hparrish

I definately agree........

Yes I know what's adverstised with regard to HMA, and agree with it for the most part. I agree that HMA is more likely to break than streatch when they are worn, but I don't believe that HMA lines never go out of trim. Even 1/2 inch out of Trim on A-D lines on a JVX can affect performance. Probably not so much on the control lines. The OP did not specify how loose his lines were. But I'd agree that if they were significantly loose (4-6") then it's probably a line trim issue or a Control Line setting issue.

I'll yield to your experience with JVX's and their Trim Sets. I assume you jump them and understand every aspect of them? But hey thanks for the Flame. I was not stating that this alone was his problem, but he should take jump numbers into consideration if he has more than 400 jumps on a JVX line set. It could be that he simply has a poorly trimmed line set, and should take that up with Jim if less than 250 jumps. You can't assume that all HMA lines are constructed the same way and wear at the same rate. You also cannot say that HMA will only wear up to a 1/2 inch in 1000 jumps. You can't state that because many things alone or in combination contribute to line wear and shrinkage or taking a line set out of trim. We don't know if he has a stock slider, brass or steel slider gromets, or even a knick in one of his grommets. He could have shortened his control lines, or he could just have a bad line set. We don't know.

I don't think most folks could read my MRI so I'll leave the picture out and just describe what happened. Around 1300 Jumps total / Injured at 1300 1000 HP Landings under my belt. 175 - 200 Jumps on my new JVX. 99 JVX loaded at 2.27 : 1 Injuries 1.) Cracked 4 Ribs 2.) Tore Cartlidge in Both Knees. 3.) Tore LCL on Left Knee (Repaired). 4.) Tore PCL on Left Knee (Replaced). Most accidents are a combination of mistakes. My Accident was a combination of 5 mistakes that I can recall. 1.) I tried to swoop the pond on my first jump at a new DZ. I did walk the landing area prior to my jump. 2.) I Changed my Dive Plan. I was setting up my pattern at about 1100 - 1000 ft, and it appeared that my team mates below me were starting their turns lower than 750' so I decided to start my turn lower than that. I always start my turn 750 ft or higher (270). 3.) I initiated my 270 at just below 500 feet. Even though I knew this was too low. I still did it. 4.) I did not abort the turn at 90, 120, 180 whch I should have done. 5.) For some reason I went to rears to dig out instead of toggles. Toggles could have lessened my impact. So those were my 5 mistakes. The Result was that I slammed into the pond going about 60 mph and destryoyed my knees and cracke multiple ribs. My face also slammed into the water and I did two flips through my risers. I looked like a rag doll. The accident happened September 22, 2006. I'll be returning to jumping this November. Cost was around $30K, for Ambulance, ER, Surgery, PT, and Medical Massage.

How many jumps do you have on your JVX? You need to change your lineset around 250 - 400 jumps. That's one of the reasons they come with a spare line set. If you're below those numbers, you have a problem.

Check Out this Website for updates: http://www.vrw4way.com

I think the Belly Flyers on the Hybrid can make or break the jump. I think everyone on the jump should be proficient because you are dealing with different freefall speeds, and folks need to be paying attention to everyone elese if it goes to hell. IE......Stingers can't get over the formation because of the dangers of corking and slower fall rate of formation. A Stinger must be able to fly clean and take a soft dock. Hangers need to be proficient because the RW base is going to pull them up, down, and in all kinds of interesting positions. The hangers not only need to know how to counter these movements but stay on level with their partner across from them. They also need to know when to let go if they cork out, and most importantly never cork up through the center of the formation. I've seen someone almost get decapitated by a hanger corking up through the center of the formation. Belly Base needs to be strong and take some bumps. They also need to counter spins in the formation. My opinion is that if it's a small hybrid attempt such as 3-4 way in total size, low time jumpers can practice with this. But with a larger hybrid lets say 8-12 way, I'd stick with experienced folks in all slot perfect positions and let the low time jumpers hang out on the fringes, with instructions to break off at 6500 feet.

speaking of VRW.....Is Anomaly going to put a VRW Team together?

what happened with Kellie and Andy? Thought they were coming home to Raeford?

I don't think I agree with this.... Yes you do have t fly a JVX differently than a Velo, to fly it well. There is allot more front riser pressure and a positive recovery arc on the JVX. Which means if you are too high you can miss the gates. But I don't think that means you have to turn low. You just have to figure out how to keep it in a dive without it pulling you out of the dive too early. I think the JVX certainly requires more precision to fly it well, but once you dial it in it's great. That seems to be the biggest complaint I hear about the JVX. It requires precision every time to fly well. I don't know about this flying technique for competition.........that's not an area I can talk about. But for every day flying this is my take on the JVX.

