A few newbie questions ...

[Dracan 0]

Hi. I've just got my A licence, and am looking to buy my own rig after about 20 more jumps. I want a 170 main. I can't decide whether to go for a complete 2nd hand rig or buy a new container and get 2nd hand canopies (I want a Javelin Odyssey container if new). I definitely can't afford to get absolutely everything new.

If I got a new container, would I be able to get one that can take both a 170 main and a 150 main? I.e. if I downsized to a 150 later, would I be able to put that in the same container?

As I'll probably only be doing about 60 jumps a year, how long do people thing it's likely to take me to want to downsize from a 170 to a 150 anyway?

Would a Javelin Odyssey container designed for a 170 main hold it's value quite well for when I come to sell it?

Thanks for any help with these questions,
- Dan

[GravityGirl 0]

The scope of your questions deserves a full, personal conversation.

I'll answer some of your questions the best I can.

It is possible to purchase a new rig that will fit a 170 main now and then a 150 later. Is this the right combination for you right now? There are several questions that need to be answered to know for sure.

The way I like to look at the first rig quest is this.

Determine which size main parachute is appropriate for your skill level RIGHT NOW. Then decide what type of parachute. Ex: Sabre2, Pilot, Triathalon, Spectre, Silouette, Omega, Safire2, etc. Do some research on flight charactoristics. Then make a list in order of preference.

Then determine which reserve is the right size for you and your experience level. Do some research and make a list in order of preference.

Decide if you want to use an AAD.

Take some measurements using order forms as a guide to help determine what size harness will fit your body. Consider what type of flying you plan on doing over the next 100 - 200 jumps. Freestyle, freefly, RW, CRW, etc. How often do you jump? Every weekend? Once a month? This can help you determine how modern your rig needs to be.

Now you should have a full list of what YOU need. When shopping used gear, only consider the rigs that fit into your parameters. Because a "Good Deal" is not a good deal, if the equipment is not appropriate for you.

A new/used combination can often be a good choice. But have a look around to see what is available in your range. If there is nothing that meets your expectations and parameters, then look into new.

Keep in mind that new gear can take 6 - 16 weeks to manufacture.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!

[Feeblemind 1]

Gear Clicky
Parachute Clicky

Just a couple of good articles you might be intrested in.


Blues,
Feeble

Fire Safety Tip: Don't fry bacon while naked

[Dracan 0]

Thanks for your quick reply. As for what size of rig is appropriate for my skill level right now - I don't really know, as I've not tried smaller canopies. I finished my consol jumps yesterday and those were using 235s. I have jumped a 210 once, and found it easy to control and had a very good landing. Quite a few people at the dropzone say that a 170 would be a good size for me (I'm only 140lbs without rig). As I'll be doing 20-30 more jumps before buying anyway, then I'll have time to downsize in stages till I'm used to a 170.

As for the AAD, I don't have a choice - it's mandatory in the UK.

Regarding the style I want to persue - I'm looking to get into freefly. I'll probably be going to the dropzone twice a month and jumping 2-3 times (so about 5 a month). I'll also be going on holiday once a year skydiving - so will probably want to get 25-30 jumps on the holiday.

Wow - I didn't realise it would be that long a wait!

[GravityGirl 0]

As long as you have a series of canopies to downsize with and you have no issues on that progression, the 170 sounds reasonable. If at any point in that progression you feel you need more time on any particular size, spend the time to master it before moving on. Don't be in a rush to get your new container. If you can't fly it well, you'll just scrub it up anyway.

I believe the current lead time for Jav is about 10 weeks right now. That would give you downsize time.

To make sure you have all of your variables in check, you should sit down with your local dealer and discuss your options.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!

[BIGUN 1,409]

I would add to Bonnie's response that, if you have to choose betwen new & used; it's better to go with the new harnesss/container custom-fitted to you and get used canopies since you plan on eventually downsizing.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[damion75 0]

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As I'll be doing 20-30 more jumps before buying anyway ...

Wow - I didn't realise it would be that long a wait!

Sounds like you won't need it for about six months anyway with the jump currency you reckon you will manage! But it is worth the wait to get really good gear which fits you - time to forget the discomfort of those student containers...

If you are spending time at Hinton, why not pop over to see Maddy at DZ Sports - she will be able to give you some answers and chat about them.

***************

Not one shred of evidence supports the theory that life is serious - look at the platypus.

[smiler 0]

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As for the AAD, I don't have a choice - it's mandatory in the UK.

Not for everybody, only until you've got your B licence (50 jumps, CH2 and JM1 plus already having your A licence). Good idea to have one though.

www.wingin-it.co.uk
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[rigger_john 0]

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As for the AAD, I don't have a choice - it's mandatory in the UK.

Not for everybody, only until you've got your B licence (50 jumps, CH2 and JM1 plus already having your A licence). Good idea to have one though.

Although it is mandatory at some drop zones for everybody

Hi Liz how's life in the real world?

_________________________________________

Nullius in Verba

[orribolollie 0]

Hi There!
Did you get your first rig yet?? How is the quest going??
Its a toughey getting your first gear; so many questions haha.

Ive only a few hundred jumps but heres my expereince. I managed to pick up a Vortex (south african javelin cheapey copy) for about 1400 pounds with a 170 main. It was freefly friendly and therefore a 'modern' peice of kit.
It was a good rig to me and I put about 100 jumps on it. Your problem will be availability, first time rigs of that size are gold dust in the UK, especially ones that fits you reasonably well ie. in the harness!
So dont worry about downsizing and all that, just pick up something that is suitable for you and your skydiving skills NOW as has been said. (Plenty of threads about that).
A complete rig instead of a mix - match of bits is better in my opinion.
Go for a complete new rig maybe next year; for now pick up whats available and crank those jump numbers up. Otherwise you might wait all summer with a head full of questions trying to peice stuff together!
Good luck
Ollie
PS From your details (exp, weight etc), id say a 170 would be a sensible choice, but go ahead and read the threads on canopy selection there is always good advice on this here. Have fun

[Dracan 0]

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Hi There!
Did you get your first rig yet?? How is the quest going??

Hi. Nope, not got my rig yet. Looking at my finances - I've decided to hold off for a while. I've spent a lot recently on various hobbies (motorbike, new car, AFF in America, etc.), and that's cut quite a lot into my savings. I need to have a "financial detox" for a while and get my savings back into shape. With my current jump frequency, I'm probably better off just paying for gear hire for now anyway. Need to win the lottery! lol