flait 0 #1 August 18, 2002 Hey everyone, this is the first time ive posted on here (i think), although ive been lurking for a while. I have 65 jumps, 35 of which have been on a sabre 170, I am pleased with my canopy skills and have had no bad/hard landings. I am 162lbs exit weight so i'm loading at about 0.95:1. I am looking at buying my first rig now (ive been borrowing a friends for a while). Some people said that it is acceptable to go for a wing loading of upto 1.1/1.2 ish for a first canopy. I am tempted to buy a sabre 150 as I will still only be loading it at 1.08:1. Could anyone give me some opinions on this, would a sabre 150 be an acceptable first choice or is it a bit too small at this stage. I do not have a lot of money and I dont want to be wishing I had gone to the 150 after a few jumps on the 170. What do ya think? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #2 August 18, 2002 My first canopy (and still is) a Hornet 170 @ 1.2ish. Scared the hell out of me on the first few jumps on it (no wind), but I found it ok.____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #3 August 18, 2002 Based solely on what you posted, I'd suggest getting ahold of a 150 sq ft Sabre2, Spectre, Hornet, Triathlon or other rectangular or slightly elliptical ("tapered") canopy to demo. Spend a weekend on it, then make your decision. Some things to consider before jumping a 150 - Do you know how to do (and do you practice doing) flat turns and flare turns? Do you regularly use all of the available control inputs (toggles, front risers, rear risers)? Are you bored with the 170 right now? How current do you stay (i.e do you jump 5 times/month - stay with the 170 - or 5 times/weekend, every weekend)? As a side note, I have almost 900 jumps and I'm quite happy with my Spectre 170 that I load at about 1.0; happy enough that I just got a brand new one that I plan to jump until it's worn out. Not everyone wants or needs to go faster. Don't go smaller just because others are saying you might get bored... I've never known anyone who died because they were jumping a boring canopy... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,073 #4 August 18, 2002 >would a sabre 150 be an acceptable first choice or is it a bit too small > at this stage. I don't give such recommendations without seeing people fly any more, but I can give you some guidelines. On your current canopy, can you: flare and steer through the flare? flare turn and flat turn? land in no wind, crosswind and downwind? land (at least start the flare) with rear risers? steer with rear risers, both right after opening and during final? initiate a landing with double front risers? land on a slight uphill and downhill slope? land reliably within a 10 meter circle? If the answer to all that is yes, then you're probably ready to downsize. If you are still wondering things like "should I do a 2 stage flare?" or "can I turn my canopy at 50 feet?" you're probably not ready. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhino 0 #5 August 18, 2002 Have all your landings been standups? I would suggest starting with a seven cell canopy. Spectre or a Triathlon. I'm with skybitch.. Demo something in the 150-160 range.. See how it goes. No one says you have to get a 150.. You can get a triathlon 160?? Rhino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cobaltdan 0 #6 August 19, 2002 demo the canopy then decide. some suitable canopies to demo: 9 cell: hornet, sabre, cobalt, safire 7 cell: spectre, tri in the 1 to 1.2 range. you should be just fine demoing anything in the 150-170 range, but remember advice on this list is blind: we haven't seen you fly. if in doubt call the canopy manufacturer and have a long chat or seek the advice of a canopy coach, safety oficer, or experienced skydivers at your dz. sincerely, dan <><> www.extremefly.comDaniel Preston <><> atairaerodynamics.com (sport) atairaerospace.com (military) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
christoofar 0 #7 August 19, 2002 You should try asking this question to a USPA S&TA (Safety and Training Advisor) or at least a jumpmaster who can objectively judge your landings; NOT someone who has gear to sell and is looking for some bucks. ____________________________________________________________ I'm RICK JAMES! Fo shizzle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #8 August 19, 2002 Seeing as he's in England... I don't think the USPA has much to say there... Personally... demo everything, have an experienced, knowledgable jumper (different the the person jumping the smallest canopy on the DZ sometimes) watch your landings under the demos to see their opinion of your landings. If they dislike how you have to land one of the canopies or if you are eratic flying it... don't buy that canopy. Make sure the person watching has no intrest in elling you one type or other of a canopy though...Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samurai136 0 #9 August 19, 2002 My first canopy was a Triathlon 160. It's up for sale as I'll probably never jump a non-elliptical canopy ever again. Contact me in Private mail if you're interested. Ken"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
