webracer

That's a kickass idea, but you really need it at the top of the entry gates, which is pretty high to be steady. When we do swoop club, the top of the blades is all you need to break (with even a foot) to count as entry. Windblades are somewhat forgiving if you hit them (rare, but happens), any setup that will hold that lightbeam/camcorder will have to be much sturdier, especially in windy conditions. Keep us up to date, you may be onto something. You could also use three mirrors, which would keep your sensor mounted low. Doesn't help much with the video backup though. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I feel I get much, MUCH better drive on rear risers (brakes released) than in brakes. I felt this since I started jumping samurais two years ago. I now am on crossbraced, and it is even more accentuated on my VX or Xaos. Rear risers are the only way to go, but take more energy to hold (I usually push mine out a bit and pull down). I can hold around (like waiting for my turn in the windblades) in brakes on the crossbraced, but if I am on rears, I really scoot around and cover some ground. I make it back almost always, passing those who jump much less wingloading on canopies considered to have better glide than mine (like stiletto). It doesn't matter whether the load is running or going into the wind. It always baffles me why they don't make it back. Poor planning is probably the biggest reason. I steer to the airport first (usually with harness or rear risers), then do my post-opening sequence. I think others waste time stowing stuff, while flying away from the airport. The important point here is that I make it back! hehe Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I wasn't going to write a review, since there are a few here that are right on. I only decided to do so because most of the reviews are those loaded 2.3 or above. I am loading mine at 1.9. The VX is a rock solid wing. It flies slow or fast, I can hang in brakes with the best of them, I can slow down or really cruise on rear risers (remember bumping end cells for a while with a friend on a Stiletto at 1.1:1, only using rear risers). I feel the swoops are solid, like being suspended from a trolley rather than a parachute. I put 63 jumps on it in the first 4 weeks. It feels HUGE, I can't stress that enough. It flys big and feels docile, although it is far from it. Getting lower to earth, you start to feel the speed and dive. For approach, my riser pressure is off the chart (front). Tandems have lighter front riser pressure. I have to initiate my approach with harness shift, then supplement with front riser. It dives fast, and doesn't recover in time without input. I kinda wish it was about 2.1 wingloading, but I am learning new ways to fly with this lighter wingloading, and the swoops are looonnnnggg! If you think you're ready for xbrace, maybe a velocity or xaos are good choices, as they fly a bit closer to hp elliptical characteristics than the VX. If you are ready to relearn canopy input and detailed control, get the VX. Bottom line is I like it, but I have a Xaos also (loaded at 2.1), I choose wbich rig based upon conditions, and my goals for the jump. Oh, the slider: I had to have the drawstrings replaced after 63 jumps, the slider would pop open behind my head when I started my dive. Icarus made it good though, they paid for the repair without question.

Ulead has software that claims to capture from microMV (Studio Quartet). Otherwise get a copy from someone of movieshaker. I don't think Sony will mind to share it since it is only for their cameras, and you own one, so are entitled. I can make you a copy if you can't find one localy. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I have switched to crossbrace from HP ellipticals like Samurai & Jedei. I have a VX which is loaded at 1.9, and a Xaos21 which is loaded at 2.1. The VX is a dream to fly and swoop, but it does require quite different control than the Samurai or Xaos. I wish it was the 2.1. I do like to swoop, and do so on almost every landing. I really was having problems in the hp elliptical market loading it to what made it fun to fly, but will still stop in a no-wind or slight downwind situation. With the switch to crossbrace, I now have my cake and eat it too. It flies fun, and lands great. The VX is a 114, and packs like a 135 airlock (nearly a 150 packvolume). The Xaos is a 98, and packs like a 120 stiletto or maybe smaller. The VX is much harder to fly aggressively than the Xaos, partly because of the wingloading, but mostly because of the VERY heavy front risers on the VX. The VX surfs rock solid though, like I am hanging from a trolley, not a parachute. Not a decision to take lightly, I am 37, and push my limits (too far on occasion), but am not stupid about it. I don't have a million jumps, but noone questioned my switch. I also make about 300 jumps a year. I don't know any friends I would suggest it to with less than 1000 jumps, of which 500 should have been on hp elliptical. my .01 (dollar has less value these days) Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I have a unit I'd sell. It is a Scott automatic parachute opener tester, a bit smaller chamber than the FXC unit, but much more professional. Microprocessor controlled and programmable. Inside super-durable military style case, almost new. I have checked alitmeters and such in it. Just bought it because it was forsale. It has all the parts incase you wanted to make your own chamber. I'd be asking about $500 + shipping. It is in top shape and hardly used. Troy iscreamsunday@juno.com Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I have TYY, don't know who has TFY. You could inquire to the FAA for that info. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I like my G3/Unisysn and Odyssey the same, but since the Odyssey isn't readily available (ridiculous lead times=poor customer service), I voted for Mirage. I planned to buy a new Odyssey, but Sunpath is too big for their britches, so Mirage will get the money Sunpath doesn't need. Rich companies...go figure. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

vcd or dvd (NTSC) would work for me. I'd buy it. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

Yes, but you will need good authoring software, and correct format DVDs, Sony has the best unit now, DVD+_R/RW (it does them all). Then you need to buy the expensive DVDs for authoring. I use DVDit for authoring, but it has quite a few bugs/quirks. Good authoring software isn't really even available for consumers, all the offerings I know of are half-ass for usability. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

