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Raven Dash-M manufacturer Precision, under scrutiny by Skydiving Magazine for recent reserve failures, took another hit when fellow canopy manufacturer Performance Designs sent a letter to dealers comparing its reserves to Precision’s reserves. In the letter dated March 22, 2002, PD states, “While we don’t wish to second guess the logic of other manufacturers’ design approach, we are very willing to discuss the logic and reasoning behind our product development.” Still, the company does in a way leave a dealer or jumper “second-guessing” Precision’s reserves because of the format in which PD presents its information. PD has a two-page chart in its letter that details the difference in materials, construction and stitching between the Precision Raven Dash M reserves and PD reserves. PD of course explains the reasoning behind each of its design parameters but there is no reasoning given for Precision’s design decisions. PD also was unable to verify its information on Precision’s materials. According to PD, “We have listed our best estimate of materials used in the Precision product based on knowledge of materials and our brief inspection, but cannot verify that the information is correct.” That in itself is irresponsible reporting by PD. In its chart, PD claims a higher strength line tab, line tab bartack thread, load rib leading edge and stabilizer line attachment. PD also discusses its reasoning behind a slider with a vent, using only uncoated fabric and using untreated line. At the end of its letter, PD does give reason to believe highly in its product with detailed information on its testing. PD indicates the new PR-113 and PR-106 reserves were drop tested at 300 pounds and 180 knots, while the PR-281 was tested at 360 pounds and 180 knots. Precision has issued a service bulletin for its reserves that may fail due to the lack of a second bartack on some line attachment points. The bulletin is available at this link.

Young jumpers are progressing at a high rate these days as numerous teams have arrangements with drop zones to offer free or discounted coaching. These 1-on-1 or small group coaching dives help young jumpers progress tremendously after graduating from a student freefall program. Most team members are well versed in their particular field of skydiving and are able to pass along tips, techniques and advice that enable young jumpers to bypass many of the trial and errors teams went through to get to where they are today. In Georgia, two 4-way teams have helped out start-up teams score on a competitive level from their first competition. Nemesis, along with Mr. Pink, have helped the members of the new Georgia Tech skydiving team, GT Inviscid, in their first year of competitive 4-way skydiving. In Mr. Pink’s first year of competitive skydiving in 1997, the team had to travel to Florida or bring in coaches from out of state. Start-up teams or young jumpers in Georgia now have coaching resources at their home drop zone. Mr. Pink also has helped coach the new team Delusional as well as second-year team 5 Minute Call. And 4-way teams are not the only ones benefiting from the coaching from Mr. Pink and Nemesis. The two teams regularly coach young jumpers interested in 2-ways or 3-ways or the like. At Atlanta Skydiving Center, Mr. Pink offers free coaching 7 days a week to jumpers interested in honing their relative work skills. Freefly jumpers are also getting a bit of coaching from Team Method. The freefly team based out of Atlanta Skydiving Center for the summer offers free organizing 7 days a week. For a fee, coaching with video also is available from the team. For more information on Team Method’s program, visit the team’s web site at www.team-method.com. Mr. Pink’s web site is at www.mrpink.tv. Contact Mr. Pink for more information on the coaching schedule.