0
DivaSkyChick

Sabre 2

Recommended Posts

Wow, I'm jost posting up a storm lately! LOL

Does anyone know if it's even possible to find a used Sabre 2 135? Are they just too new to buy used yet? I demo'd one at the Chicks Rock Boogie and it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever flown. I'd like to check out another one to see if it was just that particular canopy... Not sure how to arrange that. Also, can anyone suggest something similar that I actually could find used? I loved the opening - soft but not so slow to give me that falling feeling, nice glide, beautiful flare....

I know it's all perspective - I loaned my old crappy South AFrican ZP 155 to a friend who was flying a PD 170 and she gave it back to me with a big grin "I'd forgotten what flying a high performance canopy was like!" Go figure....

Anyway, I'm ready for something smaller and quicker but still dependable and friendly. And cheap. or at least cheaper than new. Ideas?

Thanks!

Mandy

---
www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
This is probably a Gear and Rigging question. Anyway, I've seen a number of Sabre 2s on sale, though I'm not sure if any were a 135. I imagine they don't stay on the market long. The used ones I've seen have all been listed at like $1200-1400. For what it's worth, a new one would be $1500 or so.

You might also want to look at the Safire 2 or Hornet, which are similar designs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I was looking on the good ol' dz.com Classifieds last weekend for the same canopy for a friend, and there were a couple of them for sale. If I remember correctly, there were less than 50 jumps on them. I think some people downsized too soon!
She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There's quite a few hornet jumpers here I think. It's made by PISA . It's an amazing canopy - semi elliptical like the sabre2 (outside 2 cells taped or the trailing edge), nice soft openings without rolling the nose, and PISA's customer service is great. Do a search on the forums and a lot will be revealed :)

-----------------------------------
It's like something out of that twilighty show about that zone

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
The Hornet is made my PISA (Parachute Industries of South Africa). You can find them at www.pisa.co.za. I don't belive there is a demo program. A new, custom Hornet 135 can be had for $822.50 at Rig and Things. It is supposed to fly similarly to a Sabre 2. Some people have said it opens "briskly," but that propoer packing technique will sort that.

For what it's worth, I am about to place an order for a new Hornet (like, as in this afternoon). If the additional $500 wasn't a big deal to me, I probably would order a Sabre 2 or Safire 2. But everyone who has a Hornet seems to be really enthusiastic about it. It is supposed to pack easier, with color-coded lines and less-slippery ZP. I'm going to request the next size up in sliders to slow the opening a tad. I'm really excited about it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Scoby,
I'd love to hear how it goes with the bigger slider. I'm thinking about flying camera in the next year so whatever canopy I get may well be the canopy I jump camera with... Which probably means I ought to think about the spectre, which I do love but the slow opening makes me feel like Wylie Coyote just after he's realized he's run right off the cliff! Oh shit... OH SHIT... OHHHH.... Okay.... deep breath... :P

The input I"m getting here is great, thanks!


---
www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
You don't need a bigger slider - as long as the slider is pulled in front of the nose befire you roll the tail (or psycho pack it), it's great
-----------------------------------
It's like something out of that twilighty show about that zone

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
LOL I'm confused - I didn't even realize my post got moved to Gear and Rigging. The thing is, do as many people read posts in this forum as in Talk Back? I was looking for opinions, not specifically advice from the masters. I feel kinda like I've been banished! What's up?

---
www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Probably not as many, but you'll get more serious and relvent answers here. In talkback, it'd just wind up as another boobie / beer / sheep post :o

-----------------------------------
It's like something out of that twilighty show about that zone

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
A Hornet is similar to a Sabre2, like any semi elliptical to another semi elliptical.. but not near as nice imho. I've demoed both at various sizes and loadings... the Sabre2 is nicer in a lot of areas. The Hornet is a fine canopy for the money.. but I'd spend more to get the Sabre2 any day of the week. That being said.. my girlfriend just got a Hornet and I'm sure she'll like it. But if you are going to be pushing the canopy to its limits, I found the Sabre2 to recover longer in a dive and just to swoop longer from the start then the Hornet, it also opens nicer. Lots of info on theses canopies if you seach for it here.

If you want to jump another Sabre2, give Kolla a Call at PD and fil out their demo form and she'll ship one out to you as soon as one is availibe to ship out.

Read This Thread for all your demo info you need for now.
Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I had a Hornet before I had my Sabre 2. It was fine, and never gave me any big problems. I thought about ordering another one when I downsized. But, since I jump in DeLand, I thought it would be smart for me to jump a PD canopy just because they are right there, and I can get a lot of input about my canopy.

That said, I really, really like my Sabre 2. If I didn't live here and had to buy another canopy, I would still pay the extra money for the Sabre 2. It's very responsive, even at the 170 size. And, the landings are sweet! I don't even swoop, and I still get a nice surf out of it.

So, I don't think you'd be disappointed in a Hornet at all. I just think you would REALLY like a Sabre 2.
She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Mandy!

Thanks for last time - Chicks Rocks was fun!!
Anyhow - the best advice I can give you is to try too put a few jumps on the canopies you are considering, and then take it from there.
The thing is that it's all about YOU and what you like/dislike - so much rides on your perception of what is fun/good and what may be not so fun/good.

Also - another good thing about the Sabre2 (especially in a size that is as popular as the 135) is excellent resale value :)
Have a great weekend!
Kolla

Blue Skies Magazine

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hey Kolla!

Your photo is up on the Chicks Rock Boogie page! Check it out!
http://www.skydiveelsinore.com/calendar/chicksrock/index.html

I'm still in love with the Sabre 2 and of course I would LOVE to buy one with my little 35% off certificate! I'm going to call you soon to see about demo-ing a Spectre and maybe you can suggest some other PD canopies to check out before I decide what credit card to demolish...

It was great meeting you and Aubrey (hottie!) and I look forward to next time. Will you guys be at the Freefly Festival at Eloy in November?

Talk soon!

Mandy

---
www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote


I'm still in love with the Sabre 2 and of course I would LOVE to buy one with my little 35% off certificate! I'm going to call you soon to see about demo-ing a Spectre and maybe you can suggest some other PD canopies to check out before I decide what credit card to demolish...



Feh, you have a 35% off certificate?! Just buy the Sabre 2!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

I feel kinda like I've been banished! What's up?

Of course you haven't been banished hon! :)
I moved your post here because you definitely will get a lot more quality input here. If you would like a little more dribble and drabble as well, by all means, go ahead and post it to the TalkBack forum again. ;)
Safe swoops
Sangiro

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey Mark!
Yeah - been a member for some time, but just recently started keeping up with the forums, lots of good stuff going on here!

CRW is still scary - and CA too far away for me to come out and play - but I might go watch the CRW dogs and puppies in Lake Wales in November, Kirk has already offered to take me up and show me some tricks, so who knows.... :P

Bloooos!
Kolla

Blue Skies Magazine

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

0