bdrake529

Spot, Do you have a link to share about what micro-Israeli arm you're referring to? Once I realized you weren't suggesting I dismember our mutual friend Ori, I did a google search but didn't see anything that was comparable in mounting ability. I'm using RAM products, not Manfrotto, btw. I have both the 1.5" and 1" ball systems. The 1" are lighter, but I was using the 1.5" for the prototype since I have more variety in arm lengths in that size. Thanks Brian Drake

I'll most definitely try it out of a plane first (not because I care about my life, but because I'm in the US and legal big cliffs aren't exactly abundant), and a quick release is also something I'm trying to solve. Though I wonder exactly how it is "snag tastic". When I deploy in full flight, my canopy slides down my legs and past my feet. I'm then pendulumed forward, at which time, I bring my hands to my torso to begin unzipping my wings. I'm having a hard time visualizing how something on my left hand would ever be anywhere near my lines/canopy during crucial stages of deployment. Perhaps if I had a PC dancing in my burble, but that seems like a very slight chance. Plus it would have to dance all the way across my wingspan and I've never seen that, especially with significant forward speed. Good safety factor to bring up, but perhaps I need more imagination to see how it's a major concern. My closing pins could potentially attract a lightning strike too, but I haven't seen any BASE rig manufacturer consider replacing them with a non-metallic material. Brian Drake

I've been thinking about a way to mount a video camera (a real camera, like the CX100, as I'm still not impressed by the quality of "action sports" cameras out there, like the GoPro/ContourHD) at arm's length. Coupled with a fish-eye, I'm hoping this shot will be a virtual "wing man" shot, useful primarily for proximity flying footage. A standard "hand cam" mount doesn't seem useful for any suit with wingtip grippers, as the hand has to be rotated down to hold the gripper. I'm also a little skeptical of any mount involving a forearm "gauntlet" to provide support since my V3 sleeve is a snug fit with a long-sleeve thermal shirt and anything thicker would make zipping up difficult. The concept I'm currently exploring is a "wingtip gripper" mount. The idea is that the mounting base would be attached to the wingtip gripper, allowing tension-control of the gripper to remain and providing some extra support to the mount. The mount is attached to the wrist via a strap to provide support, and also to secure the mount/camera after deployment. The idea is that upon deployment, the mount is detached from the wingtip gripper, the arm sleeve unzipped, and then the mount dangles from the wrist allowing (fairly) unimpeded control of the canopy until landing. I threw together a quick prototype last night. The giant clamp was all I had on hand to functionally serve its purpose, though it's obviously goofy looking and not an ideal solution. Once I'm satisfied with the general design, I plan to have a light-weight aluminum version made by a welder as I don't trust the structural integrity of dowel rod. The shape is what's important, the materials are just for prototyping. I'm posting this in hopes that perhaps someone will have some advice, critique, a different way of looking at this idea. Obviously, the mount is only meant for the left hand to avoid PC problems. Also, even with the short RAM mount and a CX100, flying this will require some shoulder strength conditioning preparation. It's possible that the wing inflation/"lift" will decrease the strain. Thanks in advance for any help/advice/brainstorming, Brian Brian Drake

Addition of LCD(video) "ring site" system Brian Drake

additional images Brian Drake

Tonfly Fuego Pro Tonfly CX100 Box x 2 CX100 x 2 Hypeye D Pro x 2 Opteka HD 0.3x lens x 2 Raynox HD 0.3x lens x 2 Variety of RAM mounts Custom designed ankle mount Modified Vertical Visions Bellymount Custom designed 3D mounting plate Brian Drake

I'm actually partial to cutting the bottom off a (roughly) similar-in-diameter plastic bottle and liberally using gaffers tape, but I'd prefer a longer-term, non-McGyver solution. Will try the "cap bin" at a Camera store and contacting Zreiss. Thanks everyone. Brian Brian Drake

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement front lens cap for a Raynox 0.3 HD (RAHD3032)? Or a substitute cap that will work? I've been searching google for a while, and wrote Raynox (without response) and haven't found anything. Thanks, Brian Brian Drake

Exactly the same for me as Mr Wong. I'm still using my HC5 (in a Tonfly box on a Tonfly Fuego Pro) until my Tonfly CX100 box shows up next week. Brian Drake

