tso-d_chris

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Everything posted by tso-d_chris

  1. tso-d_chris
    Thanks.
  2. tso-d_chris
    I agree that the Skyhook is an improvement in RSL design. I wouldn't choose a rig, or recommend a rig, based on the RSL. That is not to say that the Vector3 is not otherwise a fine rig. I just feel that other rigs on the market are equally well featured, RSL not withstanding. I wish someone made the perfect container, but so far, no luck. Until that happens, I recommend to my customers equipment that is best suited for them, taking many factors into consideration. RWS does not make the only high quality rig on the market. Different rigs suit different needs.
  3. tso-d_chris
    First, and this is where many, if not most, skydivers go wrong, decide on an appropriate reserve. Choose your container size based on this, instead of choosing your reserve based on your container size. Reputable container manufacturers include (but are not limited to) Relative Workshop (Vector3), Sun Path (Javelin Odyssey), Sunrise Rigging (Wings), Velocity Sports Equipment (Infinity), and Jump Shack (Racer). Generally used equipment is okay, especially for a first rig, which tends to be sold relatively quickly, as you progress and downsize. (Most jumpers downsize too early; don't do this
  4. tso-d_chris
    Some video recording indicators use sensors placed over the camera's tally light. When the light is on, the led in front of your eye lights up. When it's off, no light. (This is not how the Cam-Eye works.) If your still camera has a light that comes on when it is on, the same type of indicator should work. For Great Deals on Gear
  5. tso-d_chris
    Cutaway from 100' on a slider up reserve canopy? I hadn't heard about that. The ones done in Florida from 100' barely had enough altitude without the slider. Of course, YMMV. Don't get me wrong, the Skyhook is a nice improvement over the standard RSL. However, I wouldn't recommend or not recommend a rig based on the Skyhook. For Great Deals on Gear
  6. tso-d_chris
    The hundred foot cutaway/Skyhook deployments were sans sliders.
  7. tso-d_chris
    I agree. But I would no be so worried to see students out on big/very lightly loaded Spectres. Or Navigators. Perhaps even Silhouettes. For Great Deals on Gear
  8. tso-d_chris
    For comfort, most prefer the Javelin (of the two). Reserve pin protection goes to the Vector, though both are secure. Main pin protection is split- The Vectors main pin flap is probably less likely to come open, but when closed, the Javelins probably offers better protection. The Vector has a better RSL with the Skyhook, but the difference is probably not the huge margin RWS' marketing department would have you believe. Standard RSL results in reserve open in 300' or less from point of cutaway(by the standards of the TSO), while the Skyhook requires an estimated 150'-200' to open a reserve (w/ slider) from cutaway altitude. Do not wait until 300 feet to cutaway!!! Your actual deployment times may vary. All in all, both are excellent rigs, and you will be very happy with either one.
  9. tso-d_chris
    With a much lower aspect ratio. Derek Among other significant differences. Point is there are many factors other than the ellipticity that contribute to the canopy's flight characteristics. For Great Deals on Gear
  10. tso-d_chris
    Have you ever done that? What canopies, have you or would you use? Dave [AddFuelToFire]A Spectre is more elliptical than a Velocity.[/AddFuelToFire] (More truncated, too.) For Great Deals on Gear
  11. tso-d_chris
    There are wingloading requirements, as well. I think you are currently within limitations, barely. IIRC someone hooked themselves in a few years back, and they are trying to prevent a repeat occurrence.
  12. tso-d_chris
    The Skydiving Outlet requires 50% down on custom items when you place your order. The balance is due when the manufacturer completes the order. We do not generally require a down payment on non-custom items, even if ordered with a custom order, so if you were to order a custom container with an AAD, only the container would require a down payment at time of order. For Great Deals on Gear
  13. tso-d_chris
    The Skytronic GFX is substantially equivalent, with respect to features, as the Alti-2 Neptune. I haven't jumped it, so I can't tell you how well it works in freefall, but I have played with one a bit. First impression is that it is far more user friendly than the Pro-Track/Pro-Dytter, but not as easy to figure out as the Neptune. The Pro-Track has logbook features, but not visual altimeter features. None of the new Larsen Brusgaard products expected to be out soon have the same features. The Alti-Track has logbook capabilities, but no audible warnings. The Viso and the Optima have different features, as well. Essentially, The Neptune and the GFX are the only two choices available to those that want it all in their audible altimeter, from a real time visual readout to a logbook. Both are water resistant, as well. For Great Deals on Gear
  14. tso-d_chris
    If you are an aspiring freeflyer, you should feel obligated to learn to jump with a camera! For Great Deals on Gear
  15. tso-d_chris
    Rent it to a jumper down under to finance next season.
  16. tso-d_chris
    Insomnia, cold sweats, and an unusual temporary abundance of cash, traditionally exchanged for more skydiving gear. For Great Deals on Gear
  17. tso-d_chris
    Something to the effect of: The altitude which your parachute takes to open is inversely proportional to the altitude at which deployment is initiated Or The lower you dump, the longer your canopy will snivel.
  18. tso-d_chris
    As well as monitor the number of skydives made each year by the same sample of skydivers (those involved and not involved with the incidents) I would be surprised if the data has not yet been compiled by someone.
  19. tso-d_chris
    Does anyone know if or how the rate of skydivers dying in the sport has changed over the years. I was having a discussion with a fellow jumper, who feels that AADs have decreased the rate at which skydivers die. I believe AADs have changed the manner in which skydivers die, but not the rate, consistent with Booth's Second Law, "The safer skydiving gear becomes, the more chances skydivers will take, in order to keep the fatality rate constant." Does anyone know where I can find statistics to support or invalidate my belief?
  20. tso-d_chris
    Why? I like Cordura because it wears better than Spandex, and seems to hold the pilot chute more securely, provided the proper size main is in the container.
  21. tso-d_chris
    This is a very good point. Flaring is not the time to utilize muscle memory. Your flare rate and arm position should be based on your sight picture as you look towards the horizon, and how the harness feels as it pushes up against your legs. The position of your arms is not very important, as it can change not only from canopy to canopy, but also in varying conditions.
  22. tso-d_chris
    I've never heard this term before: floating back technique. Could you elaborate?
  23. tso-d_chris
    I've had the opposite experience. The most secure BOC pouches I have seen on any rig have been Cordura, and not Spandex. Spandex wears out much more quickly, and doesn't seem to provide as much pressure on the PC, even when new, assuming that the main is properly sized for the container. I've owned and used both types.
  24. tso-d_chris
    I don't like the idea of trackers leaving first. They are going to cover a lot of ground. No reason to start them out close and expect them to fly away. They get extra time separation from taking the spot out and leaving later in the exit lineup, just before the wingsuit flyers. They can get extra distance separation by flying perpendicular to the wind line/jump run for the first 1/3-1/2 of the tracking dive, and then turning downwind and flying parallel to jump run. Leaving first does not offer as much time separation.
  25. tso-d_chris
    I would find a different dealer.