karlm

To Aerodyne or Not To. A few months back I was able to jump both the 168 Pilot and the 148 Vision, and was super impressed with the products, I only did a handful of jumps on each over two weekends of jumping. Thiago from Aerodyne came to our DZ with his Icon Harness, and I was sold, there are some real neat design elements and safety aspects that I like. If you go to the Aerodyne website and take a look at the company profile, you'll see a who's who of the skydiving equipment manufacturing scene. Aerodyne has enlisted the talents of some of the top guys out there, so you'll be certain that any product is 100% - and with the reliable background PISA as, you'll be sure of quality of workmanship. Over the December period, Aerodyne sent three systems to the boogie I was at, there was a 117 Amax, 132 Vision, and a 168 Pilot (the Aerodyne guy took the rig for the 168 Pilot back as he was unhappy with a certain aspect of it) three jumpers demo'd the 168 Pilot and has nothing up good reveiws. Some found it a bit faster than there normal 170 canopy. I was lucky enough to jump the 132 Vision in the Icon Harness for most of the boogie and was so impressed I have ordered my full system already, the harness fits great, packs easy, and is both free fly and FS friendly. Four other jumpers made use of the demo and were happy with both the harness and the main. The Amax 117 - was jumped by a few who like the faster more radical side of life, and once we had mastered the packing, had a blast under canopy, two of those were in the market to buy a new canopy, and are now looking into the Amax. Our DZ's TM has been jumping the new Gemini (Tandem Canopy) and is also happy with the product. All in all the reveiws have been good, the openings consistent, the product solid. I doubt anybody should worry about the products lack of track record, the guys behind it speak for themselves. Well done to Aerodyne - look forward to the future developments. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Great feed back - nice to see the jumpers with more experience not getting all "hot dog" and saying "go ahead jump the smaller canopy, you'll handle it" The one thing I have learned is that smaller does not equal faster all the time, I would do as suggested and fly a 150 elliptical for the next few hundred jumps (dont know your LW) and then move to a 135. As when the shit hits the fan on the 135, you'll need all the skills you can gather. I have also attached two articles from PD about canopy choice and downsizing, good reads both of them, may help you make the right choice. What I found moving from square to elliptical was, that the canopy became more radical, but still staying within my control limitations, if I had tried to downsize at the same time, my name would have been in a different forum. ;-) Also, get the demo gear, and jump it like you stole it - get the real feel for the canopy if you can get atleast 5 to 10 jumps on each, before making the choice, also speak to the jumpers who ly the make and model on a regular basis, and even chat to your Inst. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

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Do the work-out that you enjoy doing, but remember you'll want to include a fair amount of cardio, and stretching, and basic muscle strength is also essential. I find a good toning work-out at a local gym to be a good start. Next time your at the DZ for a days jumping, get there a bit earlier and do at least 30 min of streching, focusing on, back, neck, legs, shoulders. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Sure I've seen this question on the forums before - but anyway here goes. I jump currently jump a PISA Heatwave 150 / LW 1.26 Our club had a demo Pilot 170 and a Vision 150, I only did three jumps on the Pilot, so my assessment is not great, the canopy opened like a dream, soft, consistent and on-heading. With good toggle response and light riser pressure, I found the canopy to be responsive to input and even on a 170 the landing on a no wind day was quick. Could be the best canopy I have jumped in a while (was on a PISA Hornet 170 before my Heatwave) The Vision 150 - The opening was as smooth and on-heading as the Pilot with a smooth transition from deployment to flight. The toggles pressure was light with a good response, the canopy had no over steer, and leveled quite nicely. The thing I like the most was the light riser pressure, and responsiveness thereof. On both the Pilot & Vision I exited last and the spot was deep, and with little or no input was able to make it back to the DZ with enough time to set up my landing. Our National 4-Way Team have been sponsored new Aerodyne Canopies, two member of the team have been Sabre 135 Boys for years, and are now without a doubt 100% behind the new Pilot, good all round canopy. The other two members were flying either Heatwave or Hurricanes, and now jump the Vision 135 and have had nothing but good reviews. So. if you looking for a new TOY look at the new Aerodyne Canopies - it will be my next choice. Well Done Aerodyne Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

