skydiverek

Also, couple of years ago, Valery Rosov's (ESPN skysurfing champion) cameraman died in a slider related accident. From what I heard, he had Type 17 risers and probably no slider bumpers. He had a fast opening, slider came down with a lot of speed, past his links, toggles, and landed on his face distracting him. He could not get rid of that slider on his face. The canopy was in turn (the toggle must have been dislodged) and he hit the ground turning some 25 seconds later. That is why I want a slider *not to be able* to come down past my links. Since I want to use Slinks too, I guess my only option is using Type 8 risers. That, in result, would make me use large 3-rings (Type 8 and small rings are not recommended, since in the event of horseshoe mal, if your PC is still in pouch and you cutaway, the *wider* Type 8 webbing will not release so easily from 'narrow' mini harnes ring, when exposed to relative wind. Something like that was shown in Time Out commercial in the 'Breakaway' video. Billy Weber cuts away a horseshoe and ...nothing. He had to hit risers with his hands to release them from harness rings).

That's the ingenious design of this flap. It is safe, extremly snag-proof, and it even does not have to open for a safe deployment. Well done, Relative Workshop!

Bill, I know that some companies give you a choice of a 3-rings to be made of standard steel, nickel plated, or stainless steel (http://miragesys.com/product_info/about-g3/hardware.html). As I assume, the surface of polished stainles steel rings and nickel plated rings is more smooth/slippery than of those made of standard steel . In one issue of Parachutist it was said that a smooth/slippery surface of 3-rings is 'worse' than the one that provides more beneficial friction (like standard steel). Is that true? Out of these 3 options, which is the best (safest) for a 3-ring cutaway system? Are the release forces the same (assuming that all 3 sets - standard, nickel, stainless - are made the same and perfectly, according to your specs). Or it doesn't matter? Thanks, Bart

It is easy to draw such conclusion, because not everybody wears an RSL. If everybody was wearing RSL, there would be more deaths caused by this system. E.G. if everybody deployed the reserve being not stable or cut away from an entanglement without disconecting it. So, if everybody WAS wearnig RSL, more deaths could have been attributed to it that saved by it.

It seems like stainless steel slider grommets are superior to brass ones. But still, some manufacturers offer brass ones as an option (e.g. PD). Who would want them and for what reason? One time I heard that brass ones are lighter that stainless steel ones, and thus generate less momentum (and speed) traveling down the lines, contributing to softer openings. Is it true? Thanks, Bart

Yes, it is gonna work, but only if your large rings have "RW" stamped on them with some number (I do not remember what the number is exactly right now). This basically means that the rings are made to specs and can be safely mixed with mini rings risers. Bart

When a canopy fabric is torn, it tends to go all the way (from nose to tail) with ZP fabric. With F-111 fabric, that is much less likely (it is gonna stop). I think it is important, taking into consideration that it is your LAST canopy. Also, ZP pack larger comparing to F111, and that may make you downsize just to make it fit into your reserve container. Again, not a good idea, in my opinion. And, as mentioned, ZP is more difficult to pack. Bart

In the movie "Drop Zone", first time Leedy (sp.?) is forced to make his tandem jump (and land on the deck) he is wearing a pack on his belly. I have seen this pack in other movies, too. What's in it? A life vest? Any ideas? Similar pack is worn in the movie by Jan Davis "Over the Edge" , when they land on the island. Thanks, Bart