Kolla

The Stainless steel grommets used by PD weigh nearly the same as the brass grommets do - I'm at home now so I can't provide you with the weight in grams for each type right now. Feel free to e-mail me at PD after the weekend if you would like get the exact weights and measurements

Nice photos Chris! If you have the results, post them too!!

You are a star! Congrats - you'll be a great addition to an already brilliant rigging "loft" at SD Chicago

Hello Gary! Thanks for your post - I would really like to get a little bit more information, so I can find out exactly what happened. It's not clear to me if the person demoed the canopy directly from PD or if he/she got the demo through one of the on-site dealers. Also - the difference between a Vengeance and Velocity is quite noticeable- did the person not assemble/pack the main or did he/she get it already packed up? When we send out demos, you get the canopy on risers, but you have to have your own container, complete with a d-bag & pilot chute. The canopies come in a bag, and in the bag is a cover sheet stating the product model & size, so there shouldn't be any doubt as to what is being packed up. The same information is also on the warning label of the canopy - which is clearly visible when pro-packing. We don't claim to never make mistakes - unfortunately it happens from time to time. However, we try our best to be very careful about making sure that the correct item ships, no matter what the item. Also... normally I catch flack for being not aggressive enough when it comes to my demo customers ! I'm glad that the person that ended up under the Velocity 120 had the experience and skills to be able to enjoy that canopy! Blue Skies Magazine

Hey there! The best advice I can give you is to try both canopies and then go with the one you prefer. Those two are definitely similar in many ways, but it's the subtle differences that might make the difference for you.... it's kinda like vanilla vs chocolate! Most manufacturers send out demo canopies, and many DZ's or dealers have the Spectre available through their rental program. To get a demo canopy from PD you can either go and fill out a form on our website (http://www.performancedesigns.com/support.asp - click on "Demo Request Form") or call us at 386 738 2224. Best of luck finding your canopy! Blue ones, Kolla Kolbeinsdottir, Performance Designs, Inc. Blue Skies Magazine

Thank you Arlo - and thank you all!! I did indeed have a lovely birthday, went out to celebrate with a bunch of girls from DeLand and we had a great time. The ladies arranged for the staff to bring a dessert (and sing the birthday song and all that), and for some very very odd reason the waiter made me stand with my hands above my head, and then smacked me in the face with the dessert when the song was over. I think Sandy Bobo put them up to that.... I'll have to get her back! So.... my 1000 jump is coming up, and so I consider myself already pre-pied Thanks again, and happy bdays to all the December kids out there, we rule!!! Kolla Blue Skies Magazine

One thing to keep in mind is that canopies made out of F-111 type material were generally designed with the qualities of that type of fabric. If the coating is aimed to make the canopy zero p or close to that, it can very dramatically affect the way the canopy opens. We have seen a few coated PD-9 cells come back for repairs or maintenance, and for some it works pretty well, but in other you see catastrophic failures. An old zero p canopy can actually stay zero p for a very long time - but the area of the canopy that gets the most wear and tear is generally the top skin on the center cell, by the tail (where you put your knees when you pack - pro pack style at least). The dirt, sweat, abrasion and UV rays all combine to wear that out faster than the rest of the canopy. Thats normally where you would see the fabric weaken. If a canopy goes through some other stress (odd openings, malfunctions, cutaways, snag on something) you might see other areas that need attention sooner. Blue Skies Magazine

Getting demos from PD is pretty hassle free - go and fill out a demo request on PD's website (http://www.performancedesigns.com/demorequest.asp) and I'll get back with you shortly to sort out the details :) Our website hasn't been playing nice for the past few weeks, but it's back up and running smoothly again now - so go demo! Blue ones! Kolla Kolbeinsdottir, Performance Designs, Inc Blue Skies Magazine

I changed to a "stows down the middle" bag and noticed a difference in my openings (to the better, mainly more on heading). I also find packing nicer that way. However, to be sure you like packing that way, maybe you should come out and pack for me for a day or so Blue ones, Kolla Blue Skies Magazine

