hparrish

Okay then how similar is it to the Daedelus GLX or GLS then?

*** I'm not so sure about that. They may have designed it to replace the Vengeance, which was also step up from the Stiletto, and eventually put out of production. Throughout the production of the Vengeance and Katana, the Stiletto remains available. *** Valid Point. ***As far as the OP goes, I'm way more interested in what you and I are talking about than another dude who's looking for a HP canopy at 200 jumps. *** Another Valid Point.

Did you notice I recommended the Saber II, not the Katana? I agree the Katana is a step up in performance over the Stilleto. Not that I'm right, but I think PD designed it to replace the Stilleto. I know allot of folks stand behind their Stilleto's but I think of them as their nickname implies...... Spinletto's. I'm not a huge fan of the Stilletto or its performance. I also believe the Crossfire II is a superior wing, when compared to the Stilleto. Not only in high performance, but in more stable openings and a greater range in performance, from conservative to agressive.

I'm sure this will make the PD diehards cry.........but the Stilleto is an old and outdated design. I'd think the Sabre II would be a superior design today. But I think the replacement technology for the Stilleto is the Katana. To answer your specific question..........I think the Crossfire II is superior to the Stilleto if for no other reason than it is a more modern design.

I have about 4 Hours now, but will exceed 20 hours this year. Currently Advanced Sit Flying and High Speed Back Flying. Hope to make that HD Transition in about an hour. I have 1200 Freefly jumps, prior experience, which seems to help a LITTLE BIT.

Thank You very much. So they are manufacturer specific then....I guess I'll call Mirage to see if they make one. Appreciate the link and the pictures.

Can you PM the URL for this "Rig Wrap", you mention. I'm very interested in learning more about it.

Joe, You'll have to excuse Justin....He has ADD, unless your talking about skydiving. Congrats on your new addition.

I'm sure he had a Baby or is about to..... Congrats if it's the former. So my guess is he's been at home as much as possible.

Well we can always turn the wind speed down.........Can't we?

When I get back from Vacation on 1/18 I'll start working on a schedule. It will only be at CSS and Raeford this Year. My days of Traveling for Skydiving ended when my Son was Born. But Raeford seems to be the Place to be. I expect some great turnouts. I'll probably only send out updates here on DZ.Com, it's easier than multiple emails. I expect to see some major talent at Jive Jam, so I'll probably shut up and take a back seat. I have allot of Tunnel Rats lined up already. I expect that the original Jive Jam crew will show up too.

I'm just bustin Assess and pokin some fun. But it would be nice to have some folks back. Jive Jam will be back this year and I feel it will be a kick ass project this year. There will no Frills, No Organizer Slots, No Discounted Jump Tickets, No Commitments.........Just Challenges, Enveope Pushing, Fun, and hopefully a State Record at the end of 2008. I'll post a schedule as soon as I work out the details.

Even if you doubled your jumps this year..........you still don't have what many would consider, allot of experience. Certainly not enough jumps to be loaded where you are, and certainly not enough jumps to start thinking about swooping. You should be concentrating on the basics and seeking the advice of qualified canopy pilots, to learn new skills. It's scary to read that you are doing 360 front riser turns, unless you are doing hop and pops and practicing these turns above 3000 feet. You should take the advice AggieDave has given you. He is an accomplished canopy pilot and his advice is good. And if you don't know who the person is on-line that you are getting advice from,you should have your DZ Staff put you in touch with a local / reputable canopy instructor who can work with you. You seem a little over confident with your skill level. No One wants to see you get hurt. Please don't get hurt, get some coaching.

Hey I've got an idea..........Why don't all you original Freeflyers with 5000 to 15000 Freefly jumps who quit jumping because us low timers offerred you no challenges and you were tired of coaching us........ Why don't you guys get your asses back to the DZ and make some shit happen. Seems like the only ones doing that anymore are Amy Chemlecki and Steve Curtis out West. I remember the good old days when my mentors jumped with me and put me on shit that I wasn't qualified to be on yet. And it made me better. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me, and I had a great time. If some of you guys got back to the DZ and did the "Old" stuff like Flocking Dives, Tube Jumps, Pylon Races, Ball Jumps, and Big Nasties, perhaps folks would start thinking about new stuff again. Allot of the up and comers have never even done these kinds of jumps let alone come up with new ideas. Maybe it's that jumps aren't $16 anymore, maybe folks got burnt out being so talented, perhaps the Ex, Cocain, Pot, and Beer become more important than jumping. I don't know what it is........But you guys seemed to have disappeared. Its sad when I guy like me, who still has so much to learn myself is the only one left to put shit together. I'm barely decent myself, and could benefit by the old school talent coming back. For now I'm willing to do what is available which seems to be VRW. So unless you guys want to get off your asses and come back and inspire me to have fun again, don't knock what I have left. By the way anyone who is interested........I will be trying to revive an event called Freefly Jive...........aka Jive Jam.........This Spring in North Carolina.....It will be both Intermediate and Advanced, so as not to bore anyone. PM me if interested. Perhaps Colon and others could make the trip and remind us how to have fun again. The Old Shit is still fun I bet................And you might even have fun doing VRW too?

