Performance Designs is venturing into the world of BASE. PD BASE.
Since 2000, Performance Designs has been building the Ace and Blackjack BASE canopies for Consolidated Rigging. Building on the legacy and great reputation of Consolidated Rigging’s BASE canopies, PD is excited to introduce the Proxy.
« Our mission was to build the ideal canopy for wingsuit BASE and Alpine flying. We wanted something that was low volume, low weight and high performing. We went to great lengths to exceed your expectations of what a low volume BASE canopy can be. With over 30% less volume and 20% less weight than standard construction BASE canopies, jumpers who desire the lightest and lowest profile container will love the Proxy. Whether you’re hiking up that mountain or flying that line, you’ll notice the reduced weight and drag. The Proxy is also a great flying canopy, with good on heading performance, a truly excellent glide ratio and powerful flare. »
PROXY FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
1. INTRODUCTION
The Proxy from Performance Designs is a 7-cell low bulk BASE canopy. The Proxy is based off the popular Consolidated Rigging Ace canopy, and incorporates subtle design changes and PD’s proprietary low bulk fabric technology. It was designed with the Alpine BASE jumper in mind, packs up 30% smaller and weighs 20% less than standard construction BASE canopies. The Proxy is also a great flying canopy, with good on heading performance, a truly excellent glide ratio and powerful flare.
The Proxy is available with vents, although technically it is the trusted and well-known Pressure Activated and Controlled (PAC) valves system, used on Consolidated Rigging’s Blackjack BASE canopy.
2. OPENING
We have found the openings of the Proxy to be just what you need in a BASE canopy: smooth, on heading, with clean inflation and even pressurization. The inflation time is short and positive without being too hard. As with any BASE canopy, you will get the best results by exercising proper packing techniques and by deploying at a reasonable airspeed and with good body position.
The Proxy with vents will have faster openings, since the valves allow the canopy to pressurize more quickly and turn the canopy, almost instantly, into a flying and responsive wing.
3. FLIGHT
Rear riser response is fast and crisp, perfect for those times you need to make a move in a hurry. Toggle inputs are light, allowing you to change heading quickly without losing precious altitude. The Proxy has plenty of glide when you need it, but also great slow flight characteristics when you want to sink it in.
4. LANDING
The Proxy has a full control range and a very powerful flare. Even sinking approaches leave enough in reserve for a soft landing, as long as the canopy is correctly sized for the pilot.
5. PACKING
Ease of packing is one of the Proxy’s highlights. The hand and pliability of PD’s low bulk fabric means your folds stay in place while packing, thus eliminating the need to carry and use clamps.
