Triathlon

timripcord · June 26, 2023

I purchased my Triathlon Hybrid looking for a canopy that was fun to fly and also have the ability for a little canopy work. This canopy did both very well with nice openings and soft landings. We also did many demo jumps and I needed a canopy that I could could count on for hitting the target with a nice landing. It did everything I wanted but my knees are telling me it is time to give up the sport I love.

August 27, 2013

I bought my 1996 Triathlon used for $650 and was excited to move down to 7 cells, get a good deal and have something that had a steeper angle than my PD Pulse. I had flown one of these previously on a student jump but didn't remember how it flew. So far I have put about 10 jumps on the canopy, below is my quick assesment:

Packing:

Fabric was in "like new" condition, estimated between 200-300 jumps. Still crispy and shiny (sat in a closet since 97). It packed nice and easy, no problems stuffing it into the bag. The previous owner did a good job maintaining it and the canopy retained most of the previous owners folds, making it easier to pack.

When packing the first time, I employed the same exact method used for my PD Pulse 150 (nothing special), and had a nice soft opening, on heading. On the second attempt, I got jerked- not to the point of a "hard opening" but less smooth than desired. Slider came flying down over the front risers, and the opening moved left to right and eventually settled in on heading. This could have been because of packing technique, or body position, but I tend to think it was my packing.

On the next hand full of jumps, I made sure when quartering the slider to stick the slider nose a little further out to catch air quicker and aid in properly staging the opening. I also did 2-3 gentle rolls of the nose inward and left the center cell visibly hang out. I did not push the nose into the pack job. This arrangement has worked perfectly for me and all of my openings are gentle and on heading. The slider, even if it pops down quickly will not come down so hard that it covers the risers or toggles- which is a common problem with this canopy (as I have read). The slider grommets are larger than the more common #25 grommets most canopies have these days, but are great in their own respect because it has no resistance when moving them over the risers/toggles for a behind the neck slider stow.

Another note about my packing technique: I always, even with my Pulse, use a second pull up cord to tie the large rings on my 3-ring system together to make sure the risers stay the same length, which has helped dramatically in my on headings.

Openings:

Generally pretty great! On heading and soft, if the pack job and body position are in check.

Flight:

Note: My particular Triathlon's lines are about 5 inches out of trim.

WL on Triathlon: 1.24 WL on previous PD Pulse: 1.12

Turns are very gentle- there is no feeling of G-Force even when burying the toggle.

Recovery arc seems to be medium- after the toggle returns to full flight you gently settle back into the saddle and the canopy levels out smoothly

Glide is good due to its flatter trim, but there is a noticeable sink when compared to the PD Pulse, which can glide FAAAAAAR without any special maneuvering. Rear riser inputs to flatten it out further are noticeable and you can hear the canopy changing its glide when you do this.

Control length to me seems medium and the response is medium as well.

Front riser inputs respond smoothly and again no feeling of G-Force even when doing multiple rotations. In my experience when you use dual front riser inputs in final approach to land closer to the target you have to yank a little more than expected to get the change you want, but this could be due to my inexperience in accuracy landing or that my canopy is out of trim.

Landings:

The flare is good and comparable to the PD Pulse. The canopy hasn't popped back up on me, except for once when I caught some extra turbulence before touching down. The stroke is one continuous motion from full flight to flare, just like the Pulse. Similarly, if you flare too low it won't drop you on your ass and you can recover a potentially botched landing and look like a badass when you stand it back up after a little foot drag. The landings are gentle and when compared to the Pulse you are coming at the ground at a noticeably steeper angle, and faster.

Random Note: The length of the lines is much shorter than on my Pulse, so when landing the canopy is closer to you. Almost every landing I get a step over or lines caught on my camera, so if possible after landing, grab those fronts and pull the canopy forward, or turn 90 degrees to get it to fall to the side nicely.

