jerrid_atwood 0 #1 December 24, 2011 Hello, I'm entering the sport of skydiving and as most newbies, I have a million questions regarding the sport.. I've been directed towards purchasing used gear rather than new, which makes sense. My goal is to purchase a complete system and my question regarding that is what would be the best option to start with??? Are certain brands overwhelmingly better?? I'm 6'2'' around 195 lbs. I don't have any personal friends involved in the sport so I'm coming into this blind. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated :) -Jerrid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #2 December 24, 2011 If you're brand new and haven't even started jumping, the best thing you can do right now is start saving your money for gear. Student-appropriate gear will be included in the cost of your student jumps; after that, your instructors will be able to advise you on appropriate canopy sizes/types and you can begin to thinking about putting together your own gear."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #3 December 24, 2011 This is a really common question. The "Brand Wars" are no different than cars. Some people claim "their" brand is best, but in reality, all of them are pretty good. Chutingstar is a well respected gear dealer, and they have a lot of good advice. The link takes you to their answer to your question. The Gear Articles tab here on DZ.com has a few articles on it too. Short answer: Appropriately sized canopies (both main and reserve). A harness/container that fits those canopies (and you, although that can be reworked if it doesn't fit you). AAD. Finding a complete system that is "perfect" for you may or may not be practical, but piecing it together is always a possibility. Trying to do this without knowing what you are doing is a recipie for disaster. Either ending up with junk or something totally inappropriate for you. Your first move should be to talk to your instructors and a local rigger. Random advice from strangers and weirdos on the internet (including this advice) is worth exactly what you pay for it."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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonstark 8 #4 December 24, 2011 BEST? Borrowed gear that you can use on long-term loan. You'll hopefully make friends who have gear sitting in their attics for just this purpose. Pay it forward. jon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #5 December 24, 2011 A wallet stuffed with readies. (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,006 #6 December 24, 2011 For a newish jumper (20 jumps) with an exit weight of 225: Silhouette 230 PD235R reserve Talon FS T7 container Cypres II AAD Or comparable used gear. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #7 December 24, 2011 QuoteFor a newish jumper (20 jumps) with an exit weight of 225: Silhouette 230 PD235R reserve Talon FS T7 container Cypres II AAD Or comparable used gear. and a Go Pro (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerrid_atwood 0 #8 December 25, 2011 Thank you everyone for replying to my post :) this is definitely valuable information for me, i appreciate it. ive been researching your suggestions and i think i have something to work with here, thanks again!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildcard451 0 #9 December 25, 2011 QuoteQuoteFor a newish jumper (20 jumps) with an exit weight of 225: Silhouette 230 PD235R reserve Talon FS T7 container Cypres II AAD Or comparable used gear. and a Go Pro 2 GoPros. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rnicks 0 #10 December 25, 2011 Quoteand a Go Pro -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 GoPros That joke is more tiresome than new kids asking about gear. With a D license and 9 years in, you are a leader in this sport whether you are an active coach/instructor or not. If you have nothing constructive to add, then zip it up!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #11 December 25, 2011 Lighten up Francis or take your own advice. (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rnicks 0 #12 December 25, 2011 Gee, I thought my post was pretty constructive. But you're right, I shouldn't post when I'm tired. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davelepka 4 #13 December 25, 2011 QuoteThank you everyone for replying to my post :) this is definitely valuable information for me, i appreciate it. ive been researching your suggestions and i think i have something to work with here, thanks again!!! You never answered the question about how 'new' you really are. Unless you are a licensed jumper, you should avoid buying gear. You will not be able to use your own gear for your student training jumps, and unless you have the guidance and inspections from an FAA rigger there's a chance you may never be able to jump the gear you buy. During your student training, the DZ will provide you with gear and you'll have a chance to jump a couple different student rigs/canopies. You'll also end up spending time at the DZ, and hanging out with other jumpers and you can look at/ask about their equipment. By the time you have a license, your understanding of gear, what's available and how it all goes together will be 100x better than what you can get off the internet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DanneB 0 #14 December 25, 2011 What about the "easier" gear then the rigs. As a new skydiver, what is the musthave items? I'm thinking of getting a Tracking suit, is it worth 400€ as a newb? I've seen many on youtube use helmets like http://www.buckmans.com/cms/store/images/cart/smithmazematteblk.jpg and goggles like this http://stmonline.com.au/images/Accesories/Goggles/smith_io_white_redsen.jpg I think it looks really comfortable, but i have no clue really how it feels in 120mph yet. I guess the cheapest Altimeter would work fine for a beginner aswell¿AFF course starting in April, waiting... