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A practical, source-led guide to Vector 3 choices

UPT Vector 3 Options Guide

So, you've chosen a Vector. Easy part done. Then the options list arrives, and suddenly you're choosing between things you didn't know had choices. This guide explains what they do, which ones fit the way you jump, and what you'll be glad you picked after a long day at the dropzone.

Configure your UPT Vector
UPT Vector 3 skydiving container

Harness and leg pads

Variable Geometry Harness / hip rings

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What it is

VGH adds a pivot point at the hip. It is probably UPT's most popular harness option, and it is uncommon for customers to choose the harness without hip rings.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want more flexibility and freedom of movement through your harness and hips, choose VGH.

Things to consider

  • VGH costs extra compared with the standard harness and is probably the most commonly ordered harness option.

One-piece leg pad

What it is

One-piece leg pads use a single pad piece on each leg strap. The contact surface is continuous, which some customers find more comfortable against the back of the leg.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you are very slim or bony, you may prefer one-piece pads because the continuous padding and cover keep the hip ring from sitting directly against your body.

Things to consider

  • The continuous pad covers the hip ring, which can feel more comfortable if you have a slim build.

Two-piece leg pad

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What it is

Two-piece leg pads separate the padding into two front and back sections. Because of this split design, the hip ring is exposed.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want your leg straps to flex more naturally, the separate front and back pad sections can help.

Things to consider

  • If you have a slim build, the exposed hip ring may occasionally press against your hip and feel uncomfortable.

Back pads

Back contact and cushioning choices.

Standard Deluxe back pad

What it is

The Standard Deluxe back pad is the lower-bulk baseline back-contact pad. It gives you even contact pressure across your back without extra thickness. Some customers prefer this simpler feel, especially when they want to keep the pad profile low.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want an economical backpad with some padding, Standard Deluxe costs nothing extra.
  • If you fly a wingsuit, its flatter profile can help your rig lie flat and support aerodynamic performance.
  • Its Cordura cover also helps protect your pad from wear caused by zippers, suits, and similar contact.

Things to consider

  • The Standard Deluxe back pad is the baseline back-contact option.
  • May not provide enough cushioning for customers who want a softer back-contact feel.

3D Spacer Foam back pad

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What it is

3D Spacer Foam is a back-pad material with an open structure that allows more airflow. You will notice a different texture and breathability compared to the standard back pad, but whether you prefer it depends on your climate and personal comfort.

Why might you choose it?

  • 3D Spacer Foam provides softer contact with the container and more breathability. If comfort is your priority, it is the comfortable Vector choice.

Things to consider

  • 3D Spacer Foam wears faster than the Cordura used in Standard Deluxe or Babylon back pads.
  • Dry, sandy conditions can speed up wear compared with normal grass.
  • The textured, open foam can collect small pieces of grass, dry grass, or sand, and those particles can be difficult to remove.

Babylon back pad

What it is

The benefits of 3D spacer foam, with the durability of cordura. Babylon uses the same padded configuration as the spacer foam option, but has a cordura covering to protect from dirt and wear.

Why might you choose it?

  • Choose Babylon if you want a robust, hard-wearing container. Its Cordura cover is more durable than 3D Spacer Foam, so it shows wear more slowly in sandy or dry conditions or around rough landing areas while still retaining comfortable padding.

Things to consider

  • The Babylon back pad is more comfortable than the Standard back pad but less breathable than 3D Spacer Foam.

Stabilizers

Upper-back support and stabilizer construction.

3D Padded Stabilizers

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What it is

Padded stabilizers are probably the most popular stabilizer choice. They add cushioning at the upper back and are especially comfortable with a tighter-fitting harness.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want extra comfort at your upper back, especially with a tighter-fitting harness, choose padded stabilizers.

Things to consider

  • Because padded stabilizers use 3D Spacer Foam, visible wear may start after several years of jumping. In normal use, it usually does not show until around 1,000 jumps.

Standard stabilizers

What it is

Standard stabilizers are the baseline stabilizer choice. They provide normal upper-back contact without extra padding.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want the included option without an extra charge, choose standard stabilizers.

