Using Shallow brakes for VERY low Slider Down Jumps

[Dantewardlaw]

The surge is a big deal with very low jumps (<120). With shallow, the brake range you will have to recover and hence (the flare power you will get) will be more because you don't have the extra brake range to deal with from being packed deep. On the flip side, when you are packed shallow your canopy will be at a higher angle of attack meaning you will be flying faster forward and faster towards the ground. If you are quick to toggles this is no problem and you get more flare except for being a bit visual on ultra low jumps. If you are slow you should not jump super low and if you do be sure to pack deep so if you're slow, you will at least hit the ground with some flare from the brake setting if you haven't already cleared it yet.

[nolliekicki]

Maybe another thing to consider for shallow breaks. I static lined a 150ft crane recently which required clearing a fence to reach the lz, or else a very very quick decision to turn immediately to a very uninviting secondary at a lower altitude (construction excavation) than the prime. There was about a 3kt cross/headwind. I had a solid push and quick toggle response to full flight and I only cleared the fence by about a meter. I don't think I would have made it in factory deep, especially if mixed with slow toggle response.

[mzurek]

Thanks for answering my question! I thought more about this situation after jumping a 110ft arch (at approx. 5000ft msl), before this whole conversation had been addressed by the forum and here. I used my custom brake setting for this jump, which turned out fine, but I did notice that there was not much flare. This made me wonder if the flare could be optimized by using a shallow brake setting on a PCA/static-line jump, where heading performance would least likely be an issue. I still think using toggles or risers in this situation would be fine, especially when the jump is short enough to warrant a strong flare right after opening. I also wonder if using shallow brakes would be preferred in the same low PCA/Static-line/D-bag jump, where you need to start outflying talus right away?

[BlackVad]

Recenty a friend did some tests from 25m with a dummy in deep, shallow and very shallow break settings. This is the video: