One foot in front of the other

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.

Dustin called this morning to let me know that carbon is on it's way while I was in the middle of staring at my embroidery machine like it was a campfire mesmorized by the speed at which the Wills Wing logo was being thrown into the outer shell. His photos that followed on my phone broke my trance. Seeing his finished backplate and boot along with how well the harness is coming together has me stoked. Changes have been made, ideas implemented

Been going hard to get this proto done. I'm trying to build a close, working example of what will eventually be the comp production model before I leave at the end of the month for Forbes, OZ. It's been a fun process solving problems realized on the last try and designing a way for a pile of textiles and components to turn into a tool for the greatest possible performance advantage in a harness. It's a goal and work in progress but so far, the results are encouraging.



After Adams free fall deployment in Australia a few weeks ago, I am exploring the idea of using load limiting "screamers" for a connection between the harness and chute bridle. My hope is to reduce the impact force and make a safer deployment situation without reducing opening time. I've used screamers for years while climbing ice or any time the gear is "light" and believe in their effectiveness from experience. Pearson has had interaction with the folks at Yates over the years and after I built an example of the screamer I would like to use in the harness, he sent it to the Yates facility who were extremely gracious, agreeing to test it for us and to give us the valuable information derived from a test to failure.



Even after I sent it off, I couldn't resist building one to test myself with a 5' static drop. The screamer did exactly what it was supposed to, reducing the impact force on a fall that would have normally broke me in half;-) After some laughs with Gibisch, I jumped and responded to the result with one word.......Cool!



Old photo of "seam welded" chute zippers. The welder has involved a learning curve but it sure makes for clean lines