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So the large mesh on my APEX 48" got snagged on a rough concrete ledge during a S/L last night. there are 3 holes ranging from 0.25" to 1.5". Its still useable but I wouldn't really want to use it for low freefall's like it is. So - does anyone know if there is an easy way to repair the mesh? or seal it to stop the holes developing further? I guess using a lighter to heatseal the edges of the holes would do the trick - but I thought I'd check before I commit arson on it!!

Cheers!!
Paul.

apexbase@moab.com.

maybe moab@apexbase.com will work better.



Andrezao.

The following is just my novice input,
since I am only an apprentice rigger
so please take it for what it is...

An entire panel could be replace but that
would require having a sewing machine
and the same mesh material on hand.

Melting it with a lighter would work but the
rough edges left could damage the ZP material
so I would only do that if you are keeping the
PC just for S/L jumps.

If you ever want to use the PC stowed then you
would be better off repairing the holes by darning
them, which is by hand with needle and thread.

Another "i know nothing" thought from me would be if its low enough for need of a static line id want my PC to be in fine working order in case of a premature breaking.

But your willing to use it as a back up on a SL jump? Strange.

But, my thoughts....


What is the percentage of surface area of these holes compared to the overall surface area? Not much? So dont worry too much about it..... but if you are worried....dont bodge the job, just pay for a new one...... A new PC is cheap compared to your mindset and self...

Thanks for input all. My concern with using it on low freefalls would be a slightly higher chance of an offheading due to asymetric tension causing pc rotation (although it would probably be fine). I am totally happy that it will inflate and pull the pins as a S/L back up. I would like to repair this pc and use it as a S/L back up as I don't want the same thing to happen to my 46 toxic!! I was thinking of cutting the holes square, getting some similar material and patching it. My other concern with leaving the holes there is it will present more of a snag hazard on S/L's. Any tips for prevention (pc protection) for S/L's appreciated also - preferably without leaving anything to retrieve at the exit

I only have 3 of these jumps...
but on each I thought about this.

I made sure the PC was below
and between my feet on exit
so there would be a straight
and entanglement free line
between my rig & the bridle.

Not sure if I am explaining
this well but hopefully guys
with more experience will
chime in and teach us both
some good techniques.

Thanks Tom.. One thing I have been told in the past is to connect the break cord down the bridle a bit - not through the pc attachment loop so the pc can hang over the edge. Assuming that the bridle has not been modified with an extra loop, I assume you would just double the bridle over and tie a figure of 8 (climbers knot) to create a loop but I am concerned at this weakening the bridle if it is done on a regular basis.

Edit to add - Thanks Mac & Andy for your input on the importance of a good PC as a S/L back up - on reflection, the knackered one is going in the bin!!

The problem I see is that if the holes are so large that you feel they need to be repaired, you should probably just bite the bulit and replace the PC.
I was talking about shrinkage in another thread and the topic is most definitely relevant here.
The way PCs are typically built does not allow for just a panel to be replaced feasibly and any repair to one side of a PC will most likely cause shrinkage to that side of the PC. This in turn will result in a PC that "dances" or oscillates all over the place during canopy extraction which can and most likely will lead to serious canopy heading control issues.
-K