Things to consider

  • A tighter-fitting harness may feel a bit more comfortable with padded stabilizers.

Soft stabilizers

What it is

Soft stabilizers are made entirely from 3D Spacer Foam, with no separate outer cover. This is what gives the stabilizer a softer, more flexible feel.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want the most flexibility while still having padding and comfort.

Things to consider

  • Soft stabilizers are made from 3D Spacer Foam with no cover. Sand, dry grass, and similar debris can get into the foam, and it can start showing wear earlier than a covered stabilizer option.

Soft Cordura Covered Stabilizers

What it is

Soft Cordura Covered Stabilizers use the same flexible, padded construction as Soft Stabilizers, with an extra Cordura cover for improved durability.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want the flexible, comfortable feel of Soft Stabilizers with a more durable outer surface.

Things to consider

  • The Cordura cover protects the underlying 3D Spacer Foam from dirt and wear, making this option more durable than uncovered Soft Stabilizers.

Cordura Covered Stabilizers

What it is

Cordura Covered Stabilizers use the same comfortable padded construction as 3D Padded Stabilizers, with an extra Cordura cover for improved durability.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want the comfort of 3D Padded Stabilizers with a more durable outer surface.

Things to consider

  • The Cordura cover protects the underlying 3D Spacer Foam from dirt and wear, making this option more durable than uncovered 3D Padded Stabilizers.

Other configuration options

Rolled-edge leg pads

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What it is

The edge of a rolled-edge leg pad is rolled inside, so the trim tape is not exposed on the outside.

Why might you choose it?

  • If comfort is your priority, especially with a slim build, rolled-edge leg pads are a great choice.

Things to consider

  • Rolled-edge pads are usually more comfortable, but some riggers may find them harder to repair than a standard pad. That is rarely a reason not to choose them.

Leg pad covers

What it is

Leg pad covers sit over your leg pads to help protect them during sliding landings. If a cover wears out, it is easier to replace the cover than the leg pad itself. UPT lists covers for one-piece, two-piece, student, tandem, and tandem passenger leg pads.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you are not confident in your landings, tend to land sliding on your bottom, or land on rough areas, leg pad covers can help protect the pads themselves.

Things to consider

  • Because they add an extra layer over the leg pads, some people may find them uncomfortable.

Freefly modification

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What it is

Freefly Modification is basically an elastic bungee to protect your legs from sliding up in head-up positions.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you plan to freefly, we strongly recommend choosing this option for safety.

Things to consider

  • Just be aware of an additional snag hazard.
  • Some people might find that they cannot sit in the harness comfortably with a freefly mod, but this is due to the too short elastic, which should be tied longer.
Watch on YouTube

-2 off the top

What it is

With “-2 off the top,” the leg-strap hardware sits 2 inches higher. We highly recommend watching the video above to better understand this option.

Why might you choose it?

  • You have smaller legs and want the front of the pad and its hardware to sit higher.
  • You prefer a different reach or more clearance around the leg-pad hardware.

Things to consider

  • Usually the hook knife sits in the pocket on the leg strap. With “-2 off the top,” the hook knife must be repositioned to a different location.

Main deployment

Pilot-chute handles

Plastic main ripcord handle

What it is

A plastic tube handle. Not much to say about it.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you're configuring student gear, the plastic handle is a good fit.

Things to consider

  • This is the most basic option. You won't really notice many sport rigs using the plastic handle.

Hackey main pilot-chute handle

What it is

The Hackey Handle is a rounded ball on a tuck tab. The ball gives you a noticeable shape to find and grip.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want a distinct rounded grip instead of a flat or rigid handle.
  • You prefer the tactile feel of a Hackey ball when locating the main handle.

Things to consider

  • The hacky handle is definitely less low profile than the freefly handles, and as a result it might increase the risk for certain fun jumpers.

Monkey Fist main pilot-chute handle

What it is

The monkey fist gives you a rounded, textured grip, so it feels a bit different than the hacky handle because of its texture.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want a rounded, textured grip on the main pilot-chute handle.
  • You prefer a ball-shaped handle that feels different from Plastic or flat tab options.