Again I agree........The Tunnel will not replace Skydiving for me. It is a supplement, just like a really good vitamin every week. Although with the current ambient temperatures outside......The Tunnel will be my Warm Place this winter. I think what we all want the OP to know is that he can do both and not miss out on anything. But he did try it out before judging which is better than allot of folks.

MAN I love my Re-Circulating Wind Tunnel...... Always WARM and COZY......

I agree with you.........I have 1200 Freefly jumps and can do VRW in the sky. But I'm a student starting over in the Tunnel. After 2 Hrs I am finally sit flying. But unlike the OP........I see the true value of the Tunnel. If I can get to a point where I can Freefly well in the Tunnel. Then I will be kicking ass in the sky. It can do nothing but perfect my freeflying. And by the way learning how to backfly in the tunnel was a skill I'm glad I had to learn. It's just another skill I now have. I can't believe how many people have a negative attitude about learning new skills. I also can't believe how many freeflyers have a problem with starting over in the tunnel. If they have the skills to sitfly in the tunnel then surely proving they can belly fly and back fly first should be no issue. I think the reality check of he tunnel is just too much for some people. Oh well they can keep skydiving and progress SLOWLY while I iron out my Tunnel Skills and get on the next Freely World Record Big Way......See you in a few years when you catch up. Later,

Student Gear 220+ 1:1-, ~ 50 Jumps Monarch 195 / 1.1:1 ~ 250 Jumps Spectre 170 / 1.26:1 ~ 40 Jumps Stilleto 150 / 1.43:1 ~ 25 Jumps Vengeance 150 / 1.43:1 ~ 200 Jumps Vengeance 120 / 1.8:1 ~ 20 Jumps Samurai 120 / 1:8:1 ~ 400 Jumps Velocity 98 / 2.19:1 ~ 35 Jumps Xaos 96 / 2.24:1 ~ 40 Jumps JVX 99 / 2.22:1 ~ 241 Jumps I feel my progression was way too fast particularly at the beginning of my downsizing. I feel another 200-300 jumps between 1.8 and 2.2 would have been best in hind sight. Downsizing from 1.8 to 2.2 jump was a bit extreme, and I paid the price about 300 jumps later. Had 936 HP Landings before my accident, but still managed to smack into the ground.

Actually........I think this thread got completely off topic, and started focusing on the comments made about the kids.

Best Thread on DZ.Com in a long time........ Turtle, just be glad that you've ever been in on one. And enjoy the memories.

This definately makes you my Biggest Star

I think Tunnels can rejuvinate skydiveing for sure. It has for me.........the precision required to freefly in the tunnel can do nothing but improve my freefall skills outside the tunnel. Any skydiver who thinks they have done all they can in the sky, should go to the tunnel and see just how much more they have to learn. I literally saw some world class Freeflyers who were part of the last 53 way world record, not flying so well in the tunnel. I see top VRW teams using it to perfect their performance. It has completely reinvigorated my desire to train and to challenge myself with different skills that I have not even thought to try in the past. I could kiss Tim D for building my newest favorite toy, although I'm sure he will keep his distance from me now........ I think tunnels will revolutionize the sport of skydiving for those who are not close minded to a different discipline and a different tool for learning. Oh and on the topic of KIDs in the Tunnel. I think it's absolutely awesome that I can be completely humbled by kids that are 3, 6, 7, 9, and 11. Wish I had that opportunity at that age. The kids at Paraclete are just phenominally awesome. They are surrounded by the top Tunnel Coaches and Skydivers in the world. And I think they will become extremely well trained and informed skydivers, when they are of age. Yes they will need to learn additional skills, but they will be very well prepared to do so. Later,

Get Over It...........It is what it is....... A Daring Stunt, that took some Balls. I don't think it's going to mar or scar our sport. Why do people always need to whine?

Oh Christ.........., Didn't realize Seal's Manager was checking DZ.com threads....

SEAL