First Rig Advice

[richardd 0]

I expect to have gained cat-8 very soon and contemplating buying a complete rig considering it be more of an investment over a given jump period.

So
1. What is the lifetime of a rig / max jump number ? I appreciate this is a bit like 'how longs a piece of string' but there must be an indication.

2. I weigh approx 225 pounds. What conponents would form a sensible first rig ?

3. New or used ?

4. Cost ?

I will obviously get good advice but would like to understand the issues.

[skybytch 273]

1. Depends on how you take care of it.

2. For the main canopy it depends on what and how well you're landing what you're jumping now, how aggressive you are, how you want to land, if you have previous injuries to protect, how much risk you are willing to take, your willingness to really learn to fly a canopy, etc., etc....

Any one of the containers on the market could be the right one for you. I wouldn't go smaller than the smallest canopy you've jumped for your reserve.

3. Depends on how much you can spend and if you have a "need" for new equipment. Used gear can save you some money. New gear is cool.

4. With Cypres2 figure around US$5000 for a complete new rig. With Cypres1 figure around US$2500 - 4000 for a complete used rig - price will of course depend on a number of different things.

[mcrocker 0]

As always, consult your local rigger and your AFF Instructor.

Ask questions, listen to the answers and give time to digest the information. You have plenty of time to make a smart choice on a rig. Don't feel the need to buy a used rig that might be forced on you. There are plently of used rigs on the market, if you take the time you can find one that is perfect for you.

Personally, I bought a new mirage after about 40 jumps without a main. I demo'd PD 190s for a bit and settled on my PD Spectre 170. I'm 165lbs so about 1:1. I have been very happy with it. I went new because I didn't want to buy somebody elses problems. I wanted to be sure everything was in perfect condition. I was scared, asked a lot of questions and have been happy with the results. 250 jumps later I'm looking at trying another canopy but it will fit in my existing container. I bought the smallest container that would fit the largest canopy I needed to fly (190 F-111).

-Matt

[funks 1]

you also need to consider what type of skydiving you are getting into. If you are a freeflyer I would recommend the newer Mirage's...they are actually good for all disciplines, but excellent for freeflying....expect to pay 3500-6000 for a nice brand new one.

[phonics1981 0]

Quote

expect to pay 3500-6000 for a nice brand new one.

US Dollars? Or UK Quids? Cos I was expectin to pay £3500 MAX!!

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"Ive given up on sigs cos I make a mess of them!"
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[Chrisky 0]

Think that should be US $. If you're in the UK, get a Tear Drop, they're really good.

The mind is like a parachute - it only works once it's open.
From the edge you just see more.
... Not every Swooper hooks & not every Hooker swoops ...

[TrickyDicky 0]

I personally dont think you should buy new for your first kit. If you do this you will spend alot of money and limit yourself later on, so you may need to buy a complete new system again.

Rigs can last as long as they're looked after. I have a 2 pin teardrop that is 14 years old. Theres some wear, but all the important bits are still solid and it shouldnt fall to bits any time soon. My main is a Sabre 170, that I load at about 1.15 and I love it. Its got about 450 jumps on it and still flying fine. My rigger has told me that sabres can go for around 600 jumps before they need a reline. It does have reasonably new break lines though. And Ive been told by a couple of others that its in good condition for the number of jumps.

But definatly try anything before you buy, you dont want to buy something only to become bored with it within 10 jumps. When you try, dump high (I still love doing hop/pops from 5k, even after 75 jumps on it) find the stall point (this is where you should flare to on landing) and just throw it around, nothing radical under 2k though. try and learn how much height you lose from radical turns and such.

So my advice is dont buy new for first kit. It could be an expensive mistake and/or limit your canopy size later on. But you must do as many test jumps as you can before you buy. Hinton allows 3 test jumps on kit for sale.

UK Skydiver for all your UK skydiving needs.

[richardd 0]

thanks thats good advice. What does a reline cost and what does it involve replacing and is the kit therefore as good as new afterwards?

[TrickyDicky 0]

Ive not had it done myself, but Ive heard values in the region of £100-150 for a reline. A reline means exactly that.. they replace all the lines on the canopy. After so many jumps the lines a can stretch so the trims could be off, so your canopy could turn in one direction constantly. This can also happen when you dont do your legstraps up evenly. Plus you increase the likelyhood of a line breaking.

And from people who have had a reline.. they say the canopy handles like new/much much better after a reline.

UK Skydiver for all your UK skydiving needs.