Rant & Rave Blog
Reviews, News & Expert Advice
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GoPro HERO3 Bug Help
If you are having some issues with your new GoPro HERO3, the following steps below will have you back up and filming shortly! We have run into some of these issues and after extensive time on the phone with GoPro, have learned a few things that we would like to share before you jump to returning the camera. Even if you have done this before please try it again: First off what kind of memory card do you have? We have found the most reliable to be a SanDisk Class 10 30mb/s 200x. Continue reading -
GoPro SD & MicroSD Card Requirements
(Originally published by GoPro Nov. 4, 2014) It's important to use one of the recommended SD cards in your camera, or you may experience freeze-up or video corruption issues. We recommend only purchasing name brand SD cards through reputable resellers. There are both counterfeit and underperforming SD cards out in the marketplace, which can prevent proper functioning of your HD HERO camera's features. See the Memory Cards available from ChutingStar at this link. Continue reading -
Main Pilot Chute Installation
This Cazer pilot chute came with two metal links. We prefer to substitute those two metal links with a PD Reserve Slink and a PD Main Slink. The reserve soft link is used to attach the bridle to the inside of the main D-bag. The main soft link is used to attach the end of the bridle to the top of the canopy. Continue readingHere's some info and a video of installing one type of main pilot chute. While each main pilot chute may have a slightly different attachment part, the general idea is the same. -
Hidden Sharp Edges In Your Container
(Published in Blue Skies Magazine)
Hidden behind flaps, under grommets and inside your container are tiny pieces of metal that can end your Sky God status in a hurry. In an ideal world, all the metal in skydiving is polished, shiny and smooth as silk. But manufacturing issues, abnormal wear and just plain sharp edges can lead to frayed and broken loops in your main and reserve container. The inspection is easy; a little bit of time and some basic knowledge on what to look for will go a long way in keeping your container closed when you need it to be. You can also save yourself from having to constantly replace your loops.
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Harness/Container Washing Tips for Riggers
Washing your harness/container every few years can keep your investment looking brand new. You'll be surprised how clean and bright a used container can get with a thorough washing. Below are tips and a step-by-step "how to" guide for washing your harness/container. These tips have been taken from several manufacturers, riggers and my own experience of washing a few hundred rigs over the past 10 years. Continue reading -
Tonfly Cutaway System Install Instructions
The Tonfly Cutaway System install with materials needed, photos, instructions and video.
The install can be done at ChutingStar if you don't have all the tools. Or if you do have all the tooling, just follow these instructions, photos and video.
All the necessary things to install the cutaway system. Items needed to install Tonfly Cutaway System:
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Racer DVD Packing Manual Raves
Jumpshack's Racer container elicits many comments from riggers due to how different it is from most other rigs on the market. At the very least, a Racer container takes a little more thought and preparation; and that is where a new DVD packing manual released by Jump Shack steps in to save the day.
I highly recommend every rigger who plans on packing even one more Racer in their lifetime purchase the Racer DVD packing manual. The packing updates, tips and techniques straight from the manufacturer are well worth the money ($15 plus shipping).
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Nailing the Reserve Loop Length
I've had some riggers tell me that they don't usually replace the reserve closing loop during each inspection/repack because a new loop stretches and affects the finished look of the rig. Apparently some riggers feel it's the fault of a "stretching" new loop that the reserve pilot chute isn't completely seated or compressed like the prior pack job. Yet my experience shows that a reserve closing loop made out of spectra Cypres cord and threaded through a Cypres washer can be manufactured and pre-stretched precisely to the desired length. It's just critical that the rigger have a standardized method of construction, measurements and pre-stretching. The following is the procedure for making a Cypres loop at Chuting Star Rigging Loft. These procedures are for most reserve container systems, but not all. Rigs such as the Racer, Reflex and Tear Drop have other procedures. Continue reading -
PD Slinks: Identification, Wear, and Other Uses
Reserve Slinks have a yellow tab with an SR-1 identifier. The Spectra is thicker and longer than the main Slink. Main Slinks have a white tab with an SM-1 identifier. The Spectra is thinner and shorter than the reserve Slink. Continue readingPD Slinks come in Reserve Canopy and Main Canopy versions.
