Rant & Rave Blog
Reviews, News & Expert Advice
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Gatorz & Liquid Sunglasses: Shaping & Croakies
Gatorz & Liquid sunglasses are made out of 7075 Billet Aircraft Aluminum with polycarbonate lenses. These glasses can be bent/shaped for your head shape and desired fit. Just apply even, firm pressure to the part you want to shape. Keep trying the glasses on until you find the desired fit. To secure Gatorz or Liquid sunglasses for skydiving, use a pair of Croakies, which slip over the ends of the glasses and then are tightened with the sliding lock at the back of your head. Continue reading -
Power Tool Replacement Cord Install
Continue readingTo replace the Power Tool pullup cord, remove the old cord.Pass the small loop of the replacement cord over the end with the stationary groove attachment.
Power Tool: Installing the Replacement Cord -
Using the Power Tool for Packing
The Power Tool is an alternative to the nylon pullup cord used by most skydivers today.
Thread the Power Tool through your closing loop with one end of the spectra cord off the tool and then reattach the loop to the pullup cord.
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SkyEyes Goggle Setup & Adjustments
Continue readingTo adjust and set your elastic strap on your SkyEyes goggles, first pull the strap to your desired length. Make a double-hand overhand knot, followed by a single overhand knot. Trim the excess with scissors and lightly melt the edges of the ends of the outer sheath of the strap to keep it from unraveling. -
How to Mount a Magnetic Slider Keeper
A magnetic slider keeper is mounted to the top of the reserve pin cover flap. The purpose is to hold the slider down behind a jumper’s head after the canopy is open so that the slider doesn’t interfere with cameras, the line of sight and/or allows the risers to open up further.
This is not a gadget for all skydivers. Consult with your local DZO, S&TA, instructors and peers before using a Magnetic Slider Keeper. This type of slider keeper can cause a delay during a cutaway if the slider is stowed in the device.
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Magnetic Slider Keeper Info & Use
A magnetic slider keeper, such as the Flexvision XL Slider Keeper, is used after you have a fully open and functional canopy.
As you watch for canopy traffic, collapse your slider and slowly bring the slider down to the base of the risers, behind your head. Stow the slider between the loop of fabric between the magnets. Release your steering lines and fly your canopy.
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How to Assemble & Use Tube Stows
Tube Stows by Sun Path Products are made out of silicone tubing. Tube Stows are stronger and last much longer than the rubber bands.
The criticism of tube stows is that lines can roll out of the stows and aren’t held as securely…which can lead to deployment issues. Jumpers with canopies more sensitive to packing/line stowage being "just right" should stick with rubber bands. Others have found tube stows to be a great alternative to rubber bands without any drawbacks.
Normal installation involves bringing the smooth side around the stow holder and through the seam side. The seam side should also be in the knot without tension when stretched.
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The Wedge Mudflap Altimeter Mount Install
The ChutingStar Wedge Mudflap Altimeter Mount is the most secure mudflap altimeter mount available. It has three points of connection: vertically through the mudflap, horizontally around the mudflap and then through the chest strap.
The Wedge is available in several different configuration depending on your mudflap shape, mudflap size, chest strap size and side you want to install it on.
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Wedge Assembly with an Analog Altimeter
To mount an analog altimeter to the Wedge, you will remove the strap and backing plate.
Use the backing plate to figure out the mounting location on the webbing. Punch holes, if needed, for the screw locations.
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Wedge Assembly with Digital Altimeter
To mount a digital altimeter to the Wedge, you need the Digipouch kit. The Digipouch kit includes the pouch, stiffener for underneath the mounting location and a foam wedge to angle the altimeter toward you.Continue reading