Okay so for clarity's sake..... I'm assuming you are calculating 15-20 Lbs for gear plus your body weight to get your exit weight. If that is accurate then what you are talking about downsizing to is not overly aggressive. But I'd still recommend jumping a 150 for another couple hundred jumps. 150 Sq Ft Canopy = 1.1: 1 Wing loading for 165 Lb exit weight which is perfect for your jump numbers. 135 Sq Ft Canopy = 1.22: 1 Wing loading for 165 Lb exit weight. IMO a little aggressive for 160 jumps but not too crazy. Also keep in mind that an elipticle design is going to be allot more aggresive than a semi-elipticle or square design of the same size. You are already jumping a Nitron 150....I doubt at 90 jumps on this wing you have tapped it's performance. Get a reputable canopy coach and have them give you some drill dives on that 150. I'll bet you'd be blown away by the performance you can still get from it. Stay safe and make conservative decisions. Good Luck.

I can't wait either. It's been really hard to not come back sooner than I should. That's great news about Jack. I speak to him every now and then, and he said he was close. Wish I could make a trip down to GA to jump with him, but travel for skydiving has been eliminated with the Zach Monster. Can't wait for November. Marion, I'm thinking about hiring a Band for the Boogie. I have to talk to Nancy about it though. Is Big Pretty or what ever they're called now adays still available? Or are they too Big now? Later...

Unless I'm missing something here........I haven't seen anything regarding your exit weight and wing loading. 160 jumps is not much experience to be downsizing too quickly. In my opinion a 20 Sq foot reduction is a bit quick with your jump numbers. I realize the discussion is canopy performace characteristics. But I think we should back up and make sure you are following a correct progression. You could be jumping a 135 Monarch, but if you're 215 out the door thats very aggressive. Whats your exit weight? Whats your canopy progression? Who is your Canopy Coach?

I definately plan to return to jumping officially during the CSS Thanksgiving Boogie. I can finally run on a treadmill without pain, and that was my goal. I started working out religiously last week to build back muscle in my left knee and leg, and to lose the 20 Lbs I've gained. I won't be on a Team anymore.........So I'm down for some serious Freeflying when I get back. Nothing organized like "Jive Jam", I just want to hook up with 3-4 folks regularly and do some challenging shit. Preferably VRW and Big Way Skills work. I might start coaching again but I doubt it. That's 11/22 throug 11/25 for those who need a date. Woooo Hoooo Don't worry Guido...........You can fall asleep on your stomach.......I won't bother you.

I didn't know Wyatt all that well. Spoke to him on the phone a couple times. Seemed like a good person to me. It's kind of surreal seeing all his photo's in Parachutist, after his death. He was a talented individual.

Thinking of making my comeback during the Thanksgiving Boogie. Hope to see you all there.

Happy B-Day Carol..........Sorry I couldn' t make it this year. Still Healing

As a Gath helmet owner, I would not recommend one. They offer little to no protection. Not only from a foam lining perspective but also from a chin cup protection perspective. I got kicked in the jaw doing some VRW and was spitting blood for an hour. The only reason we chose Gath was that they look cool, and that was the only reason. They also are like a an air scoope with the face shield down and sit-flying. I'm not impressed with my Gath.

Absolutely...Great on those really hot days. I don't see a problem with it. The advice about tucking in your shirt and protecting handles is good advice.

That's Awesome.........Pictures, or you saving them for the Magazine?

Looks like a beautiful place to jump.

No I'm not going to flame you. At 130 jumps you should be starting to try new things. Try to remember that you have 10 times the experience of this jumper, and I have 10 times your experience. What may be good things for you to try are not good things for someone with 13 jumps. At 13 jumps your focus should still be on the basics of learning to skydive. You should be working on your progression to your B and C Licenses. It's a bit early to start thinking about back flying and freeflying. There are allot of steps in between that are being skipped. How are you going to handle getting out of a Flat Spin on your back, for starters? Call this a shit answer.......I call it a safe answer.

I think you should work out the basics on your belly first. There are allot of basic skill you still need to learn before you start freeflying. Come back to freeflying after about 100 jumps.

I don't understand your question.

relax and don't fight the position. Hold your legs firm in theposition but not so firm that your entire body is stiff. Get a coach there locally with some video. Much better than advice over the internet.