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FireBolt Reviews

1/20/2004

FireBolt

About the FireBolt:

The FireBolt is absolutely new technology, and really can't be compared directly to any other. When lightly loaded (.5 or .6 pounds per sq. ft.), it can be a beginner canopy. When heavily loaded (2.3 pounds per sq. ft. to 1.7 pounds per sq. ft.) it is a high performance canopy that will easily out swoop a Stiletto or other semi-elliptical canopy. When loaded from .85 pounds per square foot to 1.6 or so, it is a great all-around canopy, capable of slow flight with lots of stability and great toggling range. It was created in 3-D, so the dimensions of the skins and lines lengths are extremely accurate, and the characteristics were completely predictable. So when you ask "what can it be compared to?" the answer is: Triathlon when lightly loaded, Stiletto/Spectre/Icarus Crossfire when loaded "mid weight", and Icarus Extreme/Velocity when heavily loaded. Yes, it's really that versatile!

While the FireBolt plan form is new to Ram Air parachutes it is not new to aeronautics. It has long since been known that the fully elliptical wing is the most efficient. While there have been previous attempts to utilize this most desirable of wing forms they have resulted in compromise because of design stumbling blocks. This new technology is accomplished though the use of 3D modeling in a CAD system. It is not so much as what we did but how we did it. How we approached the design task. It took over two years and hundreds of test jumps to achieve all of the goals set out in the design challenge.

It is one thing to make a canopy fly well and another to make it open well. Part of the success in the openings was designed into the basic canopy configuration and the rest was just the hard work of trial and error.

Here’s what people are saying:

Hi Nancy,

What can I possibly say about the "Firebolt" that has not already been said. SMOOOOTH openings followed by exceptional glide back from a long spot!
When put into a steep 180 degree hook, it's like a ground hungry Eagle and pops out "on cue" for a great swoop!
I only wish I had taken the 92 sq ft canopy instead :)

Thanks so much!

Doug
CSPA C453
Rigger

Greetings Nancy!

I purchased the David Hershey Boogie certificate that your company so graciously donated to the cause. After much thought, I redeemed it for the Firebolt 200. I can say without any reservation that this is the smoothest opening canopy that I've ever jumped. I have 10 jumps on it now and I am still looking overhead to see it deploy.

Smooth, Smooth, Smooth. Period. There is no opening shock. No snivel. Just a marvelous opening.
I am 6'6" and 275 pounds. So it's loaded at 1.5. I've recommended this canopy to all of my Anvil Brothers.these are big guys.

Do you know of any wingsuit flyers using this canopy?

Looking at another one.

Mad Max

Hi, Nancy it's been awhile since I said hi and how I like the personal service I get from everybody there, so first Suzie's a great person, and the rest of your staff as well, one more hell yeh for them all. If you didn't know I tested out a Firebolt 200 liked it soooo!! much I bought one and it's everything they said about it. The openings are the sweetest in the world and it's too much fun.

Danny Combast

WOW! What an awesome canopy though! I absolutely love it!!! Thanks for your help! BTW- The openings are sweet (comparable only to the Pilot, IMHO), it really planes out well and has a very natural feeling progression throughout the control range, and I love how easy it is to pack too!

Michael Bond

I regularly jump a Pilot 150 - the Firebolt out flys the Pilot any day of the week, very responsive ,the stalls were very clean,flares great - but I am not telling you anything new.