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #15 December 25, 2011 QuoteWhat about the "easier" gear then the rigs. As a new skydiver, what is the musthave items? I'm thinking of getting a Tracking suit, is it worth 400€ as a newb? I've seen many on youtube use helmets like http://www.buckmans.com/cms/store/images/cart/smithmazematteblk.jpg and goggles like this http://stmonline.com.au/images/Accesories/Goggles/smith_io_white_redsen.jpg I think it looks really comfortable, but i have no clue really how it feels in 120mph yet. I guess the cheapest Altimeter would work fine for a beginner aswell¿ Looks like a ski helmet and goggles... neither of which are preferred for skydiving. Realistically you can get a pro-tec helmet and a pair of goggles pretty cheap and they will last you a while."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #16 December 25, 2011 Quote Gee, I thought my post was pretty constructive. But you're right, I shouldn't post when I'm tired. Have a great christmas (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #17 December 25, 2011 It's a good idea to start learning about gear and once you have an idea of what is appropriate, start watching for it here or at your DZ. But the first gear to buy would be a Protec helmet, simple goggles, analog altimeter and gloves. It's nice to have a helmet where the padding is new and hasn't been worn by lots of other people. Goggles that aren't scratched to hell. Gloves that are soft and fit perfectly. And my alti of choice is the Alti2 Galaxy. The helmet/gloves/goggles will run you about$60-70. The alti can be bought used for starting about $80 on up to new. For a suit, buy used since most folks don't have perfect landings, so no need to damage that pretty new suit. A cheap pair of mechanics coveralls can work in a pinch. If you are feeling artistic, you can magic marker them for ghetto chic.50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildcard451 0 #18 December 25, 2011 QuoteQuoteand a Go Pro -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 GoPros That joke is more tiresome than new kids asking about gear. With a D license and 9 years in, you are a leader in this sport whether you are an active coach/instructor or not. If you have nothing constructive to add, then zip it up!! Ya got me. Unfortunately this website in its current iteration has long outlived any useful advice, so we may as well make a joke of it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerrid_atwood 0 #19 December 25, 2011 to answer your question of how "new" i am to the sport, im much like a 2011 model vehicle.. damn new! hahaha. i have done a few tandem jumps and within a couple weeks i will be starting AFF. my program will last a few days in order for me to get my A license, from there ill be going balls to the wall! i know its not a good idea to get gear especially before getting my license. i just feel it better to get opinions and ideas through this collective as opposed to the info i'd attain from the DZ ill be training at alone. the way i see it, knowledge is power! plus i have time on my hands so i might as well make the best of it becoming informed and researching products. and thanks again everyone for your suggestions!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DanneB 0 #20 December 25, 2011 Great tips, thanks!AFF course starting in April, waiting... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nigel99 501 #21 December 26, 2011 QuoteIt's a good idea to start learning about gear and once you have an idea of what is appropriate, start watching for it here or at your DZ. But the first gear to buy would be a Protec helmet, simple goggles, analog altimeter and gloves. It's nice to have a helmet where the padding is new and hasn't been worn by lots of other people. Goggles that aren't scratched to hell. Gloves that are soft and fit perfectly. And my alti of choice is the Alti2 Galaxy. The helmet/gloves/goggles will run you about$60-70. The alti can be bought used for starting about $80 on up to new. For a suit, buy used since most folks don't have perfect landings, so no need to damage that pretty new suit. A cheap pair of mechanics coveralls can work in a pinch. If you are feeling artistic, you can magic marker them for ghetto chic. I don't agree with the mechanics coveralls. You may need to match fallrate and the suit can make a difference. Completely agree with helmets, gloves and goggles. I would leave the alti until you are certain you are going to continue on to your license. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Divinfool 0 #22 December 26, 2011 IMHO.... be patient. It's easy to get so into this sport that you hear someone say "you got to have"... and you assume that you really have to have that thing. The reality is you don't really know enough about the sport to make a good decision until you have learned so much from instructors, books, articles and other skydivers. I just got most of my gear and throughout the process I depended on my favorite instructor to guide me through my questions and choices. Ultimately I had to make my own decisions based on TONS of information. Glad I did not jump into the first rig that someone tried to sell me.... take your time buying your stuff. IMHO... buy a basic alti, open face helmet and jumpsuit first (unless you have unlimited funds and don't have $$ issues).Fear is the thief of dreams..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,323 #23 December 26, 2011 The best gear is that which you rent form the DZ as a student whilst you embark on a path of knowledge from reading, http://www.dropzone.com/safety/Gear_and_Equipment/index.shtml, listening to your Instructors and maybe hanging out with a Rigger or you could just take Billvon's advice and skip all the other shit. Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joellercoaster 6 #24 December 27, 2011 QuoteI'm thinking of getting a Tracking suit, is it worth 400€ as a newb? Not even a little bit worth it. A tracking suit is a fairly specialised bit of kit - I reckon I've seen maybe three or four in my whole skydiving career, and they were mostly experienced jumpers trying them out for BASE. You might want one one day, but don't bet on it - and in the meantime, you definitely don't want one.-- "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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
