nicknitro71

I forgot about that thing called reserve Well, let us know how it goes and make sure you tailgate the crap out it! Memento Audere Semper 903

I would not do it out of a chopper. Go to the potato bridge for that! Memento Audere Semper 903

Why? Memento Audere Semper 903

Do you know anything about the configuration (direct indirect slider control), condition of the tailpocket, canopy and size, container...? Thanks! Memento Audere Semper 903

And if you are Robi you just close the right wing and compensate with the legs to keep the heading and pull at 200' Memento Audere Semper 903

I did not know that. It's a nice cell! Does it have a TSO certification? Thanks Memento Audere Semper 903

The aspect ratio of the Katana, Xaos 21, or FX is virtually the same. Memento Audere Semper 903

For skydiving on my S3 I have a 28" ZP with a monkey fist, normal length bridle, open corners. For base a 38" ZP vented with internal handle, and of course the 9' bridle. I use the suit pouch for both. Memento Audere Semper 903

You'll be loading it 1.66. I jump a 21 loaded the same. IMHO a 21 would be perfect around 1.8. I have never flown a katana but I bet overall at that WL it would be a better canopy. For comparison, my other canopy is a Viper 105 loaded the same. It is IMO an overall better canopy, better openings, bottom-end flare, and lighter front riser pressure. Don't get me wrong I like my 21 but I know to feel the advantages of it you need to load it more than 1.66. Memento Audere Semper 903

put few jumps on something like a classic or GTI before moving to an S3 or the V1 IMHO. Memento Audere Semper 903

When I was shopping for a container I knew I wanted a two pin. My finalists were the Gargoyle and the Perigee Pro. I went with the pro. Honestly I don't think there is a best container: there are all good, really. It comes dowm to looks and small features. Memento Audere Semper 903

I really don't like to use the word fear as is what we should all try to defeat. Anxiety might be a better choice. Fear itself manifests itself right after the presentation of a stimulus, CS or US, leading to fight = good in skydiving (sometimes) or flight = bad in skydiving. Anyhow I've noticed that if I am jumping a new canopy, trying something different, and so on I'm more concerned about the jump or more precisely the outcome of it. The way I deal with it is to take care of my equipment and stay focused on the climb up. If I let my mind wonder on its own at some point I start thinking about all the things that can go wrong. If I visualize over and over the jump, and the emergency procedures I am very calm and "fearless". Right before leaving the door, or the exit point, I look at my chest strap, the 3 rings, and touch my hackey. The more I take care of my equipment, especially in BASE, the more I focus on the jump, usually the better I perform, and I enjoy the jump more. I also don't panic. It has never happened to me: panicking to the point of becoming uncreative or doing the absolute wrong thing. I don’t know if this is a "hardwired" trait but even as a kid fear always led me to fight never flight, and I've been over the edge several times. I guess it all comes down to what it works for you although the sight of some jumpers getting up at jump run and going for the door without even taking a glance at their rig really disturbs me…and then shit happens… Memento Audere Semper 903

I think you might be overloading the canopy too much, for distance. The 120 might be closer to the optimal WL for that canopy that is IMHO around 1.7. Smaller is not always better. Memento Audere Semper 903

I could not agree more. I think an H-mod Viper or Alpha is the one of the best (if not THE) all around 9-cell canopy ever made including current production. And the thing you can pick them up so cheep! Memento Audere Semper 903

I agree hence the Viper! Same platform but with more conventinal X-ports. Best bottom-end of all non X-braced 9 cells IMO and great openings regardless the size. Memento Audere Semper 903

November is not the best month to go, weather wise. Very unpredictable: it could be OK, lots of rain or even snow. I went twice to attempt the climb during the winter of 1992. First time was a disaster. The second time the weather co-operated and we made it to the top. I was not BASE jumping back then, stupid me! Memento Audere Semper 903

I've read the article when it came out. Intersting findings. To summirise the results below 8.5 deg (alpha) the lift curve of the smooth vs. scalloped edge is statistically unchanged. However at higher angles the lift produced by the scalloped wing is much higher. From 10.3

BASE is indeed EVIL! My wife is very supporting about all the shit I do and I don't even have life insurance! I got busted up five months ago pretty bad and not once she questioned me about jumping again. When I was down and blue she always said that I was going to jump again in no time. I guess I'm a lucky SOB. She came down the brigde twice already and she enjoyed a lot, last year better due to the decent weather! Anyway talk to her and don't assume anything. Memento Audere Semper 903

Russel, you got balls of fucking steel and the attitude to go with them! You're an inspiration to all of us and then some! Keep it up bro! Memento Audere Semper 903

I gotta try this! It sounds like a LOT of fun Memento Audere Semper 903

I maybe came too strong on this one. This is what I would never do. If lark-heading the tailgate with a large hole mash has been working fine for you then be it. Again I won't do it nor pack it for somebody else. It's all good! Memento Audere Semper 903

This is the first I've heard! Is this the only lineover with the tailgate you know of? Do you know the details of the jump and the set up? Like the delay and the number of wraps? You should definately post the video and discuss the matter! Memento Audere Semper 903

Tom, I won't use a tailgate with a large mash as per described earlier. As for large vs. small, I honestly don't find any difference in heading performance hence when I need a slider I go with the fine. You are right about slower openings. Next thing I want to try is WS terminal with fine mash and the tailgate with a 38" PC. Memento Audere Semper 903

This is silly. I've only read about of possible line overs jumping slider down w/out tailgate. Do I go and try it out to see if I get a line over? At BD I refused to pack a slider down because the guy did not have a tailgate so I've told him that I was going to pack it slider up or he should have found someone else to pack it. Apparently those that had the tailgate stuck (on slider down/removed) lark-headed the rubber band, one reason not to do it. I also read there have been few instances of a tailgate stuck on a large hole mash. What is your point anyway? Are you implying we should experience mulfunctions and re-invent the wheel? Memento Audere Semper 903

None personal. I've herd of stuck taligates because one side of the rubber band was lark-headed. There have been few discussions on this topic both here and blinc. As for the large hole, the tailgate could get trapped in one of the mash holes possibly inducing a stuck slider resulting in a partial inflation. Memento Audere Semper 903