jrjny

first I'll hit the bunny slope without a canopy.

if it doesn't calm down I'll be jetblue.com before too long lol

ha! I went with the pilot :-)

Questions I can't seem to answer or find a thread concerning: 1) openings - pilot has a longer snivel or no? From what I gather they do: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW6UrqxANds - that seemed pretty quick 2) packing - which will pack up smaller or EASIER, my understanding is they will be similar (not zpx for either) 3) toggle input - which is more responsive? I weight 180 btw (have a mirage g4 M5 so i can't go any smaller on sizing but I already have a 190 pilot which is a hassle to pack) My goals are to improve my accuracy and have a good all around canopy for the next 2-500 jumps - easy to pack, safe, etc...Not looking for advice not to downsize etc...I understand the relevant risks -- if anyone has specific input around both these models that will help me decide thank you very much. Jeff

there still spots for 19th?

So in speedflying you get a LOT of positive lift if you flare I take it, which mitigates the risk of crashing if flying low and coming up against some impassable terrain? Margin of error is larger than it appears... Good comparison, thanks. J

to clarify, I never tried speedriding but I was thinking about it and it seems like everyone uses tiny canopies (even beginners?) that skydivers would take 500+ jumps to even consider. Rhys, I guess the chars are different then...agreed on the risks nonetheless. Is there a course for this in the US anyone knows of? Jeff

A novice jumper like myself flying a Velo 96 or something similar? 2:1 WL appx (not doing that btw lol) Are the flight char's of the speedriding wings much different or something? Jeff

I don't think they add any more risk than say: jumping at a new dz jumping with a new jumper trying a new canopy jumping in moderate to high winds unexpected winds on final jumping with other things on your mind jumping at a lower than normal altitude exiting last on a long spot not enough separation on the jump run not checking your reserve pin/ripcord not checking your main pin not using an RSL not using an AAD etc... Certainly much less risky than high performance landings.. So, probably as risky as about 1/3rd of all skydives performed today

Is there really any problem with wearing the closing flaps out over time, checking the pin? At first my new G4 seemed impossible to open...still does after opening it several hundred times. J

Here's mine, I think it's a tad forward of your location. Also don't have the carbon finish...It seems rock solid, like cement to me. Have a little faith maybe? Jeff

Just make sure your gopro is on before messing with the reserve pin. In all seriousness, I was only checking it once per jump day now I check it each jump at least. Interesting split between daily vs per jump. Jeff

How often do you check your reserve pin?

that's my set-up and it's SOLID. Move it forward as much as possible, post a pic of yours.

Bill Booth on the question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQuJr5wuvSw&feature=player_detailpage#t=343s 2011 PIA edit: why magnetic riser covers?

It's safer for sure, but I don't know if you'll get enough penetration on a breezy day -- probably all good though. Enjoy it.

that should be a pretty easy ride at .80 - why didn't you go with the 230, just short of a 1:1

I lost my sunglasses/croakies on a jump at 8500. I was able to squint and see my VisoII clearly down to my wave at 4 pull at 3 something. I liked those shades... Jeff

Thanks for the facts man - nice writeup on you in parachutist I think. Jeff

Sabre 2 170 listed as 'soft' on the miragesys site...anyone have actual feedback from experience? shorten closing loop? Thanks, Jeff

I did my last 3 on the same day. Get a good rest the night before and as long as you're a good flyer you'll be ok. If you're having stability issues you might just get more frustrated and be better off spending 10 mins in a tunnel before your next $150 60 second wonder. Jeff

I blame you man - I would delete that post, wtf. Next we'll be saying that the first [swoop] death of 2011 was caused by too much experience, but let's be abrasive around distinctions without a difference, eg. camera flying jump #'s lol. Jeff

Humor me - imagine a newb walks into a dropzone and says, "hey there were 40 fatalities in the US last year, why should I make a jump at all?" Would you say, "don't worry most of them had hundreds or thousands of jumps and knew what they were doing" - you'll be fine. WTF

In absolute terms no, but life is all about contrast - in part that's why we participate in a sport that has ZERO pragmatic value (let's be honest ). Some people want to stand out, some want self overcoming, some adrenaline, some camaraderie, some money lol. So, in what I believe is a loosely and very imperfectly governed system, being overly focused on one item to the detriment of another - especially if both are in the name of greater safety and the sport's REPUTATION/approachability (eg, Google the name of some dropzone and you'll see 'fatality' appended to the search term) = kinda silly. I don't have thousands of jumps nor am I able to do fancy free flying or swooping, but I do realize before every jump regardless of whether I have a camera: >check my gear 3x before boarding, >on the plane + >3rd party pin check plus EP review before exiting not to mention, >before driving to the DZ. I've drilled the notion of altitude awareness into my head so many times, that I EXPECT I will continue checking my altimeter and being heads up regardless of how experienced/laid back I may become. If I fail at this I have 2 audibles from 2 different manufacturers to further minimize an already small probability (though still non-zero). If ALL else fails I have a brand new cypress which while does not guarantee anything, keeps me ever further from annihilation. That said, returning to small probabilities - I may die or get maimed unexpectedly for a situation I could have never expected. That's life and I do NOT believe this basic concept is drilled into people's heads, hence the recurring theme of experienced jumpers smashing into the ground, over and over and over again. I truly wonder if I will get the point mentally where I need to learn high performance landings to still enjoy the sport: - I can't comment because I'm not there yet or even close but it gives pause for thought. Chase 2 rabbits and catch none.... Jeff

100 jumps to fly with students...200 to attach something to your helmet? A DOZEN+ FATALITIES plus untold injuries per year related to 'high-performance' landings with ZERO recommendations in the SIM around jump #'s there, except for an ambiguous statement (no doubt crafted by practitioners of the 'art'): http://www.uspa.org/SIM/Read/Section6/tabid/169/Default.aspx#611f 4. A canopy pilot should receive as much coaching as possible to reduce the risks under canopy; however, USPA warns all jumpers that any pilot who manipulates the canopy controls to induce additional speed prior to landings presents a greater hazard to himself or herself and others. Come on - this is skydiving...not Newtonian mechanics. Every jump exposes you to small probabilities of catastrophic results that you have no control over and while you shouldn't knowingly push the envelope -- this argument is ridiculous. There should be a moderately standardized course to educate people - just like 'swoop coaching' that has no doubt benefited many a orthopedic surgeon and funeral home. Enough hand-holding, egotism, babying and misdirection - people will do what they want and the market responds accordingly. If you want footage buy a camera and go tape the damn jump. Make sure it's on though Regards, Jeff