Pin tension and packing in DP containers...

[debaucherordrgz]

Hello everyone... I have a question that so far I haven't been able to find out too much about.

I have read quite a few posts on here as far as getting into base jumping and gear selection and the like and have more or less followed the steps required.

My question has to do primarily with the differences between velcro containers and dp containers.

Most of the people that I know that BASE jump all use dp containers for every type of jump that they do. They aren't really that interested in velcro containers for whatever reason. From what I have heard velcro containers might not be a good investment if you plan to incorporate acrobatic manuevers as well as long delays and possible wingsuit jumps in your base jumping career.

However, I have also read that the first container that you use in your BASE jumping career should be a velcro container for ease of use, and to alleviate any problems that you might encounter due to the need to "dial in" your pack job in order to achieve correct pin tension on a DP container.

My question is what specific method is there for determining the proper amount of pin tension on a DP rig? Is there anything to take into consideration when packing other than to pack very neatly and to not make the pack job so skinny as to cause it to sit tall in the pack tray? Furthermore, I have read that closing a dp container with pullup cords can disturb the packjob? How so?

Also what resource is there for learning to pack a base rig if someone (such as myself) likes to study things more in depth than that which is casually learned through watching and talking with more experienced people in the sport? Is there an up to date video that walks you through how to pack a base rig neatly, and discussed things to consider when doing so? I know the standard answer is attend a FJC. But that's not what I'm asking about. What self study materials are available to the budding BASE jumper? If there aren't any why not?

Thanks for any information you all feel inclined to throw out there!

[shegget]

Have you considered emailing a gear manufacturer (Apex, Morpheus, etc.) to get their opinions? They're honest, have been around a LONG time, are incredibly knowledgeable and will steer you straight without trying to sell you extra shit.

And as much as you don't want to hear it, all your other issues with packing, etc. are addressed in a FJC. More specifically, your exact questions regarding the packing of a DP are addressed in Apex's FJC.

Are you willing to trust your life to conjecture and arguments posted on internet forums or would you rather cough up the cash and get true, hands on instruction either from a FJC (or a mentor)?

[debaucherordrgz]

That is a good idea to contact the various company's to talk to them about there opinions regarding various topics such as this one. So far the only people that have picked up their phone when I've called have been consolidated rigging. They were very helpful and answered a lot of questions that I had. I felt like I learned some good stuff from them.

No I don't plan to trust my life to arguments on the internet, but my primary motivation in starting this thread is to use this forum specifically for what its meant for which is gathering specific information regarding the sport of Base jumping. Furthermore, I'm interested to know what the experienced user's of this website believe is the best method or proper method in determining the proper pin tension on a two pin rig. I plan to go to a FJC. And I do ask my friends who basejump/ mentors a lot of these types of questions. I'm just hoping to get feedback from as many sources as possible. I feel like I learn a lot better that way.

Also I'd like to know if there are any packing dvd's out there that are geared towards base packing. I'm a visual learner and feel like I learn a lot from being able to watch stuff rewind and go over it several times until I've got it cold.

Thanks for the input!

[Zoter]

Also I'd like to know if there are any packing dvd's out there that are geared towards base packing. I'm a visual learner and feel like I learn a lot from being able to watch stuff rewind and go over it several times until I've got it cold.
Contact the manufacturers ......there are plenty available for sale that go into good detail

[debaucherordrgz]

Thanks Zoter... I spoke with a representative from Apex about an hour ago and they told me that they have a video available which I will probably end up getting.

They also told me that they generally steer everyone towards pin rigs. And specifically that learning proper pin tension on the rigs generally has to do with making sure that the pin tension is not excessively high on jumps that will be from lower altitudes as well as making sure that the pack is not too loose on those jumps that will be terminal. They also explained that many times humidity can play a factor in pack volume, and to be aware of it.

[EVAN]

I remember watching "pack like a pro" (for skydiving obviously) a long time ago. It got me about 75% of the way there. It wasn't until I packed in person(several times) with a very experienced jumper/rigger that I really understood the entire lay out of the system. Definately make the FJC happen with one of the manufacturers. They will answer questions you haven't even thought of yet, patiently and thoroughly in what I found to be the best learning environment (And there are hundreds of questions)!. I did mine with Asylum, got 17 jumps and covered all "major" rig/packing configurations, in detail, with personal guidance through all steps. Learning curve was huge. The info you get, in person, from the pro's will save your life, and increase the fun factor too!

[Cloudtramp]

when you are ready to base jump you will/should have enough basic parachuting/rigging experience to be able to tug on a pin and know if it is too tight or too loose.

[debaucherordrgz]

Profound!