Go girls! So very proud of all, especially of our little Gilli-bean! Betsy, please give her a big hug for me and tell her to watch out for her new jumpsuit - I hear AZ can be a dusty kind of place Bloooos! kolla Blue Skies Magazine

I'll have to side with Arlo on this one - look at the sizing charts for the Silhouette on PD's website (http://www.performancedesigns.com/silhouette.htm - scroll to the bottom), and you'll notice that your weight would put you in the "Expert" category for that canopy. I noticed that the Silhouette 260 is not listed on our website (and will get that taken care off), but that size might fit you better. But - as with any canopy - fly before you buy - most manufacturers have demos available of their canopies and knowledgeable staff that can give you information about the canopies you are considering. Blue ones! Kolla Kolbeinsdottir, Performance Designs, Inc. Blue Skies Magazine

Actually, PD has tested their reserves above and beyond the TSO requirements. Ian Bellis explained to me that the "maximum wingloading" represents a point where the behavior of the canopy may start to deviate from what it is designed to do. It's not the structural limit per se. I know thats splitting hairs, but thought it might be of interest. Blue ones! Kolla Blue Skies Magazine

Personally, I'd go with the ProTrack as an audible altimeter. Tonto brings out some good pros and cons, but I would add that the ProTrac has been on the market for a long time working very well (and customer service from L&B is unmatched). The Neptune is still in it's infancy and seems to have a lot of bugs that keep popping up. But - go with the one YOU want

Hey! The only shuttle I know of is the DOTS one (http://www.dots-daytonabeach.com/page3.html) - it's not free, but it's quite reasonable. It stops at at least the Howard Johnson just outside of DeLand, and at the Holiday Inn (in DeLand) - you might have to request that though. But, check the website - and call them if you don't see what you need! Blue ones, Kolla Blue Skies Magazine

You know.... I've been hanging around DeLand for a few years (yeah ok so I've been slacking a bit lately!), but it took me quite some time to feel the love there. It's a busy place with a lot of people that are very focused on their training, and also there are a lot of people that come for a short period of time. There are many great things about DeLand: tons of knowledge there, tons of airplanes, gear manufacturers close by, very nice people (when you finally get to know them) - but you are right - it's probably not the best example of southern hospitality

Actually, the only canopy PD posts minimums for is the Velocity - and even for that canopy the minimums are very low (exit weight to be equal or greater than the squarefootage of the Velocity). Other PD canopies don't have minimums. I'm sure the gang at Archway will keep you safe and make sure you jump canopies appropriate for your skill level - but maybe you can talk them into letting you jump a student canopy - just for the heck of it. A big one, that you would be loading lightly. You know, I'll even send you a Navigator 280 to play with if you want to give it a try (I run the demo program at PD) I know your question is serious, and I'm not trying to be funny - but it's can be quite an experience to jump student canopies once you have a couple of hundred jumps under your belt - and if you ever plan on becoming a coach or an instructor I think it's very valuable

Yeah... eath those things, and see if Dr. Kim can't prescribe some iron pills for you too It was great meating all you dz.commers in Seb! Kolla Blue Skies Magazine

AggieDave is correct - the canopy has not been released yet, it is in final stages of testing at the moment

I just can't wait for this weekend.... I went out tonight and tried to build up some tolerance, but discovered I'm still a sissy. But, 3 more days to practise - I'm hashing tomorrow night, we'll see how that goes! I'm sooooo looking forward to the weekend El Kollos Blue Skies Magazine

I have worked quite a bit with Eddie and found him to be extremely plesant and true to his word. Kolla Blue Skies Magazine

Oh my... are you and Katie coming???? I better start my hangover NOW! Blue Skies Magazine

The Brits have proven a very valuable Beta testing tool - and so have a few other sponsored teams & individuals And Kirils, - nope, nothing like it - that's probably a big part of the reason it isn't out yet Blooos! kolla Blue Skies Magazine

Don't be sad... - if you do get a new canopy, I would imagine that a Sabre2 or a Pilot would make for a better investment, and thus higher resale value

Beta testing for PD means that the design of the canopy is fairly well squared away, and is now being polished and fine tuned to do perform the way we dreamed of

The Katana is still in beta testing, but every day we are getting closer to releasing it