JanuszPS

Just in my opinion, the OP has 100% rights to ask for the repack and even some small compensation for the reserve ride. If I buy the reserve I would try to get with 0 rides. If that was me trying the rig I would offer something myself, unless the rig description was far far away from the reality and that just pissed me of. regards Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

I don't have a big melon either. I had a little bit of headache while buying a helmet. When I was in DeLand I tried all of the fullface helmets which they had on stock. Mamba fitted like a glow. Previously I was considering Z1 M or S sizes, however M was too loose and S was too tight. In the case of Mamba M size was perfect. Very comfortable and easy to use. The only thing which I don't like is that the helmet can move in freefall if not properly (very) tightened. I think that the choice depends on your preferences. I like mine very much tough. regards Janunsz Back to Poland... back home.

I haven't bought anything yet from them but all my questions were answered promptly and on time. As they are cheaper then Tonfly (a full version of CC1 about 650 euros) I will order one from 2K composites. regards Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

Any stories with Javelins equipped with Skyhook? Back to Poland... back home.

I have changed lines just two three weeks ago and done about 17th jumps so far. The change of the openings is incredible. Very nice and soft. Flies also better and landings are also better. I sent it to Stane in Atair Slovenia. In Europe is expensive but worth to do at least in my case. Before I changed lines my Cobalt opened 3 times extremely hard which I think was the line's problem. If yours openings are fine and the canopy flies good there might not be a reason for relining. For comparison try to jump on the same size somebodies cobalt and compare if they open and fly the same. And that's how I knew I should change my lines: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3193976;page=unread#unread regards Janusz PS If I change canopy it will be a Cobalt or Radical one size smaller. Back to Poland... back home.

I fully agree with AggieDave's post. I'm not giving you advice to go for 135 as I don't know how you fly and land your current canopy. From my experience: I was in a similar situation. Now I have about 350 jumps and 130 on WL 1.4 on a 135 canopy. And to be honest I do not regret that change. In the matter of fact I moved from Sb 2 150 at 1.25 WL, which I didn't like much as a canopy. Being with 300-something at 1.4 WL is not that dramatical looking from my recent experience. I plan to stay on my 135 canopy for at least another 200 jumps, specially now after reline. There is a lot of power and speed in my 135 to stay and learn with it. However before I moved to 135 I have done 2 canopy flying courses. I put a lot of attention to landings and I try to improve them every single time. I respect my canopy and I try to plan my landings before I go to the plane. However I can land off my DZ as it happened several times in different weather conditions. The courses are very useful and that knowledge can protect you against potential mistakes. Personally (as an engineer) I assume that all those charts are with quite large safety factor on board, taking all jumpers being the same and rush of some of them. There is no personal factor which plays a huge role. Be safe and careful and make the decisions consciously knowing the consequences of potential mistakes. Janusz BTW if you are asking it doesn't mean that you shouldn't change. I wasn't sure and full of doubts, but after demo of exactly the same type of canopy which I now jump, I was sure that I'll be ok. Back to Poland... back home.

It's not me and still the pilot is above the ground (wrong spot for picture) but I like it. Mike Barrett on approach, IPC 2008 boogie. Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

Just an update: after experiencing another hard one (very painful) I decided to reline the canopy. Last week I received it back from Stane (Atair Slovenia) and I tried it 7 times in a row. What a beautiful canopy to deploy. Wonderful, soft and predictable openings. What a relief. It was worth the money to be spent on it. Basically a new canopy. So if you experience something like me don't wait too long and change the lines. regards Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

Are you paranoid about non-Americans or what? . Exactly, the biggest BS which I can see on DZ.com is that statement... I paid 4000 Euros in Europe (over $6000) for my Second Hand system due to that type of attitude... As others, be cooperative while selling and provide as much info as you can. I think much bigger problem has the buyer as usually he/she needs to make the first move (money transfer) and wait for the clearance and shipping. Either I sell or buy I give some personal info about me to make myself less anonymous to the buyer/seller. good luck Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

I think I know which thread you want me to refer to: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2634211;search_string=billvon%20camera;#2634211 But I want to have the camera removable, that's the point - to have that possibility when I decide not to jump with it leave it on the ground. I know how focus in big-ways I have to be. I already participated in two national records (recent in Poland and Ireland) jumping under quite pressure. If I feel uncomfortable with it, I will not jump with the camera as the successful and safe jump is more important than my footage. thanks Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

That is sad about d40, as it is a nice relatively small and light digital camera. I'm not intending to make pictures/videos of the big-ways - too responsible job. I'd like to install a camcorder on my full-face making some footage of the big way, but as one of the participants. I already have some dozen or so 50+ ways which I wish to have my own footage from the sector where I was. Thanks Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

Hi, there is very limited info in relation to D40. I bought it about a year ago and now I think to buy a proper helmet and install D40 on it. I know that this camera does not have the port for remote. In here http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2992014;search_string=d40;#2992014 there is a description what to do with the remote. However as I'm novice in sky photography a few directions will be very welcome. Where the remote is located? How usually is connected to the switch? What type of switch do you recommend? can you post some pictures of the set-up or the components? what is the best practice of installing that particular camera? I'd like to buy a helmet (TonFly or 2kc fusion) with quick release system, as I don't want to jump with either camcorder or still full time, just occasionally. Also I'd like to install a release system on my full face for taking some footage during big-way jumps (camcorder only). Therefore a release system is preferred to easily swap the helmets. I'll be very grateful for all suggestions and pictures with examples. thanks Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

