mdupouy 0 #1 March 17, 2008 I just recently finished my AFF course and am totally hooked on skydiving. After talking to a few people and reading articles online it seems best to start getting my own gear asap as i fully intend to continue with the sport and rentals add up quick. So my question is simple, what is some good gear to start with. I was looking at jumpsuits and soon found that there are a large variety and no real guide to buying your first. Also, when the money in there, what is a good canopy and rig to buy? Through my AFF i jumped in a Navigator 240 and for my level 7 I switched to a 220 and loved it. Any advice is helpful, thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertime24 8 #2 March 17, 2008 My brother has a Freak N' Suit (free fly) that he got brand new for $190. As for mains, buy used check out the classifieds here as well as what people are selling at your dz. I wont get into sizes very much as im not an instructor/ seen you land/ know what you weigh etc..., but if you enjoyed a 220 you might like a spectre210/190 or similar. Again I really couldnt tell you on size, but of the canopies Ive jumped I enjoy the spectre probably the most right now. Good luck with your hunt. -MikeMuff #5048 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #3 March 17, 2008 Start here. Talk to your instructors, local riggers, and local jumpers, and read what people here have to say. But, always remember that whatever I jump is the best possible gear out there. For me. That may or may not make it the best gear for you. The same goes for any other person who answers the question "what gear is best." Also remember that because someone has a license or even a rating does not mean they know anything at all about what gear might be right for someone of your size, weight, ability, personal risk assessment and experience level. Opinions are great but nothing beats jumping what you are thinking about buying. Demo, demo, demo... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigway 4 #4 March 17, 2008 Buying your own gear is a brilliant way to go. Talk to your instuctors, ask them suitable gear and sizes that is suitable for you and then have a look through the classifieds. When buying second hand gear, always ask about being able to have it inspected before purchased. If you do a search you will find thousands of threads about it. Buying new is also a great option, however with the canopy sizes you are enjoying at the moment i would tend to suggest waiting until you are ready for at least a 190 canopy before you purchase anything brand new. .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
derrickiv 0 #5 March 17, 2008 As someone who brought a brand new canopy.. i'd strongly suggest buying used.. packing a brand new canopy sucks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maurice1369 0 #6 March 17, 2008 I would have to agree with you. Buying a new canopy if you want to have your canopy match your container and jumpsuit. But you will not like packing it at all. I have a little under 50 jumps on my sabre2 190 and I can pack it to the point where I can get part of the canopy in the bag but in the end I just stuff it in the bag and make sure the slider is stowed and the lines are straight. The canopy itself is just trashed intp the bag. Oh well, as long as it opens it will be fine.(Ihope)EXPECT THE WORST, HOPE FOR THE BEST!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigway 4 #7 March 17, 2008 Ask if you can get away with a d-bag being one size to big? I remember when i downsized with my new rig and new canopy, meant the dbag was a size too big and the canopy got in no problem. This would all depend on your container as the d-bag is made for the container. .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
