Slider aspect ratio

[guest]

Hey, I'm going to start jumping strictly BASE specific canopies at the DZ. I only have mesh sliders for them, but there's tons of extra sliders that I can borrow from the rigger. As long as I keep the aspect ratio the same (use the same size sail slider) I should be cool right?

Why can't I use a mesh slider? What is the difference between going terminal on a BASE jump and a skydive. Terminal is Terminal.

Seems to me that in skydiving, packing technique is more directly related to openings than a slider. Oooh I hope I get flamed for saying that.

Your input? Stay safe out there. ---Dex

[imported_Tom Aiello]

>Why can't I use a mesh slider? What is the
>difference between going terminal on a BASE jump
>and a skydive. Terminal is Terminal.

You can use a mesh slider. However, if you regularly skydive a mesh slider, it'll start to hurt by the end of the weekend. If there's no real need to take the punishment (i.e. you're opening at 3000 feet instead of 300), most people opt for the softer openings of the sail slider.


--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@ucdavis.edu

[guest]

I agree with Tom. You COULD jump a mesh slider at terminal, but there is no sense in doing so, provided that you (must) open at 3000 ft.
When I started jumping my FOX into my Javelin from aircraft, I put on a F-111 sail slider, the openings were acceptable, but I was thinking about a way to slow down the opening a little bit more. I made a telephone call to a countryfellow of mine, very experienced BASE jumper and rigger, telling him my problem. After the telephone call, I placed immediately an order on BR for a ZP sail slider, as soon as it arrived at my mail box, I assembled it on my FOX and jumped it. The opening with a ZP sail slider was noticeably (slightly) slower/softer than the opening with a F-111 sail slider.
So, I see no sense in skydiving with a BASE canopy and be compelled to open at 3000 ft AND to have a mesh slider.
FYI, due to my (quite new) FOX and my packing, I jump our terminal wall with a F-111 sail slider, and I still get very fast openings!!! Of course, it depends on the particular canopy AND packing.
My very personal advice: buy the proper (size) ZP sail slider from your canopy's manufacturer (it is only 40 bucks, anyway!!!) and put it on your canopy when you skydive with it!!!

> ..Seems to me that in skydiving, packing technique is more directly related to openings than a slider...
How do you pack your BASE canopy for skydiving? I jumped my Fox inside my Javelin with a BASE packing (free packed without POD, lines in T.P. etc etc.). Do you think about using a POD and which technique of packing? But I still think that even if your are going to use a POD, you should use a ZP sail slider. In the end, you are going to open at 3000 ft...

Stay safe out there
Blue Skies and Soft Walls
Andrea :7