Manni Dwyer

”Cameraman’s Dream”

Pros: Soft openings, Stable, Quick turns, Lots of flare
Cons: 2nd brake line takes getting used to

I jumped the 128 and the 110 FireBolt and found both to be consistent in their flight characteristics. Openings are extremely soft, not the usual "pop" when a canopy inflates. Because of this the first couple of times I jumped the canopy I had to look up to see for myself that it was indeed open. It flies level even with severe line twists(which I induced on purpose). Turns, be it toggle or front riser are really responsive, similar to the Stiletto in many aspects except in the angle of attack when in the corner. The FireBolt has a much steeper angle of attack that recovers nicely if not a bit quicker than the Stiletto. Landings are similar to the Stiletto in regards to toggle stroke but the bottom end lift is amazing. It is easy to make this canopy pop back up even with very little forward speed. The FireBolt flies a bit larger than it's size. The 128 I flew felt more like a 150 and the 110 felt slightly bigger if not on par with a 97/107. I noticed that the more you wing load this canopy the more lift it generates not only on the bottom end but overall. The 2 brake lines may take a bit for some to get used to if they haven't seen them before but they work great even when twisted up (I intentionally twisted them. Other features I like about the canopy [are] the risers, which have snap toggles like a tandem riser has. The chances for a brake fire are very slim if the snap is used. Setting the brakes and stowing the brake lines is easy and fast with the configuration they have. Packing was easy, even with a brand new canopy. While still slippery, it was easy to control and easy to get into the bag. Overall, I think this is a great mid range canopy for those who want a soft opening (camera men, people with previous injuries, etc), and a canopy that they can have a bit of fun with. While it might not win any contests, swooping is entirely doable and distances were pretty good.”

Lou Diamond

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   “ I have completed the first weekend of testing on the FireBolt 182 that you sent me. I did 10 jumps on it this weekend. all I have to say is " WOW! very impressive!!!"

        I got it via UPS on Friday night and my DZO (head Rigger) and I hooked it up. He was most impressed with the shipping bag that you sent it in. I have put together a brief synopsis from the jumps. I tried to do very specific tasks on the canopy on every jump to test it out. I tried to keep accurate notes, but it was a lonnnnggggg weekend. Attached is a transcribed copy from my notes and log books.

        I don't know how long you intended me to demo this, but I hope to put one more weekend on it. Then, I will ship it directly back to you. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.

CANOPY COMPARISON

Canopy = FireBolt 182 hybrid by JumpShack, Inc.

Size = 182 sq ft.

Color = White with black stripe

Hybrid configuration = ZP top skin, F111 bottom skin and ribs



                        * the below are transcribed from notes taken during test jumps.

1^st jump – packing was a bit more difficult due to canopy being new. Used a normal PRO packing method. Started this packing cycle for the first few jumps with the excess brake line stowed on the line stow attachment tabs provided on the canopy. D-bag had normal rubber bands removed and 1 inch rubber bands placed for line stows. Brakes were stowed, excess stowed on canopy and normal packing procedures followed. Extremely sloppy pack job. Fit very nice into D-bag. No problems placing in rig. Closing loop was not changed. Pack volume very similar to PD190.

            Uneventful freefall. Broke from speed star at 6000 ft. Deployed at 5,000 ft. Very nice smooth opening. On heading, no line twists. Slider hung slightly about 8 inches out of reach, but worked down. No riser turns. Conducted toggle 360’s both left and right. Very smooth during turns. Conducted practice landings (X3) to determine stall point. Slightly steeper dive ratio during turns compared to PD190. Entered traffic pattern at approx. 1000 ft. left hand approach. Conducted base leg at approx. 500 ft. Turned on final at 300 ft straight in approach. Flare (little past half brakes) at approx. 8 ft and continued forward glide for approximately 20 – 35 ft. Landed within six ft. of dead center of intended landing target (orange X inside 32 ft diameter painted circle.) Winds were approx 0-7 mph. Stand up landing.

            Comments: Very impressed with turns and landing. Very nice opening. Smooth and soft.

            2^nd jump : PRO pack. Utilized excess line stow attachment on canopy. Uneventful freefall. Broke formation at 5000 ft. Deployed main at 3000 ft. Good on heading opening. Under canopy by 2200 ft. Nose was not rolled during packing. Tail was rolled 6 times in a left hand twist. Normal stow in container. Normal canopy maneuvers with toggles only. No riser turns. Practice landing flare. Same landing pattern as previously stated. Winds 3-10 mph. Forward glide on landing was 10 – 20 ft. Landed approx. 12 ft. from intended target. Stand up landing.

