GravityGirl 0 #26 December 24, 2004 QuoteQuoteMy instructor told me that I have to start to jump with a 170. Is there a huge difference with a 210? I think it is a big step for me. i do trust my instructor... but my colleague jumpers always confuse me and that makes me a bit insecure... I think, that you should more trust your instructor than guys who confuse you. During my AFF progression I did note olny positive difference between PD Navigator 260 and Navigator 220 (more confident and soft landings and of course more fun on turns:)). Difference between Navigator 220 and spectre 170 was a litlle bit more significant, but my weight is litle bit higher than yours:). I'm not so sure in this case. I'll most likely get flamed by some instructor from Belgium, but this does NOT sound like good advise to me. And her confusion is just her common sense kicking in. Womans intuition. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWPoul 1 #27 December 24, 2004 QuoteOver here you need 100 jumps to be allowed to go smaller then a 170, no matter what you weigh (there's a wingload limit too but not applicable in your case), and you need 500 (!!) jumps to be allowed to go smaller then a 150 500 jumps to get a 150 even if wingload will be 1:1 or less ??? Does it realy working?Why drink and drive, if you can smoke and fly? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWPoul 1 #28 December 24, 2004 May be you are right (and I agree, my quite small expirience of canopy piloting with my weight (85kg w/o rig) most likely can't be applied to 46kg girl), but if she should more trust her collegues than her instructor, may be she have to get other coach?Why drink and drive, if you can smoke and fly? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Belgian_Skygirl 0 #29 December 24, 2004 Well, my instructor is probably more carefull with me... fact is that he saw me flying backwards a couple of times.... and landing backwards hanging against the wind, with no extreme wind. He is very experienced (about 3000 jumps)and most times when oher students are allowed to jump on a windy day, he does not take that risk to let me get into the plane as I risk to land 'outdoors' and backwards.. as with 30 jumps you still don't controll your canopy like experienced jumpers and his view is that you jump safely when the canopy does what you want as you are the person controlling it and not vice versa. So with a too big canopy wind masters you. But after reading all the reactions, I think it will be better to look for a slow canopy 150 and use it for one year. And as one stated before: t is better to stay on the ground and wishing you were in the air than vice versa.... This is what my instructor told me as well. He considers everybody with less than 200 jumps as a studiant and without experience... as many accidents happen because people think they are experienced. When I did not jump for a while due to the whether, he always does a jump with me for free as I am very eager ro learn and stated that I consider myself as a student the first 200 jumps. So, before I get into the plane we always get together to plan my landing... I tell him how and where I intend to land, talk about wind and the direction.... so that I can evaluate afterwards. I really love this sport, and I don't want to end it due to a stupid accident that could be avoided. Maybe he ment that I should buy a 120, but rent the equipment to downsize gradually of course. As I am a very carefull person, maybe he has the idea that i won't do crazy stuff... maybe he trusts me more than I do myself :). However, I did read many interesting things... and it is not harmfull to know oher people's opinion. The following 1,5 year I won't fly with a 12O as it reacts faster... I will certainly let you guys know what I wil have bought... but that will take a month or two ... I am considering a slow canopy 150... but I don't know of which brand... I will cerainly visit the websites suggested in your reactions... Thank you very much... and be sure... I will have to ask much more questions in the future and in a further future I hope my advice will help other starters as well.------------------------------------------------- No dive, like skydive... wanna bet on it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Belgian_Skygirl 0 #30 December 24, 2004 Yes, I guess we women are more carefull... that is what I see when I look around...------------------------------------------------- No dive, like skydive... wanna bet on it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jurgencamps 0 #31 January 3, 2005 Hey, Since December your DZ has a 170 and a 190 intermediate canopy (Paratec quadra). Jurgen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freedom1 0 #32 January 3, 2005 Though I am not highly experianced I would recommend that you check out.... http://performancedesigns.com/docs/choosing1.pdf http://performancedesigns.com/docs/choosing2.pdf these are articles from the education center from the performance designs web site and could be most helpful. These articles give you a good description of all the terminology involved when deciding to select a new canopy for your self. They also address the issue of wieght:square foot ratio, as well as how high performance caopies fit into this. I hope that these sites help you with your canopy selection. CHEERS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Merkur 1 #33 January 3, 2005 Quote ... my aim was just to buy a parachute so that I would already have it when time is ready, I wouldn't buy any canopy in advance. Normally, you will find a good deal any time that you're looking. To give you an idea of downsizing (even with 75kg which can't really be compared to your weight): I started with 320 sqft (military), changed to a 230 on my first civilian canopy. This step was a huge one for my mind as I thought going down that much in one step would certainly kill me immediately. But as everyone aorund my gave me thumbs up I tried it - and survived. After a couple of jumps on that 230 I switched to a 190 which was the first canopy, where I could feel the reactions of toggle input. Until I finally got the canopy that I jump now (150), I always switched between a 190 and a 170. When I bought the 150, I probably wasn't quit ready for it, so some landings where a little fast in my opinion. Now, after probably 400+ on the 150 I think about going to a 135 or 120. Whatever the jumpers on your DZ tell you, I would go for the advice of your instructor(s) as they normally are more into the newest designs and developments in the market. They should also be more educated to help you making this decision. Someone above mentioned, that you have some quadra canopies at your DZ. That's, from my experience , a good and forgiving canopy to try. Have fun and stay safe, M.vSCR No.94 Don't dream your life - live your dream! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
