Okay, I wanted to start a discussion on the way different gear configurations affected opening heading. Here's part of a past post of mine. I didn't get much input from the more technically proficient jumpers out there. Anywa, if you have any input, please share. Thanks...
---I do believe that the way you fold the nose has a profound effect on heading performance. If the canopy initially pressurizes through the crossports instead of the nose (end cells) you will have better chances of an on heading opening. So by this logic, a packing method which delays exposing the end cells to the airstream until the canopy has begun to pressurize will be a good thing.
I also personally feel that slider off deployments have a better chance of opening on heading than slider up deployments. I think there is more left/right separation in the lines which allows the canopy to immediately open on heading.
When there is a slider sitting at the stabilizers, there is a pivot point where the lines are all held closely together. The canopy is more vulnerable to other factors that could affect the heading (such as wind, PC oscillation, etc.) Of course the most critical time during the deployment sequence as far as heading is concerned, is the phase between canopy extraction and line stretch. I DO, however, feel that the canopy can still be turned off heading after you've reached line stretch.
I still think the way the nose is prepared is critical on a slider up jump as well. The canopy pressurizing through the crossports will reinforce whatever heading you're on at line stretch. ---
How much of this would you say is accutate?
Stay safe out there! ---Dex
dexterbase@hotmail.com
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