Good size canopy for a noob like me

[pfloyd 0]

I weigh 215 lbs, I am still doing my AFF jumps. Lvl 4 is next for me. They have me on a 280 right now, but someone wants to sell me a complete rig with a 195 main. I didn't think I would be able to jump it for a while since that is a big difference in size. Would that rig be good for me? How long before I could jump a 195? Or should I hold off on it and wait till a larger rig becomes available? What would the best size be for me when I finally purchase a rig of my own? And yes I will ask my instructor about this(next weekend) but I figured I would ask all of you wise people first. Thanks for any incite and words of wisdom. Blue Skies!

My drinking team has a skydiving problem

[brettski74 0]

Ask your instructors. Aside from their experience, they also know your abilities, your size and weight and will be in the best position to assist you. There's more to buying a rig then just the size of the main canopy.

[sparkie 0]

well, I'm a noob too but I bought my own gear already coz I dont like renting and I think Ill be better off money wise this way.

But anyway, My skill level (nr of jumps) wont even permit me to go beyond a w/L of 1.1. You're almost the same weight as me and I fly a pilot 210 sq/ft atm. With some wind I feel comfortable to go smaller I guess but one also has to be able to land in zero wind conditions.(which takes some focus for me even with the 210, because I still make noob mistakes like reaching for the ground with a foot...harnass not level anymore, correct with toggle..oops let em up a bit, ouchie again ;))

I'd say, finish the program first, get a bit more comfortable (>25 jump or so) rent some stuff to try different canopies out and then go see if you can find something to buy. (maybe a container that holds the next downzise also? not sure if thats cheaper in the end or just trade the whole rig again at that time, ur choice)

Size isnt the only thing that matters btw, the shape and material is also different on canopies, like f111 or zero p etc.

Play around with the 280 for now, freefall is no fun if u cant land ;P

Ask your instructor also, I just thought I'd post my experience with buying to provide some info from someone close to your weight and experience level

hth, cu

[pfloyd 0]

Thanks sparkie and brettski74,

I am just trying to decide if it is even feasible to jump a 195, or just keep renting gear which is throwing money away IMO. But I do want to be safe. I guess I wont be saving money if I buy the rig, and end up renting the 280 for 30 or more jumps just to get the hang of it!

At least I have options!

My drinking team has a skydiving problem

[wmw999 2,485]

If you buy a rig with a canopy that's on the large side of what you "need" you'll have an easier time learning a lot of stuff. And then, when you downsize one size, you'll have a much easier time packing. That's a wonderful thing. One size down from the largest size main that'll fit is safe at virtually every size container (particularly larger ones).

And do listen to your instructors. There are dealers close to there (Bonnie at Gravity Gear posts here on dz.com) and they'll likely have some used gear if that's your direction.

Used would definitely be my suggestion. Also, there are some articles in the Safety=>Gear section of dz.com

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[pfloyd 0]

Thanks Wendy W


I have a lot to think about-

I am gonna have to buy used gear for sure since I don't have $6,500.00 laying around!

My drinking team has a skydiving problem

[headoverheels 333]

Is 215 your exit weight, with gear, or just your weight?

Exit weight is used below:

http://www.bigairsportz.com/pdf/bas-sizingchart.pdf

To answer your question, somewhere in the range of 200 to 300 jumps. Buy used, take care of it, sell it for close to what you paid.

[Amazon 7]

You weigh about 215 pounds

Your gear.. Rig jumpsuit helmet etc.. probably about 35 pounds.. especially for larger rigs..

That gets you an out the doorweight of 250 pounds..

Divide that by 195 Sq Ft... = 1.28
That would be your projected wingloading.

That will make for some fairly sporty landings... with so few jumps. Be sure you have good medical coverage.

Check to see if you can get a larger main in the rig.. but I tend to doubt that you could...and dont just take someones word on being told yeah you can... you should ACTUALLY pack in a larger canopy... one about 250 Sq FT.. which would give you a FAR SAFER 1 to 1 wingloading.

[pfloyd 0]

Sounds like good advice Amazon. I may just keep renting until a larger rig becomes available. It seems to be the safer option.

