Tip Tuesday: Riser Length

[@Kev-M9211]

Very good video with a good graphical representation. I changed my risers from the standard 21" to 24" and what a difference for me. I didn't want to shorten the brake lines and have any tail deflection whilst using the fronts. It has given me much more stopping power in the flare which I was just missing beforehand using the same flaring technique. Extremely happy with the result and it even helps at the top as my arms just sit right in the front riser loops and everything else just feels so much better for me. I do have long arms and it's definitely not for those with shorter arms as I can just comfortably reach the slider now. I'd imagine if you had to shorten the risers (due to a shorter arm length) then at that point, you'd shorten the brake lines as well to achieve the same flare as before. Can't really say I noticed much about the flying characteristics as it's early days eg slightly longer recovery arc etc but it's certainly give me the real feel of the flare which I didn't have before.

[@CTSkydives]

Great tips!

[@andrewinfosec]

It would have been good to start by describing why someone would shorten or lengthen their risers.

[@CCGR-2024]

I agree, it seemed like it would be to change flight/landing characteristics, but why I don't know! I am just guessing and don't really know.

[@olegpryadko749]

Longer risers are handy to increase flare power when the brake lengths can't be shortened further due to trailing edge deflection at full flight, as he mentioned. Shorter risers help if you have short arms and have trouble reaching the slider to collapse it.

[@olegpryadko749]

Did the "later Tip Tuesday" you mentioned ever come out about how riser length affects flight characteristics? If so, which one is it?

[@whoknows1631]

Yeah I'm keen to see it

[@Superterminal]

Does shortening or lengthening risers affect the canopy flight characteristics much? I would assume that lengthening risers would give a slightly flatter wing maybe improving glide slightly...? just not sure if these kind of lengths of 2 or 3 inch difference on the risers, would have any noticeable effect?

[@piotrstanczak8319]

Does this mean that this 21" industry standard is for some specific/standardized person height? I would assume that if two persons 5' and 6' jumps using the same canopy than their flare points are in different position or am I getting it wrong?

[@RyanHicks]

Might sound like a dumb suggestion, but would have also been nice to include how to measure the risers for newer people to the sport that might have bought used gear. Regardless good info. thanks.

[@Dionisio181]

Ryan Hicks take a rule or something in inches and measure from the begining of the riser until the end without the metal ring. That gives you the measure of your risers, remember just material no metal

[@glhsystems8091]

Skydivers eyes are always at the same level with reference to the horison....Changing the risers length doesn't change the reference point of where the skydiver's head is. It only changes the distance from their eyes to the canopy!