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Trying to get an idea of peoples' bottom numbers for going handheld vs. static-line. I'm bringing it up because I have a an exit I want to open that lasers at about 200-210ft till impact. However, the exit point is slightly overhung with a good running platform, where the bottom slopes down pretty drastically (probably a 60 degree slope), and the fly-out is about 1500ft. It looks and feels like I could go handheld with a 48" pilot chute without much problem. What kind of low handheld jumps are you people doing comfortably, with what size pilot chute, and what kind of exit characteristics? My lowest handheld yet is about 250ft, with a 48" pilot chute, with a big fly-out. Thanks for the ideas!

Go for it man!!!! seems like you've thought of everything.

My general rule that ive developed over trial and error is that if youre over 200 you can freefall, under 200 static line/PCA. This is obvious subject to more specifics depending on the jump. This assumes a nice vented canopy, but ive freefallen ACES around the 200ft mark as well. Ive freefallen 174 ft and it was fine, but I wouldnt personally make it a habit. I find that a go and throw from 200 ft gives me about 6-7 seconds of canopy time with a 90 degree turn included on average. Theres plenty of different opinions on techniques like pre-inflating or throwing the pilot chute up on exit.

On your specific situation, why not just get a PCA first and then freefall it the next time.

When it comes to very low freefall, I always remember Papy (BFL 129). He used to freefall all sorts of crazy low stuff constantly, aerials and going stowed from 200ft. It always works until it doesnt. Be conservative and youll have more fun for way longer.

Thanks for the reply! I agree, PCA first, go handheld later. My biggest problem is that I don't have people that can go with me to PCA me when I am able to go or when the conditions are right. It will also be a lot of work to set-up a static-line. Since I haven't gone handheld that low, and it looks very doable, I am just trying get a good feel of what other people are doing, so that if I come upon the right conditions, then I know what I am comfortable with.

Really...No jumpers in Colorado. There are a shit load. Why won't any of them jump with you? A static-line is a lot of work?!?!?!?! Why are you so lazy in your approach? You either commit or you don't.

Also worth noting- being in Colorado kind of changes Charlies advice some (at least it would for me). No fuckin way would i FF 200 feet on a high altitude (MSL) exit point. Cliffs here are all at least above 5,000' MSL, and many much higher than that.

Plus, if you have to ask just s/l first then decide after that if it is freefallable within your margin of error. Or ask one of the 1000000 jumpers here for a second opinion.

Like the guy that is too lazy to figure out a static line is going to figure in density altitude.

Yes, there are jumpers in Colorado; no, we don't all know each other, live next to each other, or have the same schedules. I was planning on a PCA or a static-line for the first time, and then finding out if I would be comfortable with something else later. Not lazy in setting up a static-line, I would just like to do something a little nicer, like a bolt in the rock, which would be nice to set with someone else who could pack the tools back down. Not looking to cut corners. No, I don't have years of experience. No, I don't know everything. However, this is this situation that I find myself in, and I'm trying to gather what I can, where I can find it without being an asshole about it or break my wallet for it either. I'm not in a big hurry, and I plan on taking the safer route. I was just trying to get a better idea of what other people are comfortable with elsewhere; you know, broaden my horizons, where I can, so that I can start to form a better idea of what I'll end up being comfortable with later.

Running exit to static line, at elevation, asking questions on a forum (at least you're asking). Have you really thought this through?

Who'd you learn from and what did they say before you created an account to ask here?

And otherwise, it'd be interesting to find out that you actually did open something new with the Colorado scene being as old and large as it is. That in itself seems odd and strange still that you're not connected to someone local who can answer your questions. Just saying.

I have asked other local jumpers that I know and will most likely go with them to jump the object (when schedules and weather match up). I am just curious about other peoples' opinions and what other people have been comfortable with in their own jumping; I figured a forum would be a good spot for that.

You can ask all day what others are comfortable with but it doesn't affect what YOU are comfortable with and capable of doing.

In my opinion it is a recipe for disaster to rely on altitudes and scenarios that other people are comfortable with to determine what your comfort level is.

Stick with what you say you are planning to do by static lining or PCA'ing first. Better yet, first do some other jumps at a different object that is higher and isn't such a topographical challenge. Freefall, open, fly out and mark your distances. Slowly work your way down in altitude with freefalls so that you can get a feel for what it looks like to open at that height and what kind of altitude you may eat up by releasing or delaying the release of the brakes, turning on risers, correcting off headings, wind affects, etc. Then take that knowledge to the object you are talking about. Figure out the slope of the talus, calculate your glide, be safe about it.

In my opinion, this would be a much better way to get comfortable with something rather than ask others what they are comfortable with.

Maybe getting some skydiving and paragliding exp would help.
Take care,
space

Yeah, you'd absolutely need a whole crew to help you set a bolt and haul all that gear back down...

Haha, I guess I need to brush up on what's available for setting up a bolt in a rock! I figured I would have to pack up a drill or set up some big stakes in the ground.

I think what's important to realize here is that around 200' is where TECHNIQUE becomes more important for free fall performance than numbers. If you free fall 250', but pitch downward, you may open at 100', but if you freefall 200' and pitch upward at the apex of your jump on exit, you might open at the same 100'. There is of course some random chance associated with this as well, but the only thing you can really control which has a strong determining factor in your opening height is technique.

1. Placing a bolt, much more hand drilling one is not that easy. Place it wrong and it will fail which would put you in a more dire situation.
2. Ask locals 1st. NOT the internet. Burn the locals and the object can make your jumping..... interesting.
3. Wait till ya have 100 jumps to really start playing in the basement. As HJumper stated. When things go wrong they happen fast. Most mistakes in BASE can be avoided.