Chris-Ottawa

Hey, Just some input about canopy as I don't feel confident commenting on the differences between suits. I spent 3 weeks in Florida this Christmas and got a chance to do my first wingsuit jumps with Jeff Nebelkopf. I jumped the Tony Suit Intro and loved it. I now own a Tony Suit Raptor and love it. While I was in Florida, I demoed canopies as I did not feel confident jumping my Cobalt 105. I jumped a Sabre2 135 and a PD Optimum 143 for a few jumps. Each canopy had at least one opening that I had linetwists. No chops, but it just goes to show you that as a beginner, you will have twists. Are you confident that you can get your arms out of your suit before you go busting your hard deck in a violent spinning mal? What if you have a toggle fire and your arms are tied in your suit? Scary...nuff said. My regular wingsuit canopy now is my Spectre 120 which I bought specifically to jump my WS. After about 15 jumps with the Spectre and my Raptor, I have not had any linetwists yet. The Spectre opens beautifully. Now don't get me wrong, a toggle fire on the Spectre will give me a pretty thrilling ride, but I am much more likely to get out of it than if I was jumping my Cobalt, or a Stiletto. That;s my opinion, but keep in mind that many people jump elliptical, and many jump tiny crossbraced canopies too. What's it worth to you? "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thanks man, Jeff did a fantastic job at snagging some wicked photos. I've attached the ad and original photo for reference. My name is even written on the concrete that my foot is touching in the photo. Hard to see, but it may be easier on the original. I guess the beer rules still apply huh? Have to bring some good Canadian beer for my next visit to Z-Hills. Wicked! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Thanks for the PM and PDF Airricks! I can't believe I made it into a US magazine for a US company's advertisement and I was only there for a few weeks. Not to mention it was my first wingsuit jump! Thanks to Jeff N. for the picture too! Right on! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hi Everyone, I just found out from Jeff Nebelkopf that he submitted a picture of me wingsuiting with him and it made it into Parachutist. I visited Z-Hills over Christmas and jumped the Tony Suit Intro. I loved it and Jeff got some FANTASTIC pictures. Apparently on the ad for the Intro suit on page 71 of the March '08 issue, I am the jumper, or one of the jumpers. I'd absolutely love to see a scan or a digital photo of the ad. I'm also going to try and acquire a copy of that month's issue. I keep meaning to subscribe but never end up getting around to it. I've also attached a copy of my favorite picture from those jumps. Purple Mike and I at a great angle. Thanks to anyone who can help out! Chris "When once you have tasted flight..."

Great! That's exactly what I was looking for in another thread. The thread has led me to some other info/conclusions. I appreciate the help! Chris "When once you have tasted flight..."