Gazza, Is 480 Euros including the camera box and still plate? How is that helmet comparing to TonFly? How the camera box fit to the helmet, can you attach some pictures? I was considering buying TonFly, but 650 Euros is way too much for me. regards Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

Agree, measure the steering lines, it's not that difficult. first, from the cascade to the cat aye, or full lenght. Or simply lay the canopy on the floor and compare both sides (steering lines) - no measuring tape needed . I did it with a cobalt (second hand) which I bought from a RIGGER, who was informed by the previous owner that after opening turns to the left. He ensured me that noting is wrong with the canopy. Obviously the canopy was turning to the left when I jumped it first time. The difference between the steering lines was about 15-20mm which was enough. Always check yourself... that my advice. Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

It never worked for me. I had huge difficulties to arrange that each time when I asked the seller for. Specially if you're from overseas and you're buying from US. (I don't know why) However I haven't have any problems buying in Europe where I live. High resolution pictures, pictures with the owner, picture of the system when in use (on the plane/during landing, etc) proof that the system is being sold by the owner. Some privet info, eg. facebook account to make the seller less anonymous. But give also some info about yourself. Regards Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

Hi Padraig, I think I saw somewhere those calcs Don't forget that you had three Poles What we didn't in Poland we did in Ireland, haha waiting for more, and glad to be part of it (thanks to all guys in charge) Janusz 100 regulars jumper and one Pilatus Porter and lots of traveling in the meantime Back to Poland... back home.

I bought my cobalt with about 200 jumps (God knows if this is true). Anyway, the lines (including steering) were shrunk. Don't know exactly what you mean asking if they were set up correctly "out of the box". When I extended steering lines, they were extended slightly beyond the manufacturer recommendations. I love cobalt for the way which it flies and after this season I'm going to reline it in the original factory (Europe - Slovenia) and keep for another 100 jumps or season. Before the extension of the steering lines my Cobalt was buckling. In terms of my Sb2 150 I experimented several times with different set-up. I was barely able to stall the canopy - in fact I did this only once during my second canopy course with Jeffro. I needed to put the toggles down to my knees to stall it. And the canopy still was buckling when I was using fronts. This and sinking (steep glide ratio) property was a reason for getting Cobalt. But I'm still unexperienced jumper, so don't take everything for sure.... After all I have not experienced more off-dz landings on any other canopy than with my Sb2. In fact I feel quite comfortable with this after that training. Here in Ireland where I jump the wind plays huge role... regards Janusz Edit: Sorry for my English Back to Poland... back home.

That's why I didn't like Sb2 150 and moved to different canopy. regards Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

the most important thing which I learned during my first canopy flying course was: No toggles input during landing and hands up! (no matter what's wind direction) Recently, ones when friend of mine took a picture of me during the final approach (hands up!) I noticed small deflection on the tail. When I measured lines (after hard opening) it becomes that there become 10 cm (4 in) shorter! After extending them my openings improved aswell as landings (more forward speed). In terms of buckling, on my previous canopy Sb 2 150 (tapered canopy) I always had it. Unless my steering lines were too long to properly (safely) flare, the buckling effect was there. Therefore I needed to compromise the front riser input. Situation improved when first I inducted the turn by my body (harness turn) and then secondly made riser input. That reduced the buckling effect, but not fully. I think that square(ish) canopies (including Sb2) are more susceptible to buckling that ecliptics, as the distance between the front and rear lines (A and D groups in end cells) are farther. I also think that there is limitation in this what can be achieved by extending the steering lines in terms of buckling. Also important factor is jumpers arm's reach/range. Please correct me if I'm wrong. regards Janusz Sorry for bad English Back to Poland... back home.

I always print on paper the information usually provided on the website of the airlines which I intended to use. (i.e. delta last time:http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/special_baggage/fragile_bulky/sporting_goods/index.jsp) In addition to make sure that some unfamiliar/uneducated on/with skydiving gear security guy won't stop me, I send an e-mail to the airport from which I'm going to fly with request and all references to the information on the airlines website attached + all other typical stuff (TSA, AAD, etc.) usually this works. however if the weight limit is exceeded, there is little to do, except to say that this is not a security issue (at security check point). I remember Jeffro coming to Poland last year to do a canopy course without missing luggage (his rig, cloths but with laptop only;). Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

All measures are in "cm" not "inches" as per manufacturer's recommendation. But 10 cm seams to be a lot, but I don't know as I'm a jumper with little experience, if this require change. That's the reason for question. Janusz Back to Poland... back home.

Thanks for being as helpful as precise. regs janusz Back to Poland... back home.

I thought that everything is given in the attached page. What else is necessary? There are spectra lines. All about 250-300 jumps. The steering lines are already replaced. But the question is if the rest should be changed? Which is better - spectra or vectran? maybe some rigger could advice? thanks Janusz Back to Poland... back home.