TomAiello
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Everything posted by TomAiello
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Sigh... I was trying to create a separate discussion about the advancement of the gear. I think I'll cut and paste BASE428's comments into that thread... -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I'm pretty sure that they'll all build such a system on request. Then you're hosed. Since Robert can pretty much deploy directly over his landing area on a wingsuit jump, I bet that's a non-issue for him. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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It's not "still". They introduced the rig well after the practice was abandoned in the general BASE community. As several people have pointed out, I think just didn't know better, having failed to research the standard gear conventions for the sport. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I think this is a very good discussion to have, and I don't want it to get lost in the general "mini-riser" discussion. I've split it off from there. I think Robert is totally right that BASE gear is diverging into wildly different sets of gear for different jumps. Wingsuit rigs (and canopies) are getting smaller, and I foresee a day when all wingsuit pilots are jumping something that looks a lot more like Robert's setup (I think it's a 170 or 190 with micro lines) than it looks like modern BASE gear. At the same time, an American gear manufacturer has been developing a "low and slow" canopy designed only for slider off jumps. The ideal gear for a wingsuit jump is so different from the ideal gear for a slider down solid object that, viewed objectively, they must inevitably diverge in the same way that BASE gear diverged from general skydiving gear. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I know of three very experienced (1000+ jumps) jumpers (I was one of them) who have emailed the manufacturer pointing out that the design is flawed. None of us has received any response from the manufacturer. I started asking about the risers in 2001, when I spotted a newbie jumper (who apparently didn't know any better) jumping them in Italy. I emailed his mentor, who straightened him out (and made him a new set of risers). I wouldn't jump any gear from a manufacturer who seems so unconcerned about obviously substandard equipment. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I pulled the talkbackish posts off this thread. Let's try to keep the signal to noise ratio up in here... -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I'd have to crunch through log books (most of which are in California, so I probably won't see them until sometime in the spring) to know for sure. But I'd guess around 50 "object strike imminent" openings, with about 10 of them corrected on risers, and the balance (40) on toggles. I tend to use the Dwain strategy: if your body is tensing for impact, grab the risers (both of them). Otherwise pop the toggles and turn around. I still think the fastest way to stop your canopy from flying into an object is to pull on both rear risers, then let one up and switch the hand to the opposite front riser. I also think that 4 times in 5, toggles are just fine (and cost you less altitude--if you are close enough to the wall to need risers, stalling into the ground is probably the lesser of two evils). -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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As far as I know, none of the formalized training programs (virtually all of which are intended for first timers only--i.e. we have no intermediate or advanced training at present) include line cutting training. I suspect that Vertigo may include some information on using their WLO (slider up line release) toggles in their FJC, but I don't know that for certain either. I suspect that the incidence of line over on BASE gear is probably lower (due to less time packed before deployment primarily). However, the BASE system (attached bridle) is probably more prone to line over than a skydiving reserve (freebag) deployment system. Unfortunately, there isn't very much good data available on the subject. We've probably seen more BASE line overs than skydiving reserve line overs in recent years simply because we've reached the point where there are more slider up BASE deployments than skydiving reserve deployments worldwide in any given time span. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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Disclaimer: You're mostly talking about skydiving gear here. My knowledge of skydiving gear is fairly limited, and experiences do not translate directly between the two sports. I think you're far better off to look at actual skydiving examples (like HooknSwoops test jump) for guidance on this issue. My general feeling is that your first priority is to establish control over the canopy. If you feel that your canopy is controllable and landable, then the return from a decision to cut lines is quite low (and possibly negative). In the particular case referenced above (my line over in October 2002), here are a few things that effected my decision: 1) I had cycled the offending toggle twice without noticeable result. 2) I had a clear view of which line was effected, and could easily cut that (steering) line without endangering any of the suspension lines. 3) I had a previously injured, weakened ankle, and was concerned that landing the line over might re-injure it, especially as I would have very little ability to flare when landing the line over. Under these circumstances, I decided to cut the line. If I had been fully healthy, I probably would have just tried to land it in the big grassy landing area. If I could not determine which line was over the canopy, or if I couldn't be sure that I could get that line alone (probably the case on any non-steering line), I would also probably just decide to land the line over. You might also find it interesting to read Dwain's thoughts on this from BLiNC (emphasis mine): Some other thoughts: If it is a steering line that has lined over, you can use the guide ring as a cutting guide, to keep the knife away from the suspension lines. The behavior of a 280 square foot BASE canopy with dacron lines, and the behavior of a 150 (or less) square foot skydiving reserve (with some kind of micro lines) will probably be radically different. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I haven't seen it. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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Hmmm. Maybe I ought to go home then. I'm not a skydiver. I make occasional skydives, but I really hang out at DZ.com because I feel that there is a lot of good information to be had here, that I can use to apply to my sport. Skydivers have already considered many of the issues we face, and sometimes the communication between the two sports is poor, so we end up re-inventing the wheel. I'd rather see somebody else's wheel first. Saying that this place ought to be for "skydivers only" would make as much sense as banning all skydivers from the BASE Board. I think I am here for the right reasons. But, sorry to ruin your "skydivers only" party by showing my face. I'm certainly glad that Sangiro doesn't share such a limited word view. