I've had a couple flights with my pod installed and really like the product so far. I am not totally satisfied with the mod, yet, though. I have encountered a couple problems.
1. The top (front) of the skirt has a lot of weight due to the front mounted reserve. This creates an issue when launching and groundhandling. When the risers are not under load, the pod skirt tends to fall forward over the carabiners. There is also a lot of stress on the seams where the carabiners support the pod.
2. When activating the speed bar (a 3-step UP ladder type) my heel tends to rub with much friction on the bottom surface of the pod. The XC2 has a very stiff push to activate the speed-bar already and the additional friction makes using the bar almost impossible and may cause wear of the pod.
Click on each photo for a larger view
To remedy the issues I added a strip of 1" webbing along the opening for the carabiners that crosses both seams to strengthen them. 
I also added a strip of velcro that is wrapped around the carabiner and holds the skirt in place when the risers are not held vertical.
To fix my second issue I laid a 1/16" thick plastic cutting board, trimmed to shape, that fit between the piping at the floor seams. Sewn to the seams was a strip of 1" velcro, which holds the plastic in place, as well as physically capturing the plastic sheet.
Next I sewed a loop to the nosepiece which allows a 1/8" bungee to hold the stirrup in position for easy access.
Here's the completed stirrup set-up.
I'll be flying the new mods soon & hope to have a workable system before the first comp of the season.
Tim
that last one is a pretty risque shot there daddio ;)
ReplyDeleteglad you are jazzed with the new modifications.