Iflyme 0 #1 May 22, 2002 Ok, regarding another thread -- how many of you use packers??? Anyone want to post a poll (because I'm too damn lazy, and my hands are sore from packing so much at the boogie over the past weekend...)"There's nothing new under the sun" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #2 May 22, 2002 I use a packer Always Usually Sometimes Occaisionally Never ICQ: 5578907MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfeYahoo IM: ametcalf_1999 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #3 May 22, 2002 I have recently changed packers. This was primarily because the first packer I used, when I asked a question once (admittedly a stupid one, but what do I know? nothing!), basically told me he didn't have time to teach me, and go find an instructor (it was about packing, not jumping). The packer I have used the last three times I've been jumping will answer anything, show me things, and generally help me out. Even when I had those rotten line twists, we talked and tried to figure it out. Never really did, so who knows why, but we talked - no finger pointing, no blame, no accusation, just talk...I do make it a point to tell her when it was a good opening, so she is learning what I like (o.k., I am learning what I like too...)And yes, I do tip, as well.Ciels and Pinks-MicheleIf you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away...~enya~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haeloth 0 #4 May 22, 2002 For me packing is a long and difficult process. If I use a packer I will never learn to pack faster and better.Nobody expects the...um...the Spanish...um... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rgoper 0 #5 May 22, 2002 i'll do it if i have to, but if i don't, i won't. i go to jump, not pack. i will however take my main out, inspect my stow bands, closing loop, etc each weekend when i get home, so i do keep an eye on it. thanks Jahn! Richard"Gravity Is My Friend" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #6 May 22, 2002 hard to remember the last time I used a packer... must be ...letsee... Quincy 1994? maybe for 1 pack at Espace 2000???....And allthough I say I may use one if the weather is real hot and I cant be bothered with a pack, I havent use one at Espace last year (realllll hot and humid) nor Borneo... Takes me about the same amount of time to pack if I rush as a packer does at "cruising speed" so theres no main advantage there. If I was training and putting in >10 jumps in a day, it might be different...RemsterMuff 914 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #7 May 22, 2002 Packing began as a difficult process for me also- I think it does for all students. I went as far as to take my rig out in the largest room in my house, push the furniture around, and practice packing at home- I'd do this 4-5 times over the week. Now I can pack reletively quickly, but am still building up speed while keeping things under control. Soon I'll be able to speed-pack with confidence. Main reasons I don't use a packer is 1. - I'm a cheapskate - paying a packer means less money for jumps and 2. - If have a bad opening or malfunction the only person I can blame is myself- Although I have been offered a packing job by one of our load organizers/coaches - I'm thinking of taking him up on it- (more $ for jumps!)My .02! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coconutmonkey 0 #8 May 22, 2002 Generally, I prefer to pack my own chute because if anything happens, I don't want anyone else being held responsible. The only time I really use them is if it's a really heavy weekend with lots of student loads and I'm force to swap rigs in order to make sure all of the students will get up that day. Then it's someone I have known for a long time and is very good at packing. Big trust factor here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #9 May 22, 2002 QuoteTakes me about the same amount of time to pack if I rush as a packer does at "cruising speed" so theres no main advantage there. Plus of course the packer might have 5 or 6 other rigs to pack before they can even get to yours. And no matter how experienced that packer is, he/she will never have as much experience as you at packing your canopy type and size in your particular container, ie you *should* be able to do a better pack job yourself."Look before you jump, don't die until you're dead" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChromeBoy 0 #10 May 22, 2002 I use a packer for every jump for a few reasons...1. I'm lazy.2. I like to use my time in between jumps to hit on women.3. I have a new canopy that is a pain in the ass. (Slick PD)4. Nobody has really shown me how to pack. The rigger that taught me how did his best to confuse me so I would pay him $5.00 to pack it everytime.5. I like to use my time in between jumps to hit on women. (Again)I am going to learn to do it this month and pack my own from now on so I can eventually get my rigger license and save some $$$ in the mean time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #11 May 22, 2002 I packed for jumps and then for a living for a few years - I have at least three times as many pack jobs as I do jumps. Between that and the fact that it hurts my back now, I've packed for myself exactly twice in my last 76 jumps. Usually I get great openings from the packers I use...pull & flare,lisa"Try not. Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda sez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessica 0 #12 May 22, 2002 I may be the only one who posts this....But...I LOVE packing for myself. It takes me forever and it wears me out, but it took me so long to learn how, I take immense satisfaction in it. I don't plan on using a packer again in the near future.Give me a few months, though, and I'm sure I'll hate it like the rest of you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrose7 0 #13 May 22, 2002 I kind of just thought packing is a part of jumping. You jump, you complete your training program, you buy your own gear, you transition to it, you learn to pack and then start packing it yourself regularly. I am finally to the point where I am packing for myself regularly (after 37 jumps). I like it--gives me time to plan jumps and shoot the shit.The mind is like a parachute--it works better when it is open. JUMP. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kmcguffee 0 #14 May 22, 2002 QuoteI LOVE packing for myself I agree with you Jess. I enjoy doing it. It builds character . I haven't used a packer since jump number 7 and don't plan on it for a long time. "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #15 May 22, 2002 I always use a packer. I keep saying I'm going to start doing it on my own, but then I always have a reason not to, like a new canopy (twice now), it's too hot, I'm too tired, etc. Most days I think it is SO worth the $5.00 (plus tip), when I sit around and relax waching my friends sweat it out. Ok, I'll admit it, I'm just prissy!AndreaI'm high as a kiteI just mightStop and check you out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #16 May 22, 2002 Out of my about 750 jumps since student status, I have used a packer exactly once. It takes a couple minutes to fold the thing up and put it in the container.....and I have a pretty good idea how it's gonna open. I hear that people aren't even learning how to pack any more? That's frightening if it's the case....you can live in happiness too, like the oompa loompa dooba de do.