            Comments : Harder toggle turns impressive. Landing glide impressive.

            3^rd jump: PRO pack. Nose not rolled but stuffed to rear. Tail rolled 4 times in left hand twist. Brakes stowed as stated. Uneventful freefall (coaching dive with camera helmet.) Deployed main at 2700 ft. Under fully inflated canopy by 2170 ft. Very soft and on heading. No problems with slider as previously stated. Conducted front riser turns both left and right. Very nice, smooth flight. Same landing pattern as previous. Winds approx. 3-5 mph. Purposely set up on final at more distance from target to determine canopy glide. Normal straight in approach. Conducted canopy flare and achieved 30 – 40 ft of canopy glide. Stand up landing.

            Comments : Nice control during landing. Front riser turns smooth. Dive ratio improved vice PD 190.

            4^th jump – PRO pack. Nose left exposed. Tail rolled 4 times in a right hand twist. Brakes stowed as stated. Hop N Pop. Exited aircraft at 5500 ft, deployed main at 5200 ft. Under fully inflated canopy by 4900 ft. Although a very fast opening, it was gentle and on heading. Winds were 12-15 mph. (exited over the beach and landed in beach landing area.) Landed within 1 ft. of intended landing target (2 ft X 2ft foam square.) No riser turns. Toggle turns only one 360. Deployment point was upwind of intended target. Achieved about 10 ft of canopy glide during landing. Stand up landing.

            Comments : The higher winds of the beach put a good test on forward penetration during flight. Flew past intended target downwind approx 800 feet before turning on final approach. Very nice opening and on heading even at high speed.

            5^th Jump – PRO pack. Brakes stowed as stated. Tandem Video jump. Deployed main at 3900 ft was under canopy by 3000 ft due to a long spot. Exercised rear risers to enter traffic pattern. Very nice glide ratio using rear risers. Only about 2 inches of deflection of rear risers were required to lengthen flight. Very easy to maneuver using rear risers. Small turns using rear risers conducted with minimal riser deflection. Same pattern as stated. Entered final at approx. 300 ft. Winds 7-10. Forward glide approx 15 – 20 ft. Caught slight gust during landing but was able to easily control canopy during glide. Stand up landing.

            Comments : Very nice on rear risers. Found that not much riser pressure was required for increased glide. Good glide ratio to return to airfield from long spot. Canopy control during landing glide was very nice. Input to canopy was immediately returned with results.

            6^th Jump: PRO Pack. Brakes stowed as stated. Nose pushed to rear and tail rolled three times in left hand pattern. Packing has become easier. Exited at 13,500. Deployed main canopy at approx. 6000 ft. Smooth on heading with no slider problems.

Ignited smoke canister while under canopy. Conducted extreme and multiple 360 degree turns left and then again to the right. Max number of turns conduct to the left was 6 and 4 to the right in a continuous fashion. Very smooth turning when speed from previous turns built up. Good recovery from hard turns. Entered landing pattern. Landed dead center on intended target with a 15 - 25 glide. Stand up landing. Winds 0-3.

            Comments: WOW! Multiple hard turns under canopy are impressive. Landing glide very nice in no wind situations.

            7^th Jump: PRO pack. No use of excess control line stows on canopy attachment points. Normal closing procedures. Video jump. Deployed main canopy at 3000 ft. Slightly increased opening, but not excessive. On heading and no slider problems. Normal canopy pattern with one 360 right toggle turn. Good landing. 20 ft swoop. Winds 0 – 5 mph. Sunrise Tandem video jump.

            Comments: I expected a slightly harder opening due to the fact that I didn’t use the line stows on the canopy. The canopy still provided me with a soft opening for having a camera on my head and it was directly on heading.