JMP4U2 · August 7, 2013

I have about 850 jumps 100 off them as a Tandem master I I took about ten years off and now Im back at it . I picked up a 220 sqft . my weight seems to be 200 to 225 up and down . I have had a stiletto 190 . I am 56 . I love the Triathlon its safe openings stable flight and superb forgiving landings . If your a hot dogger and need to swoop haul ass and be one of the faster Guys down then this is not the canopy for you . If you need to be at work monday morning in the same condition you were in Friday this is a great rig ! Dont get me wrong its not a buss it scoots along fine . I feel very safe flying this canopy !

cobar · April 11, 2012

The 1st canopy I have owned, I was jumping a pilot 190 before this and I found the 175 Triathlon much more responsive, more agile and a lot more fun. Good canopy for learning canopy piloting skills, front / rear risers 100% / 0% breaks flat turns etc. although front riser input can be a bit mushy.

I really like my triathlon its a very stable canopy but if you don't roll it tight it will spank you with the mother fucker of all hard openings... Seriously, if you don't roll it tight it bangs open so hard and the slider comes rushing down so fast it flies over the toggles.

This canopy is also very easy to get inside the accuracy circle, but it sinks very fast. I have found that if you give it more height flying your pattern it will land exactly where you want it.

I have always had a good flare from this canopy even down wind. I recently brought this canopy on a canopy course and found it very forgiving and tones of fun.

Rossignolskier · September 19, 2011

It's my first own canopy. I made about 30 jumps on it and I love my Triathlon :)

Openings are fast but never hard (ok, can compare only with Navigator and Silhouette), and on heading. Fast turns, powerful flare. Downwind landing was also no problem.

Small packing volume.

Great reliable stable canopy for beginners like me.

freefallfrom10k · August 1, 2011

I loved this canopy for a while. I jumped a 160 and didn't mind it, never noticed its flaring problems. I downsized to a 135 and what can I say, I really dislike the flaring potientional on the one I'm using now. Its a bit worn and has about 800-1000 jumps on it. Besides the flaring issue I'm having with this canopy and the all well known harder openings of a triathlon, its a decent canopy. If you intend to get one stick with the bigger sized ones and newer ones.

Bodhisattva420 · March 20, 2011

Last year I bought my first canopy, a '96 Triathlon,' and have put around 20 jumps on it so far. Recently I had the line mod done and switched from micro-lines to dacron. Since then, it flies much faster (the old micro lines had shrunk) and has a pretty powerful flare. I've read a lot of posts on here about this canopy being a dog, but I'd say its faster than the Sabre II 170 I've rented at the dropzone and has more flare as well. But maybe that's just because of the difference in wingloadings. One complaint I do have about this canopy is that it opens hard as shit if you don't split roll the nose. But if you just take three cells, roll them, then stuff them in the center cell, and then do the same thing to the other 3 cells on the other side, it opens fine. Just make sure you split roll that nose or it's gonna spank you! I suppose that's why the Sabre II is much more popular. The Sabre II's I've jumped open soft as shit no matter how you pack them.

BluePheonix · March 10, 2010

This was my first main off of student status. I did about 200 jumps on a Triathlon 190 at about a 1.1 wing loading. It was an excellent main for a begginer. It is very docile and exceptionally forgiving. This is the canopy to have when you're still learning new landing patterns at new drop zones, doing night jumps or just landing off. Great openings and great flare. Rarely had any whippers or line twist, unlike my Sabre2 now. It does get boring after a while, as it is so docile.

brofox17 · March 1, 2010

I have a Triathlon 190 and I am at a 1.16 wing loading. This canopy is very stable on opening when the nose is rolled 3 times on each side. It only takes light pressure to plane it out with the rear risers. However, you have be in slow flight (with brakes) before using the front front risers (they take a lot of pressure to pull - be sure to have dive loops if planning on using front risers). Flight characteristics on front risers are not the greatest. Takes a long time to stall in deep brakes, very predictable. It is definitely not a high performance canopy, however, you can get some spinning generated when hanging on a toggle for a couple seconds. It does not have the best forward glide, more of a sinker. Also, flair is ok, but not great - especially on hot days. Overall, a predictable, safe canopy.

