freeasabird 0 #1 May 23, 2004 I am a few jumps away from my A license and would like some advice on what to look for in my first rig. I would like to purchase a complete, ready-to-go used rig that suits my needs. But I am not sure where to start looking. My weight is 180-ish and I am 5'-11" with a medium build. My instructor recommended a 190 main to start out with (but said he won't let me jump it until he knows I'm ready for it - which is fine). I plan on eventually getting into relative work and freeflying. I know I definitely want a cypress as well as an RSL. And based on what I read about durability, I think I would like a zero-p main. Other than that, I don't know what else I need to look for. A few of the other newbies at my DZ seem to be finding some really good deals. Prices they have paid for complete rigs have ranged from $1000 to $1500 (which sounds great to me!). I think all of them purchased their gear off the Internet from various sources. Can anyone offer any advice on what I should be looking for in my first rig and where I might begin my search? Thanks.----- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skipro101 0 #2 May 23, 2004 You could start by looking on the classifieds one THIS site. Lool up to your right..there is a bar...it says "classifides"... those are the classifides. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jib 0 #3 May 23, 2004 That sounds REALLY cheap since a new Cypress is $1200-ish. The stock answer around here is ask your instructor for what (which you have) and ask your local rigger for his thoughts and to inspect anything you're interested in. If you want to freefly, you'll want a newer rig that is designed for it. (I'd be avoiding velcro and looking for bridle protection). You should read the articles in this forum and do a few searches, which will answer a lot of questions. Good luck! Blues jib -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #4 May 23, 2004 I'm going to have to go against the grain here for a moment. I keep hearing everyone recommending that you "Check with your instructor." "They will know what is best for you." I have to disagree. Most instructors are gear conscientious, but many are not. There are so many professionals in this sport that dedicate their career to learning about improving gear. I would suggest talking to a professional gear consultant. Since you are here on the forums, you will find several here. Just to mention a few, if I may, Skybitch, Arlo, DiabloPilot and there are more... Most instructors are good at their jobs. But there are those amoung us that dedicate 24/7 to learning about the individual jumpers, keeping on top developments and bulletins specific to the Gear Industry. Why not take advantage of their knowledge to help you find the proper gear. I am both and instructor (8 years) and a gear dealer (6 years). I can honestly say, that before I started dedicating my time to the gear aspect of the industry, I wasn't the best person (AFF Instructor) to come to for gear advise. The resourses are out there. Use them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #5 May 23, 2004 QuoteI keep hearing everyone recommending that you "Check with your instructor." "They will know what is best for you." I have to disagree. Most instructors are gear conscientious, but many are not. I could not agree more. I think that statement should be added to a "sticky" post on this forum.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeasabird 0 #6 May 23, 2004 QuoteIf you want to freefly, you'll want a newer rig that is designed for it. (I'd be avoiding velcro and looking for bridle protection). jib, I think I know what you mean with the no velcro/bridle protection thing. My last jump was a solo from 12,500 with a student rig (Vector container). Had fun doing my first front and back flips ever (2 each). They went smooth and I stayed on heading, etc., blah, blah. After finishing my last flip, I felt something flapping and hitting the back of my right thigh. I immediately thought "uh-oh...bridle came loose...possible horseshoe mal?!". I reached back to grab my throw-out handle and inadvertently grabbed whatever was flapping. It felt thin - like a bridle. I let go of it and felt for the handle again, got it, threw out, and opened under good main. After canopy performance check, I looked down to check the stowage on all my strap excesses. Everything was still tightly tucked away? Do you think that what I initially felt on my first throw-out attempt was indeed my bridle which had come loose? If so, did my few simple flips combined with the fact that I had velcro and no bridle protection contribute to the cause? (Sorry if this got off thread). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #7 May 23, 2004 Obviously I'm not jib, but: Yes and yes.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
