|
|
Dec
22
Written by:
Jeff Shapiro
12/22/2009 12:12 PM
What's in the bag??
Finished the latest prototype and have learned enough to feel confident that within the next 1 or 2 protos, I should be ready for production. Spring still feels realistic and I plan to have a couple at the Wills Wing Demo days, if possible, for people to try on and fly in. The changes necessary are minor and involve sizing which is "learning me" on how to be proficient in the process required to change the pattern to effect size without changing the lines of the harness. There are also a few cosmetic and finish work changes that I will make but all together, I'm happy with the progress.
The harness is very comfortable and getting upright is reliable and easy. The slider box that we have designed seems to function how we intended and is overbuilt in terms of strength. I have ripped the chutes out several times and the deployment system is quick, easy and replacing the chutes is simple and retains a clean fit. Dustin's carbon components are beautiful and sound. We have begun the testing phase for the screamers that connect the chute bridles to the harness structure, the carbon back plate and other applicable components which should allow real data relating to the structural limits of the harness. I like the idea of the piece of mind gained from things being overbuilt without sacrificing functionality and style.
I will keep updating as progress continues toward the production phase. So far, the frontal profile makes me smile.
Tags:
15 comment(s) so far...
Re: One foot in front of the other
Jeff,
This is some deep true wingsmith hammering work. Nice.
I'll be waiting.....
Happy Holidays and safe travels.
B-) 3D
By 3D on
12/22/2009 6:51 PM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
Put me down for a demo at Questair. I'm 5'8", 175 lbs. in case you need ideas for sizing a demo model. It looks really sharp.
Bill R
By Bill Reynolds on
12/22/2009 7:58 PM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
I want one..lets get this baby rollin so they are available by spring.
By Rich Hiegel on
12/23/2009 7:01 AM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
I'm so glad that there's a new generation of people willing to sacrifice 'normal' life for the love of the sport. Best of luck to you with this!
By G.W. Meadows on
12/24/2009 5:44 AM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
Are you doing any load testing on it?
By Pete Bolton on
12/24/2009 2:18 PM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
real nice work Jeff ,looking fowerard chacking it out
:)
By Luc Mailloux on
12/24/2009 4:39 PM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
Thanks for the interest. Like all WW products, we are testing all applicable areas to make sure that we exceed the requirements before going to production. Hope to see you at WW Demo days. I'm looking forward to giving the full tour and to take measurements personally for anyone interested.
Cheers and happy holidays!
By Shapiro on
12/24/2009 9:09 PM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
Why do you need waterproof zippers?
By Bobby on
12/26/2009 4:28 PM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
Looking really Nice Jeff!!
You're a quick study, and a fine craftsman. Looking forward to seeing (and flying) it in the flesh. You and your team have done a great job on this project.
Enjoy the holidays in between your late nights in front of the Durkopp!
By R Siberell on
12/26/2009 6:55 PM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
The water repellent zippers aren't used because of their namesake. When the chutes are ripped open, the coating helps the zipper ends that are cut at an angle not to fray and to hold together for better longevity and easier re installment of the chutes. The other places on the harness that they are used is because it looks less mix matched and because the CNT4 Zipper is extremely abrasion resistant and generally tough.
By Shapiro on
12/26/2009 6:57 PM
|
pee pee problem
Looks like the leg straps both come up in the middle. Won't this make it very difficult to take a pee in flight? Or am I the only one that needs to go after a few hours in the cold?
Other than that- it looks exceptionally clean. And, as the old airplane adage goes, "If it looks fast, it IS fast".
By morey on
12/26/2009 8:19 PM
|
peeing in flight
I rarely have a flight that I don't pee at least once. My last haness was a Tenax with similar (front) leg-strap configuration and I didn't have any trouble peeing. (Obviously I haven't flown this yet, but I doubt it'll be a prob).
By Zippy on
12/27/2009 12:15 PM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
Jeff,
Congratulations , looks really nice
Mike
By Mike Glennon on
12/28/2009 7:10 AM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
Good job on Day 6 at Forbes Jeff.
By Mike Glasgow on
1/8/2010 10:12 AM
|
Re: One foot in front of the other
I've often wondered why seam sealed zippers have not been implemented for sprog zips? My old U2 used to hang up on the material all the time. Looks like a clean design.
By Ryan Goebel on
1/10/2010 10:57 PM
|
|
|