Elastic keepers come in two sizes: 1" and 1 22/32". The 1" is used on Type 17 webbing. 1 22/32" elastic keepers are used on Type 7 and Type 8 webbing. Elastic keepers are made out of a 1" elastic, trimmed out with Type III tape, double-needle seam and a zig-zag stitch.
Inspect the full main closing loop. Take the loop out of the main closing loop retainer and grommet. Inspect where the washer rests for any damage. Inspect where the loop passes through the grommet for any damage. Inspect the loop itself. Feel the grommet and washer for sharp edges.
Make a new loop to the desired length with two overhand knots to secure behind the washer. Replace the loop back into the grommet and into the main closing loop retainer. Check that the main closing loop retainer is in good condition and secure. Do a final inspection on the exposed main closing loop. Close the container and go jump! Continue reading →
The Mirage data label is located inside the pocket behind the right mud flap. Pull the label out with the red tab. The label will have the DOM, size, SN, TSO and similar info.
The packing data card is located in the same pocket or in a pocket on the backside of the label. The packing data card has all the container, reserve and AAD info.
The Mirage Main Pilot Chute is installed by inserting the kill-line, retention strap and bridle from the outside of the D-bag into the inside of the D-bag through the center grommet. Secure the two loops of the bridle inside the D-bag with a metal link or soft link.
All manufacturer's skydiving rigs are slightly different, so check this video and description out on how to give a pin check and put all the flaps back in place for your buddy's Mirage container.
The reserve pin cover flap can be lifted up to check the reserve pin, reserve closing loop and seal. To reclose the flap, tuck the side flaps first than tuck the bottom of the flap down. Make sure the flaps are fully seated and the flap is flat.
The Data Label for the Seven rig by Basik is located in the reserve pin cover flap. Lift up the reserve pin cover flap, which has tuck flaps on the sides and is tucked down at the bottom.
Reach into the pocket behind the pin cover flap stiffener and pull out the label. The DOM, size, SN, TSO and similar info is located on the label. Also inside the pocket will be the packing data card with all the container, reserve and AAD info. It will also have the record of the rigging done to the equipment. Continue reading →
All manufacturer's skydiving rigs are slightly different, so check this video and description out on how to give a pin check and put all the flaps back in place for your buddy's Seven container.
The reserve pin is checked by opening the reserve pin cover flap. Lift up the reserve pin cover flap, which has tuck flaps on the sides and is tucked down at the bottom. The pin, loop and seal can be checked. To close, tuck the tops of the side tuck flaps first, continue tucking the side flaps and then tuck in the bottom section into the pocket. Continue reading →
An Instructor at Skydive The Farm recently installed the Gath Altimeter Bracket to his Retractable Visor Gath, and found the process a bit tedious. He also discovered the bracket is not a "practical" mount for someone who wants to move an audible frequently from a couple of different helmets as it involves unscrewing part of the mount for removing the audible.
So he tried installing the audible on the inside of the helmet by removing part of the Gath padding and securing the audible with Velcro. Continue reading →
There is not a fail-safe way to know which size of helmet to buy online. Ideally, you would be able to walk into our ChutingStar shop and try a bunch on, or be able to try on helmets at your local drop zone. But for some, it's just not possible.
Each manufacturer does post a size chart for its helmets. And that is a great starting point. You'll want to get a soft tape measure, which you can find in the sewing section of any grocery store. Measure around your head, level with your forehead and behind your ears.
Booties have become almost standard even for a beginning skydiver’s first belly fly jumpsuit. Booties are extremely beneficial for formation skydiving and tracking.
But many skydivers quickly ruin their $400 jumpsuit by walking around in those booties every weekend at the DZ. And it only takes a couple of weekends to wear out the stitching on the sides, causing the bottoms of the booties to fall off. Continue reading →
Measure your head as shown above.