Things to consider

  • The hacky handle is definitely less low profile than the freefly handles, and as a result it might increase the risk for certain fun jumpers.

Dual Tuck Tab FreeFly main pilot-chute handle

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What it is

The dual tuck tab freefly handle is the same as the freefly handle with a single tuck tab, but has an extra tab that helps to keep the handle more secure and in place for most of the people. We highly recommend this option.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want a low-profile main handle shape for a freefly configuration.
  • You want the most secure option.

Things to consider

  • People with short hands might struggle to pull the PC out. See video below to learn how to pull the dual tuck tab correctly.

Freefly single tuck-tab main pilot-chute handle

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What it is

The freefly handle is a low-profile fabric pod with one tuck tab for added retention. As you can see in the picture, the shape of it is completely different compared to the plastic handle or the hacky or monkey fist handles, as this is a lot more low-profile.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want a low-profile main handle for a freefly configuration.
  • You prefer one tuck tab rather than the two-tab layout of the Dual Tuck Tab FreeFly handle.

Things to consider

  • People with short hands might struggle to pull the PC out. See video below to learn how to pull the dual tuck tab correctly.

Pilot chutes

The small parachute that extracts the main deployment bag.

F-111 pilot chute material

What it is

F-111 is a lightweight, porous fabric that allows air to pass through more easily than ZP. F-111 oscillates less during deployment.

Why might you choose it?

  • You may prefer F-111 if you want a less snatchy pull than ZP.
  • Because of less oscillation, F-111 may give you cleaner openings.

Things to consider

  • F-111 tends to wear out sooner than ZP, so it may not last as long.

ZP pilot chute material

What it is

ZP (short for zero-porosity) fabric does not let air pass through the canopy material like F-111 does.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want a PC with more pull force and a longer lasting pilot chute.

Things to consider

  • ZP provides more pull force and oscillates more during deployment.

Deployment bags

Standard main deployment bag

What it is

The deployment bag is what the main canopy sits inside while packed. A standard stowed bag uses elastic stow bands to hold the lines in place.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want the economical option of the d-bag.
  • Some larger containers don't have a semi-stowless option available.

Things to consider

  • If keeping the lines tidy in the rubber bands feels like a wrestling match and your fingers hurt after packing, the standard bag may not be the best option for you.

V-Stow semi-stowless deployment bag

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What it is

A V-Stow bag uses two stow bands; the remaining lines are laid in eights and placed in a closable pocket.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want fewer stows and potentially faster packing, choose the V-Stow.
  • If you want a D-bag that tends to move around less during deployment, the V-Stow can give you slightly cleaner-feeling openings.

Things to consider

  • Not compatible with Dynamic Corners option. The U-Stow is the alternative here.
  • Extra cost

U-Stow semi-stowless deployment bag

What it is

Like V-Stow, U-Stow uses only two stow bands. The remaining lines stay in a pocket that does not open fully. It is an alternative semi-stowless style to V-Stow.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you prefer the U-Stow's feel or layout, choose it as an alternative to the V-Stow.
  • If you're ordering Dynamic Corners, choose the U-Stow.

Things to consider

  • Extra cost

Reserve and emergency

Soft reserve ripcord handle

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What it is

A soft handle is made from fabric and sits flatter against the container than a metal D-handle.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want a handle, that has low profile, so it's harder to pull it by accident.

Things to consider

  • Soft handles may be less distinct to locate by feel in an emergency compared to a metal D-handle.
  • If you lack arm and grip strength, a soft handle may not be the best option. If you are not confident, ask a local rigger whether you can test a reserve deployment with a soft handle.

Metal D reserve handle

What it is

A metal D-handle is a rigid, D-shaped handle for the reserve ripcord.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want a more distinct shape that's easier to locate by feel, choose the metal D-handle.
  • If you are not confident in your arm or grip strength, a metal D-handle can be a good option.

Things to consider

  • A metal D-handle may be easier to pull accidentally than a soft reserve handle if it catches on an object.