A while back I replied to a post, with regards to the after sale service of ParaSport Italia (makers of the Z1 Full face helmet, Skytronic), at that point I had no good news to spread. As the contact via the ParaSport website did not reply, and I was forced to use a alternative gear store. Anyway thats old news. The Z1 is question, did like it has done before and come off during deployment. The visor, bolts and securing clip broke. I check the part numbers on the ParaSport website and, thought let's just e-mail them incase. Well to my surprise I received a reply the next day, with costs for the parts, and the shipping. Two quick e-mails later (clearing credit card details etc.) and the order was done. 10 days later and the stuff is sitting on my desk. So I'm 100% impressed with ParaSport - and the total bill was 37 Euro, most of that was for shipping to South Africa. It's great to see that sometimes when you give somebody a second chance, they surprise you and surpass your expectation. Well done ParaSport Italia. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

rida is May for a few weeks doing some tunnel and a few jumps out at Lake Wales and DeLand. All you'll need is your log book and licenses from your association, if your rig is TSO'd for use in the US, you'll need to keep within their reserve pack recycle. I signed and paid for a temporary USPA license while there, and this allowed me to jump. But ask at the DZ you plan to visit and they will be able to help. Just remember it's just like going to any other DZ, have all your paper work handy. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Question? Since you did not skydive, but rather had a canopy ride, I request a re-jump to ensure that you actually do a NAKED SKYDIVE Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

JUst remember the priorities of landing when you find yourself in such a situation. - Land with a level wing (no turn) - Land in a open area - Flair - Preferably into wind. I have found myself on a long spot, and on getting back realized I was going to be short. I had checked the wind direction before take-off and did a 90 turn to land cross wind, as a into wind landing would have meant two things 1. landing in a turn. 2. Landing into a power line. I would suggest getting as much into the wind as possible without putting your health at risk, and be pre paired for a rough landing, get you PLF ready and flair. Rather walk off from a out safe landing than being carried off, for trying to get back to the DZ and making a last minute turn. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

only got 9 .... its a shame I cannot see a "O" face from a wrestler in tights. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

you can ge the silicone ones at any decent store that c=sells office supplies, I dont think they are marketed as such, but if you take a few out the box you will see. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

FYI - I have jumped both the Pilot 170 (square) and Vision 150 (elliptical) canopy's by Aerodyne. And must say that I am impressed, the packing volume was great for their size, and the openings were smooth and consistant. The flying of both are great, with a good glide ratio and light toggle pressure and quick response (dont need to yank the toggle to turn), both had me inpressed. As I am in the proccess of learning riser turns to final, I was happy to see light responsive front riser input and pressure, with a nice smooth recovery arch. I have jumped both the Hornet & Heatwave from PISA and the new canopy's are steps ahead, and would recommend it to any jumpers looking at getting a new main. Aerodyne is doing some great marketing, so demos are available throughtout the US, Europe and South Africa. Just give them a call. http://www.aerodyne-int.com/ Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Never used tube stows, find them hard to pack lines with, when packing a rig with them. Always used normsl rubber bands (get the soft silicone coated ones, not the dry powder ones) they work the best. Oh, and they are cheaper Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

If it was the same draw there would be a definite conflict, but if the draws for Open and Womens are different, then what? Can a person jumping in both events be seen as having practiced before the other dive, thus allowing for a advantage. I also don't think that a Womens section was added to the 4-Way events so women could be "seen" more, it just allows them to compete amongst themselves at a "equal" level. (yes I know some female skydivers can compete at any level). Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Yip, you guys are correct I watched my 4-Way dives and my legs are closer together than I thought, and teach others. Thanks for the input. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Many of the reasons why the "Mantis" is better have been cover and I will do so again until it sinks in. Get down on the creepers in the box position, now try and look at your feet, you have to distort your body shape to be more aware. Now try it with 3 friends and you, get into the box and look across at your opposite. I bet you lifted your head, and that's what the "Mantis" does for you, allows you better all round vision of the skydive. And by lifting the head up, you create more power in the legs with positive energy being available 100% of the time in your booties for turns and control. Taking some of the pressure off the top end, allows ones hands to be used to pick-up grips and not induce a back slide effect. If you take a look at a good 4-Way skydive filmed from the side (so you can see the jumpers profile) you will notice that the body ranges from one extreme "Mantis" to almost the classic box during the skydive. With the "Mantis" your legs are also wider apart than the box, so it also increases stability. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