That would be absolutely correct. If anyone thinks I'm trying to get to my optimal wingloading, that is far far far from my goal. Like I said in my post, I'm trying to figure out the math, if there is any behind it. From the posts so far, it seems as though people haven't really tried to figure this out and just use what they think works. There HAS to be math behind this. I'm already jumping a 105 sq foot parachute which will last me many jumps to come. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Care to elaborate? I'm curious why you think otherwise? More surface area is capable of generating more lift and sustaining flight at a lower speed. A smaller canopy has less surface area, generating less lift and requires more speed to sustain the lift. So, on the smaller canopy, when your speed runs out...it shuts down quicker than the "large" canopy. I could be completely wrong, but I generally know a fair amount about flight characteristics. Less surface area and/or less lift = more speed required to support the same payload. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Ok, so I'm trying to figure out how PD or any swooper determines what size canopy is optimal for a given task. I’m trying to understand drag and skydiving at an advanced level. I know the knowledge is out there! Eg #1: Distance swoopers obviously want as large a canopy as possible to generate lift, but without going too big where the drag nullifies any extra lift the larger canopy would allow. It seems like swoopers “generally” stay around 90-100, so I assume a loading of 2.4 on a 100ish canopy is roughly optimal, then it becomes pilot skill. Eg #2: Me...115 lbs under a 105 sq ft canopy. Obviously I'm not making the canopy perform in it's optimal performance envelope. So, consider me, 1000 jumps from now competitive swooping. Disregard the fact that I’m still not interested in swooping. For me to have a wingloading at a "competition" (2.4ish) swoop level, I would need to be on a canopy smaller than 60 sqft. Obviously I know that a 60 sq foot canopy loaded at 2.4 will not even come close to swooping as far as a 100 loaded at 2.4 because the 100 has much more surface area to generate lift. As I understand, the 60 would be generating more lift simply due to the speed, but once that got to a certain level, it would just shut down. So if I was swooping the 100, I'd have to wear over 100 lbs of lead to load it to a competition level. Obviously if I was a competing swooper, I wouldn't be on a 100, nor a 60. I'm looking on how that "happy medium" is determined for any given canopy. I know canopy type has an effect on this too. Are lighter swoopers at a disadvantage because they cannot load a “large” canopy enough to generate the speed necessary to sustain flight and generate the required lift. Now, I used those 2 examples because it's easier to explain what I'm looking for. I have no interest in swooping, but I'm kinda geeky in the fact that I want to know how things work and why. I like to know the physics behind things. I guess I'm looking for 2 things: A) What is the optimal canopy and jumper weight that will generate the best distance swoop. Would it be a 100 sq foot canopy, with a 280 lb jumper, or will it be a 120 with a 220 lb jumper or a 75 sq ft with a 190 lb jumper. Obviously there is an optimal configuration where theoretically someone with that config would be able to outswoop anyone no matter what. B)Is there a way to figure out where a given wingloading under a given canopy is sitting in the canopy's performance envelope? Is there some sort of a scale that goes from 1 - 10, 1 being more lift, 5 being "optimal" and 10 being more drag. How can you figure out the point where drag overwhelms lift? Hopefully I explained it clear enough, but feel free to ask for clarification. I'm pretty sure this just has to do with the drag coefficient and where the drag is minimal and loading is the highest. But I don't even know where to begin to look into that. This is just something that keeps me awake at night...random things I think about, but are way beyond my intellect level. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey Peter, Wasn't to stir things up, I was simply contributing as much as Mr. Saxton did...nothing. Anyways, you asked: You are correct, I did a whole bunch of jumps at Z-Hills in the 3 weeks I was there. And yes, they were on the 105. Oddly, not a single person made a comment about me jumping it. Surely if my landings were as horrible as the ones in the videos I posted, someone would have noticed, right? I wonder why the PD guys didn't say anything when I demoed an Optimum...They unhooked my main and had my jump numbers on a form. They didn't give it a second though. The gear store didn't even blink when I went to demo a Sabre2 135. As for close calls, no. No near colissions, no crashes, no object strikes etc. Mind you, I did have 3 off landings. Some pretty scary moments over the swamp at a grand...I assessed where I would land, figured out the winds, and made the landing. I'm happy to say that my assessments were good and all 3 landings were great. One was in a pretty tight spot, crosswind besde a treeline. Still, I did what I've always done and it worked out great. As for lessons learned or advice. I don't really have much to say other than to make sure if you're going to do what I'm doing, be absolutely sure you're on top of your game. (I know that comment will generate flaming, so I'll elaborate. I basically mean, know what you're getting yourself into, think about the possibilities and be prepared to deal with them) Realize the risk, and make your choice. I'm not at all saying I still won't get hurt, but by putting roughly 70 jums on the 105 since I bought it late last year, I have much more respect for it and have learnt a lot. I'm still not swooping, still don't have an interest. But I was doing some double fronts while in Florida. As for the wingsuit...can't say much about that, I'm in love and knew that jumping the Cobalt was a bad idea. I bought the Spectre 120 because I had put 85 jumps on my Spectre 135 and feel very comfortable with it. I have a few jumps on the 120 now and it lands great. Hope that helps! Chris "When once you have tasted flight..."

