Getting new Gear - in doubt about the main

[chronistin 0]

I decided to buy a brandnew Gear. I'm quite sure I want a mirage container, a *big* reserve but I'm still unsure about the main. Tried some canopies and narrowed the possibilities down to either a nitro 135 or a sabre 150 (the nitro felt a little nervous in the air, but gave me real nice landings - the sabre felt stable and secure up there, but made for cinsiderably harder landings)
Any opinions?
Thx
Andrea

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http://www.wortwerkstatt.at/skydiving

[rhino 0]

Andrea, Get a Triathlon.. Goto www.aerodyneusa.com
A Triathlon is much better to start with than a sabre. It's alot better in bumpy air and has a LOWER bottom end. That means it flies slower.
Blue Skies!!
Rhino
Blue Skies and Smooth Rides!!

[chronistin 0]

Quote

A Triathlon is much better to start with than a sabre. It's alot better in bumpy air and has a LOWER bottom end. That means it flies slower.

I tried some "slower" canopies also, a PD and a falcon, and didn't really like them. they may be more forgiving, but that means they're also less reactive (that the right word?), and it was harder for me to go where I wanted to go.
I felt quite confident with the sabre and just loved the landing behaviour of the nitro. now it's hard for me to compare them, because the weather conditions were very different, the day I jumped the nitro it was very windy in the upper regions (just below non-jumpable, they stopped jumping after the load), and I think that the "nervousness" of this canopy may have resulted from the wind. which wouldn't bother me, because I shouldn't be going up with winds like that anyway.
So, if anyone has experience on both, I would appreciate your comparison...
thx again
Andrea

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http://www.wortwerkstatt.at/skydiving

[Geoff 0]

I strongly recommend you don't buy a brand new Sabre. It's a good canopy, but a very old design, and you'll find it very difficult to sell again at a reasonable price. PD are releasing their new 'Sabre II' some time this year (that probably won't be its name) and the resale value of Sabres will go even lower.
Depending on your experience level consider a Spectre, Triathlon, Sillhouette, Safire, maybe a Hornet, or wait for the new PD canopy.
On the other hand, used Sabres can be real bargains - I'd recommend you get a large or pocket slider fitted to prevent the occasional hard openings that Sabres are prone to.
Just my opinion. Hope it helps.
Geoff

[weid14 0]

7 cell vs 9 cell, different glide ratios, sink rates, etc. etc. Some people like them 7 cells (occasional CrW, demos, that sort of thing). The new Sabre is on the market. The old sabre needs TLC when packing (it's still got a high snatch force which will eventually make your back and neck sore if you do many jumps in one day). The Mirage you can downsize one size on the container and still be OK from a pack volume standpoint. 7 cells will have a smaller volume than 9 cells (less bulk). Everyone has an opinion -- try a few and make the choice that's best for YOU.

[mikefarmer 0]

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(it's still got a high snatch force which will eventually make your back and neck sore if you do many jumps in one day)

Actually, "snatch force" is exerted by a pilot chute. You probably were referring to a hard opening shock, which some Sabres can be prone to sometimes.
Mike
Mike's Sky World

[weid14 0]

OK, the force when the canopy first starts to inflate, hows that?

[chronistin 0]

Thanks for all the good advice, especially about the sabr e being discontinued. I decided to do some more testing next weekend, probably the best thing to do.
further opinions still appreciated ;-)
thx
Chronistin || Andrea

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http://www.wortwerkstatt.at/skydiving