Update, if I wrap the toggles once, the flare is much better!

Also, if I fly with a weight belt, 1.25:1 wingloading makes it flare better without wraping the toggles.

kymwhitt · August 18, 2009

The Triathlon is a great starter parachute. Doesn't cover much ground but provides very safe landings. Doesn't dive much so low altitude maneuvers are easily recovered. That make accuracy landings a breeze.

However it is a boat. Slow as shit. Watch all other elliptical canopies fly on by. The difference between a Triathlon and an elliptical is a shock. It's slow

May 26, 2009

I wanted to wait till I had a few jumps on the canopy before I wrote this. I now have about 20 or so jumps on the canopy, I can not say enough about this canopy as to how great it is. I am not that good at pro packing and the tri opens like I know what I am doing. Great openings every time. Like I have told many people I have jumped with I have tried to pack a malfunction but the tri has opened every time on heading with great ease. I love this parachute. If you are looking for a chute that will open every time nice an soft and fly in any wind conds. The tri is for you. Landing this parachute is a dream, here again if you want a canopy that will set you down soft and not pound you in the ground buy the tri. I just can't say enough good things about this canopy. OK here's one if you want to swoop this is not the canopy for you. BUT! If you want a canopy that will be your best friend buy the triatholan! I love my new tri!

Albert-D · April 14, 2009

I've just put a few jumps on my brand new Triathlon 175, and I have to say that I love it. For the record: my loading weight is 200lb and wit a canopy size of 175sqft my wing load is 1.14.
First: the opening is very fast, as soon that you pull the canopy inflates in 5 secs and the slider comes right down, it doesn't brake your back or hurts in any way, but if you are used to a Safire 2
be ready to a quicker and obviously a little less soft opening. Opening is right ahead, no turns of deviations whatsoever: I pulled with the drop zone at 12 o'clock, and was still there when the canopy had fully opened.
Turns: quick and fun, there is a lot to have fun with this baby, and I look forward to see what I can get out of it. Very easy to pilot and even if you open a little far from the landing area or if you have some winds working against you, using the breaks will get you back easily. Very stable in turbolence, really, this canopy can take a hit or two. Great flaring, plenty of room to get ready for final pull, nice soft glide and with a little wind you can tip-toe your way out of it. I suggest this canopy to skydivers fresh of the A licence because this canopy first it's much more affordable than others: the price of a new Triathlon is what you pay for a used Sabre 2. Second: I tried the Saber 2 and the Safire 2 before and I have more fun with the Triathlon. Third: because of the 7 cells I feel less slammed and more relaxed in strong wind situation or turbolence. Fourth: I've got better landings than with any of the other canopy that I've tried before. Fifth: why use something that everybody else use? Why not be a little original and try something different? It doesn't hurt, does it?

mrgoldenknight · November 20, 2008

Own 3 of them, 2 150's and a 220, been on nothig but a Triathlon and thinking about buying another one. I enjoy the slow opening it gives my soon to be 65 year old body as well as the soft landings. I've been a 7 cell jumper since 1976 and a Triathlon for 10 years I'm sure if you try one you may just buy one. Great all around canopy.

hymandd732 · September 14, 2008

I have been jumping a Pilot canopy and my bones can't take it any more so I am purchasing a Triathlon based on recommendations seen here and elsewhere. More than likely other Pilot jumpers will disagree and perhaps it is my landing techniques but regardless it is time for a change.

sub1427 · July 9, 2008

I'm a beginner to skydiving. Just finished up my AFF 2 months ago. I was lucky enough to find a used Tri 190 from someone on DZ.com. I was a little skeptical at first because it was a 7-cell but to tell you the truth if you have any skills whatsoever spotting you will never have any problems getting back to your DZ considering 7-cells have less glide then 9-cells.

Another thing I cant get over is its openings. As I was progressing through my AFF and solos I would cringe when it came time to pull, even though my rig would be as tight as possible on me the openings would always slam me. I would have bruises on my inner thighs from the student gear. My 27th jump only two after graduation I got to finally jump my own canopy and wow what a difference. A tri will snivel and take its time opening which at first is a little concerning but so soft.

