Original article at: http://ridgedancer.sfbapa.org/content/view/3100/29/
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Speed Bar - An interview
with Jerome Daoust |
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Written by Rich
Hammer with Jerome Daoust |
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Tuesday, 28 November 2006 |
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I met Jerome over the summer while visiting
friends in Jerome's speed bar intrigued me. Since I was
thinking of changing the system that came with my harness I began asking
Jerome some questions. Some of them appear in this article. First, a little bit about Jerome. Education: Mechanical Engineer. Ph.D. Website: http://www.ExpandingKnowledge.com
RD: Your paragliding experience is extensive
and needless to say you have seen quite an evolution of paragliding gear over
the years. With regard to "speedbars" are
there any conventional designs you like? Jerome: No...which
was my inspiration for designing one with the required features. You can see
my review of several of the well known speed bar designs just go to: Note: You may need to copy/paste each part ot the URL in your browser's address bar. RD: Speedbars seem
pretty basic...how do you think they can be improved? Jerome: By having a true bar (not a cable
loop) as the first of 2 steps. By finding it easily without using hands. By
being robust and compact during storage. By having an adjustable distance
between the 2 steps.
Jerome: This took a long time (about 250
hours) of testing many ideas. You can see many prototypes and concepts on the
dedicated web page: http://www.expandingknowledge.com/JRod.htm See the
"Other ideas" section. The goals were to have a lightweight, robust
design that has bars for the 2 steps, with the 1st step being propped forward
for an easy grab with a foot. Leg protection from catching the first bar
between the legs while running was also a criterion. Jerome: For the pride of owning the best
speedbar design. To have a true bar (not a cable loop) as the first of 2
steps, which can be easily found without using hands.
For its robustness and near-1D shape when folded/stored.
RD: Is the J-Rod available? Jerome: Yes, there are instructions for
pilots to build one themselves, as one person has already done and shared his
testimonial. Or you can simply purchase it. My goal is to promote a better
design, and give pilots options for owning one. Jerome: Yes, there are loop attachments
provided at the main bar. But you do want a retraction system built into your
harness, as it would be a shame to run over it during launch or
landing. Jerome: As I mentioned earlier, you should
own a harness with a speedbar retraction system, so the speedbar remains snug
to your harness while launching/landing. Otherwise, you can add this feature
to your harness, by adding bungee cords. Then adjust the length of your
speedbar lines so your legs are fully extended when maximum wing acceleration
is achieved.
Jerome also recommends a viewing of the
video of J-Rod's auto-deployment. Go to http://www.expandingknowledge.com/JRod.htm Click "First Step" Click "Video of the
auto-deployment". QuickTime 7 required. If you haven't discovered
the expanding knowledge website yet definitely check it out. It is chock full
of information on flying technique, flying sites, reviews and much more. And
if you ever get down to southern Btw, if you want to see the
J-Rod live...I have one. Cheers! Rich |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday,
29 November 2006 ) |
