Canopy selection.

[Machbane]

Does a raven III make an acceptable Base canopy.
Thanks, Mike.

[flyin_ryan]

The views expressed here are just my opinions. Talk to other people too.

I started BASE jumping on a Raven. It worked in that I never died, no really, I am still alive. I liked it at the time because it allowed me to jump. I replaced it with a Fox, and that is much better. Looking back I do not like the Raven so much. The openings feel better on the Fox then the Raven's. The low speed flight and stall recovery is much nicer on the Fox. The Fox also feels sterable quicker than the Raven ever did. Construction wise the Fox seems a lot beefier too, which I really like too. Just because we put our gear under a lot of stress.

So, the Raven will work. If that is all you can afford for now, go for it...but be looking to replace it with a BASE specific canopy as soon as possible.

[imported_Tom Aiello]

In general, you should get BASE specific gear.

I agree with everything Ryan said before, except:

How much do you weigh, and how big is a Raven III? Be sure to calculate your wingloading and be sure it's not too high. I'd say if your wingloading (exit weight in pounds divided by canopy square feet) lands over .8, you really ought to find another canopy.

Do get real BASE gear as soon as possible. It would be silly to get hurt just because you weren't willing to spend the money.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[flyin_ryan]

yeah...forgot about the wing loading thing. I keep assuming if someone is looking at a BASE canopy they know enough to look at the right size...BAD assupmtion on my part.

[JJ]

JJ

Go buy a FLIK! Been jumping it this week and it's awesome - don't buy a skydiving canopy for BASE - you're asking for trouble. It's worth the money you might save from injury and time off work. BASE specific canopies evolved for a reason. Don't be another skyjumper...Be a BASE jumper and buy a FLIK!

The FLIK:

1.) Has a deeper, more stable flare than the FOX.

2.) Opens like a Vtec FOX - the best opening canopy on the market until the FLIK. The valve allows air to enter the canopy as good as the vtec, and far better than other vented canopies on the market - the valve also covers the vent 100%

3.) Responds to riser and toggle input better than the FOX.

4.) Carves like a knife.

This canopy kicks arse! Further reports will be given after more jumping...

JJ
:-)

[460]

JJ, how can I contact you???

thanks, Chris
basejump@rice.edu

[Ljubo_M]

Don't play just buy BASE canopy. You can buy TROLL VTec canopy. The best opening canopy on the market and I think the safest one. With this one You will be jumping a lot but with SkyDive canopy (Raven III, ...) You can make just one.

http://www.baserigs.com

B.A.S.E. is not a crime, it's way of life.
C-YA
Ljubo