shrivel boy

[guest]

Hey, can yall take a look at some of your video and look at something for me? I was looking at some video of the Perrine, and noticed that on the 2 - 2.5 second delays, my shrivel flap did not peel in one motion, rather it did some kinda two stage peel. the bottom 1/4 peeling, a pause, then the rest. It is barely noticeable normal speed, but really jumps out at you in slo-mo. Cool "ri..IIIIIIIPP!" sound.

I know, if it is only noticeable in slo-mo it is probably not a big deal, but I was wondering if anybody else has noticed something similar.

I'm jumping a reputable manufacturer's velcro rig (with top tuck tab), 42" P.C., velcro has about 30 jumps on it.

And before some wise ass says something about "who the hell would notice such a thing?", hey, I like to watch my videos, what can I say? Sorry!

[imported_Tom Aiello]

I've noticed this phenomenon a lot. I pretty much see it every time I watch someone jump a velcro rig with good (or just new) velcro that is tightly seated.

I've seen it noticeable to the naked eye (from the exit point) on Visions, Reactor 4s, and Odysseys. Contributing factors appear to be age of rig, width of velcro, strength of velcro, firmness of closing and tightness of rig. I'd guess that the Odyssey's lack of side flap stiffeners might also contribute (but don't get me started on that...) Basically, it happens with firmer closings.

I don't think it's dangerous at all, so long as you're not in the ultra low freefall or ultra low pull range. If you're doing either of those things, I recommend priming the velcro (for ultra low freefall) or going to pins (for ultra low pulls).

My theory is that it results from the already inflated PC hitting bridle stretch, and shock loading the shrivel flap. The instantaneous force rips off the bottom of the velcro, then, a split second later the continuous pull force rips off the rest of the shrivel flap.

I'd be curious if anyone else can see a reason why it might be dangerous under normal circumstances, though.

And, nice eye. Most people just watch for how cool they looked jumping. Good job watching the gear, and how it might kill, maim, or save you.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com