            8^th jump: PRO pack. No use of control line stows. Normal closing. Coaching jump. Deployed at 3000 ft. Normal, smooth opening. On heading. Upon deployment, I conducted a canopy flight comparison with another jumper who jumped a Stilleto 107. We conducted a straight flight (side by side), and 360-degree chase pattern, rear riser flight test (side by side) and a landing glide flight test (different start points of flare with ground distance covered measured.) The other jumpers’ wing loading ratio was very comparable to mine on the 182. Winds 0-3. 32 ft covered over the ground during landing flare (swoop.) Stand up landing. Not working accuracy on this jump.

             Comments : I was impressed at how well this canopy worked around the Stilleto 107. I was able to maintain constant flight and attitude compared to the 107. (almost a spot on match.) Nice landing swoop in low winds. “I think I figured it out.” * Note from my logbook.

             9^th Jump : Video Jump. Nothing new to report here. Same packing, same opening. Good landing. Winds 0 –5. 2 ft from accuracy circle.

             Comments : I was getting worn out by this time and not much is reflected in my notes. This was after jumps from Saturday morning at sunrise – sunset, and then sunrise on Sunday until about 1500 at this time.

             10^th Jump : PRO pack. Used line stows on canopy. Hoop Jump. Exit at 14,000 ft. Held hoop for jumpers to enter and exit. Broke at 4500 ft. Waved and deployed at 3,000 ft. experienced about 6 – 8 line twists while holding the hoop. Placed hoop under chin and proceeded to pull apart rear risers and bicycle kick from twists. Was able to kick out and under good full canopy by 2000 ft. Canopy did not dive, twist or continue twists. Maintained heading bicycle kicking. Traveled up wind prior to entering landing pattern. Normal landing pattern. Very conservative pattern due to hoop between legs. Not a lot of travel during flare due to hoop. Landed within 30 ft of accuracy circle.

             Comments : impressed with the way that the canopy responded to the line twists. For being elliptical, I expected to have to cutaway when I first saw the twists. The canopy maintained an excellent attitude during this malfunction. I feel that a Stilleto or a Cobalt would have resulted in a reserve ride.

             10^th Jump: Birdman jump. PRO pack. Used excess control line stows on canopy. Exited at 14000. Normal flight of Birdman. Collapsed wing suit at 5500 ft. Deployed at 4500 ft. Canopy opened smooth and on heading. No line twists. Normal landing pattern as previously stated. 20 ft swoop on landing. Winds 0-2. 12 ft from accuracy circle.

             Comments : I was prepared for line twists on this jump due to my inexperience (9 Jumps) on this bird man suit. I had only one previous line twist malfunction with my PD 190. My deployment position is still getting some fine tuning, but I was impressed by the smooth on heading opening of the canopy.

             This concluded my fun jumps for the weekend. Overall I was extremely impressed with the FireBolt. I tried to jump it in every imaginable jump that I would ever do during a normal weekend of jump. I was greatly impressed with the birdman and video jumps. The openings are soft and on heading (very important to me.)

             It is also important to note that as the day progressed, the FireBolt became easier to pack. I was able by the end of Sunday to have it neatly in the bag in just a few minutes. This was a big plus to me due to the hurried rush between tandems, videos, and fun jumping.

             I was extremely impressed with the bottom end of the canopy. My previous experience on demo’s was a Sabre 2 170. I was much more impressed with the FireBolts ability to have a more controlled forward glide during landing. I (an inexperienced swooper) was able to carefully and confidently control this canopy to some nice swoop action, which greatly excited me. Granted, they weren’t 150 ft swoops, but I’m not trying to achieve that. I was able to take this canopy right were I wanted it and it did exactly what I intended.

             Overall, I think this is a great canopy for the experienced skydiver. Regardless of chosen path for discipline (or becoming an instructor), this canopy is a good stable choice.

When I get ready to purchase my new canopy sometime before the end of this year or during the beginning of next year I believe my choice will be a FireBolt 182.

