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Parachute's by definition are uncomfortable!!! :-)
Let's be honest, parachutes NO MATTER WHICH KIND, are NEVER comfortable. I fly about 200 hours a year with one strapped on, so take this for what it is worth.
When your chute is repacked (every 6 months remember...) tell the gentleman doing to work to repack it "diaper down" this will moved the thick part of the chute lower (to the small of your back). This serves two purposes, more upper body mobility, and good lower back support when getting your G on. Another benefit of this packing style is the chute won't "ride up" when doing negative G stuff! |
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Paul |
304 seat pack and 311 back pack for RV8
I haven't flown with them yet but tried them both on.
Initial reaction is that the 304 seat pack not only needs the seat cushion removed but also the seat back. This is for the front seat. I got a 2 inch comforfoam cushion with the 304 and this appears to be about right for me. Getting out of the plane with this contraption on though looks difficult at best! The 311 for the rear seat seems to work well with the rear seat back cushion removed. Mutha |
Aaah the comfort factor is High with the mini Softie backpack in my 8
I traded a 304 seat type for it. I flew 2.5 hours then three air show performances and returned home 3 hours. It works for my needs. Definitely order the aerobatic harness Tad "Stripes" Sargent TeamRV |
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Do you think it moves you closer to the panel than the seat back cushion? Why the aerobatic harness? Web site indicates aero harness for lots of negative G work, if not planning on that would you still recommend aero harness? Limiter |
I did move about 1/2 inch closer to the panel but I was able to move my seat back rearward the next setting, This restored the balance.
The aerobatic harness are more confortable, eliminating one buckle and moves the other two higher and this does two things, one the seatbelt harnesses do not dig into the buckles about your hips and second it makes it easier to put on and take off quickly. This is not a usual event for most but I need this feature at air shows as we attempt to exit our planes to waive at the crowds. Additionally the buckles are higher and I suspect you won't attempt to unbuckle them in a panic as I practice reaching for the seat buckle only. YMMV Stripes |
Paul/Tad:
I concur, Softie is definitely my favorite in terms of comfort, something about the canopy design I suppose, but I have a Strong packed "diaper down" (they call it something different, but I can't for the life of me remember the "lingo") and it is not as comfortable as my Mini Softie. The Softies are all I fly anymore! As for the Acro Harness, I think it is just a preference with location of the straps, I don't know that it has any benefit for Aerobatics. If you are doing a lot of negative G's, Softie offers a "Negative G Pad." I think they charged me $60 for it, and it is tremendously effective in keeping the chute from "riding up" when pushing hard negative G's, or when doing aggressive maneuvers (shoulder rolls, lomcovaks, outside snap rolls, etc.) but I don't think they are necessary for the type of Acro the RV's are best suited for. |
Update on this thread. I have been flying with a borrowed seat BACK style chute for a month now. Here are my thoughts/experiences based on a seat BACK chute approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches thick:
1: Don't bend your control stick if you want to use the seat BACK chute. In use, with parachute on, it places the control stick perfectly to hand, which may be why Van put it there? 2: A bent stick may interfere with full aft stick travel if you have a gut AND use seat back style chute. 3: Aerobatics are still comfortable and the "new" grip position may enhance the experience. 4: The Back type pushes you about 2 to 3 inches forward or the normal cushion position so you will have to get used to the new "feel" as the panel is closer and the roll bar will be in your line or sight, uncomfortably at times. Its not aligned with your cheek bones, but it may "feel" like it till you get used to it. 5: In formation flying from number Two position (left side), the roll bar will be dead nuts in your line of sight to the flight Lead, so you will have to goose neck forward or backward or modify flight position. 6: You will want an RV-8 with adjustable rudder pedals due to being shoved forward. I can't imagine using fixed rudder pedals if you are say, 5' 10" and made the fixed pedal position close. 7: Egress is fairly simple. Grap cockpit sides/canopy rail, STAND UP. No interference, although your face does feel closer than I'd like to the roll bar. 8: If you are over 6' get a SEAT Pack. Otherwise you are going to feel really crammed in and hard pressed to be comfortable. Thats about it. Going to try to bum a Strong 304 SEAT pack soon and give it a go, unless someone else pipes up for that style. |
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