of ice! Hey Vicki, can you bring me some of that anti-hangover stuff? Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Sit on ground getting piss-wet, or get lashed? Difficult choice...I figured this one out last year! Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

If only I spoke German! Anyway, this photo shows pretty well what I mean. You can see the little pocket the flap tucks down into. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

What Dave described is exactly what I was thinking of. It's just how it struck me when I looked on the website. Something still tells me that it's no safer than a straight tuck-in flap like a Mirage. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Peenarse Arse-buttock Wank biscuit Toss piece and a favourite from the days of old, very non-PC but amongst a group of friends it's sometimes the only one that fits...GAYLORD!!! Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

The Atom legend main flap doesn't tuck up. I know it looks like it does, it honestly doesn't. It's attached to the top flap like a hinge, then the side flaps are closed and pinned, then the top flap tucks into a pocket on the bottom of the container, behind the BOC pouch. Sort of hard to explain, but a neat idea. Sunpath could easily, ahem, "use this for consideration". Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

2 things stop me getting a Vector3 with Skyhook: 1) I don't like the reserve pin protector flap - the website says it's designed to stop it getting snagged, but to me it look like more of a snag hazard than on some other rigs. Just my opinion. 2) Everyone I know who has actually jumped a Vector 3 says they are bloody uncomfortable. I love flying my canopy and I'm not prepared to take the risk that a custom rig won't be like sitting on a pile of pillows. I'm sure others know people very satisfied with the comfort of their Vector 3, but I can only judge the testimony of people I know. That said, skyhook is a great safety aid. Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

I'd want to know not only that it was proven to be as safe as the current type, but also as durable, i.e. doesn't have to be sent back to PD for inspection after 25 repacks instead of the 40 for current PD reserves. If it was £1500 they could whistle for it though... Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

I'm amazed the police weren't called to remove the vagrant who looked like he fell asleep halfway through stealing a clapped-out Fiesta. Still no idea what I was trying to get from my car when I collapsed... Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

When I was still at college, some posh southern tw*t strolled past me in his chinos and loafers, running his hand through his stupidly quiffed hair, turned and deliberately spat in my face. If I hadn't been so shocked I would have chased him down the street and "introduced" his teeth to my left boot. Durham University, in case anyone's thinking of going. It's 80% wanker. At least the guy who got you apologised... Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Either Kelly only goes out with guys waaaaaay better looking than me (not difficult ), or all the guys she goes out with are what we in this country lovingly call "dickheads"! Hell, she could connect my bathwater up to a car battery and I'd probably still call her afterwards. That's assuming the restraining order doesn't cover phone calls though... Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

I realise that, however some people are fiercely brand loyal, or have DZ staff sponsorships etc. For example, if I were in the mirage DZ sponsored program and jumped a velocity79, but wanted a 143 reserve, it wouldn't be going into any of the Mirage container sizes currently available (correct me if I'm wrong). For what it's worth, my next rig will almost certainly be a Wings! Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

Let's also thank really helpful dealers, especially the ones who don't take offense if you end up not buying anything from them!!! Bonnie's great!

This is the first I've heard about the new PD reserve material, and I think it's really interesting. I know I'll probably never go lower than a 143 reserve, but it'd be nice to know that I can get a 143 reserve into a container that holds a sub-100 main, if I ever get good enought to jump one. I know PD design great reserves, but I'll be reading very carefully about the testing and strength of this material before I buy one!!! Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

You've never met me have you? Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"

I'm picking up my Neptune at the AGM - bastards! Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!"