Today the new version of the Contrail arrived at my door. Looks like Henry has been too busy to up-date his web site so I might as well show you some of the changes.
These are the "official" changes :
1) Fully adjustable rear canopy height–canopy slides up and down strut sleeves. The prior model did that too but the new design is easier to use.
2) Seamless rear canopy edge wrap–to eliminate possibility of water pooling along the rear edge seam that sometimes occurred on the prior version. The rear tension guyline that connected the canopy edge to the rear strut is no longer needed (and had been removed).
3) Longer rear guylines–for better strut support and reduced stake stress.
4) Improved beak entry– now closes on inside edge of forward "wing" and is much easier to open and close from the inside.
5) Re-engineered canopy patterns for a tauter pitch. There's a noticeable improvement in pitch.
My comments.
Point 1. The original version did not slide up or down , but there was a way around it. The 08 version is simpler than the 07 version (2nd version).
Point 2. I had some water pooling once and fixed that with my mid pole. The 08 version does not need that but the mid guyout point has been reinforced.
I will provably still use my mid pole because I like it…
Point 3. I always managed, but the new design is much "cleaner" and will afford an easier set up in some difficult grounds.
Point 4. Really like this one. (wider hook and loop strip as well)
Point 5. I need to have a look at that, not obvious to me now.
( Tauter pitch? I could bounce coins on mine…)
There are a few other improvements not mentioned by Mr. Shires.
The front floor tensioning guyline has the tensioner now at the door end rather then the beak end. (no need to leave you bag now…)
The floor has been redesigned (slightly) looks like it is much easier now to get that "bathtab" set-up.
The pole rest (at the apex) has been beefed up. I use the handle there rather than the tip so it never has been a problem for me.
There is a new "mysterious " loop at the corner of the beak. No idea what HS had in mind but I can think of a use for it. Will take a shot of that tomorrow.
Enjoy
Franco