Under canopy it flies great. Even though I am still considered a "Rookie" I have no problems jumping when others are grounded because of wind. The Tri really does a great job of being stable in windy conditions (one of the main benefits of a 7 cell canopy). It's very responsive with riser turns along with toggles.

All in all if you are looking for a great starter canopy that will be very forgiving for a great price, buy a Tri.

mbondvegas · November 6, 2007

The Triathlon is a SOLID canopy. I have an old 1998 220 with alot of jumps on it and it is still going strong! If you have an old one, I know you enjoy the gelvenor fabric (makes packing easy). If you do have an old one...get the 5.0 mod done to the brake lines. It turns a good canopy into a great one. The openings are way slower and the flare is 100% better.

This canopy is known for its on heading openings, but if you do something silly and get a bunch of line-twist...expect it to fly straight. It is one SOLID canopy. If you fly a wingsuit or just want a now frills...and no worries canopy...buy a Tri!

widget · April 9, 2006

I bought my new Tri 120 from Aerodyne's 2005 stock for only $700.

2005 Triathlon is redesigned 5.0 version and it's supposedly diferent (and much better) canopy than previous versions, so be careful when you read any older opinions on forums.

I fly on my Triathlon 120 with 1.3 wing loading. I've jumped other seven cell canopies before (Spectre 120 - 30 jumps) and Paratec Super-7 - 350 jumps).

Here you have my first observations:

1. Triathlon v5.0 opens so sweet.
Usually all seven cell canopies opens nice and on heading but this one is amazing! F....g amazing!
Slower and smoother even than Spectre. Always on heading. Doesn't matter how you set your slider and nose.

2. Packing. Triathlons v5.0 are zero-P of course, but Aerodyne has changed material of ribs inside the cells to F111. It makes packing much easier. Even new canopy is not so hard to pack.

3. Flying. Triathlon v5.0 behaves very similar to the Spectre. I think forward speed is just a little slower, but turns are as smart as the same size Spectre.
Can't say too much about glide ratio yet, but it looks OK.

3. Toggle pressure.
Toggles are very soft and canopy dives stable even on windy days. I can't say it about Super-7. Spectre is also OK, but has harder toggle pressure.

4. Landings.
Landings of course are not so high performance like some swooping constructions, but are very easy, stable and safe. Triathlon flares much better than Super7 and in my opinion just a little worser than Spectre, but it's more than enough.
At the moment I can't write more abuout swoopings.

Overall:
It was definitely great deal! I can't say what is better: Triathlon 5.0 or PD Spectre because differences are too small and too subjective, but I'm sure that Triathlon 5.0 is at least the same class of canopies and I'm sure it's not worser.

If you are looking low stress, safe and easy to fly canopy, Triathlon 5.0 is for you!
I think my Tri is one of the best deals I have ever had.

March 9, 2006

I love the triathlon! I have been jumping a Sabre 150 for a while, and when I bought my own gear wanted to downsize to a Triathlon or Spectre. I've demo'd both, and the Tri wins hands down and is now whta I have purchased for my gear. No matter how you pack it, it opens great. I love the way it flies, and it lands ever so softly and is very forgiving in any types of winds. Compared to the Sabre though, I don't feel like I could get back from a far spot if I had to hike my legs up to my chest and try, but thats the price you pay for the 7 cell and its stability I guess. This is an awesome canopy that I'll be on for a VERY long time.

bkoch · February 7, 2005

I've made 83 jumps in the past 6 months since returning to skydiving in July of 2004. All of them have been on a Triathlon 160. I don't consider myself very good at packing, but I have never had a bad opening with the Triathlon. It opens great, despite myself, and flies well in a variety of conditions.
I love this canopy.

SkydivAA · December 13, 2004

I love my first and second canopy, a tri 220 and a tri 175.

