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I'm looking at getting into BASE (current skydiver) and a local suggested to check out the 'Valentine' container made by the local rigger Josh Valentine. Does anyone have any experience with this container? I saw one at the dropzone and it was very similar to the DP.

I've been looking at the Helium, DP,Summit, TL/TLs, and Perigee Pro containers mainly. The Valentine container is a close/cheaper option (Denver) but I don't know anything about it.

Also, how do the loops on the TL feed through the packjob? Do they
go around the canopy or through a hole in it?

Thanks!

Apex made a video of it recently, I think they published it on youtube.
Search for it on youtube Apexbase

I have no information on the container, but you're unlikely to get your money back out if you want to resell something like that. Major manufacturer rigs hold their resale value a lot better.

If you're not worried about resale value, though, there are many perfectly serviceable rigs built by smaller riggers--the trick is just knowing which are good.


Through holes in the canopy.

Honestly, I see no real reason to buy a TL. I'd rather have a Summit (or a Helium or a Perigee Pro or a Zak) any day of the week.

The "Valentine" rigs are extremely well built and will work great. I have been to his house and seen many of his rigs. The PPro is also an excellent option and I have about 700 jumps on Ppros. I love them. Very functional. All major manufacturers build quality rigs.

Ody

Valentine does produce quality containers as well as anything else he builds/repairs. He is one of the only people I let repair wingsuits for me. Tom has a point, though, that if you choose to sell it someday a more well known manufacturer's rig may be easier to sell. If you aren't worried about this, though, Valentine might be a great option to choose. Let me know if you need contact info for him.

Valentine is a solid guy and amazing rigger...Even tho the resale may not be as high, Personally I think it would be worth it simply because any questions, concerns, repairs etc. will be handled way quicker than 'Bigger' manufacturers ...

Thanks for all the replies

Can the through-loop system (on the Apex Summit and TL) be used with canopies other than Apex Base (Flik / Fox)? Would that be a bad idea?

Also, I don't get the difference between the summit and TL. Is it just the closing style of the pin-protector flap - as in the summit can expand / contract some and the TL cannot?

The top through loop can be used with any canopy. It's available as either standard or optional on rigs from many different manufacturers. It was originally invented by Rob Jones (RIP) of Morpheus, and has since been adopted quite widely by many gear manufacturers.

The bottom through loop on the TLs can only be used with a canopy that has been modified with pass through channels for this purpose.




The TL has a bottom through loop option.

Honestly, at this point I see no reason to purchase a TL. The Summit is a better container in almost every way.