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What's the difference between parapak and balloon fabric? I'm looking at PhoenixFly suits. Thanks.

Balloon Fabric = ZP.

Parapak = inside lining of your BASE container (minus the foam). It is much more durable for abrasion but is also thicker and heavier.

There is a page on the website that details the various options and thought behind choosing one or another.

Order FAQ

We will soon be adding a third (lightweight) material option to the choices on ordering, with the 'new' Cameron material (slick low drag fabric, lighter than normal ZeroP/Parapak)

Ok. Cool. When is the new Cameron material supposed to be available?

It's only going to be available for certain (new?)models and initially in limited colors. More info on that soon.

Been looking forward to this new fabric ;) I go with parapack whenever available just because it will hold up longer. After flying prapack suits for the last 75 or so at least, I flew a balloon suit of the same style and didn't like the almost "mushy" feel it had compared to parapack. Just my .02 :)

Zero-P does hold air a bit better than Parapak, and its lighter (with Cameron ZeroP being another step lighter).. But my personal preference also is the more durable thick Parapak (especially when skydiving a lot with suits as well).

But for long hikes, saving 400 to 500 grams on a big suit with a lighter fabric definitely is worth considering.

Very true. Another reason I am looking forwqard to the cameroon (sp?) fabric. The best of both it seems.

Lindstrand is also a hot air balloon manufacturer, and has a material called diamond weave which was an aerostar material before aerostar went under, it is alot like a ripstop, but rather than box hatching to prevent tear runs, it has a diamond pattern, i know the lifespan on this material for HOB's is 600 hour. which is much greater than the previous warranty. just a thought on a material that may be investigated.

Have you seen the ZP materials
some SKY manufacturer is using
with hexagons? Similiar to that?

I'm currently talking with a manufacturer in SA about it, Exciting stuff! A change in the materials used could change the way we design parachutes in the future

That fabric sucks. Despite what the manufacturer says I have seen the shit fall apart fast on multiple canopies.

You mean aerodyne's ZPX?