My drinking team has a skydiving problem

[pfloyd 0]

Quote

Is 215 your exit weight, with gear, or just your weight?

Exit weight is used below:

http://www.bigairsportz.com/pdf/bas-sizingchart.pdf

To answer your question, somewhere in the range of 200 to 300 jumps. Buy used, take care of it, sell it for close to what you paid.

215 is my weight, so I guess 250 or so would be my exit weight.

My drinking team has a skydiving problem

[Amazon 7]

looking thru the classifieds here I did find this.. its an older canopy but it should get you thru your beginning jumping..

Talk with your instructors and read up about doing business online...

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=41591&d=1

[kwmontreal 0]

Damm ....Gary beet me to the downsizing chart!!

You really need to consult your instructors! There are some who progress somewhat faster than others....BUT... at a conservatively estimated wingloading of 1.25 .......you will most probably get bit!

If you manage not to get bit, you will be so engrossed in survival that you will not be able to develop the canopy skills nearly as quickly as someone who is flying a canopy with some measure of self confidence. There are some many important skills that you need to learn and put into you "toolbox" that its important that you take your time and learn the survival skills on an appropriate sized canopy. If you want to there are numerous resources here and else where for canopy skills & drills, or PM me and I'll send you a bunch. ALWAYS go to your DZ instructors for advise .... be wary of advise from others!


Slow is fast in this sport .... enjoy it and do it for a Loooooooooong time!!


Kent

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JUMP SAFE!

[pfloyd 0]

Thanks Kent, I am gonna take it slow and just worry about jumping the rental gear for now until I find a larger rig for myself.

My drinking team has a skydiving problem

[Schoenauer 0]

Exercise patent there will be other rigs that become available, but for now I would not even consider buying a rig until I had my “A” license. The number one reason is, I am still in the AFF program soon to enter the coaching program, and my canopy skills should improve by then and that 195 may not be right.

Jumping the rental gear does give me the exposure to jump a different canopy that are not a student canopy, and you never know one of those canopies may be what you want for your first.

Memento Mori

[pfloyd 0]

Quote

Exercise patent there will be other rigs that become available, but for now I would not even consider buying a rig until I had my “A” license. The number one reason is, I am still in the AFF program soon to enter the coaching program, and my canopy skills should improve by then and that 195 may not be right.

Jumping the rental gear does give me the exposure to jump a different canopy that are not a student canopy, and you never know one of those canopies may be what you want for your first.

Schoenauer,

Indeed, I am gonna get my A before I do anything else!

I hope to be off student status this weekend if all goes well, then I can finally do some solo jumps!

My drinking team has a skydiving problem

[sparkie 0]

OT:
have fun ;P

its 11 degs celcius over here and soon, something we call winter (you may have heard of it somewhere) will set in. "starting to get frustrated"

[pfloyd 0]

A little cold never hurt anyone

Unless your DZ shuts down for the winter then that really hurts!

I got gloves and warm wear to go under the jumpsuit. So I'll be fine!

My drinking team has a skydiving problem

[brianfry713 0]

When you're ready, Davis has a descent range of rig sizes you can rent. I know there's at least a few sizes available in student rigs and demos between 170 or smaller and the largest 280. If you haven't already, and you're comfortable, consistent, and having good landings on the 280, rent one of the 260 student rigs. Downsize one canopy size at a time, and talk to one of the instructors about it first.

Once you've found a size you think you'll stick with for a little while, look for a used rig in the classifieds, or talk to a gear dealer.

[pfloyd 0]

Quote

When you're ready, Davis has a descent range of rig sizes you can rent. I know there's at least a few sizes available in student rigs and demos between 170 or smaller and the largest 280. If you haven't already, and you're comfortable, consistent, and having good landings on the 280, rent one of the 260 student rigs. Downsize one canopy size at a time, and talk to one of the instructors about it first.

Once you've found a size you think you'll stick with for a little while, look for a used rig in the classifieds, or talk to a gear dealer.

Indeed, I already downsized to the 260, and then to the 240. I like the smaller ones already. Eventually I will make my way down to 210-220. I just love this sport and cant wait to get up in the air again- its like screw everything else, lets go skydiving!

My drinking team has a skydiving problem