if I never plan to downsize

[seadream91 0]

I know this question is premature since I've yet to start AFF ( 2 months and counting) and I'm nowhere near ready to buy gear, but I'm curious nonetheless. I definitely plan on getting input from numerous instructors at my DZ before buying gear, but would also like to hear your opinions.

I'm just getting into this sport and at 50, I don't plan on competing, swooping, or being anything other than a 'fun jumper'. When the time gets here, I want to invest my money in one rig I'll love to jump and that will last me for however many years I have in the sport. I want a docile, easy to fly canopy with soft openings, and as less prone to mals as possible (although I realize packing has alot to do with this).

I weigh 145 (so with gear), I guess 175 out the door. I'm thinking maybe a Pilot 188. What would you recommend?

[skybytch 273]

I'd recommend actually jumping a variety of canopies before you decide on anything.

[labrys 0]

You are thinking way too far ahead. Picking just the right canopy is going to depend a lot on how well you do in your training and what you come to prefer once you've jumped a few different types of canopies. You might find that you prefer something else.

That said, you're probably in the right ballpark thinking about something like a Pilot 188 but there are so many more choices with different flight characteristics. Make sense?

It's probably also a good idea for now to leave whether or not you intend to downsize out of the equation. Pick a canopy that's right for you when the time comes.

If you end up feeling more comfortable on a larger canopy at first then go with that. If you change your mind later you shouldn't have any problem selling a larger canopy. I've gone from a 210 to a 150 over the course of 6 years and that first canopy was the only one I've paid for out of pocket. The rest were all horse trades.

Owned by Remi #?

[BIGUN 1,422]

I'd recommend you gather information on reserve sizing first.
You're not jumping your main; you're jumping the reserve.

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

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Since you say you plan on keeping it for a long time, I'd say try a LOT of different canopies to find the one you like best.

This is an important enough decision that you want to take enough time on it.

There's nothing wrong with the Pilot, but it may or may not be the best choice for you.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[seadream91 0]

Quote

I'd recommend you gather information on reserve sizing first.
You're not jumping your main; you're jumping the reserve.

How exactly DO you decide on reserve make/sizing? Should it be about the same size as your main or larger? I really have no idea and I'm glad you mentioned this.

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

Thanks to all who replied. I know I'm asking this question WAY too early. I intend to jump student/rental equipment for a good while so I'll try to jump as many different canopies as possible. Thanks again!

[Genego 2]

QUESTIONS are never premature. DECISIONS can be premature. You're just trying to get as much information about a new and exciting sport. Take the answers you're getting, factor them into your learning curve and make the appropriate decision when you have the experience necessary. And never forget to use your local resources. Your instructors, jumpmasters, riggers.

Blue Sky

gene

I live with fear and terror, but sometimes I leave her and go skydiving.

[Andy9o8 2]

Quote

QUESTIONS are never premature. DECISIONS can be premature.

Agreed.
To the OP: your presumption that you won't ever want to downsize is premature, even when starting at age 50. Lots of jumpers start the sport in middle age; and for a while, a roughly 1:1 wingloading suits them just fine. But after 200 jumps or so, even if they don't want to do seriously high-performance canopy piloting, even conservative jumpers start wanting a canopy with a bit more zippy WL, if for no other reason than to get better penetration into the wind on long spots, to give more maneuverability (within the scope of their skill set) and to provide a more powerful flare at landing.
Put another way: even if you don't want to drive a Ferrari, the time will come when driving a Gremlin will start to get old. So just keep your mind open.

[Joellercoaster 6]

True, but then again he might be right on the money. I know a guy about that size, weight and age but with a couple of thousand jumps, an he's still jumping a Fury (to the OP, that's a 220 square foot non-ZP canopy).

He's jumped other things from time to time to see how the other half lives, but when his current Fury gets too porous... he breaks out another one out of the shed

--
"I'll tell you how all skydivers are judged, . They are judged by the laws of physics." - kkeenan

"You jump out, pull the string and either live or die. What's there to be good at?

[BIGUN 1,422]

Quote

Quote

I'd recommend you gather information on reserve sizing first.
You're not jumping your main; you're jumping the reserve.

How exactly DO you decide on reserve make/sizing? Should it be about the same size as your main or larger? I really have no idea and I'm glad you mentioned this.

Thanks to all who replied. I know I'm asking this question WAY too early. I intend to jump student/rental equipment for a good while so I'll try to jump as many different canopies as possible. Thanks again!

Disclaimer: You should always listen to the advice of YOUR Instructors and local Riggers. My "recommendation or advice" as an Instructor was, 1) to not exceed .8:1 W/L, 2) in full winter gear and, 3) to take into account the highest elevation you "might" jump for your reserve. 2 & 3 "may" be a consideration; maybe not.

Performance Designs Reserve Sizing Chart
Aerodyne's Reserve Sizing Chart
Precision's r-Max Sizing Chart - on the order form button (.pdf)

Bedtime Story: I'm a little larger than the average skydiver and jump a 249 Dash M Reserve with a max weight of 277# for the category of "Advanced." We used to have a Freeflier (Brad) who was about 5'8" and 180ish lbs.

One day (noticing the size of his reserve pack tray), I asked him what size reserve he had - which was exactly the same as mine. So, I asked him, why did he get a reserve so large for his size... His response, "There's only one thing more beautiful than large perky tits and that's too much reserve."

--OK OK, a lot larger than the average skydiver. --

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

[seadream91 0]

Thanks to all of you for the helpful info. I'm looking forward to flying alot of different canopies and finding one that's just right for me!