hparrish

I agree with Simon and that's why I started this thread. I don't think that competition is being used as the Basis for Freeflying's decline. Although a lack of active Teams is certainly indicative a decline of intereste in organized Freeflying. I think we are stating that atleast in the NC, SC, and VA region the availability of Advanced Freeflying Events is nill to none. My Event - Jive Jam was put together to address that void. As well as recent events - Eric Deren's SC State Record at Chester, during Skyfest, and Amy Chemlecki & Nancy Koreen's event at Orange. But in my opinion all three events had somewhat weak turnouts. Albeit the quality of the jumps for those who did make a showing was very good. I think part of the recent turnout issues were simply due to events being scheduled on the same dates. If the local organizers could team up and combine or work around each others events, I think that just might make turnout to these events better. If you are an Advanced Freefly organizer in the NC, SC, VA area, please PM me. I'd really like to support other events and have a better turnout for mine, so that VFS, Big Ways, and Advanced Freeflying has a fighting chance in this region.

Reminder.........The next Jive Jam event will be held at Raeford on Sat-Sun June 28-29. Jive Jam will overlap the Raeford Film Festival & Military Appreciation Boogie that same week. I'll be showing up to the Paraclete XP Tunnel Thursday Night 6/26, at 8PM. PM me if you want to meet me there. I'll be at the DZ on Friday June 27th to do pure fun jumping, then we will get down to business of Jive Jam on Sat & Sun. Hope to see a big turnout. Harry P Jive Jam #3 – 2008 / June 28-29 / Raeford - Combined with Raeford Film Festival & Military Appreciation Boogie. Jive Jam #4 – 2008 / July 19-20 / Carolina Sky Sports Jive Jam #5 – 2008 / August 30-31 / Raeford Jive Jam #6 – 2008 / September 27-28 / Carolina Sky Sports Jive Jam #7 – 2008 / October 18-19 / Raeford Jive Jam # 8 – 2008 / November 14-16 / Raeford – Tentative NC Head Down Record Attempt.

Thanks Everyone. I appreciate the info and pictures. Definately helps me in making a decision.

Thanks Ian, So which rubber band stow do you use for the RDS Line? One of the front ones with the D-Bag Grommets? Can you post a picture when you get a chance. I'd think you would want to keep the RDS Line clear and separated from your canopy line stows. Got any pictures or the Para-Concepts Disconnect handles?

Mike, Thanks for the Photos........It really clears things up seeing them side by side like that. Based on the photos it looks like the Para-Concepts Sliders are definately more like actual JVX sliders. Not sure I like the Rings inset into the Flat pieces. That looks like it could wear down the linesets rather quickley, as the pack job first opens. It looks like Joe / Mel's slider design has a more simplistic disconnect system and the rings look better. Dose it disconnect more smoothly than the Para-Concepts slider? Couple more questions: 1.) Does the D-Bag and Pilot chute attachement to the slider, slow the slider down noticeably during deployment? Traveling down the linesets? 2.) With the RDS attached to the slider, is the snatch force enough to activate the kill line for collapsable pilot chutes? 3.) Can you still physcho pack, sleeping bag roll your packjob with the RDS? 4.) Looks like you have to make sure the slider grommets need to stay fully seated during the pack job? 5.) Looks like you just bunch up the RDS Line and stuff it in the front of the D-Bag? 6.) Do you jump the Full RDS during normal skydives? How do the openings go at full terminal openings? 7.) Not entirely sure where the slider disconnect handle / handles are on the Para-Concepts Slider, are they on the sides? It's not clear from your pictures.

Okay so I've read the past posts regarding RDS Systems for the JVX, but don't really see anything newer than last year. So I'm sure there is much more knowledge in the past 12 months. In reading the past posts it looks like Para-Concepts and Joe / Mel's RDS are the best. Is this still the case? What are folks responses now? It looks like the Single Point Release on Joe / Mel's is allot easier to use. Are they still the only Single Point Release Slider option? I'm concerned about not only quality of the system but also customer service. Current thoughts and experiences on that front are also important to me. I've read the good and the bad history about this as well, any current updates? I don't want to hear about the Past crap in those posts, an update would be better. I'm primarily looking for a removable slider, but figure getting the whole RDS is a plus if I want to use it. Not really sure if only using the removable slider and not the rest of the RDS is an option, but think I so. Thoughts?