This is a matter of timing, you flare normally, without panic. If you flare normally, you can set down softly and slide or roll. What usually happens is that people overflare to stop the forward speed, then create excess lift and (nearly) stall. They then drop quickly, and still have fwd speed. Pain follows. Slide it in, on your side if possible, do not dig your feet. I rolled in a downwind once too, just threw my shoulder into it and rolled from my feet sliding position. I rolled on my side right up into the canopy (I rolled plenty). I took the downwind to avoid the corn, and my AFF examiner landed right next to me (he pulled higher and had time to get turned around). He congratulated me on the jump, not the landing. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

yeah, I've thought of this. I don't really think you could hang on during a terminal opening, but a Mr. Bill is not an adequate test, as you don't actually "have" to hang on (no negative consequences). That said, I'd damn sure try, whether I was the victim or savior. Another factor to consider is freefall speeds, as in the case you quote, the cameraman went rigless, which lightened him up 25lbs or so. As for landing, I jump a VX loaded at 1.9, and a Xaos loaded at 2.1. The landing would suck, but I'd do my best to make it happen, even though the chance would be I would die too. If I had to latch on to someone else, I'd be hoping they were renting a student 260 It would really suck though to hook up (remember you are going to be going like 160-180 if you don't deploy fast, cause it's two instead of one), and then watch the guy you just tried to save slip away on opening, or worse yet, your canopy blow up, and you can't get to your reserve handle or cutaway because someone is on your chest. The other jumper may also be panicking and be on your back WTF! Lots of what-ifs... it's winter you know! Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

your best bet would be to find a sidewinder, if you can. Otherwise you'll have to use an openface or dedicated camera helmet. I have a professional camera helmet for sale, Paramount Stealth, email betsy@para-concepts.com for info. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

Boy you can tell the cold weather is coming, the "what-ifs" are coming out. That said, I think the chance of a double total are so slim it is hardly worth considering. I think if it was to happen, likely foul play would be a factor. The recent possiblity would be a broken reserve ripcord where the pin stays over the grommet, no AAD, and a total on the main. This would create the situation you are querying. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I have a few hundred on a G3 w/ Unisyn. I feel it is definitely worth it. I would skip the stainless before I skipped the unisyn. I do think it inhibits harness input to an extent... to get my VX diving I need to really dig into the harness. I would buy it again. Don't know if I'd go for a G4 though, until they get all the asthetic bugs worked out. Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I am using it topmount on a Bonehead Optik. The IP5 or IP7 are suitable for sidemount. The IP5 does not have a LANC port, so no cameye. Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

There are two issues to this question... 1.) How experienced until you can safely and effectively fly a camera. ANSWER: I say around 500 jumps. 2.) How experienced until you will actually get hired (even part time) to fly camera for 4-way, tandem, bigways, etc.... ANSWER: For paid work, such as tandem video, this depends partly on your ability, partly on your seniority. At my DZ, most of the working camera flyers have 4000 plus jumps, of which more than 2000 camera jumps is normal. Getting into 4-way is easier, usually you can get your slot covered, but you better get a camera suit so you have a chance to get close and not end up in the jump. Bigways will require the most experience & seniority. Lots is at stake (alot of jump tickets). Hope this answers your question. Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

Just want to let everyone know I am enjoying my IP55s. I have one for skydiving, and another for my various travels. It is great for skydiving, and overcoming the incompatibility with miniDV has not been a problem. I do wish that Adobe would get off their butt and support microMV for Premiere though, it is somewhat hasslesome to go through Movieshaker first, then to Premiere 6.5. I have a system that works now, but going direct would be easier. I'm thinking about StudioQuartet also, as it has direct capture. Anyone use it? Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I think this should be done more often. I would love to attend an event like this, but those dates do not fit my schedule. Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

rubber bands, the only way to go. Cheap, easy to get, easy to replace. I replace all my stows every weekend (approx 20 jumps). This leads to less breakage, and better openings Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I agree the vengeance is between the stiletto and the velocity. The vengeance dives better and stays in the dive longer than the stiletto. The vengeance is more ground hungry than the stiletto, less than the velocity. Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I use RWS trulock/anti-twist risers on my rigs, even though neither of them is an RWS creation. Lately though, their customer service is dropping, risers have been on order since July and still aren't here yet (that's kinda pissing me off). IMO the risers are the best out there. I use Mirage D-bags in my Odyssey too (again personal pref). Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

Really all reserves suck to fly compared with today's mains. If they were great, we may use them all the time. That said, they open reliably, have docile flight characteristics, and low pack volume. I won't put anything but a PD reserve in my trays. I have 3 reserve rides, the last one was a 143, but I have 126s in both other rigs. Buy the reserve for your experience/weight requirements, it will save your life and land you fine. That is it's purpose. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

Yep, you gotta carry on these days. Maybe the TSA will reimburse you (personally I think its doubtful), but you will wait at least 6 months to find out. I have a number of claims against the TSA and various airlines since all this security started (and never had a claim prior (when I could lock my bags)). I have lost over $3500 in tools/electronics/clothing in the last year. TSA says the airlines did it, the Airlines say TSA did it. Quite convenient for both of them. That said, I have much more luck dealing with the TSA than with the Airlines, and the TSA is continually getting better. Good luck though. Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.

I agree with the above post, but would elaborate that after I find the DZ (usually I know where it is), I then decide what my pattern will be to get back to my holding area in time. While I am doing all this stuff, I am steering back with harness input. I personally use r.risers to get back from long spots, and only fly in brakes if I am holding or setting up. Troy Troy I am now free to exercise my downward mobility.