ArmyBitch 0 #1 February 25, 2003 Hey, I'm obviously new to the whole skydiving scene...but I have a passion for it. I've only made three jumps, all of them tandem, because for lack of funds my jumps were way too far apart and I had to start over again. Now, I want to take it more seriously and get totally in-depth with my new and most loved obsession. I have the means and the where-with-all to purchase some equipment, and I hope to get the input of some seasoned jumpers in order to make sure I buy everything I need and that I get the best brand. I'm glad to be part of the scene and I hope I can make some cool friends... and if you're ever in Europe, I'll show you around! Holly ~~*HotPocket*~~ "If I wanted it handed to me, I wouldn't have jumped for it." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 February 25, 2003 For the general sort of equipment like Altis and Helmets, that's more up to personal choice. As for containers and canopies, that's once again up to personal choice; however, you should talk to your instructors to try to get a good idea for what sort of setup you really need. Specifically, what type and size canopy and reserve you should have.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #3 February 25, 2003 Quote I hope I can make some cool friends... and if you're ever in Europe, I'll show you around! Holly Hey I'm going to Europe to be with Holly!!! Seriously, I'm not going to give you specific advise about buying this or that sort of gear brands (I'm not the most qualified person and there's too many opinions), but if you're looking to get into the sport and buy some gear here's what you'll need and what would be nice to have: Must/should have: 1) A helmet. A skiing and even biking helmet is better than nothing, but helmets designed for skydiving are preferred as there is less chance of your risers and/or lines snagging plus many skydiving helmets have internal or external ports for audible altimeters. 2) A visual wrist mount altimeter. 3) A modern container (preferably something freefly friendly). Now you don't have to be a freeflier to use the benefits of a freefly friendly rig. Anytime you're doing flips and barrel rolls you run the risk of a pre-mature deployment (which is obviously reduced if using a freefly friendly rig). 4) A main canopy sized appropriately for your skill levels. 5) A reserve canopy also sized appropriately for your skill level. 6) Googles or very tight fitting sun glasses. Eye protection is a must. Nice to have: 1) Automatic Activation Device (AAD) which will deploy your reserve canopy in the event that you can't do so yourself. There are several types to choose from, but the Cypres is really the one to use here. 2) One or more audible altimeters, but only after you've done enough jumps where you're altitude aware. 3) One or more jump suits. An RW suit is that is your fancy, or a freefly suit if you want to join the dark side. But sweat pants and a sweat shirt are popular alternatives. Now there are many more nitty gritty things to think about such as parachute deployment system for your container (BOC being the most popular), slider and pilot chute types, etc, etc, etc. It's a good thing when possible to stay away from systems which use velcro, but there are still plenty of air worthy rigs out there still using velcro. Velcro just wears things out faster. As far as new versus used equipment is concerned, the common consesus is to buy used as most jumpers are inclined to upgrade their rigs after some time in the sport and it's cheaper to buy used. But some of us crazy people (myself included) have bought new and still upgraded. I personally don't think it's such a bad idea to buy a new container that's sized for your body, but that's only because I'm leary about the older not-freefly friendly rigs out there. Anyway, I'm sure you'll get some good feedback here (and no doubt I'm sure someone will be flaming me for what I've said). But I'd also highly recommend you calling up Lisa at Square One as she'll likely be able to give you some good advice. So when am I coming to visit you? Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #4 February 25, 2003 I'd recommend waiting until you're done with your student jumps to buy the majority of your gear. Things to think about buying now would be goggles, gloves, maybe a helmet and altimeter as these are likely the only items of your own that you'll be able to use on your student jumps. If you know for sure you'll be sticking with the sport, you may want to order your first jumpsuit when you're about halfway through the student program. Once you're done with AFF start getting serious about a container, reserve, and main (and Cypres if you decide you want one). So ya know... pretty much every jumper out there is going to tell you that what they jump is "the best brand." While that may be true for them, what they jump may or may not be the best for you. Do your research, ask lots of questions, but always take any advice given to you with a big grain of salt. Best way to figure out which gear is best for you is to jump it yourself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eddytheeagle 0 #5 February 26, 2003 Most important things have been said already, but I would like to make two comments. If you're looking for a second hand container (like I did), make sure it fits really comfortable, you'll be wearing it every jump! When you try one, try it with the main and reserve, as these can change the fit quite a bit. With regard to the AAD, it might be required to have one in Germany, also if you're off student status. In the Netherlands, you need the equivalent of a D to be able to jump without one. A local instructor can tell you all about the rules. Good luck!Don't underestimate your ability to screw up! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blueshrew 0 #6 February 26, 2003 Like everyone says, wait until you are off AFF to start thinking about equipment. I am not even sure you'd be allowed to jump your own helmet on student status. Your instructors and the riggers at the DZ are the best people to ask, as they will be watching your flying and landings. Where do you intend to do a course? You put base jumping as your second favorite discipline, whatever you do, do not try that first/on your own, but I guess that goes without saying. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petur 0 #7 February 26, 2003 Jup, you're getting a lot of good hints here! If I may throw in a bit from my own experience: * I bought a new rig. That is, I chose a container off stock (they're cheaper) and had the manufacturer custom make the harness according to my body measures. You'll not regret spending a little extra to jump a comfortable rig that fits you well. Pay attention to the sizing chart as described below. * I bought a used main canopy!!! You'll most likely resize after 100+ jumps or so, if you're anything like my jump buddies. I bought a 170 as a first main canopy which was at the upper limits of what could fit in the container, according to size charts / packing volume. The container was made for 150's but I have a brand new 135 in the very same container now and it works like a charm :) A general rule of thumb is that the container allows one size above and one size below the recommended canopy size. * I bought a new reserve because it simply felt better somehow. It provided peace of mind knowing that I had a brand-spanking-new reserve for the moment when money is the last thing you care about :) * At last I think it's worth mentioning that you should really REALLY think about the helmet you choose based on how it fits you. Helmets come in all different kinds of shapes and sizes, and so do our heads... shop around... Oh, and buy a freefly friendly rig... PERIOD! Blue Skies!--- P. "It Hurts to Admit When You Make Mistakes - But When They're Big Enough, the Pain Only Lasts a Second." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #8 February 26, 2003 Like the earlier poster said, better to wait until you have graduated AFF before investing heavily in gear. Also consider TSOs. When the US Army returns you stateside, you will be glad you purchased gear with FAA TSO stamps all over it. The US gov't Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)regulates a variety of Type Standardization Orders (TSO) including TSO C23D which covers parachutes. Plenty of airworthy parachutes are manufactured in Europe, but not all of them carry TSO labels. While the practical differences are insignificant, some small-minded lawyers will get their noses all out of joint if an American cirizen tries to jump non-TSOed gear in the USA. Also you may be able to get better prices purchasing American-made gear through your APO. Finally, while you are in Germany, learn as much as you can from German skydivers. They are an open and boistrous bunch who will cheerfully share their sky. Some of my fondest memories are from Pink Skyvan Boogies and jumping with Skydive Kangaroo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adamjenner 0 #9 March 10, 2003 first thing you should buy in an altimeter, then look into helemts, good used rigs, jumpsuits etc... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
