Rant & Rave Blog

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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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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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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 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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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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In 2002, several instructors from Skydive Illinois took up residence in Atlanta and made Atlanta Skydiving Center their new home. An influx of new staff of course brings new ideas, skills, attitudes, and even gadgets. And the one gadget that is starting to catch on is the Suunto watch with altimeter. Suunto does not advertise in the skydiving industry, but the altimeter function of its watch is easy to read and operate. It also keeps up with the change of altitude in real time as fast as any other digital altimeter I have ever used. I've since put it in an altitude chamber next to a Neptune2 and found it to be within 100 feet at every moment. Continue reading →

One of the most asked questions on the Alti-2 N3 and N3A is the life of the rechargeable battery. Here's what the company says on the battery lifespan:

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Alti-2, the manufacturer of the N3 Audio has recently investigated customer reported issues with the N3 Audio. Here is what they have found: The maximum power drain of the N3 Audio is higher than the N3, which means that the battery must be in a higher charge state. Continue reading →