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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Just a minor correction. The Flik (BR) is offered with a Vtec with covers option. It is not automatically a vented canopy, and can be bought (for the "normal", i.e. lower price) in the "normal" unvented configuration. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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Hey, has anyone thought about tweaking wingsuit designs? We're having a little discussion over at Flybirdman.com. Anyone want to join in? Bill, I know you know more about this kind of thing than most of us... Help a brother out? -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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BR's video is several years out of date (i.e. pre-tailgate). There is some discussion of it at the end of this thread. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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In general, I was thinking of selling gear without doing some kind of checking on the buyer. It's more an ethical issue, than anything else, in my opinion. It takes only a few minutes to ask: "what's your experience level?" and "who are you jumping with?". Usually, you can tell if someone is trying to hand you a line when they answer these questions. My experience has been that it depends on the manufacturer. Most of them will ask your level of skydiving experience, and try to maintain a base level (like 150 skydives) for purchasing gear. Sometimes it gets missed, and some folks are desparate enough for the business that they don't mind. Maybe some manufacturers will comment on their specific policies? I would hope not. I know that when I bought my fist rig (new from a manufacturer) I felt like I was getting the third degree (what business of it was theirs who _I_ would jump with?) In retrospect, I think it's probably good ethics, as well as good business practice (think, lawsuits) to ask. P.S. Want to see my "who is this rfarris guy?" correspondence file? I tend to do that when I see people pop up on the net and start asking questions, too, just to be sure they're in touch with someone, somewhere, who has some experience. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I'm pretty sure this one has been thoroughly researched already. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I have removed this thread form the "stolen gear" thread. I think there is a worthwhile discussion to be had here (regarding the level of experience of purchasers of rigs on e-bay, and the general suitability of on-line auctions for selling BASE gear). This is not an invitation to start a flame fest. Discuss the topic. Don't just start calling each other names. I'll keep a close eye on this thread and ban for 48 hours anyone who tries to turn it into a flame fest. Consider this a pre-warning to anyone posting in this thread. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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There's a Mac version of MSN, too. But what I meant was can I use iChat, and talk (via video) to someone on the far end who is stuck on a PC? I can do this for text chat to AIM, but not to MSN. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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Any idea if I can interface the Mac system with one of those? It doesn't work with MSN, but it does work with AIM. Does AIM have a video feature? -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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Yep, it's a Mac. The video feature is built into the latest system version. I haven't had any crashes. The only problems were when I hot plugged firewire cameras (switching back and forth from my TRV-20 to the Apple iSight camera just for the heck of it), and then all I had to do was re-start the video session (the underlying chat session just kept going fine, which was handy so I could tell my friend what was going on). -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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I'd say that vents are hands down better for solid objects slider down. The basic upshot is that the canopy is responsive to riser input sooner in the inflation sequence. I have not noticed any decreased time to toggle responsiveness, so if you are a "turn on toggles" jumper, you may find that the vents don't make much difference. That means that if you primarily jump big cliffs, or tall towers, or bridges, you're not going to get much return for the money. But if you jump slider down cliffs or buildings, spending the (several hundred dollars) cash on secondary inlets is going to be a very good investment in your health. I _know_ that secondary inlets have saved me on three occasions (once by allowing reinflation after object strike, despite having the nose pinned against the object). The effect on slider up openings is small, but noticeable. I have had no problems with my slider up openings on any of my vented canopies (and I have a bad back, which ought to make me particularly wary of slammers). The opening will be slightly harder, but nothing to worry about. If you are having trouble with the openings being too hard, consider switching to a small mesh slider. On the Blackjack and Troll MDV, I don't think the vents make much difference to the canopy flight--they're both great sinkers with or without the secondary inlets. On the FOX, the vents make a huge difference, both in openings (I won't jump a standard FOX slider down any more--and I have over 200 of those jumps) and in the canopy's sinkability. If you're jumping a FOX, I'd get the Vtec (with or without covers) added immediately. The deep brake approaches alone warrant it, even if you aren't jumping slider down solid objects. I do think the covers make a noticeable difference on the flare, and are probably worth the money (to avoid broken ankles). If you're short on cash, though, just get the vents--they are the major part of the equation. Bottom line: If you are jumping slider down solid objects, spend the money. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com
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Physiologically, it's pretty tough to get hooked if you are really in pain when you take the narcotics. At least that's what my surgeon told me, and so far he appears to be correct. I've taken a lot of painkillers with no cravings, no need, no dependence. -- Tom Aiello Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com SnakeRiverBASE.com