Woody Valley X-Rated 7 User manual

THANK YOU !
We would like to thank you for having chosen one of our products, and we invite you to read this important document, the User Manual for the harness.
Please pay special attention to the two most important paragraphs, regarding:
Insertion of the reserve parachute.
The reserve parachute is a piece of equipment that may save your life. It must be inserted so that it works correctly when it is required, whether this
happens in two days time, or two years from now.
Adjusting the harness.
The harness forms the connection between the pilot and the paraglider, and it is an essential component in optimizing performance and the pleasure of
flying. A bad harness that is well adjusted may enable you to fly well, but a good harness that is badly adjusted may put you off flying altogether.
We are confident that this harness will give you great comfort, control, performance and enjoyment in flight. We are conscious of the fact that reading an
instruction manual is not an exciting experience. However, please remember that this product is not a citrus juicer or a mobile phone, and that correct use of
the harness helps reduce the risk of flying accidents. This manual contains all the information necessary to assemble, adjust, fly and store your harness.
Thorough knowledge of your equipment will improve your personal safety and your level of flying.
Team Woody Valley
SAFETY NOTE
By the purchase of Woody Valley equipment, you are responsible for being a certified paraglider pilot and you accept all risks inherent with paragliding
activities including injury and death. Improper use or misuse of equipment greatly increases these risks. In no case shall Woody Valley or Woody Valley
equipment resellers be held liable for personal or third party injuries or damages under any circumstances. If any aspect of the use of our equipment
remains unclear, please contact your local reseller or Woody Valley directly.
Please check out the user manual at the following URL :
https://youtu.be/SD_i0pssIVE

INDEX
1- GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1- CONCEPT ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2- X-RATED 7PROTECTION ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.3- MINI T-LOCK SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.4- S.O.S. LABEL.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2- BEFORE USE ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1- RESERVE PARACHUTE ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag.................................................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1.2- Connecting the reserve parachute to the harness................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.3- Inserting the reserve parachute into the harness.................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.4- Extracting the reserve parachute ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.1.5- Closing the parachute container flaps in case of major service intervals ........................................................................................................................................11
2.2- FRONT RESERVE PARACHUTE........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
2.2.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag................................................................................................................................................................12
2.2.2- Connecting the front emergency parachute to the harness................................................................................................................................................................12
2.2.3- Inserting the front emergency parachute ................................................................................................................................................................................................14
2.2.4- Extracting the front reserve parachute.....................................................................................................................................................................................................16
2.2.5- Back storage pocket........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
2.3- HARNESS ADJUSTMENTS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
2.3.1- Adjusting seat and back position.................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
2.3.2- Shoulder strap adjustment...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
2.3.3- Chest strap adjustment .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
2.3.4- Leg strap adjustment .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
2.3.5-Self limiting of the adjustable shoulder straps ........................................................................................................................................................................................23
2.3.6- ABS adjustment ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23

2.3.7- Leg cover............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
2.3.8- Speed-bar adjustment ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
2.3.9 Stability System.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
2.3.10 Extractable headrest .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
2.3.11 Pee tube ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................27
2.3.12 Replacing the air scoop supports ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................27
3- FLYING WITH X-RATED 7 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................28
3.1- PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28
3.2- POCKETS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28
3.3- CAMEL-BAK ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................30
3.4- FRONT BALLAST INSTALLATION AND USE OF THE COCKPIT............................................................................................................................................................................................30
3.5- INSTALLING THE LOWER BALLAST .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................32
3.6- ANTI-G PARACHUTE ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................33
3.7- FLYING ABOVE WATER ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.8- TOW BRIDLE ATTACHMENT ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.9- LANDING WITH THE X-RATED 7.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.10-HARNESS DISPOSAL....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.11-RULES OF CONDUCT IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.12-TANDEM FLIEGEN .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
4- PACKING THE HARNESS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................36
5- FEATURES AND ASSEMBLY OF OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES....................................................................................................................................................38
5.1- BALLAST BAG ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................38
5.2- SAFETY KNIFE ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................38
6- MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS ...............................................................................................................................................................................................39
7- TECHNICAL DATA ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................40

1- GENERAL INFORMATION
This equipment should contain:
Harness
Carbon seat plate
Composite foot plate
Hook-in karabiners
Emergency parachute deployment handles
Two spare elastic loops for fastening the emergency parachute container
Two spare long elastic loops for fastening the emergency parachute container
Additional bridle for the second parachute
Two karabiners with screw collar for the second parachute
Three step speed-bar
Dorsal protection
Lower ballast bag
Two spare Mylar air scoops
The optional accessories avaible are:
Ballast bag, with carrying handle, tube, and drainage tap
Front parachute
Anti-G braking parachute
Safety knife
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1.1- Concept
The X-Rated 7 is meant to be used as harness in paragliding as “light ais sports equipment” with a maximum weight of 120 kg.
