Buying the Container

[thatfreaksam 0]

I'm scouting for the spring season coming around and I'd like to have my own gear by then (borrowing and renting gear is really starting to be a drag), and I can't decide between two different types of containers. I'm stuck between an Infinity and a Javelin. I'm looking for used gear, and I've heard that a Javelin container would be better for a low number jumper, but that an Infinity would last me a larger amount of jumps.

At my dropzone, most of the rookies jump Javelins, but a big number of the jumpers with higher jump numbers have been egging on the choice of the Infinity.

I'm in no way pressed to get anything super quickly here, but I'd like to know what would be best to look for when I'm actually ready to buy.

Just curious on what some more experienced jumpers think.

[skyjumpenfool 2]

Find a container that fits you! One that's sized for the canopy's that fit you and your experience level. Have it checked out by a good rigger. Whatever rig you get, will be your favorite of all the rigs you own...

And, I hope I get a chance to jump with you in the future.

Birdshit & Fools Productions

"Son, only two things fall from the sky."

[davelepka 4]

Both of those rigs are fine pieces of equipment. I'm not sure why you believe that the number of jumps you have has any relation to what type of container you jump, because it does not. Either of those containers would be fine for a jumper with 10 jumps or 10,000.

Your experience will factor in when you choose the size of your canopies, and this will dictate the size of the container, but both the Jav and Infinty are made in a wide range of sizes to fit any canopy you might select.

I would expect either of those rigs to last for literally thousands of jumps from new. The length of time you will be able to jump one is only related to (again) your canopy choices.

If you were to buy a new container sized for 190 main and reserve, and you were happy jumping a 190 main and reserve for the next 2000 jumps, than the container would work fine for you for the entire time.

That's not very realistic, as most people will eventually downsize their canopies to some extent. A rig built for a 190 may be able to hold a 170, but if you start thinking about jumping a 150, you might need to buy a smaller container. So the lenght of time a rig would work for you is only limtied by your other equipment choices.

I jump an Infinty, and vote for that over the Jav. I've got my reasons, most of them personal preference, but I put my money on the Infinty.

[thatfreaksam 0]

Ah Mike! Nice to see a friendly face on here!

And thank you both for the input. I didn't realize that the type of container had no relation to how many jumps you had. Just went by what some higher number jumpers told me.

But thank you again.

[skyjumpenfool 2]

Hello- I didn't catch that you were a local... Talk to the instructors at the DZ. Mark is there from time to time this winter. He is one of the most knowledgeable riggers you may every meet. He is always willing to talk with anyone. Plus, he probably has a handle on you and what your abilities are.

There are some really great rigs out there. Many more than were available when I started in the sport. You’ll find that the more experienced the jumper, the more opinionated they are about gear. I’m not sure that’s a good thing. My personal recommendation would be to try to find a good used rig that fits you and has the canopy’s suited to your experience level. Then, as davelepka stated above, when you’re ready, move onto newer, smaller, color coordinated, “cool” stuff.

Good used gear is not easy to find, but it’s out there. See you this spring….

Birdshit & Fools Productions

"Son, only two things fall from the sky."

[riggerrob 643]

There is little difference in quality between the top manufacturers (Dolphin, Icon, Infinity, Javelin, Mirage, Talon, Vector, Wings, etc.).

Like the other poster said, I cannot see how experience affects your choice of container????????

If you want a new harness/container, you had better order it now so that it can be sewn before summer.

If you are buying used, definitely march it past your local Master Rigger before any money changes hands.

[JerryBaumchen 1,434]

Hi Rob,

Quote

you had better order it now so that it can be sewn before summer.

I do not speak for VSE ( Kelly/Tony, where are you when we need you ) but I think that they are only 4-6 weeks these days.

JerryBaumchen