MJB_0321 0 #1 April 28, 2005 As many people are, I'm new to the sport skydiving. I'm a military free-fall guy and am just starting to get into doing it for fun. I'm looking for my first new container, but which one . . . the buzz is Mirage or Javelin, but there are lower priced rigs that are great too. Where do I get the most bang for my buck in safety, durability, comfort, and being jumper friendly ... Thanks"Good friends will help you move. A REALLY good friend will help you move a body ... let me know if I need to bring a shovel" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 1 #2 April 28, 2005 There's a huge number of threads on this very topic in the forum archives - use the Search Posts link near the top of this page. However, to summarise: they're all pretty damn good. Mirage, Wings, Icon, Javelin, Vector 3, Talon FS, Racer 2K3, Infinity, etc etc etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #3 April 28, 2005 You may find this to be helpful. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #4 April 28, 2005 Doesn't Mirage offer a discount to Military? -A Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #5 April 28, 2005 One word: WingsSkydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
idoru99 0 #6 April 28, 2005 They did for those who were in Iraq, but that went away in March, according to them when I called them about it after returning. <><><><><><><><><><><> The greatest risk you take in life is the risk you don't take. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #7 April 28, 2005 QuoteDoesn't Mirage offer a discount to Military? -A That promotion is over. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
larsrulz 0 #8 April 28, 2005 What about wings? I know they were offering a discount to *all* military members. I got a strong urge to fly, but I got no where to fly to. -PF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
heftee 0 #9 April 28, 2005 You'll get many, many opinions on which is the "best". None of them will likely help you make up your mind. When I was ready to buy new gear, I went to an instructor at my DZ, and she helped me out by asking a few people if we could look at their gear. We took 3 of the most popularly used in our region and laid them side by side by side. I looked at the way they looked, the way they felt, the way they were constructed, how the riser flaps were, the tuck tabs, the reserve pin cover, the main flap, the bridle exposure cover, the AAD window, and many things. Having them all next to each other made it very easy to see what I did and did not like or prefer in a rig. I'd highly suggest you doing something of this nature. Not only are you making an informed decision, but you'll also gather some 'testimonials' from those owners. They'll be honest and say "yeah, I really like such and such because I notice when I'm doing so and so, it does this...before I had an X and I didn't like how it did this." You'll get more examples of reasons why they like or don't like something instead of just opinions or one word responses with a container name. Hope this helps. Best of luck. ------------------------- "If you've never jumped out of a plane, the best way I can describe it is it feels as if you've just jumped out of a freakin' plane." David Whitley (Orlando Sentinel) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
heftee 0 #10 April 28, 2005 Also, if you have a rigger you trust, ask his/her advice. They can give you an opinion just based on what they have to go through with packing it - that may affect your decision. I know my rigger has stated before "I hate packing X rigs, they are so hard because of such and such." I added that to my decision making process a little. Really, it comes down to what features you like, what you think LOOKS good, and your price range. ------------------------- "If you've never jumped out of a plane, the best way I can describe it is it feels as if you've just jumped out of a freakin' plane." David Whitley (Orlando Sentinel) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #11 April 28, 2005 Great advice for a novice. I'm not a big fan of the "Buy your rig for the rigger" brigade, but that may be because I travel quite a bit, and have dealt with different riggers. My rigs outlast my riggers.tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
heftee 0 #12 April 28, 2005 Very true, but if you're on the fence between two choices and one might be known for being a huge pain and that is the only differing factor....could be worth someconsideration. You know, something about not ticking off your rigger! ------------------------- "If you've never jumped out of a plane, the best way I can describe it is it feels as if you've just jumped out of a freakin' plane." David Whitley (Orlando Sentinel) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #13 April 28, 2005 With 18 reserve rides... my riggers obviously love me. I'm in there with frequent flyer discounts! tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feeblemind 1 #14 April 28, 2005 QuoteYou may find this to be helpful. Lisa's post was spot on for me as wells as personal advice she gave. Due to my body size and shape (very much like a fire plug or bowling pin, depends on the angle you look from ) I had to buy new gear. I was fortunate enough to receive good personal advice from my instructor (Ed Pawlowski), my rigger (Kieth), Ryan at Action Air, Jason (the fellar that got me into sport) and of course from Lisa. Being new to sport I sought advice from those I trusted most, I can only suggest you do the same. Good Luck, Phil Fire Safety Tip: Don't fry bacon while naked Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MJB_0321 0 #15 April 28, 2005 They did, however they no longer do. It was a hell of a discount too . . . 50% off container and 15% off options, but unfortunately I was in "the sandbox" when they had it going on."Good friends will help you move. A REALLY good friend will help you move a body ... let me know if I need to bring a shovel" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #16 April 29, 2005 QuoteThey did, however they no longer do. It was a hell of a discount too . . . 50% off container and 15% off options, but unfortunately I was in "the sandbox" when they had it going on. Wow, sorry to hear that:( Sounds like it was a heck of a deal!! I think any of the newer rigs are good rigs. It really depends on what you like the looks of, and what features you need/want. I don't like pop tops. I don't like the undertucking flap of the Javelin, either. I think riser protection and flaps are really important (i'm sure you agree!) I think they Vector is a nice rig and I would seriously consider it because of the skyhook. I like Mirage, too, but i'd have to look into it since a lot of people seem to complain about wrinkles since the cutter for the cypres has been moved. I'm not a huge fan of the look of wings and infinities, but many are. It is up to you! -A Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
