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Stupid question I've had for awhile and haven't come across the answer. Why do BASE canopies still use F-111? I see that some use zp in the nose of the top skin to help lift and flair but why not use it for the whole thing? Correct me if I'm wrong but zp inflates quicker and lasts a whole lot longer. The downsides I see are cost (which I doubt is the key factor here) and difficulty packing. anything else?
did a few searches and couldn't find anything. Just hoping for some more info. thanks!

F-111 canopies have more predictable (onheading) openings. But that's just my understanding.

???????

I always predict my canopy will open in the worst direction/heading. But I am mostly wrong.
Take care,
space

+1

i dont like to predict, so mine never opens!

Because ZP is a prick to pack when its new perhaps.

ZP failures can be much more catastrophic than F111, or so ive heard. Also packing an all ZP canopy would be nearly impossible to pack cleanly. F111 sinks better too. I know that Brandon is building Mayham canopies with a full ZP topskin option however.

I think the bottom line is that nobody makes them because very few jumpers, if any, would buy them because of the difficulties in packing.

I believe Tom Aiello said a while back that packing a ZP canopy for BASE is "a brush with the heinous".

Sorry if I misquoted you Tom, but those words stuck with me.

Walt

gotcha. thanks for the info.

Where TF did you git this info? Why do you think it is more impossible to pack cleanly and it is more catastrophic in a failure? Are you into old wive's tales or what?
Take care,
space