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Exactly 4 years after the introduction of our innovative G3 container,
Mirage Systems is very proud to introduce to you the latest generation of
skydiving technology, Mirage G4.
During two years of development we looked at every minute
aspect of the G3 with a skeptical eye. Our goal, as always, was to
 present
to our customers a product of uncompromising quality, functionality and
value. The results are major advances in comfort, safety, ease of use,
aerodynamics, fit and rigger-friendliness
The most obvious feature of the G4 is its new shape. We tapered the main
container to improve aerodynamics and ease of packing. We also shortened
the reserve container, and made it slightly thicker at the shoulders. The
result is a more streamlined and integrated shape which also provides some
subtle functional
improvements. The tapered main is easier to pack because
the bag rotates more easily into the pack tray than it does into a flat main
container. The tapered semi-split deployment bag also makes it easier to
control the main while packing, yet opens fully on deployment.
The shortened reserve offers a smaller reserve pin cover
flap that is
 very easy to preflight yet stays in place just like the G3
reserve pin cover flap. Inside the reserve, the G4 adds a Parapak molar bag
for ease and consistency of packing. The G4 retains the well-respected
Mirage reserve pilot chute.
At the top of the reserve, a new yoke/pin cover design provides a simpler
structure over the shoulders, resulting in a more flexible and comfortable
fit. The yoke is narrower and the outside edge of the yoke has been
softened, for comfort and flexibility. The new ring covers are redesigned
for easy field replacement
Standard G4 backpad
(lumbar support removed)
Down the side of the G4 we have made our secondary riser covers even more
complete by
 designing them to actually tuck into the backpad underneath
the reserve, for the most secure riser stowage ever offered. The backpad
itself has been redesigned with an attractive look and better padding. The
deluxe backpad option is therefore not offered on the G4.
Elastic lumbar support
Elastic lumbar support has been added at the hip to comfortably
snug the
rig to your lower back without cutting into you.
FancyPants leg strap retainers
The optional new FancyPants elastic legstrap retainers keep the legstraps
from slipping down your legs while bending at the waist. All elastic
components are easily field-replaceable.
Mirage Enhancements for 2002
Mirage Systems has made a number of improvements to the
G3 container system for the model year 2002. All improvements are included
standard (whenever applicable on optional equipment) at no charge.
On all Velcro™-less risers we have instituted a simple,
Velcro™-less excess line keeper system. The system is easy to use and has no
"moving parts" to wear out. This eliminates a common problem with such
risers, unsowed excess free brake line.
Also on all Velcro™-less risers we introduced a new
toggle design that "presents" itself better to the user on opening by
springing open to produce an easily grasped profile. This enables the user
to be "on toggles" faster after opening and to generally reduce fumble time
any time the toggles are re-gripped under canopy, giving the user more time
to watch where he or she is going.
For those selecting soft reserve ripcords, an
increasingly popular item, we have modified the handle by introducing a
stiffener plate between the handle attachment strip and the handle pad. The
stiffener forces the handle to lie flat with the main lift web. This
prevents the possibility of the handle "rolling under" the main lift web and
becoming inaccessible.
For sit-fliers, bum strap attachment points are now
included on every rig, so fitting a bum strap in the field is very simple.
Finally, we have introduced a modified version of our
cutaway housing end-fitting. The original version was designed by the US
military and has served reliably on over 15,000 rigs for over 10 years. The
new version has been modified to provide even smoother cutaways under the
most adverse conditions, while still providing the structural integrity of a
one-piece cast stainless steel fitting. |
Eric Donahue G4/2007
