questions about choosing the right size container

[snoochiebooches 0]

If once I've found the right size container for "right now" as a beginner is it best to get a container built for that exact size or to anticipate downsizing in the long term and have it built for one size down as to be able to downsize twice since i've been told you can go up OR down one size. i.e. I need a 190, have it built for a 170. Put a 190 in it. Downsize to a 170 for a 1:1 when instructed capable and still be ready for a 150 many many moons from now. I'm just thinking that if I anticipate this need now it could save me money in the longrun. Any thoughts? Also, if this is indeed the case, should i use the same reasoning with the reserve? In addition, I've spent a lot of time trying to find the "best" deal on a new container. It seems the best no bells and whistles price would be for a wings container with retailer's 30 percent discount but with the extremely long wait of 16 weeks. Is there a better deal out there?

[tetra316 0]

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Also, if this is indeed the case, should i use the same reasoning with the reserve?

I still have the same reserve I started with. And I will NOT ever be downsizing my reserve. (Except to an optimum which would mean it's still really the same size). IMHO there is no reason to downsize a reserve. Sure a small reserve looks cool but do you really want to be under it unconcious or disabled? Reserves aren't for fun, they're to save your ass

[skybytch 273]

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If once I've found the right size container for "right now" as a beginner is it best to get a container built for that exact size

Yes.

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or to anticipate downsizing in the long term and have it built for one size down as to be able to downsize twice since i've been told you can go up OR down one size. i.e. I need a 190, have it built for a 170. Put a 190 in it. Downsize to a 170 for a 1:1 when instructed capable and still be ready for a 150 many many moons from now.

Only if you think you're going to enjoy putting 190 square feet of slippery snot into a space designed to hold 170 square feet of slippery snot. And if you like the idea of putting excess stress on the fabric of your closing flaps.

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I'm just thinking that if I anticipate this need now it could save me money in the longrun.

By the time you're ready for a 150 main, you'll be ready for a smaller reserve and a smaller container. You'll have no problem reselling a container sized for a 190 main, as that's a size that many novices are looking for.

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Also, if this is indeed the case, should i use the same reasoning with the reserve?

Talk to your rigger about that. My guess is that s/he will tell you in no uncertain terms that doing so would be
a bad idea.

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Is there a better deal out there?

Sure. Buy used. You're gonna get it dirty and scratched up anyway.

[DrewEckhardt 0]

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If once I've found the right size container for "right now" as a beginner is it best to get a container built for that exact size or to anticipate downsizing in the long term and have it built for one size down as to be able to downsize twice since i've been told you can go up OR down one size.

You buy it used in the size that's appropriate now so you don't swear too much when packing. Jumping rental gear until you arrive at a 1 pound/square foot wing loading may be a better option or not.

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It seems the best no bells and whistles price would be for a wings container with retailer's 30 percent discount but with the extremely long wait of 16 weeks. Is there a better deal out there?

I spent $700 on the last used container I bought including the reserve and had it delivered within the week. With a 40% discount the last new container was over $1000 for the container, another $800 for the reserve, and it took 5-6 months to get built and delivered.

[Synapse 0]

I'm no expert... just look at my jump number. I can only tell you what advice I got and what decision I made. Take it at face value.

I was jumping a 190 when I started looking to purchase my own gear at roughly jump number 75 or 80. I was perfectly comfortable with moving to a 170, so I bought a used rig that would fit that size canopy. I purchased that rig with the intent of only owning it for a few months while a new Vector was being built for me, so then came the time to make a decision. Should I order a size that will fit a 170 or a 150?

I talked to several instructors/friends at my DZ that are familiar with my abilities, goals, plans, and the rate at which I learn. I also spoke to Mike at ChutingStar, whom I ordered the rig from, and got some good advice from him as well. After talking with everyone, I decided on the container that would hold the 170 for a few reasons:

- Reserve size: Downsizing the main also meant downsizing the reserve. I'm fine with flying my 170, I'm ok with the thought of flying a 150, but I'm not quite as happy about the thought of chopping and being on a 143. Going with the larger sized container means I can downsize to a 150 and have a -larger- reserve over my head when I need it. I want to remove as much stress from that innately stressful situation as possible.
- Resale value: 170 seems to be the magic number for most new jumpers, so selling the rig down the road will hopefully be a bit easier if it can fit that size canopy
- Cost: downsizing the container would mean I would be forced to buy a new main and reserve for the new rig instead of simply moving over my existing canopies (obviously this doesn't apply to you)
- Learning potential: It seems that most of the people I asked about this and/or look up to in general spent a large amount of time jumping canopies with a 1.0 - 1.1WL. It seemed to work well for them and they are amazing canopy pilots now, so I'm doing the same. I want to learn how to squeeze every ounce of performance and control out of that 170 before I move to the 150... I don't want my gear forcing that downsizing decision. That should mean that I'll get plenty of use out of the container on both the 170 and the 150 before I need to get rid of it for something that can hold a 135 (assuming that it can't)
- Ease of packing: This is less important to most, but I seriously hate packing. I mean that... I f'ing hate it. If I get the rig that holds a 170 I'll only have to wrestle it to get the canopy in there until I move to a 150, which should be a little easier.

I hope this helps and I hope you don't let the lure of a tiny teardrop container sway your decision.


-syn

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain
a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty
nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

[gearless_chris 1]

I totally agree. Buy the container sized for the 190, it will let you get a bigger reserve. When I bought my new Vector 3 I wanted an even bigger reserve than I got (168 Rmax). At least I should be able to keep this same container when I go smaller since the 150 fits tight already. It's a shame you can't order the rig to fit the canopies you want.

"If it wasn't easy stupid people couldn't do it", Duane.

My momma said I could be anything I wanted when I grew up, so I became an a$$hole.

[jojo0815 0]

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It's a shame you can't order the rig to fit the canopies you want.

you can do that. get an Infinity and order for a bigger reserve. the first number on an Infinity is the reserve tray and the second number is the main tray. so if you buy an I-33 it's for a PDR143 and a 150 main. if you buy an I-43 it's for a 160 reserve and a 150 main and so on. you could get an I-65 or I-54.

[AllisonH 0]

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It's a shame you can't order the rig to fit the canopies you want.

you can do that. get an Infinity and order for a bigger reserve. the first number on an Infinity is the reserve tray and the second number is the main tray. so if you buy an I-33 it's for a PDR143 and a 150 main. if you buy an I-43 it's for a 160 reserve and a 150 main and so on. you could get an I-65 or I-54.

I had my Wings made for a 160 reserve and a 150 main. Have had 3 different size mains in it, and have been very happy with it. Some manufacturers are more flexible than others on pairing up main and reserve sizes, but it never hurts to ask.