There was a small article on the Official GAP website that dealt with the subject of a female 4-Way competitor jumping in both Open and Women's meets. There was mention of rules that prohibit a competitor doing so. How does everybody else see it, does it give the person a edge over the competitors, even if it is a different draw. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

sorry to disapoint the helmet purchased from Total control was a ParaSport Z1 (it even says so on the lable). But I still would recommend the Oxygen over any other full face with a flip-up lens. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

There was a handicap system used and that is the reson for the conflict between the website and the official results. Anyway WELL DONE to Majik. :-) Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Ha Haa Haaa ..... too true the dude (AKA Eric, Tonto) is everywhere. But seriously your ditter as a secondary device, don't rely on it. Our one team mate would track from our 4-Way until she heard the 3k beep, then only start the opening sequence, she was always low, and when confronted she claimed to be pulling at 3k. 3k? Is when she stop tracking, flared and went for the pull, putting her below 2100ft most often than not. She as now set her 2nd warning to 3200ft 3300ft, and is safe each time. If you freefly they are a must, as having to check your alti every few seonds will not keep you in your headdown. (not in the beginning). Another point I find funny, is I see few jumpers checking for the 1000ft confirmation beeps during the ride to altitude. If you rely on yours better make sure it's set right. ;-) Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

well said - about not relying on the ditter. On our 4-Way my settings are 4k Break Off (which always goes after my team mates have left) 3k Have I pulled and 1.5k Get something out. I still use my visual alti before deployment, and don't wait for my ditter at 3k, if I do I'll be below 2200ft once my canopy has inflated, and my CI will be on my ass. Use your ditter as a additional safety device and not as the only option. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

The Z1 in question was purchased though Total Control in Australia (as they had the best deal on a full face) and was shipped to South Africa. When the plastic bolt broke on impact with the ground, I contacted Total control, who said that they had given up their ParaSport dealership due to poor after sales service, I then contacted Unfeathered who forwarded my e-mail to ParaSport, it took about 3 or 4 e-mail to ParaSport of which I included Unfeathered and the bolts did finally arrive. I don't think I would have had such a good response from ParaSport if it were not for Unfeathered who took the time to help chase up my request. Our two or three gear stores here don't hold any stock, and only order on request and thats normally through Unfeathred. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Oxygen A3 or Parasport Z1? I jump with the Oxygen A3, and have never had any issues with the product, the flip-up visor comes in handy on early morning loads or the last load of the day, otherwise I tend not to lift my visor up, as I found the repeated moving caused what I would call stress lines on the visor, they don't get in the way of your sight but do make the visor look older than what it is. I now hardley ever lift the visor, the airflow and visibility are awesome, the fit is tight yet comfortable with a simple single closing device, which makes it easy to slip on just before exit. I would give the Oxygen A3 10/10 as a product worth buying. On the other hand my girlfriend jumps a Z1, and has been happy with the product, there have only been a few issues that I can speak of, the plastic bolts which secure the visor to the helmet are quite easily broken, most of the Z1 on our DZ now use self tightening metal bolts, I was able to have a new set delivered, so the after sales service is great. On occasion either through a hard opening or riser slap, the Z1 has either come loose or fallen off (only once), but survived the fall with a few scratches. My advice would be to have one that fits snugg so it wont come off on a hard opening. Our friend has lost hers about three times during deployement. Hope that helps with the queries. Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

Your story sound so familier, we have a jumper at our DZ that was paralyzed due to a accident, he has now returned to skydiving, with the help and guidance of our CI and a good rigger who made a suit to assist him in freefall and landings. Contact Tonto at Johannesburg Skydiving Club www.jsc.co.za Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.

I don't belive there is any real debate about whether it changes the way we skydive on a competitive level, and yes maybe some "hot shot" young team will come and beat the "old dogs", but as long as you skydive to the best of your ability and acheive the goals (or some of them) that you have set out. I have seen first hand how a team with less than 40 jumps togehter and about 6hrs of tunnel can skydive beyond the expectations of many, the tunnel is the way people will train, it does not exclude skydiving out of planes as there are the things already mentioned. e.g. Exits, Hill work, competition experiance. My team has done about 200 jumps togehter and two of us have done about 3hrs of tunnel, and I can see the differance in the team already. You will find those who have not experienced the benifits of tunnel will always be sceptical, but the proof is in the pudding. I would encourage anybody who is serious about competitive 4-Way to do tunnel time, either with your whole team (as this is an advantage) or seperate with a good coach, you will learn so much and become a better skydiver for it. If in doubt whip it out Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there.