On Mar 15, 11:47 pm, Marc Ramsey wrote:
Darryl Ramm wrote:
On Mar 15, 8:24 pm, Jim Meade wrote:
I'm looking at a parachute for a glider. Would like to use it for
other flying, as well, if it is suitable. INo clue of the advantages/
disadvantages of any of them.

Suggestions?

Find a good parachute rigger knowledgeable about emergency (glider,
aerobatic etc.) parachutes and ask them. One place to start is whoever
packs parachutes for local glider pilots. Where are you located? Maybe
people here can recommend somebody if they know where you are. There
are lots of variables with brand and models and harness options and
how well it fits you and the glider, and canopy size, and maybe
tailoring the harness to fit you well, and ... lots of reasons to deal
with a professional (ideally the person can also do some basic ground
training for you and will be repacking your chute).

Good idea in general, though the vast majority of parachute riggers have
absolutely no clue what parachute style is most suitable for particular
types of gliders. Much as I like and respect our friendly local rigger,
for instance, one may get better advice on that subject here.

My experience: I initially purchased a Long Softie (chair style) on the
advice of our local rigger, which worked OK in several older
semi-reclined gliders, but was rather uncomfortable in newer gliders. I
sold it and bought a Mini Softie (backpack style), which is more
comfortable for me in just about any glider, as well as in Citabrias, etc.

Marc

And I brought the same long-softie for possibly the same glider a
DG-300/303, on recommendation from possibly the same rigger. If you
buy a long-softie that is designed for a more reclined seating
position, I think it comes implicitly with the idea that it won't
necessarily be comfortable in all gliders - but maybe that's not
obvious. It was incredibly comfortable in the DG-303 and front seat of
a DG-1000, but when I brought my ASH-26E I purchased a mini-softie
after measuring the seat back cutout and talking to my rigger to
confirm what chute should work best. If somebody was buying a
parachute for a DG-30x or DG-80x today I'd still recommend they look
at a long-softie unless they also wanted to fly gliders here it did
not work (e.g. Schleichers with small seat back cutouts). The long-
softie also has lots of space to stow some basic survival gear in the
lower foam padded seat cushion extension (spare hat, charts, pocket
knife, etc.).

A rigger not familiar with emergency chutes will probably have no
idea, for those who are you at least have a chance. The best thing for
fit to the glider is to try out parachutes from other pilots in your
actual glider.

Darryl