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #17 May 22, 2002 QuoteMost days I think it is SO worth the $5.00 (plus tip), I know you Americans are big on tipping, but I just don't understand people tipping a packer. In a restaurant, the waiter probably gets paid minimum wage for the service they are providing, so if the service is good you tip. But tipping a packer??? They are selling you a service, they receive the full payment for this service, so why tip them as well? Does tipping them mean you get better openings and won't ever get a bad pack job?I'm not flaming you here, Andrea, I have just never understood people tipping packers. They are selling a service for a set price, why pay them more?You americans are weird, man!! Will"Look before you jump, don't die until you're dead" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #18 May 22, 2002 QuoteI hear that people aren't even learning how to pack any more?Funny you should say that. I was talking to our dzo about my student progression and when to learn to pack etc etc. In our conversation he mentioned that he had seen quite a few experienced jumpers who did not really know how to pack and always used packers.For a newbie like me, I always figured that packing is part of skydiving.......SkyDekker"We cannot do great things, only small things with great love" Mother Theresa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #19 May 22, 2002 I definitely agree that packing is an integral part of the skydiving experience. I do not pay a packer ever. I have recently allowed one packer to assist me when tandems are backed up, and I have on on rare occasions allowed a friend to pack for me, but that's it. As far as the tandem whoring goes, I don't like to get put into a situation where I am working so much I don't have time for myself, so I will generally take the $10 extra dollars and do it myself. I pack VERY quickly, but (like Lisa) have packed a LOT more times (for students at my dad's DZ) than I have skydives. I am very leery of packers in general. I don't know a single one that has not packed at least one malfunction in the past six months. I am incredulous that so many dropzones retain packers who regularly pack mals (tandem mals even!). I have a buddy up in Minnesota who boasted to me that he has grown to actually "like" tandem cutaways (he has over a dozen rides); unbelievable. I can understand and even support the use of packers for teams making 10-14 jumps a day, but still, if I were in that position I would damn sure have a "two rides and you're out" policy with the indians, whether they were your good friends or not.ChuckMy webpage HERE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #20 May 22, 2002 Will,you are not alone, brother. I have never grasped that concept, yet it seems to permeate more and more of our culture. What is the point? Are they going to give you a better pack job if you tip? I will tell you what: if I ever caught wind of someone intentionally packing a slammer just because he or she thought they didn't get a tip, then I would personally hand them their ass. I can pack in WELL under ten minutes, as do most packers, so a busy packer has the opportunity to make a ton of cash. Good for them, but if you are tipping them because they got your main done within 30 minutes, just in time for the next load, just remember that you wouldn't be sweating it had you spent the ten minutes to do it yourself. Not sure about how it is where yall jump, but around these parts we all enjoy getting a little sun and sweating on our parachutes after a skydive. Oh yeah, back to the point: I don't tip anyone but waitresses. I carry my own bags at the airport and wash my own car.ChuckMy webpage HERE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowbird 0 #21 May 22, 2002 Skydekker, that's exactly what I thought. You jump it, you pack it. Last weekend I started watching the guys packing the student rigs, snooping and asking questions, because I just assumed that I have to learn it. I think that if I'm gonna keep trusting my life to these oversized kites I should know as much about them as possible, including how they go in (and out). Besides, if I pack my own gear (once I havemy own gear) it means more $$ for jumping! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #22 May 22, 2002 Quote I'm not flaming you here, Andrea, I have just never understood people tipping packers. No offense taken. For one thing, most of my packers are my friends, and they are starving students. Because of that, I don't have a problem at all in giving them a few extra bucks, because I remember those days very well. And, I expect them to take care in every pack job, because they have a conscious, so I don't tip for that reason. But, I do like to think it helps if they are backed up, and I'm on a call, that they might pack me next, knowing that I will give them a little extra at the end of the day in appreciation.AndreaI'm high as a kiteI just mightStop and check you out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #23 May 22, 2002 I got taught to pro pack last year by a very experienced FS camera man. His motto was 'if you are sweating and swearing then you are not packing right'. He broke it down into easy steps and also explained every single line, cascade, line group etc. The only time he doesn't pack for himself is when he is filming FS teams, doing a LOT of jumps every day (15+). In almost 3 000 jumps he has had to cut away twice and he didn't pack either of those....WillPS the dude spent about 2 hours helping me and making sure I was confident to pack for myself, what did he charge me for his time? A cup of coffee and a chocolate, thats all."Look before you jump, don't die until you're dead" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #24 May 22, 2002 The ONLY time I have used a packer is when 1) I am getting my reserve packed and my rigger does it.2) A friend is jobless and trying to earn a few bucksPlus...the two packers I used are both hot chics so I get the bonus of getting to watch ....one is a rigger to boot. "Here I come to save the BOOBIES!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #25 May 22, 2002 I usually use a packer. I do this because if I'm going to be jumping 8-10 times a day over a weekend, and I find packing the more tiresome part of skydiving. I can jump more if I have someone pack for me. The only times I'll pack for myself are wednesday and friday jumps.... when there's half an hour in between loads.I also have new ZP, and it takes me about half an hour to get the damn thing in the bag. I ALSO like being social in between loads._AmICQ: 5578907MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com AIM: andrewdmetcalfeYahoo IM: ametcalf_1999 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
