Used Gear Appraisal

[jessefs 0]

I am looking at a used rig which is a Jav J3 with a Sabre 170, Raven 160R. All manufactured in 98 with approx. 300 jumps, 1 ride on the reserve. Cypres just got back from it's first 4 year check. New risers and pilot chute are needed. A new lineset will probably be needed sometime soon as well. The seller wants $3000 for it but that seems a little pricey to me. I don't know how much longer I would keep that main either. You guys think he would take $2500 or so if I just showed up with cash?
Thanks.
Jesse

<* Spread the Love! *>

[darkwing 5]

I'm definitely in the $2500 camp.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[FliegendeWolf 0]

People who expect people to haggle will state a high opening price. Make an offer well below what you'd expect to pay and see if you can't get him down.

A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All

[rigging65 0]

First off, there is no such thing as a Raven 160R. It's probably a PD160R (or a Raven 150).

Secondly, I think you ought to be able to get that rig for a bit cheaper than $3000. Maybe $2500, but I think $2700 is a bit more reasonable, if it's in nice condition.

Having not seen it, I can't tell you what we'd sell it for in our shop, but based off the info you provided, $2700 sounds a bit better than $3000.

"...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.
For there you have been, and there you long to return..."

[FliegendeWolf 0]

My $.019:

It was my experience in buying my first rig recently that gear shops will be selling used gear at higher prices than will independent sellers looking to dump a rig.

If you are buying from independant people, you can probably get a lower price than you can with the gear shops. The tradeoff, of course, is it might be riskier to deal with a stranger off the internet than an established gear store.

A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All

[jessefs 0]

I wasn't sure on the reserve size but remember it being right around there...170 maybe? It was a Raven though. Maybe I'll offer the $2500 so it seems like I'm giving in when I settle for $2700.

<* Spread the Love! *>

[wmw999 2,460]

The reserve should probably be pretty close to, or bigger than, the main size. Consider that your judgement is more likely to be impaired under a reserve (adrenaline etc) and the landing area is more likely to be something besides what you're used to.

So if it's a 170 main and a 150 reserve, that might not be so good. Make sure. And if you offer $2500, they might want to go in between. I bought something similar, with a different main (Safire 1) a year ago for $2600. Came with jumpsuit and everything.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[rigging65 0]

If it's a Raven, it's either a 150 or a 181. Raven I and -M181 are both the same size (181 sq. ft +/-), MicroRaven 150 and -M150 are both 150 sq.ft., obviously.

"...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.
For there you have been, and there you long to return..."

[Jib 0]

The Raven may have been subject to a service bulletin, if it's a Dash M. My guess:
J-3 $700
Sabre $700
Cypress $700
Raven $500
It'll be $185 for risers and p/c too.

--------------------------------------------------
the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[betzilla 56]

Hey Jesse, Betsy here.

You're getting hosed with that one. We can find you something for $3000 that you can jump without putting another cent into it. $2500 would be a better deal, but you'll spend 2-300 on the parts you need.

Get the guy to send it to us so Kirk can look it over before you commit (that's not a strange request -- people have done that quite often.()

Good luck!

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Is it just me, or does it look like you've been corrupting the baby in your avatar with some elicit activities?

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[jessefs 0]

Hey Mikey, he LIKES IT!!

<* Spread the Love! *>

[tbrown 26]

You might question whether you even want this rig at all. I know, renting sucks and we're all deserate to buy a rig of our own - I'm in the same boat myself right now. But once you buy it, you own it and whatever rig money you have will be gone. Let's see, this rig needs work and has an "iffy" reserve that may need a Service Bulletin repair. Is this the rig you want to strap on and trust your life to every jump for the next 2-5 years ? The price is too high in any case (my opinion).

The hardest, but most important thing for those of us looking to buy our first rig is to RESIST the urge to commit to the first thing that comes along. Renting sucks, but gear regret is even worse.

Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity !