tso-d_chris

I haven't tried the combo you mentioned, but I used to fly a JJ Camera Suit, which had large arm wings, and inflatable legs, like the BIRD-MAN Pantz. It worked well. For Great Deals on Gear

Very good point.

Extreme or Mainstream? For Great Deals on Gear

To many it is a hobby, since they do it during free time to provide relief from the "real world." For some it is a job, since they make some or all of their income from it. To most wuffos it is considered an activity, since most don't realize there is more to it than exiting and somehow managing to deploy a parachute before hitting the ground. Since competing at top levels requires competitors to be in excellent physical condition, it is definitely a sport. For Great Deals on Gear

When I mounted the ringsight internally on my Flat Top Narrow, I used a two piece post (similar to a two piece pool cue) so I could remove the ringsight without altering its adjustment. Since all the hardware was mounted internally, when the sight was removed, there was nothing else left exposed on the outside of the helmet. For Great Deals on Gear

I guess I'd have to have what you're having. For Great Deals on Gear

I also checked here and here and was able to download an episode here. For Great Deals on Gear

Finally No, wrong. That's the NEXT thing you know. That's what I thought, too. Then I looked here. For Great Deals on Gear

Umm...If it isn't a video, it's NOT Milli Vanilli. For Great Deals on Gear

That is probably because they will be really confused as to why you are offering them a pet bear. For Great Deals on Gear

Except student loans, I have zero debt. I consider those to be an investment in myself, though, different than consumer debt. I seriously doubt I'm ever going to regret getting an education. For Great Deals on Gear

They kept your canopy without mutually agreeable compensation? There is a word for that that seems to be on the tip of my tongue, I just can't seem to think of it... For Great Deals on Gear

I have plenty of pictures, but most are too large to post. PM me with your email address, and I will send the rest of the pics to you. For Great Deals on Gear

The Bonehead Flat-Top Pro and Flat Top Narrow can accommodate internal mounting of the ringsight, so the post and mounting hardware is not exposed , significantly reducing the snag hazard. For Great Deals on Gear

Thanks, Rob.

All manufactures generally do things for a reason. That does not mean that reason is the only reason for doing it or even the best reason. It just happens to be theirs. Sparky The "POPTop" was not John’s idea; he bought the rights for Ted Strong. I agree. I didn't intend to imply that JS's way was the best or only way. Nor would I be inclined to believe that BB's way is the best or only way. Both design philosophies have their strengths. For Great Deals on Gear

People have posted on here first hand accounts of Skyhook reserve deployment resulting in line twists in the reserve. I do not recall the size of the canopies. For Great Deals on Gear

I like the Racer for several reasons. First and foremost is the "minimalist" design. There's not as much to the rig to go wrong. Four flaps plus four flaps. Using the term flaps on two of the reserve container panels is probably an overstatement. There is minimal complexity to the rig, so there is less that can potentially go wrong. The Racer's fast reserve deployments are due, at least in part, to this "minimalist"design. Second, none of the major manufacturers in the US come close to the Racer in terms of reserve pin protection. This is important in the plane on the ride to altitude, on exit, and during formation funnels. That is not to say the pin protection on other models is bad, but comparatively, the Racer's is superior. I like the Racer's riser coverage best. They provide good coverage without the added problem of non symmetrical tuck tab release, which is suspected of contributing to poor opening characteristics. With respect to RSLs, I have never heard anyone say anything good about the double riser RSL on the Racer. In fairness, I've never asked John Sherman the logic behind it. He generally does things for a reason. I am not inclined to jump with an RSL. The advent of the Skyhook is not likely to change that. While it is an improved design, I don't like the idea of a one size fits all immediate reaction to a cutaway. I've had enough to know they're not all alike. However, there are other rigs I like as much as the Racer, but for different reasons. But from strictly a design aspect, I think it tops the list of a lot of well designed rigs. For Great Deals on Gear

I don't understand this logic, as common as it seems to be. Let's say the Skyhook gets the reserve out of the bag 100 feet faster than a conventional RSL or a one hand on each handle emergency procedure execution. It's probably not quite that much, but we will use 100 feet for argument's sake. If your canopy descends at 1000 feet per minute (fairly slow) that means there is a 17 second window in which a Skyhook reserve deployment would help when no other RSL (or hand on each handle EPs) would do the trick. If you are already under a malfunctioning main (fast enough to cause a student CYPRES to fire), the window will be closer to a single second. Furthermore, this period is going to start somewhere around 400 feet, which is lower than the vast majority of skydivers would be willing to cutaway, even with a Skyhook. I certainly hope USPA isn't going to be promoting such low cutaways, Skyhook or not. Don't get me wrong, there are many good reasons to buy a Vector3. The build quality is excellent. The resale value is good. The customer service is outstanding. I think it is a bad idea to promote any rig on the strength of its RSL. It's sort of like buying a car because it has superior brakes. There are too many other things to consider to limit the focus to a single feature.

It is instinctual. They do this to lay the tall grass down before they lie down. Just a bit of useless trivia.

Each rig has different aspects iin which they outshine others in terms of safety. For example, Racer has, far and away, the best reserve pin protection. Wings has the best BOC setup. Vector3 has the best RSL. If a skydiver is going to buy one rig brand new, it should be their first rig. This is the one where it will be hardest to find a good deal on appropriate used gear. Additionally, it will hold its resale value far better than smaller sized gear more suitable for more experienced jumpers. Used 170s are like gold. Used 107s are a dime a dozen; smaller canopies don't hold their resale value well. Also, you cannot get a harness container custom fitted to you by purchasing used, unless you have it refitted, which will diminish any savings. For Great Deals on Gear

Safety: It's tough to buy an unsafe rig these days, and there is no "safest" rig. I can pick up most any new rig and find a feature that is done better than any other manufacturer, and also something that most any other manufacturer does better. Overall, I believe the Racer has the most ideal design from a safety standpoint. Quality: Infinity tops the list here, but most all containers are built to a high quality standard. Other well built rigs include (in no particular order) Vector3, Javelin, Wings and Racer. Comfort: Racer or Wings. Value: Wings, Racer or Infinity. Note that a Racer has a two pin reserve container, so a two pin Vigil or CYPRES2 is required if the jumper elects to jump with an AAD, which increases the cost by about $100. For Great Deals on Gear

What a horrible, mean spirited thing to say!

I don't swoop with scissors. For Great Deals on Gear

I agree. I also believe that offering a brand spankin' new canopy (instead of a used demo model) for a nominal charge is just as good in terms of customer service, if not better. For Great Deals on Gear