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As I was showing a buddy my new canopy, he started asking about the black lines. I told him that they were helpful for illegal night jumps, to which he responded "then why do you have a big, white, reflective label on the side?" I didn't really know what to tell him. Has anyone ever removed this label or used something like duct tape to cover it up?

I don't think that's why they have black lines.

This should really be in the beginners forum.
FYI a black canopy may help somewhat but the loud explosion of an opening canopy and a huge flying apparatus are what usually give me away to passerbys and security.
White lines, white labels and white vents really are details most wont see as they see you flying around.

Yes, you can easily duct tape over the label to make it less reflective. I also recommend a single wrap along the length of the lines if you have dont have black lines. Black pilot chute mesh is also recommended, and if not, duct tape over that and the slider tooif its white. I usually wear my gilly suit during most approaches, but wrapping your whole body in duct tape works in a pinch as well.

I find this useful even when i'm not jumping!

While I am, no doubt, a "beginner", I've read several posts on this forum from some experienced jumpers that say black lines are helpful for night jumps.

I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just saying I'm not a total dumbass for asking this.




Should I do a triple wrap to use as a tailgate?

Everyone knows you don't use a tape tailgate on a stealth jump. The tape is evidence that could lead authorities right to you. Rookies

I am not saying your a "total dumb ass".

I read all the forums for years before i jumped, I bought black line sets because of this (plus there cool). I did my first bandit jumps. Experience shows a couple truths here.

For day blazing an all white or baby blue canopy and all white lines would be nice but all in all if someone is looking towards your jump they will see you even at a far distance. May as well jump something tie-dye.

Most every bandit jump will be at night. If you did your homework rite then no one will be around and an all black canopy will not be seen easily at a distance.

If your in a city or neighborhood you should be jumping at a time no one is awake but in a city you may still be seen.
When you are seen in a city i promise you that if someone can notice the color of your lines/ vents or labels you are already seen/busted. If someone can see those details they are most likely close enough to identify you.

NOTE: When you get line twists at night white lines will make it a little easier to see the twists. White vents will help see what direction your canopy is flying.

To hide your identity i recomend you wrap duct tape around your face.

Just buy Jeb's second hand gear. Even blacks out the tailgate line.

I think If you get busted, and you blame it on the white lines, You probably did something well before the cop saw your white lines to get you busted. I will say that if you have a canopy that is super bright color, and you are jumping with a buddy who has a dark colored canopy (maybe with black lines) a cops eyes are naturally going to be more attracted to the brighter color and will want to chase you first.

The label is just sewn onto the stabilizer. You can pick the stitches and remove it without damaging the canopy.

You could also probably use a fabric marker to "paint" it black if you wanted to.