So how long does the rest of the RDS take to pack up, combined with the slider? How long does it take to remove the entire RDS? Do you typically open higher or are the extra steps not really noticeable? I currently stow my slider with a Rubber Band which takes longer than I like sometimes. I'm hoping an RDS is faster, and speeds up my opening procedures. I'm thinking about biting the bullet and getting one. I'll open another thread for my other questions.

Well I'm certainly in no position to advise a Pro Swooper on what wing loading is best. My thoughts are just that.........My Thoughts, and are geared more toward the average swooper who can only purchase one canopy. Again to each his / her own. Jump at whatever wing loading your skill level allows you to. I think very few have the skill to efficeintly fly the higher wing loadings. My preference is 2.1 to 2.5 range. But this has really morphed away from the original topic.

I certainly understand where you are coming from. It is a disappointment when you work hard and pay your dues, to be let down in the end. I'm just saying not only to you but to others......That folks can communicate their points more constructively. Like your last repsonse to me. That was perfect.......You put out there how you feel and why it impacts you. Without slamming anyone. I respect that. I think if folks don't like the way Slaton is putting together the last PST Event you should PM him or Reach out to him on his Website / Forumns, and let him know that you feel slighted. I don't think trashing him in a public forumn is going to make him want to do things differently. I think he would respect the fact that folks still need to earn their way to the final Event, and chance to get a Pro Card. I also think folks should pick up PST and keep it going so that all your hard work is not for nothing. You all worked hard to get a Pro Ticket. Take Over and implement the changes you feel will benefit the events going fwd. It seems such a waste to just let it dissapear.

Wow.........Still not taking anyones advise.....Noticed you removed all your jump numbers and other data. You have no business on a Velo.

Nope........To Each his own. Luigi Rocks out with his Hoo Ha Out. I know 2 guys that jumped 3:1 wing loadings. Jumped a 60 and 67 VX. They came in shit hot but didn't really cover allot of distance for 720's. Joey backed off from a VX 60 to a JVX 77 and bam, came in shit hot and increased his distance significantly at a 2.3 wing loading. I guess if Speed is what you are looking for then go big on your wing loading. If overall performance with distance, speed, carving, freestyle, is what you want I think the 2.1 to 2.5 range is best.

why does what bother me so much?

Then what? 4.72:1? How about 6:2? Wingloading limits for the best all around swoop is something that has evolved over the years. How crazy would it have been if a "pro" swooper was jumping 2.5:1 just 6 or 7 years ago? Go for it.........It's not for me. I'm coming in plenty fast and go plenty far at 2.2:1 Not that it's relavant since PST is going away. But didn't they implement weight class restriction that basicaly limits everyone to the 2.1 to 2.5 range?

I wouldn't know........I personally don't believe in loading a canopy that high. 2.2 to 2.5 is pleanty high, unless you're a pro.

Eeeewwww.......Lots of "SPEED BLUR" in that picture. How'd that turn out?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W0GQr83Cp8

Not really interested in you laying it out for me. I think you can get a point across without personal attacks. I actually agree with allot of what you have to say on these forums in general.........But I don't endorse the comments in this thread.

I have a ZP JVX 99 and my ex teamate has a Hybrid JVX 98, and the performance difference was definately noticable. The Hybrid was much faster, and I would not say the difference was negligable. His words were that there was no comparison between the two. Not sure if others have input.

Well I guess I'm not so upset that they released the Hybrid Sail Cloth JVX's immediately after I got my 2nd ZP JVX. Thanks for the post I was not aware of that problem. Sounds like from Pauls response that it truly may be a bad batch of material, if he has 1000 jumps with no wear on his. I'm surprised with the tight lipped manner in which Daedalus is handling this. I recieved exceptional service from them. But then I had no real issues or problems. Perhaps they are trying to find a solution that works for their customers as well as not causing them to lose allot of money. If this is more than a bad batch of fabric it could be a nasty problem to resolve. I personally worked with Attila Csizmadia, and would recommend you contact him directly. It would be nice if Daedalus officially responded either on their website or via Jim's.