If this was a post on a weekend day or weekday evening (just got home from 2 days of jumping at Lodi), I'd accept that criticism. But as I've mentioned in other posts, I'm stuck behind a computer monitor all day to make a living, and when work is slow.... well, you implying you've never clicked links friends send you of funny videos? And to make you feel better, I didn't search Youtube for "guys who look like Scott Calentine", I just stumbled across this video and thought, "damn, that guy looks like Scott". Brian Drake

I think I've discovered what Scott did before wingsuiting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hJ4qKlO5uU (start at 1min into the video) Brian Drake

Well, I don't mean obsolete as in those who currently own a Raptor/SM1/XS should throw it out. I'm referring to ordering a new suit. If the R-Bird has more performance and is easier to fly, why would someone buy a Raptor? I don't see a price difference on the order form. Brian Drake

No, I got the point. But your post also provoked a legitimate question on my part. Do you have an answer? Justin? Jeff? Someone? Brian Drake

In my experience, the brand wars only exist online and are just a silly diversion for most of us stuck behind a computer during the workday (those who aren't, what's your excuse?). They're harmless and entertaining so please don't mess with them. In the air your dream is already reality. Tonysuits, Phoenix-Fly, even Bird-man. All of us are united...in making fun of the frenchies (fly your bodd-eeee). Brian Drake

Yes actually. Have the "bird" versions made the originals obsolete? I.e., Is there any point to the Raptor with the existence of the R-Bird? The SM1 with the release of the S-Bird? XS and X-Bird? Brian Drake

Why? There is no AAD requirement (USPA-wise, dropzones may vary) for licensed jumpers. Why must someone with 200+ jumps suddenly procure an AAD to learn to use a wingsuit? If the student does not have an AAD in their gear, then they must either buy one (over $1000 new, plus installation cost), or borrow gear that has an AAD for their FFC. Is it really wise to have someone jump a rig other than their own for a FFC? Aren't they already dealing with a ton of new info/variables with the FFC alone? Add on top of that a container they're not used to and potentially a main canopy they haven't been flying regularly? Brian Drake

awesome Randy. Cya Saturday. Brian Drake

Where is the picture you're referring to (I really want to see it)? Or were you just zooming in really close on the pic of Taya with a monitor to her right? "I can think of the countless pictures from the earlier years that were 4x better." Really? I was under the impression that the first "perfect" 16-way was either late 2007 or early 2008. When were people cranking 25-ways that looked "4x better" earlier than that? Can you provide links to those "countless" pictures? Brian Drake

Cate Heneghan, Dennis Sattler and I are heading to Lodi August 22-23. Unfortunately, it's possible a lot of the regular wingsuiting crew won't be there that weekend. So we're looking for people to come and play with us. Please respond to this thread if you can make it either day (or both). Last time I posted here in a similar situation, we had a great get together with a few out-of-towners and some Lodi locals (http://vimeo.com/2900544), so hopefully this impromptu gathering can be just as fun (minus the stabbing). If you're from a DZ without many fellow wingsuiters, this would be a good opportunity for some good flocking, and at $15 a jump ticket, it may be worth traveling if you can get a cheap airline ticket. Peace, Brian Brian Drake

Yeah, it's an advanced form of navigation that I was experimenting with. Brian Drake

Fair enough. I was coming from the last 250 jumps on a SuperMach 1 and found the flying position different enough to give me some learning issues. Arm pressure hasn't been an issue for me. Perhaps someone better acquainted with the suit (I've only got around 50 flights on it) could answer this. Or you could just do some pushups... Brian Drake

A few... http://www.vimeo.com/5455490 http://www.vimeo.com/5454846 I was a bit surprised how steep the learning curve was for me on this suit. While I'm very comfortable with it, I still haven't got it 100% nailed. Tips: Don't overtension the arm wing. Light grip on the grippers, yet keep them pulled out to shape the wing. Roll your shoulders and lead with your elbows (like the V2). Put some outward (wide) tension on your feet. That's what's working for me, but I'm still learning. Brian Drake

Hey, let's stay on topic here boys. Lookin' sharp Butters! Brian Drake

Could whoever's organizing this please contact me? Brian Drake

http://www.vimeo.com/5687112 password: lodi Thanks for being a good sport Jimmy! .... call me Brian Drake