Rxtreme 0 #1 October 10, 2001 I'm currently looking to buy my first rig. My exit weight is 155 lbs. and I have made 20 jumps. I've been considering either a Safire 149 (1.0 wing loading) or 169 (.88 wing loading). There is currently a 169 for sale at my DZ. Is .88 so light that the canopy won't perform the way is should? Would I be better off waiting until I find a 149? I'd like to stay conservative, but still buy something that I'll enjoy jumping for quite a while. Thanks in advance for any advice and thoughts...Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OmriMon 0 #2 October 10, 2001 i only jumped twice on a safire 169 loaded at 0.76, both time it collapsed, once on straight flight and once on a 360 turn, i dunno if it was turbulance or just the fact that it was really underloaded, but u can be sure it won't perform the way it was designed toFree Skies,Omri A-38593 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TALONSKY 0 #3 October 10, 2001 Well one thing to keep in mind is that Icarus measures the Safire & Omega differently than most other companies do. Their Safire 169 is more like a 160 comparing it to a PD Sabre. I have a Safire 169 and have laid it out on the ground next to a 170 Hornet (PIS version of a Sabre) and mine was smaller. I figure about the 160 . Talking to a Icarus Rep. they told me the 169 was closer to a PD Sabre 150.I would not venture to give you advise on what size to get but I found there was a wealth of information from my instructors and the local S& TA. These people have seen you fly and know your skill level Also you can call Icarus themselves and ask their advise. What ever you get definitely try a few sizes and kinds before buying. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Engovatov 0 #4 October 11, 2001 I have Safire 160 (it comes in any size) for sale in the Classifieds section..It flies great - i am getting out of the sport Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swanee 0 #5 October 13, 2001 You are loading it very lightly. I fly a Safire 169 at a wing loading of approx 1.5. I feel that at that loading I am really starting to enjoy it in the manner for which it was designed. (for experienced jumpers, that is) I now have 100+ jumps on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #6 October 14, 2001 During the 2001 PIA Symposium, Icarus announced that they were changing their measuring method to match Performance Designs.I am so confused! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