Just the kind of response I expected. What are YOU doing to change the discipline???? I have dealt with Jim Slaton..........I don't find him to be arrogant at all. Have you formed your opinions from personal interactions with him or just assumptions. Have YOU ever tried to make a living at developing a discipline? How many Events have you organized? How much of your own money have YOU invested to sponsor an event? How much of your own Money have YOU invested to run a website or multiple websites to communicate about and promote the sport? How much of your own money have You spent to sponsor canopy pilots or promote a new canopy line other than PD??? Do you really think all of this happens at no cost? Do you really think its arrogant to ask for event registrations or Certificate costs to cover the costs of running PST? REALLY................Can you do it better???? Come to me with a response when you've laid it on the line, both with your commitment and you're OWN MONEY. It's Sooooo easy to Bitch.........But so hard to back it up some times.

Not so much geared towards you Ian......... Just replied to your post since it discussed dropping the thread. And you happen to be mature. I just get sick of complaints when others are not doing anything to step up themselves. Yes others were part of starting PST and CPC. But Jim integrated them and was a big reason they grew and became successful. I'm sure others played big roles too. If folks are reaching out to get their card or want info about events, I'm sure he has reasons for not responding. If you are truely interested in reaching out to him regarding taking over...........I'm sure he would respond. Yes you do need a thick skin, unfortunately that was probably not a light hearted comment from him. I've been reading negative Jim Slaton posts for awhile now, and personally I'm getting sick of it.

I'm not part of the CPC or the PST but I do Swoop in a committed fashion, just not good enough to compete. Probably never will be. I know Jim well enough, and I think he has done allot for the sport and should be given credit for building swooping to the level it is today. CPC and PST were his babies, and I'm sure he would be very happy if others picked up the leadership role and continued the legacy. To include running CPC and PST Events and handling all the Certificates and Pro Cards. Has anyone reached out to him to inquire about taking over??? It seems easier for folks to just bitch and do nothing. Which seems what this thread is all about. Why is it that the Jim Slatons and Olav Zipsers become the targets of such ridicule after they have done so much for their disciplines. Yeah it sucks when you don't get your piece of paper proving you can do what it says. But hell if your good you don't need a piece of paper to prove it. Not getting you're certificate is a loud and clear sign that Jim is probably done with the PST. And when folks lose their motiviation unfortunately that sometimes means they don't wrap up all the loose ends. That's Life sometimes. His Announcement clearly backs that up. I don't organize CPC or PST events but I do organize Freefly events. And I can tell you first hand it aint easy.........especially lately to get a good turnout to an event. Perhaps he just want's a good turnout to say goodbye. Perhaps he wants to tie up those loose ends and get folke their cards. He does clearly have guidlines in place to compete and I think he eludes that this will be both a CPC and PST event. So I'm not sure what all the outrage is. Why don't folks just thank Jim Slaton for his contributions to the CPC and PST and quit bitching. There is far to much complaining in this sport. Thank him and work on continuing the discipline if you have what it takes to do so.

Well perhaps it's just my neck of the woods. I was at SkyFest this past weekend and met Eric Deren and Jeffro in person for the first time. As well as Jason and Brad from SkyVenture Colorado, and my boys Selwyn and Earl from Paraclete. There was some very cool Freeflying going down at SkyFest (Chester). Eric it was nice to finally meet you. We are so close we should combine our events and get VFS moving along in NC. PM me and I'll get you my contact info. Sorry we didn't hook up for some jumping I had specifically come down to jump with some friends, and never made it over, but you boys were throwing down some impressive jumps for a group that had not really jumped together in the past. And Great 3D video !!!! Jeffro - Hit me up on PM for my cell. Give me a shout next time you are in town or at Paraclete.

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1555339;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread

There will be a Date Change for the Jive Jam Schedule. Jive Jam #3 (June) will move to June 28-29 at Raeford. I will still be attending the Rodriquez Brothers Family Reunion Boogie at Chester, on June 7-8, but this will not be a Jive Jam Event. There are just too many Boogie Activities going on to make Jive Jam feasible during this Event. Date Change Jive Jam #3: Change From June 7-8 / Skydive Carolina – Chester / Rodriguez Brothers Family Reunion Change To June 28-29 / Raeford NC / Raeford Film Festival.