Isn't that from a t-shirt or something? Whoops...sorry, I shouldn't have posted. Now you all know I'm still alive. Sorry I ruined your day. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey, I have owned 3 different Garmin Etrex series GPS's. The Original Etrex, the Legend and more recently the Vista HCX. The etrex I sold to buy the Legend, which I had for 3 years, then recently threw it from my grasp while on a skydive (long story). I bought the Vista to replace it. The Vista is PHENOMINAL! It keeps a signal in my concrete UNDERGROUND parking garage. I can map my apartment. It WILL hold a signal in the plane, under your wingsuit or wherever you mount it. It is extremely impressive...and quick. I haven't had a chance to jump it yet, but it seems to do what i want. Map it to Google earth. See my descent rate, speed etc... Msg me if you're looking for more info. Chris "When once you have tasted flight..."

Dude, Check a previous post of mine (See link, it includes video and pictures). The Intro was explained to me as a beginner suit that was suggested for 150 jumps. I jumped it with the designer (Jeff nebelkopf) over Christmas in Florida. The suit is fantastic. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3073382;search_string=tony%20suit%20intro;#3073382 As far as your suspicions go...yeah, it's different. You lose tonnes of control and severely bump up your risk. Please talk to someone experienced. If you can make it to florida to do some jumps with Jeff or Tony himself, highly recommend it. If it's helpful at all, I made 9 jumps in Florida, left after 3 weeks and I now own a tony Suit Raptor. I got better performance on the Intro than I did on my first jump on my Raptor. Feel free to msg me for more videos and pictures, but for actual advice...talk to someone knowledgeable. Chris "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey Monkey, Thanks for the pic. You said the Raptor was borrowed? Was there anything you either did or did not like about the Raptor vs other suits you've jumped? BTW...Pink...NICE! Thanks again! Chris "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey Chris, Yes, the red suit is my new toy. I bought it from the classifieds just over a month ago. I was prepared to order a brand new one, but this one came up in the classifieds and it was basically built exactly for me. I'm excited to jump it...just gotta figure out a cessna exit...haha. I assume the first few will be...Dive, tumble, recover, fly. Then to fixure out how to reach past all that wing and get the hackey. I've done lots of ground practice and it doesn't seem too bad, but any advice is greatly appreciated. (I'm meeting my fists over my ass and bringing them up my back and it seems to work well, on the ground). Thanks for the suit comment, I'm not a huge fan of red, but for the price and fit, couldn't go wrong. As for long flights, I don't think that will be a problem. I'm 5'8 and 115 lbs. When I jumped the intro suit in the video above, my average speed on my Neptune was 54mph. Jeff said i made him and Mike work to keep with me. The Raptor should get me some decent flight time. Thanks! Chris "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hello, I am wondering if anyone has any video or images of a Raptor in flight. I've had mine since January and need something to hold me off until the snow leaves and I can jump it. I jumped the Tony Suit "Intro" suit with Jeff N. in December and loved it so much that I bought a Raptor. I've looked on SDM.com and youtube, but I can't find much at all on the Raptor. Please help me make it through the next month or so...otherwise I'll be forced to run to Florida again just to get a jump or 2 in...(might be a good idea, but my wallet doesn't like it). Thanks in advance! My first wingsuit jump. Jumped with Jeff N (Heffro1) and fell in love with skydiving all over again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSnlsD-b4NA The only Raptor picture I can get until I can jump it... http://aycu31.webshots.com/image/44670/2003733998272562515_rs.jpg "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey, Not sure what you're looking for but I was just switching parachutes for this weekend and took a break and saw your post. Took pictures while the gear was out. Mine has an RSL and the 3 rings I think you're referring to. If you don't have an RSL, I believe you would only have 1. "When once you have tasted flight..."

I had to google Tony Suit Wingsuits http://www.tonysuits.com/zwing/index.htm "When once you have tasted flight..."