RSL

What it is

RSL stands for Reserve Static Line. It is a system that connects your main riser to the reserve ripcord pin. In simple terms, if you cut away the main canopy, the RSL pulls the reserve pin automatically as part of the sequence. You will see the RSL line routed from the riser down to the reserve pin cover.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want your reserve activated automatically after a cutaway, choose an RSL.

Things to consider

  • An RSL is an extra layer of safety, but M.A.R.D. systems such as Skyhook are now the industry standard.

Skyhook RSL

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What it is

Skyhook RSL is UPTs MARD (Main-Assisted Reserve Deployment) system. It does everything a standard RSL does plus it helps pull the reserve bag out of the container. You will see the Skyhook mechanism as part of the riser and reserve system.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want to have faster reserve deployments as an extra layer of safety.

Things to consider

  • Sometimes people might choose not to use Skyhook when jumping high-performance canopies, but that is not a topic for beginners.

See the RSL and Skyhook difference

Official UPT Vector video

Risers

Standard risers

What it is

This is the standard risers configuration.

Why might you choose it?

  • If you want a setup that suits most jumpers, choose the standard risers.

Things to consider

  • No additional cost

Louie Loop risers

What it is

Louie Loop risers have enforced front riser grips.

Why might you choose it?

  • You use front risers frequently and want enforced front-riser grips.

Things to consider

  • Extra cost
  • The added bulk from the front riser grip can change how smaller containers look once packed.

Low-drag risers

What it is

Low-drag Louie Loop risers have enforced front riser grips and are stitched to reduce drag.

Why might you choose it?

  • You're swooping, using front risers a lot, and want to squeeze everything you can out of the setup.

Things to consider

  • Extra cost
  • The added bulk from the front riser grip will change the way the container looks once packed.

Type 17 / mini-ring risers

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What it is

Type 17 risers use 1-inch-wide webbing and smaller rings than Type 8 risers.

Why might you choose it?

  • You want a modern sport skydiving gear and jumping canopies under 220 sq ft.

Things to consider

  • Should not be used with canopies sized 220 sq and above.
  • Should not be used with canopies sized 220 sq ft and above.

Type 8 / large-ring risers

What it is

Type 8 risers use 1 23/32-inch-wide webbing and larger rings than Type 17 risers.

Why might you choose it?

  • You are jumping a canopy sized 220 sq ft or larger.
  • If you are configuring student gear, choose Type 8 risers.

Things to consider

  • Increased strength of the risers as they are wider.
  • Not commonly used on sport containers.

Wingsuit

Dedicated wingsuit-specific order details.

Dynamic wingsuit corners

What it is

The upper corners of the main deployment tray are not stitched — they fold open. In a wingsuit, the burble behind your body can slow or disrupt deployment. An open tray gives the bag a cleaner exit path.

Why might you choose it?

  • You'll be flying wingsuits most of the time.

Things to consider

  • Because the corner construction changes, this setup is not ideal for freeflying because the deployment handle may have less holding strength.
  • Tuck-tab handles may still have reduced holding strength with this setup compared with the standard setup.
  • If you plan to mix wingsuit and freefly jumps, we suggest requesting the "Old Style" open-corners option, which is available "under the table."

30-inch wingsuit pilot chute

What it is

It is a larger-diameter pilot chute that catches air more easily and generates more force than a 27-inch pilot chute.

Why might you choose it?

  • You're flying a wingsuit.

Things to consider

  • Choosing the right pilot-chute size and material can depend on the wingsuit you're flying. I suggest talking with your wingsuit coach.

Wingsuit bridle

What it is

A wingsuit creates a large burble — a zone of turbulent air behind your body. Extra bridle length helps the bag reach cleaner air before the canopy comes out.

Why might you choose it?

  • You regularly fly a wingsuit and want the deployment bag to reach cleaner air beyond the suit's burble.

Things to consider

  • It will still work well for other types of jumps, such as freeflying.

Ready to put the choices together?

I know it might still be a bit confusing. If you need more help, you can always book a consultation with us. We're more than happy to help. If you're ready to configure your new Vector, go for it.

Configure your UPT Vector
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