X-Rated 7 is the most extreme example of Woody Valley’s many years of experience in competition harnesses. It has been designed to meet the demanding
requirements of professional pilots in term of comfort, flying performance, aerodynamics, and safety. For these reasons the harness has been
painstakingly modified and optimized, right down to the last detail. Its flying performance, aerodynamic shape, and responsive handling qualities in parti
cular, have been designed to help get the very best out of modern competition gliders.
X-rated 7 has can accommodate two parachutes, as required by current competition rules, and space for a third parachute in the front. Furthermore, it is
equipped with a container for “Anti-G” drag parachute that can be bought as an optional extra, and the new “Mini T-Lock” safety system to help prevent you
from forgetting to fasten the leg and chest straps.
1.2- X-Rated 7 protection
X-Rated 7 is equipped with LTF certified 14 cm foam back protection.
The back protection is made up of two elements: one protects the seat and the lower back and the other one protects the upper back.
The latter is not relevant to the homologation test and therefore can be removed through the rear pocket.
1.3- Mini T-Lock System
The Woody Valley team has renovated its previous DRC system by developing a new mechanism that’s aimed at addressing the issue of forgetting to fasten
the chest and leg straps. The system includes two females buckles attached to a load bearing karabiner, and another attached to the leg-cover’s closure
element; the central element that allows for the buckles to be fastened is attached to the leg strap: in this manner, in order to properly close the leg-cover,
the pilot is required to grasp the leg strap, and is thus reminded to close it. The new system offers improved manageability and a more intuitive interface,
and can even be used even while wearing gloves.
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1.4- S.O.S. Label
This label, coloured red with white lettering, is readily visible in a pocket on the right shoulder-strap padding and it is easy to pull out. On the back of this
label, you can write the information that you think should be given to rescue personnel in case of accident.
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2- BEFORE USE
The X-RATED 7 harness is supplied with a dorsal protection already properly placed by the manufacturer. The emergency parachute must be fitted with
great care by a qualified professional, such as your instructor. Only after this operation should the pilot adjust the harness for optimum comfort.
2.1- Reserve parachute
X-Rated 7, to meet the requirements of new competition rules and to ensure a high level of safety in flight, has two emergency containers, one on the right
and one on the left, and offers the possibility to have a third parachute in the front under the cockpit (optional). The containers have an adjustable volume
and allow the use of a larger main emergency chute combined with a smaller secondary chute. These can be inserted, at the pilot’s discretion, on the right or
left side. The parachute housing in the front has been designed to hold a lightweight reserve parachute, which is a lot less bulky than a standard parachute.
The reserve parachute must be attached to the harness before being inserted in the built-in container. The connection takes the form of a dual bridle and is
fixed at two points at shoulder height to provide better load distribution and to ensure a correct landing position in case the parachute is deployed. This
helps to minimize the risk of injury. The built-in bridle has a large red central loop, reinforced with Cordura 500 covering. The end of the loop has a Velcro
band which is used to secure the connection with the reserve parachute. For the second parachute, the harness is supplied with a second bridle to secure it,
using the screw-lock karabiners provided, to the harness. If the pilot would like to use a parachute with directional control it can be attached directly to the
loop, disregarding the supplementary bridle.
The information on how to attach and insert the following parachutes applies to both right and left side parachutes.
2.1.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag
X-RATED 7 is supplied with a handle for reserve parachute extraction. It is identified with the number “17”; this handle alone should be used for this purpose.
The black loop attached to the handle itself should be passed into the loop on the deployment bag, and then the entire handle should be passed through its
own loop and pulled tight. For easier extraction, the loop attached to the deployment bag should be positioned laterally. If your deployment bag does not
have this loop, please contact the retailer from whom you purchased the reserve parachute.
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2.1.2- Connecting the reserve parachute to the harness
X-rated 7 is equipped with a dual bridle and two loops for parachutes with directional control with a double-riser bridle. There are three different systems
for attaching the parachutes to the harness, each of which applies to both right and left side installation:
First system (for non-steerable rescue parachute):
Use a screw-lock karabiner with a breaking strength of at least 2,400 kg. In this case, the bridles should be held in position within the karabiner using elastic
bands, to prevent the karabiner from rotating and taking the strain laterally instead of vertically. The karabiner’s screw-lock should be tightly screwed shut
to avoid any possibility of it opening accidentally. This type of connection can absorb a higher opening shock than the second system, and for this reason it is
the recommended system.
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Second system (for non-steerable rescue parachute):
The reserve parachute bridle is passed through the loop at the end of the harness’s built in reserve parachute bridle. The reserve parachute itself is then
passed through its own webbing loop. This connects the two bridles. The loops should be pulled as tight as possible to avoid any chance of dangerous
friction developing between the two bridles during the shock caused when the reserve parachute opens. To ensure that the link between the two bridles
remains tight, remember to fasten the knot using the Velcro strip on the harness’s built in reserve parachute bridle.
