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I have some BASEic questions on rounds:

1. Can rounds be static lined like squares? (any problems with absolutely 0 airspeed?)

2. How do the height requirements differ for a round as opposed to a square? (I would static line my square tarp from 120' into deep water...would a round open that fast? I would go and throw a square from 170' into deep water...would a round work like that? I only chose those heights because I've seen people do them over solid ground, so I have no doubt there would be plenty of fabric overhead to make a water landing uneventful even with a slow opening...but I know a round doesn't slow you down until it is fully inflated as opposed to a square slowing you down basically starting at line stretch)

3. How do BASE specific rounds like the H2O or Tektite vary from a round reserve such as a Phantom? Pro's or con's of either?

Any and all input appreciated...

You're familiar with the basics of BASE packing for rounds, and how they differ from round reserves for skydiving, right?


Yes. I've static lined rounds several times with no issues. I know other people who've done it, as well, and I've never heard of any issues.



In my experience a typical round inflates slightly slower than a mesh slider up canopy. I'd give yourself a little more room. On the plus side, the round can be "landed" into water immediately after it finishes inflating (no need to much around popping the toggles, setting up, or flaring).



The BASE specific rounds are clearly superior. I've been watching inflation of quite a few different rounds for some time now, and I'm very strongly of the opinion that there are real differences in inflation time/consistency between various canopies. Smaller rounds appear to have better/faster inflation (which works in favor of the BASE specific rounds, because they are generally smaller than the skydiving reserves), and there are serious differences between different models of canopies.

In my opinion, the tektite and H2O inflate far cleaner than any skydiving reserve (I also think the tektite inflates a little cleaner than the H2O, which is unfortunate, since the tektite is not currently available new).

In terms of the skydiving rounds, I'd recommend going as small as possible. I've found the K-XX (K-20 in particular) to be a very good BASE round. The Tricon also has very nice inflation, but unfortunately is a very old design that was never made in a real modern fabric. I've also had good luck with Phantoms and Preserves.

Personally, I think it's about time someone came out with a new, modern BASE specific round in a ZP fabric (you reading this? ), but unfortunately the market is small enough that it's unlikely anyone is going to make any money in that segment.


Skydiving reserves do have the advantage of being super cheap. I've found them as low as $50.

I am not familiar with rounds - BASE or skydiving reserves - in any way, shape or form.

I jumped your Asylum/Phantom combo once...but it was already packed and ready to go.

You're familiar with the basics of BASE packing for rounds,
and how they differ from round reserves for skydiving, right?


Not really, could you please elaborate.


Skydiving reserves do have the advantage of being super cheap,
I've found them as low as $50.

I got mine in exchange for a coach jump and some beer.

The primary differences are:

1) The vast majority of BASE jumps are made without the diaper (I suppose that if you are making terminal round jumps you might want it, but those appear to be quite rare).

2) The lines are usually stowed in the bottom of the pack tray, on bands attached to stows on the interior backpad of the container. (I've also seen BASE rounds with nose pockets, and also once seen a tailpocket sewed into the bottom of the pack tray.)

3) At low airspeed it helps to put a rubber band (the big one you normally use for the locking stow) around the apex, about 12-18" down. This chokes off the apex vent and speeds inflation.