Seeking Container Recommendations

[tdog 0]

Say, I am putting together my Christmas list. (Yep, you got it, all the presents I am giving myself this year.)

I am putting together what I think my first rig should be if I had unlimited resources... I have to pick a container for a 6’3” 205 pound guy... I have solicited a lot of advice from the guys at the local DZ – but time to look out of the box and see what you guys think.

I have reviewed the gear reviews online - and as expected - everyone loves the gear they own... (Have you ever found a parent who admits their newborn baby is ugly or stupid?)

The brands that keep coming up from people I ask (in alphabetical order):

Mirage Systems Mirage
Relative Workshop Vector
Velocity Sport's Infinity

Recommendations from people who have flown or rigged more than one brand, sent via private messages or posts would be very much appreciated.

NOTE – Knowing that all three are probably pretty darn good containers, comparisons would be very helpful – like “XYZ does this better while ABC does that better.” Or – “I have seen ABC rig fail when… That is why I like XYZ.”

I thank you for your help.

[2cmyzx 0]

Just a thought, the Wings looks very nice and a good price!

[rmsmith 1]

You missed an auction for a nice *first* rig; you might be able to contact the seller.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7113563904

[billvon 2,991]

>I have to pick a container for a 6’3” 205 pound guy.

For good solid inexpensive rig - Icon. Built well, the company is great, and they're still relatively cheap.

For cool top of the line rig - Mirage G4. There's some debate over whether the G3 looks better than the G4, but I like the G4's freebag design over the G3.

For latest in safety doodads - Micron from RW. Comes with the Skyhook, which is a cool new safety feature (although it does add complexity.)

I used to recommend Reflexes; I really liked them, but they are not made any more. I currently jump a Reflex for RW and a Talon for wingsuit. I have an Icon that's going to be my next rig once the Reflex wears out (which is coming very soon.)

When you come right down to it, you won't go wrong with just about any of the rigs listed above. Each have their pluses and minuses - the astronomical wait times for the Javelin and Mirage are minuses for some, and the Mirage is well over $2000 list for a rig with options - but you're not going to get any real lemons in that bunch.

[fffff 0]

I can second Bill's opinion about the Icon, i'm getting my Icon very soon, great value for your money. My Talon worked great for me.
The most important thing when buying a rig is the same as with a canopy: try it before you buy it!!!!! See what options you would like and look at the prices. Make some color samples and see which one you like.

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NIL VOLENTIBUS ARDUUM.
(nothing is difficult for those who really want it)

[chopchop 0]

...and Aerodyne has such a great site for picking out your design.. just go to any main or container and click buy now and play with the color schemes..

chopchop
gotta go... Plaything needs a spanking..

Lotsa Pictures

[skybytch 273]

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I used to recommend Reflexes; I really liked them, but they are not made any more.

Yes they are. Trident Manufacturing in Davis, California will gladly build you a Reflex (and/or any replacement parts you may need for your existing Reflex).

To answer tdog's question, I don't think you'd be unhappy with any of the containers you mentioned (or any of the containers others have mentioned as well). I recommend choosing your container based on 1) what you like the look of, 2) what you can afford, 3) how long you're willing to wait, 4) "safety" features (i.e. Skyhook, RSL design, etc) and 5) customer service reputation of the manufacturer.

All that said, Infinity's are cool rigs. Because I jump one.

[Praetorian 1]

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I recommend choosing your container based on 1) what you like the look of, 2) what you can afford, 3) how long you're willing to wait, 4) "safety" features (i.e. Skyhook, RSL design, etc) and 5) customer service reputation of the manufacturer.

I'm Supprised that you would put looks(1) ahead of Safety(4)(5) and what you can afford(2) by your list of 5 for my first rig my order was 2,5,4(limited choice here as mine was used),1 3

Good Judgment comes from experience...a lot of experience comes from bad
judgment.

[AggieDave 6]

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5) customer service reputation of the manufacturer.

And that, IMO, is where Sunrise rigging really excells. They have a good rig, good design, its comfy, its just as safe as any other rig on the market, BUT their customer service is so far beyond anyone else I've dealt with in the industry. They have always gone well out of their way to simply answer questions or pick apart my rig and replace the hardware that corroded and ship it back to me in a day!

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[diablopilot 2]

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Mirage are minuses for some

Mirages are avaliable in 6 to 8 weeks last time I checked.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[skybytch 273]

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I'm Supprised that you would put looks(1) ahead of Safety(4)

imho those five points are the most important things to consider when choosing a new container. Change the order as desired - everyone will have a different idea of what's most important.

For me affordablility will likely always be the first thing I consider when choosing a new container. Others may have a large gear budget so price isn't quite the issue for them that it is for me. My opinion is that any rig currently available new is "safe." Others may feel that the availability of additional "safety features" outweighs the other points. Some people are willing to wait 6 months for their new custom container. Others aren't.

And some people really, really care about what their gear looks like...

[upndownshop 0]

Sun Path for the Javelin Odyssey is now down to 14 weeks. No really....14 weeks!
That new spacer foam for the back pad is awesome and it also runs all the way through the leg straps for only $100.00USD.

www.sunpath.com

Happy hunting!!

[cbain 0]

I'd just like to mention that if you haven't thought of it a Racer 2K3 is also a good, comfortable and affordable rig and Jumpshack has pretty good customer service and turn around time. The only issue with Racer's is finding a rigger willing and capable of packing it but that's why I married my rigger, he likes Racers too.

I've owned a Javelin Odessey, Vector 1, and currently jump a Racer 2K3. I love my Racer but it was also the only one custom built for me.

I also agree with everyone else that any new container on the market is good.

Good luck.

Christina

[SkydiveNFlorida 0]

Also might want to consider which pin protection you feel is best (some go up, others tuck under), pop top reserve (some don't like them). Of course, this in addition to looks, comfort, etc. My main concerns for my rig were I didn't like the look of pop tops, I wanted something comfy, and it had to look good. I didn't put safety first because I think that all of the newest stuff is pretty damn safe. Some really want the skyhook, so if you want one, get yourself a Vector.

Also, since your a big guy, I will mention that if you get a Wings you might consider the Ext version as it is longer/narrower than the original version. A friend from my dz is a little taller than you and his Ext fits very well.

I bought a Voodoo, it will be here tomorrow. :)

-A

[LannerFalcon 0]

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>I have to pick a container for a 6’3” 205 pound guy.

For good solid inexpensive rig - Icon. Built well, the company is great, and they're still relatively cheap.

For cool top of the line rig - Mirage G4. There's some debate over whether the G3 looks better than the G4, but I like the G4's freebag design over the G3.

For latest in safety doodads - Micron from RW. Comes with the Skyhook, which is a cool new safety feature (although it does add complexity.)


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I'm suprised you place the mirage above the vector, isn't it basically a copy of RW vector wihtout the R&D RW have invested? ( a good copy admittedly)

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Break now Jester!

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[Freeflysmiley 2]

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