Third system (for steerable and non-steerable rescue parachute with dual bridle):
If you are using a reserve parachute with directional control, or if your reserve parachute has a double-riser bridle, it can be connected to the harness using
the two loops positioned at the base of the harness bridle, near the padded shoulder straps. In this case, the harness’s reserve parachute bridle will not be
used, and so it should be folded, fastened using two elastic bands, and positioned under the cover behind the pilot’s neck.
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The two connections should be made using screw-lock karabiners with a breaking strength of at least 1,400 kg. It is important to verify that the length of the
bridle is sufficient to position the reserve parachute inside the harness pocket, and that there is sufficient play to enable the parachute to be taken out of
the pocket without causing the reserve parachute deployment bag to open during extraction.
IMPORTANT:
-To prevent excessive lateral loads, the bridle should be attached to both the loops on the shoulder straps. Not to just one of them.
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2.1.3- Inserting the reserve parachute into the harness
Push the slider of the zipper that encloses the bridle into its Lycra cover located behind the pilot’s neck, then open the zipper starting from the reserve
container flap, in order to free the bridle route that goes from the shoulder loops to the rescue parachute container under the seat. Next attach the rescue
parachute to the harness following one of the three methods explained above. Then enclose the parachute bridle by closing the zipper, moving the slider
from its original position to the end of the zipper near the rescue parachute container, and then leave the slider in that position until the rescue parachute
container has been completely closed.
Insert the reserve parachute into the pocket of the harness, so that the handle is visible and facing outwards, and the loop connecting the handle to the
deployment bag is facing upwards.
Close the two zips at the sides of the large flap of the reserve container.
Insert the large white elastic loop that is closest to the bridle route (near the back of the harness), into the first (rear) eyelet of the large flap. Insert the
second big elastic loop into its corresponding (middle) eyelet. Note: the bridle must pass BETWEEN the two elastic loops and not at the side of them.
Pass the middle elastic loop through the first (rear) loop, then bring the small elastic loop through the remaining (forward) eyelet and insert this through the
middle loop (using some cord to help).
Make sure the rescue handle connection comes out between the big (middle) elastic loop and the small elastic loop and that is loose enough for proper
extraction.
Insert the pin into the small elastic loop and place the rescue handle in the right location.
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It is essential to remove the cords after this operation. The cords should be pulled out slowly in order not to damage the elastic loops by excessive friction.
Push the two zipper sliders at the side of the rescue parachute container to the bottom, pushing them into the container.
Return the slider of the bridle zipper to the top of the zip, and into its Lycra cover located behind the pilot’s neck.
Finally, close the small upper flap by inserting its narrow front point into the specific split.
The magnets will keep everything in the correct position.
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IMPORTANT:
-Every new combination of reserve parachute and harness or the external container assembled for the first time should be tested by an official harness or
reserve parachute dealer, or by a flying instructor. Deployment of the reserve parachute should be perfectly feasible from the normal flying position.
The paragliding harness and its rescue parachute deployment system are not suitable for diving and strong opening shocks.
The harness main frame has been designed, tested and homologated to bear the opening shock of a rescue parachute deployment according to the required
paragliding standards. This doesn’t rule out the possibility that other parts of the harness may be damaged by the opening shock, regardless whether this
happens for real or while simulating an accident.
2.1.4- Extracting the reserve parachute
It is vital to feel periodically for the position of the reserve parachute deployment handle during normal flight, so that the action of reaching for the reserve
parachute handle becomes instinctive in an emergency.
In emergency situations, the deployment procedure is as follows:
-Look for the reserve parachute handle and grasp it firmly with one hand
-Pull the handle outwards in order to extract the reserve parachute from the harness container
-Look for a clear area, and in a continuous motion, throw the reserve parachute away from yourself and the paraglider
-To prevent the glider from interfering with the deployed rescue parachute, please proceed as follows:
- if the glider leading edge is facing upwards, gripping the D lines or the brake lines
- if the glider leading edge is facing downwards by gripping a D line or a brake line to rotate the glider till it is facing upwards and then
pulling both brake lines or both D lines to get your glider down.
-On landing, adopt an upright body position, and ensure that you perform a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) to minimize the risk of injury.
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2.1.5- Closing the parachute container flaps in case of major service intervals
If you use the harness with just one bottom parachute you need to follow a procedure to close the flaps of the unused parachute container. Use the plastic
cable provided with the rescue handle and then close all the flaps. This operation will ensure that the flaps remain properly closed and will prevent
accidental opening.
