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Recently I’ve observed experienced jumpers trying to convince newer skydivers to disconnect their RSL since “its only there if you don’t plan on pulling your reserve.” Some of these conversations actually occur on the plane with the newer jumper actually disconnecting the RSL in the plane after being “convinced” it is the right thing to do. I whole-heartedly believe this is a decision that should not be taken haphazardly. The pros/cons should be discussed on the ground and the decision made prior to gearing up. I recently wrote an article on this subject and am reprinting most of it again due to the recent “anti-RSL” conversations around the drop zone. So here is part of the article from March 12, 2003. It seems there is some type of campaign by experienced jumpers to rid the skydiving world of the “evil” reserve static line, commonly known as the RSL. The RSL is a lanyard that attaches between your reserve ripcord cable and a main riser. It is designed to pull the reserve pin immediately after a deployed main is cut away. Many jumpers have no reason for wanting an RSL removed other than “another jumper said I didn’t need it.” But every year, the USPA fatality report proves that several jumpers did need it. Longtime tandem instructor Fast Eddie Grantland recently left an article in my loft on the “Top 5 RSL Myths.” written by Bill von Novak. Some of the “myths” include the inability to get stable for reserve deployment with an RSL. But one of the advantages of having an RSL is that it may save your life if you make a bad decision to cutaway at 500 feet. “RSL's are not for normal cutaways,” Novak says. “They are for madly spinning mals where you can barely see one of your handles. They are for cutaways at 600 feet when someone sets up a hook right into your canopy and destroys it.” Make an informed decision about an RSL. Read incident reports and talk with instructors and the local Safety and Training Advisor before making your decision.

Chuting Star Rigging Loft assembled six student Mirage RTS containers with PD reserves, Cypres II’s and PD Navigator mains last week for Atlanta Skydiving Center. Mirage is well known for its comfortable, freefly-friendly container, but previously maintained its containers were not made for student training. At this year’s Parachute Industry Association symposium, the company officially entered the student market with the unveiling of the Mirage RTS container. So has the company produced an affordable, high-quality student container? I believe so. All of the standard G3 Mirage features are part of the RTS system, such as the tuck tab flaps for riser covers and pin flaps as well as velcroless main toggles and the best leg strap padding on the market. The RTS rigs incorporate a reserve pin window as well as the Cypres window placement directly above the reserve flap. The BOC pouch is available with a reserve-side breakaway handle, which operates similar to Altico’s student BOC pouch for its student Dolphin container. One of the more interesting aspects of the RTS container is the telescoping leg pads that help protect student legs regardless of size. An extra length of leg pad can be hidden inside the main leg pad for smaller legs or brought forward to extend the length for larger legs. We found the container/canopy sizing to be extremely accommodating. ASC started with four M8s and two M7s. Two of the M8s were assembled with PD 253 reserves and Navigator 260 mains while the other two have PD 281 reserves and 280 mains. The containers could easily take one size lower or higher than those canopies. Many container parts are field-replaceable due to high wear problems of most student gear, although we expect the RTS Mirage rigs to take a beating much better than student rigs of the past. Retail price is $1450 before dealer discounts.