December 9, 2004

Update Sept 20 2010: The other reviews talking about how great Tris fly in deep brakes (true) and how good they are in turbulence (also true) leads me to write this cautionary note for newbies flying Triathlons. The Tri is a GREAT canopy in turbulence, but if you encounter turbulence stay in high speed flight, dont fly with partial brakes. You don't want a collapse or stall high above the ground. You need to keep those lines tight and fly the canopy fast, way above stall speed. Save the brakes for your landing flare if you encounter turbulence. The exception is a quick stab and quick release of brakes if you feel the load lighten and the canopy start to rock forward. Buy and read Brian Germains Canopy Pilot book. It could be a lifesaver if you encounter squirrely conditions under canopy or find yourself in a jam because of something stupid you did on approach. I've been jumping for 42 years. I fly a Tri 190 and a Tri 210. The Tri is an ideal canopy for conservative experienced jumpers and new jumpers. I jumped last weekend and encountered some pretty nasty turbulence at about 500 ft. No problem, the Tri bounced around a LOT but flew right through it with no end cell collapses, surges or other nastiness. It's a good solid dependable canopy that you will not regret owning.

******************************************

I am writing this four years after my first Tri review. The first review was written when I was just getting back into jumping and learning how to handle square canopies after years of jumping rounds. I loved the Tri then, but I was green and it was a very forgiving canopy, who wouldnt like it under those circumstances? Since that time I have jumped many different canopies, but when time came for a new canopy purchase guess what I bought? Yes, A Triathlon. In my opinion the Tri is still the ideal canopy. If you load it heavy it can be pretty sporty, but it stll won't kill you unless you do something really dumb. Loaded near 1.2:1 its a fun canopy and ultra reliable. For some reason it is especially rock solid in turbulence. When you see end cell collapses on other canopies, the Tri will fly right through the same stuff fully inflated and rock solid. The Tri also has a wonderful ability to sink almost straight down in partial brakes without a scary descent rate. That could save your butt if you are landing out and trying to get into a very small spot with tall obstacles around it. The Aerodyne master rigger has continuously worked on improving the basic Tri and he has made some mods which are incorporated in the latest Tri canopies. The great thing about Aerodyne is that they will upgrade old Tris for a reasonable price. They REALLY support their products and will not try to steer you into a new purchase if your old Tri is fixable or upgradable. The latest mods give a better and more linear flare. By more linear I mean that the flare is more directly proportional to the level of brake application, no sudden changes with just a little more pull on the brakes. Its smooth and very controllable. Sure its no Stiletto, but so what? I have watched quite a few cutaways from twisted up Stilettos. I have always been able to kick out line twists in Tris. You wont win any swoop contests in a Triathlon, but you will also be walking while some of the hot shots are on crutches or in wheelchairs. The Tri is no dog though, it turns fast and can get going pretty good on front risers. But in reality its a Volvo, not a Porsche. One great thing about the Tri is that it is an evolved canopy. It gets better and better with continual design changes. The Tri of Today is DEFINITELY better than the old ones, better flare for sure. Customer support is great, prices for repairs and upgrades are reasonable too. You can get a reline for barely more than the price of a new line set. Often a canopy sent in for something minor will come back with a new slider installed or some other goodie gratis. There have been disturbing stories about Triathlons "blowing up" on opening, severe damage, ripped seams,etc.
I have concluded that these are older perhaps sun damaged canopies that just couldnt take the stress of a slammer opening. Maybe I am wrong, but thats my conclusion after asking a lot of questions. I see nothing in the Tri design or fabric that is weak. If you have a really old Tri with those tiny tiny lines, give it up and get it relined. I finally did this after three incidences of broken lines and should have done it sooner. I feared the fatter lines would degrade the speed, but its not a problem.
So, go ahead and get a Tri. You wont regret it. My advice is to get stock colors as they enhance resale value. Custom colors appeal to a smaller number of potential buyers. There is one problem though, if you tell your friends to look for your colors there are likely to be a few identical canopies on your load. There are LOTS of Tris out there and for a good reason. Its a great canopy proven over many years and still competitive. Buy one, you will never regret it.

