Rig Storage

[aresye 0]

I'm planning on getting a first rig soon, probably sometime this month, and had a question about storage. I'm pretty sure most of you have houses or apartments, and live alone, with a family member, or with a spouse.

I'm in the military and I live in the barracks. Being in San Diego, and approaching sumertime, I obviously don't want to store it in my car. I'm concerned about keeping it in the barracks though as well, because our lockers are only locked by a small combination lock. I trust it to my other gear, but I won't trust it for my rig, especially when people start noticing I own one. Theft is a huge problem in the military, sadly, and the last thing I would want is some untrained booter to steal my rig and then likely kill himself on it.

So what would you recommend I do with my rig once I have it. Can I have the dropzone keep it up there? A friend's house I can trust. I basicly have 2 goals:

1. To be secure.
2. To not be tinkered with by other people when I'm not around.

Skydiving: You either learn from other's mistakes, or they'll learn from yours.

[DougH 270]

Many dz's have lockers... look into that. Otherwise if there is a rigging loft onsite ask the rigger to keep it for you. You trust them with your life... you should be able to trust them to watch your rig.

Do not do anything to the rig between jumps to make it unjumpable. People have done things like tie up reserve handles etc, and then forgoten about it!

"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

[hudsonderek 0]

what's the rig? I'll hold it for you, I swear I won't jump it seriously though some DZ's have lockers to put your stuff in, I'd try that first, and if that doesn't work talk with the DZO and see what they can cook up for you.

[millertime24 8]

Im also in the military and can totally relate to your theft concerns. Do you have any friends who live in base housing or that live off base that you trust? I would say leaving it with them until you move off is an option (thats what I used to do with my guns). Also most dropzones will happily store your rig for you. That may even be a better option as most dz's Ive seen have pretty damn good security systems. Other than that your car is pretty much your only other option, but as you said even vehicles are subject to theft. Hope this helps you out a little. BTW, what kind of rig/main are you planning on getting. Not really important, just wanna know.

Muff #5048

[aresye 0]

I'm thinking about either a Wings or Mirage container, mainly because of the military discount, with a 210 main, and a 190 reserve. I weight about 190, so a 210 would be about a 1:1 for me. Plus an AAD of course.

Skydiving: You either learn from other's mistakes, or they'll learn from yours.

[JordanCraft7 0]

I would definetely recommend a Wings container (keep in mind, its only a recommendation and there are tons of nice containers out there). I am in the military as well and I can tell you that Wings gives the best discounts (50% base price). My buddy just ordered his brand new from Wings and he loves it. The only problem was that he had to wait 12 weeks to get it. Not bad, just something to think about.

And as for storing the rig, follow the previous advice, keep it at your DZ.

[DrewEckhardt 0]

Quote

I would definetely recommend a Wings container (keep in mind, its only a recommendation and there are tons of nice containers out there). I am in the military as well and I can tell you that Wings gives the best discounts (50% base price). My buddy just ordered his brand new from Wings and he loves it. The only problem was that he had to wait 12 weeks to get it. Not bad, just something to think about.

And as for storing the rig, follow the previous advice, keep it at your DZ.

Even with the 33% discount (anyone can get 25% off just by purchasing from a big dealer; and 50% of MSRP is only a 1/3 discount compared to the 75% of MSRP street price) you can spend a lot more than if you just got a used rig.

I spent under $800 on my last container+reserve combination (used) or about what you'll be spending just for the container. While you could add a used reserve to that, most of the used reserves get sold as part of a package deal so the options are limited and prices not too different from new. You're also a lot more likely to score a good deal on a Cypres if it comes as a package.

Other hidden charges that go with the new rig are rental costs and depreciation. If you buy new and wait just eight weeks for delivery, you could easily spend another $500 more on rig rentals than if you bought something used and started jumping it this weekend. When you go to downsize and are trying to sell a nearly new package, you're competing with $2000-$3000 setups and are going to have to wait longer or take a bigger hit selling.

If I didn't have an odd body shape, I'd buy my first rig used even with a 50% discount on a new container. Wait for the second one to buy new, where you can end up with the same rig size you'll be jumping indefinitely (While I only kept my first rig for two years, I've jumped the same rig size since 1998) and it doesn't matter how long it takes to get built (I ordered my custom skydiving rig in December 1999 and had it delivered in May 2000).

[maurice1369 0]

Hey man,


I am stationed at Fort Bragg and I also live in the barracks. Most of the people who live in the barracks and see you with the rig slung over your shoulder will think it is a backpack. But honestly, I have 2 rigs and an expensive desktop. I went with USAA and had purchased$15,000 worth of personal property insurance and I only pay about $70 a year. As long as you have proof of all your high value items you will get fully reimbursed for your losses. That is just my suggestion so please take what you want from what I suggest. If you have anymore questions feel free to message or email me.

GOOD LUCK with your decision

EXPECT THE WORST, HOPE FOR THE BEST!!!

[aresye 0]

You only pay $70 a year for a $15,000 personal property insurance? I already use USAA for my car insurance. Will definitely think about the PP when I buy my rig.

One night in Pensacola, my friend was packing his main into his container, and the watch that was on our deck saw us. He seemed pretty surprised. I guess it's not typical on watch to catch people packing parachutes in the barracks, lol.

Skydiving: You either learn from other's mistakes, or they'll learn from yours.

[format 1]

DougH

People have done things like tie up reserve handles etc, and then forgoten about it!

Wow

What goes around, comes later.