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Hi guys,

I am in the process of ordering a new canopy, and have decided on a Blackjack 260. Just trying to decide whether to go for the partial ZP topskin or not? Would like some advice re the pro's and con's of this. Just a bit concerned it will make packing it more difficult and increase pack volume. I am not the most gifted packer to begin with so don't want to make it more difficult than it has to be. I mainly jump sub-terminal but do a couple of trips a year to do some terminal stuff. Any info would be appreciated.

Cheers.

How about putting some info in your profile or post so we don't have to guess and can give you a better answer?

IMHO getting the CUS depends on what kind of canopy pilot you are.

It will make packing a little more difficult, if that's an issue, go standard.

It won't increase pack volume.

It sounds better when it opens short delay slider up than the standard.

You need to fly it better to be as safe as a less skilled person on the standard as it has more range on the faster side and a longer recovery arc.

It feels like it swoops a little better.

The ZP damages more easily than 0-3 CFM.

that's based on about 500 jumps on standard BJ260 vs. 150 on BJ260CUS

What is your experience level?

I think Sam's comments are spot on.

Packing is not a "gift" someone has like eye sight. If you think your packing skills are in need of improvement start practicing as much as possible to hone this skill set so you can pack with precision and ease every time. If you need tools use them, then count them. Now on to your question. With about 100 jumps on an Ace 260 w/o CUS and about 120 on a Black Jack 260 with CUS I have a moderate level of experience. The zp is not an issue once you get used to it. But as 980 said it is a faster canopy with a lot of potential glide, but you can also sink it down in deep brakes and still get a better flare out of it. I would not jump a really technical object with it until I have really worked with the canopy to understand the range. It is a great canopy, and if givin the chance I would buy it again. And the swoop can be suprisingly long if you so desire.

I have my first 185 with a BJ without the CUS. Now, I have two with it, and another 225 more jumps.

The CUS is better in every way, even packing. Once you get a couple folds in the ZP, its like wax paper and holds them just fine. The ZP turns back into F111 at that first packing tab, you can't imagine that "dealing" with that is too much?

You won't believe how awesome the CUS is.

heres my 2 cents from a newer jumpers point of view.
the amount of glide my composite bj 260 has is huge! at times its been a bit tricky for me after having my first 130ish jumps on my flik 240. 25 jumps later im still dilligently trying to dial this canopy in for tight landings. its a bit frustratimg at times because its so different from my flik which i have dialed in and can hit my mark easily.
im still undecided if the bj is just too lightly loaded at .67 for what i need it for or if the zp is the bigger issue. its pretty rare i need to let it fly, 90% of the time i need to land very close to the object jumped and the amount of glide for just the split second between opening and getting into deep brakes has been a problem more than once. i may sell this bj and get a 240. not sure if id get the zp again at this point. my fliks glide or flare has never been a problem so im happy with standard f-111 more or less. i have no interest in swooping base canopies and dont really need all that glide for my local jumps so im not sure if the zp option is right for my needs.
not sure if this helps you cuz i dont know myour expeirence level.

If you are trying to make a quick get away the ZP blows donkey balls.

are you kidding? it increases stash time by a few percent. its the same as jumping a canopy 20'^2 larger.

ZP+BJ+260=win

I made a VERY quick getaway just a few days ago and the ZP certainly didn't slow me down. Just grab and go.

Ody