Yep that's the one, but Jeff said that probably wasn't the finalized name. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey, I know the feeling man. I've been working up to this point in my skydiving for a while now and finally got to do some jumps with Jeff Nebelkopf from Tony Suits, Chuck Blue and Purple Mike. Mike docked with me on my first jump and went on to do a bunch more jumps. I jumped one of Tony Suit's new suits that they haven't named yet. I'm already sold and just gotta work out the small details with Jeff. Also gotta work at paying for the 3 weeks in Florida over Christmas/New Years, the flight there and back, and the jumps...oh the jumps. I have attached a picture to share (or 2, maybe 3. I'm the one on the left in the non-phoenix fly suit). Can you tell how much I'm smiling? Haha. In the video, Jeff comes up right underneath me and I give him a thumbs up and shake my head in a "yess" motion. At that second you can just imaging me yelling "Yahhhhh Hooooooo!". Anyways, though I'd share cuz I know what you're feeling. It's like that first jump all over again. EDIT: Credit to Jeff Nebelkopf (Tony Suits) for the fantastic photos and the experience. (The photo cut is mine and I realize it's a terrible job, but don't want Jeff to get pinned for my crappy Photoshop skills). If you can make it to Z-Hills...hook up with Jeff or Chuck for your first flight. Learn from the absolute best! Plus, the demo suit I'm jumping...It's a new Tony suit and it's brand new cost is less than most used suits you'll find. Not to mention the trade in offer...Call Tony Suits for the lowdown. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=sSnlsD-b4NA "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey, Just some input. I jumped my Javelin Odyssey, Spectre 135 and PD 143 at a major US DZ last year, and I was well over the 120 days, but under 180. They said as long as I'm legal in my country. I'm finding out this year that I am not going to be able to jump at another major DZ. Sucks, but I'm getting it repacked tomorrow for my trip. I guess it ultimately ends up in the DZ's hands. "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey everyone, Just planning my trip down south and have found some encouraging info. It comes from westjet, and the security screeners at the airport. Screeners: http://www.catsa.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml Search for "Parachute" and click the link. It says this: I emailed Westjet directly and got this as a reply. They don't have info on their website, but this was emailed to me by an employee. As you can see, Westjet says no checked and no carry on if it's got an explosive charge and is "mechanical". If it's "electronic" and can be disabled, you is cleared for carry on and checked. I think it's pretty easy to show that a Cypres is "electronic" and can be disabled. Choose your words carefully... Hope this helps someone else...I'll let you know what happens on Dec 15th.... Later "When once you have tasted flight..."

Don't remember where I got these, I think from searching the forums. Enjoy! "When once you have tasted flight..."

FYI as well, I've been shopping around for prices...lowest I've found so far is this one: $218 http://www.compuplus.com/i-Garmin-eTrex-Vista-HCX-12-Channel-Portable-GPS-Receiver-010-00630-00-1010078~.html?t=vista+hcx&sid=&track=searchViewed I doubt you'll find a ower price than that! "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey, Check out the Garmin H series. I have read a bunch of reviews of people keeping signal indoors. The units are tiny and I believe you can get a wrist strap for them. They are barely larger than the 105, 201's etc... I "HAD" a Garmin eTrex Legend, up until this weekend when it decided to jump from my jacket in freefall. I should have secured it better...my bad. More excuse for me to buy this one: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8703 Check out the reviews, apparently it is a very impressive antenna. Later "When once you have tasted flight..."

Hey, You can bet that I've already PM'd Dan. That is an incredible offer, and Dan should be commended for even considering to offer that. I didn't buy the canopy from Atair directly though, so I'll have to see how that works out. The other problem is that I think most people are concerned with the elliptical portion of my downsize, not so much the size. I'm willing to bet I'd get the same flak on a Cobalt 120 or 135. Anyways, I'm looking at some other options right now. One of my other options before buying the Cobalt was a Pilot, but Aerodyne won't send one to Canada and it's VERY hard to find a smallish Pilot used for a decent price. Thanks "When once you have tasted flight..."