2.2- Front reserve parachute
The emergency parachute container is in the ventral section. The container was designed for very light emergency parachutes, with a lower volume than
standard chutes. The parachute has to be connected to the bridle provided before inserting into the ventral container. The bridle splits into two straps
which are fastened to the main harness karabiners. With this type of link between the emergency parachute and the harness, the emergency parachute can
be deployed from left or right.
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2.2.1- Connecting the deployment handle to the deployment bag
The front rescue container is supplied complete with the handle for parachute deployment, marked as n°13. Only this deployment handle should be used.
The black loop on the handle should be put through the loop attached to the deployment bag, and then the entire handle should be passed through the
handle’s loop in order to link the two. In this harness, to facilitate deployment, we recommend linking the handle to the loop situated in the central part of
the deployment bag. If your deployment bag does not have this loop, please contact your emergency parachute retailer.
2.2.2- Connecting the front emergency parachute to the harness
There are two methods for connecting the emergency parachute bridle to the harness risers:
First system (for non-steerable rescue parachutes):
Use a karabiner with a screw collar and a breaking strength of at least 2400 kg. In this case, the emergency parachute risers should be held in position within
the karabiner using elastic bands, to prevent the karabiner from rotating into a lateral position which could cause it to undergo a dangerous lateral stress in
the case of deployment. The screw collar should be tightened very firmly to prevent accidental opening. This type of connection can withstand a higher
shock on deployment than the second system, and it is without doubt the best system to use.
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Second system (for non-steerable parachutes):
The reserve parachute bridle is passed through the loop at the end of the harness’s inbuilt reserve parachute bridle. The reserve parachute itself is then
passed through the large loop in its own bridle. This connects the two bridles. The loops should be pulled as tight as possible to avoid any chance of
dangerous friction developing between the two bridles during the shock caused when the reserve parachute opens. To ensure that the link between the
two bridles remains tight, remember to fasten the knot using the Velcro strip on the harness’s inbuilt reserve parachute bridle.
To prevent the union of the two ropes come loose over time, we recommend fastening the knot with tape.
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2.2.3- Inserting the front emergency parachute
Fasten the emergency parachute bridle using the two Velcro strips inside the parachute container, ensuring that the two loops leading to the main
karabiners are on opposite sides and emerge from the cockpit symmetrically, therefore with the same length. These two loops also make it possible to
adjust the height of the container. We recommend fastening the Velcro as shown in the photo, in other words with the edge at the extremity of the
container. If this is not satisfactory, remove the emergency parachute and repeat the steps as described below.
Then carefully arrange the bridle inside the container.
Insert the parachute into the harness container so that the deployment handle is visible and facing outwards, and with the loop that connects the handle to
the deployment bag facing upwards. Thread a thin cord (such as a paraglider line) into each elastic loop. This will make it easier to close the container.
Insert the elastic loops into the smaller grommets (smaller with respect to the others on the edge of the container). Close the flaps in the order shown in the
drawings/photos below.
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Insert the metal pins into the elastic loops and insert the handle beneath the fabric flaps. The cord must be removed at the end of this phase, and must be
extracted slowly in order to avoid damaging the elastic loops due to excessive friction between the parts. Once the parachute has been inserted into the
container, it must be secured to the harness by connecting the loops on the restraint ropes to the karabiners: the loop on the right always remains fastened
to the corresponding karabiner, while the loop on the left must be connected when closing the harness before each takeoff.
The container is connected using the special buckles and must be fastened to the leg-cover using the zipper. The parachute container houses the
instrument compartment, which is also connected using a zipper.
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IMPORTANT:
- Each new combination of emergency parachute and harness, or change in emergency parachute container, should be checked to ensure that the
emergency parachute can be correctly deployed, by an official harness or emergency parachute dealer, or by a flight instructor. Emergency parachute
deployment should be perfectly feasible from the normal flying postion.
- Before takeoff, always check to make sure that both of the front parachute’s loops are attached to the corresponding karabiners.
2.2.4- Extracting the front reserve parachute
It is vital to feel periodically for the position of the reserve parachute deployment handle during normal flight, so that the action of reaching for the reserve
parachute handle becomes instinctive in an emergency.
In emergency situations, the deployment procedure is as follows:
-Look for the reserve parachute handle and grasp it firmly with one hand
-Pull the handle outwards in order to extract the reserve parachute from the harness container
-Look for a clear area, and in a continuous motion, throw the reserve parachute away from yourself and the paraglider
-To prevent the glider from interfering with the deployed rescue parachute, please proceed as follows:
- if the glider leading edge is facing upwards, gripping the D lines or the brake lines;
- if the glider leading edge is facing downwards by gripping a D line or a brake line to rotate the glider till it is facing upwards and then
pulling both brake lines or both D lines to get your glider down.
-On landing, adopt an upright body position, and ensure that you perform a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) to minimize the risk of injury.
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