cruzlite · December 3, 2003

I have returned.
I stopped jumping in '91 with 300 jumps. I have jumped the following canopies; T-10, PC, 5-cell (Strato Star?) Unit, Pegasus, Voyager, Wizard, Cruiselite, Nimbus, & Manta. I prefer 7-cells & the Cruiselite was my canopy of choice. I loaded it at around .9:1.
Upon returning to the sport (10/19/03) my search for a new canopy was on. I narrowed it down to the Spectre & Triathlon.
My final decision was based on 2 factors; 1. The TRI is trimmed 2 degrees higher than the Spectre. (From Aerodyne) Therefore not as ground hungry.
2. The TRI is not tappered.
Performance therefore should more closely match the Cruiselite.
The people at Aerodyne where fantastic!
Caroline is a HOOT! & Cliff is the Man!
They both handled my repeated calls & inquieries with patience & expertise in
a timely & professional manor. Canopy was on time and as ordered. The Aerodyne packing tape took the mystery out of PRO packing. Aerodyne's soft links have a ring (not a tab, etc.), and they have not loosened since day one. Packing the TRI 190 (Aerodyne rates volume at 420 sq. in.) into a Vector II v-5 (RWS rates volume at 425 to 550 sq. in.) should be a piece of cake, right? ---#$!%&#!%#$@!!!---This thing must have lungs cause if you turn it loose it inflates!
I now have only a handful of jumps on it,
but I am so impressed, I had to go ahead with this review.
(I load this TRI 190 at 1.19:1)
Opennings are soft as a baby's ass without alarming snivel. I'd put them at 600' to 750'. My hop n pop was only slightly longer, 800'to 900'.
Control response is fast; turns are quick and smooth, accelerating evenly through the entire range, with no hesitation or whip. Input required is effortless to about the chest, from the chest down, input force required increases considerably. Landing and flare speeds are faster than I'm used to. My 1st jump I sunk in from about 6 ft. high, plf, no problem. I had it dialed in by the 3rd jump, like stepping off the front porch.

This is one sweet ride, it more than replaces my old Cruiselite, but I think I'll keep the name. It reminds me of the girl who sold it to me....Nan Woods

Cruzlite

pkasdorf · August 12, 2002

Nobody had a Triathlon in my country. But in Parachutist I read it's advertised characteristics and it attracted me. Then I spoke to my Instructor who had jumped one many years ago and remembered particularly it's high stability. He readily encouraged me to buy one. I just got my Tri 160 and gave it a try. And it sure keeps it's promises! Great stability, very responsive, allows nice, sharp, exciting turns, flies very well upwind, flares beautifully, very good canopy for someone who is not looking for a radical one but still wants to feel the excitement that canopy flying can deliver. Openings are very smooth and on heading. It is also quite an easy job to pack, unlike most (all?) ZPO's, essential for a sloppy packer like myself. If you are looking for a very nice, exciting, easy packing non-radical canopy, Triathlon is an excellent option!

trfenwyd · June 24, 2002

I demo'd a 190 and the experience was awesome. handling was as agile as I could want, with great controlability. The openings were soft and the landings were kick a**. I would highly recommend a Triathlon to anbody.

Gawain · May 5, 2002

I had a fairly fast transition to jumping Tri-160s. Soon after I got my A-License, I jumped my DZ's Tri-160 at jump number 33. I was immediately hooked and bought a Tri-160 by jump number 75. I load it at about 1.25-1.3. Great responses, light toggle pressure for fast turns (and very fast turn/dive recovery), plenty of flare. The openings are soft-soft-soft and on heading. Very versatile for a young canopy pilot. There's only one thing I don't really enjoy with it, hop-n-pops...it opens so slowly and gently...opening distance about 1000 feet. Everything else about my Triathlon I love, easy pack, nice glide. I don't do a lot of surfing near landing, so I've no comparison for that. It is an excellent first main for a jumper growing in the sport, and with nearly 100 jumps on Tri-160s, I'm still very happy with it and haven't even set sights on what I would move to past this. I highly recommend it.

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