    I've already made my decision on which canopy I'm getting....It's going to be a FireBolt. I just can't get over how much I could do with it. I hope that funds and time will allow me to place my order quickly, before the word gets out on this canopy and you are swamped with orders.

Adam Endsley

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FireBolt with 6 Steering Line Configuration

(We’ve since reduced to 5 Steering Lines for Quicker Response)

“Thanks, I really enjoyed flying this canopy. We made 9 jumps on it. I jumped it 5, and my son jumped it 4. This canopy is really camera friendly, A+ for openings and A+ for landings. I found the turns slower than expected, not quite as snappy as canopies of the same size. However the top end and bottom end of the canopy ride made up for the middle. I would like to try the 110 sometime in the future…”

Tom B from Texas

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“I put 6 jumps on the FireBolt 164 and really enjoyed it! Packs much easier than a Crossfire 169! Doesn’t open as slowly as a Crossfire, but opens without “seeking”. A little more toggle pressure, and slightly less responsive than a Crossfire, but very sweet landing. Overall I like it very much. I will recommend it to people, and may purchase one in the future. Thanks,”

Tim Guy

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I love my firebolt, can I have one that is 80-85 sq. ft please. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Guy Wright

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"Well Behaved"

Skydiving Magazine

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Good All around canopy!

Air Press (Brazil)

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The FireBolt Tandem Canopy

Finally got to jump the FireBolt "298" last Sunday after being winded out the previous two days. My passenger weighed approx. 160 lbs. With my weight + gear I'm estimating total weight at around 350 lbs.

Drouge fall was smooth as before.   From drouge release to full canopy took approx. 2-3 seconds and was very soft and on heading. After adjusting the passenger harness ( I had my original one - forgot to bring the new one) I then reached up and pulled the drawstrings on the "collapsible" slider !! What a difference this makes. I have over 1000 jumps on an Icarus 330 and I know what a difference it makes on this canopy. Forgot to try stalls as I was experimenting with flying the canopy with the yellow and red toggles. Toggle pressure was acceptable using the red, and of course very light on the yellow. Toggle response was good in comparison to the Icarus 330.

Landing flare was excellent.   I executed a "mild" 180-degree hook turn into a 5-7 mph wind, nice swoop, with nice stand-up landing after about 2-3 steps ........... SWEET !! For a reasonably good tandem canopy pilot, this just adds another dimension.

What a nice parachute. After only two jumps I'm very impressed, and it packs easy too, not much more you could as for.

J.C. Perrin was the videographer on the jump and he was very impressed. Nancy knows him. He's a master rigger, done a lot of work for Strong (owns 3 Strong tandem rigs), and Sun Path, building rigs and test jumping. I showed him and some of the staff the trick with the no bar tack line attachment and they were "wowed". I also let them try on a "38 lb" tandem rig!! Raised a lot of eyebrows.

Obviously the next step in the evolution is the FireBolt 350. I told the DZO, and he's interested. If the 350 opens and handles anywhere near the "298" ( and I don't see why not) it could replace or compete with what's out there now.

I've also managed to jump the "75" four more times and it has performed very well. I think an "84" would be well worth the effort to build and test.

That's about it in a nutshell, John.

I'm really impressed with the "298" and hopefully I'll get a chance to jump it more.

This jump was done yesterday 12/21. Winds were 12-15 mph, passenger weighed approx 205 lbs. It was the second jump of the day in the new passenger harness with no complaints. Once again drogue fall was excellent, opening was as soft as before and on heading. Landing pattern was a mild 180 downwind to final and a stand-up landing with a few steps.  I would like to try a braked straight in approach with a loaded canopy the next chance I get. I'm willing to bet it would be fine. I'm always amazed at how much lift there is at the end.

This is the finest tandem canopy I've ever jumped ..............

Blue Skies

Cliff Alfiche

4000+ Tandem Jumps