Why is the Javelin Popular?
Q. Which is the best rig for freeflying? Does a Catapult really make any difference in reserve deployment? Why is Javelin the most popular brand of rig? A. Your questions don’t have “hard” answers. Here is one skydiver’s opinionated response: 1. Any of the modern rigs are suitable for freeflying. A BOC (bottom of the container) pilot chute is an essential feature, because a legstrap-mounted pilot chute has exposed bridle that can be snagged during some maneuvers. It’s also important that any Velcro be fresh (so it’s still good and sticky). Packed containers should be tight, as loose ones open easier. (A freeflying friend had a nasty malfunction recently when his pull-out pilot chute worked its way out of his closed container.) 2. If I got a Reflex, I’d order one without the Catapult secondary pilot chute. I don’t like the idea of the secondary pilot chute pulling the reserve off my back if the main pilot chute is burbling below it. Drop tests with a prototype Relative Workshop Vector (
