Beer Rig Question

[bben 0]

Well I'm finally looking for my first rig and I think I found one this weekend, but I wanted to get some opinions. I'm 160 #'s with 20 jumps and currently jumping a 200. I was thinking about getting a 190 main but I found a nice rig at a good price with a 170 main and 160 reserve. I think I can get the 170 replaced with the 190, but the thing that bothers me is the 160 reserve...Any opinions? Should I buy it with the 170 and demo a 190 for a few jumps and then transition to the 170 (so my reserve wouldn't seem to wild)? Should I look for another rig, or am I making too big a deal out of this. Sorry for the long post, but I really appreciate all the help I know I'll receive.

[grega 0]

think of being 1000 feet above the ground, not knowing in which direction the wind blows, above the forest, the nearest clear landing is just behind the power lines. and you're below 160 sq feet canopy, which is going down faster than 200 or 190, especially if it is 7 cell, low porosity reserve canopy. not even knowing where the stall point is, because it's first time you are under this canopy.
if you are capable of landing 160 in these conditions then the canopy is ok for you. but i wouldn't recommend it to anyone with only 20 jumps...

"George just lucky i guess!"

[AggieDave 6]

First of all, I've never heard of anyone landing under a reserve and saying "Man, I wish my reserve had been 20ft smaller..."

With that said, at this point we can't really give you that much advice as to what sort of main/reserve combo is right for you, since we've never seen you jump and most importantly, we've never seen you fly your canopy and land.

The best people to answer this question are your instructors.

Can you fit a larger main in a rig then what it was built for? Sure, but there is a limit and it depends on the rig and the size of the reserve and what the main canopy is (for instance, a Spectre packs almost 10% smaller then a Sabre2 of the same size).

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[bben 0]

After reading the responses above, I think it's probably a better idea to keep looking. Thanks for the help

[Scoby 0]

A side note, is it fair to assume that a reserve will fly/land something like a 7-cell like a Spectre or Triathalon? Or not?

[billvon 3,070]

>A side note, is it fair to assume that a reserve will fly/land something
> like a 7-cell like a Spectre or Triathalon? Or not?

It's somewhat similar to a Triathalon, but not quite. The flare is different. Sq1 has demo reserves that you can try for comparison purposes.

[Scoby 0]

Quote

It's somewhat similar to a Triathalon, but not quite. The flare is different. Sq1 has demo reserves that you can try for comparison purposes.

Should I expect a rented reserve to open like a reserve would, or is it different due to being packed like a main? Will a rented reserve open hard from terminal? It sounds like something I'd like to try.

[grosfion 0]

I jumped my first rig (ZP 170 main & same size reserve) with the same weight after 25 jumps. I had no problem to land the main and the reserve (40th jump).
Always depends on the conditions and the DZ.
Marcus

[bben 0]

What size were you useing before you tired the 170? So far I've progressed from a 280 to a 220 and then to the 200. I was doing some more searching today and came across another rig with a 190 main and a 170 reserve, so I think that might be a better idea. Although the rig with the 160 reserve is only 2 years old!! I still have some thinking to do...

[bobsoutar 0]

Is your profile up to date?

[drenaline 0]

bben go for the 190, don't push it. I did it and now I have screw up spine (scoliosis), getting nervous to visit the doctor again, I think he will tell me no more jumps...

HISPA 21
www.panamafreefall.com

[bben 0]

Sorry to hear about your back, hope all goes well at the Dr's. I'm starting to think the 190 is the right choice too... Thanks for all of the responses

[grosfion 0]

I started with a 260 then I did 4 jumps on a 230 after that I had two really bad landings on a 210 (my butt was hurting for 2 days). The jumpmaster did not want to let me jump the 170 until I could land the 210 properly, so I ask some people went to another DZ tried my Sabre 170 and had a perfect stand-up landing. Since then I did not want to go back.

Sometimes it's not only the size of the canopy... I was always jumping the same size main / reserve until this year (I don't want to go smaller with the reserve than 150). Always ask your instructor, even if he gives you advice which is no so good...
stay save
Marcus