Brian425 0 #1 October 28, 2003 Hello, Well I have gathered up most of my gear for when I am off student status. I only need a main canopy and I'll be all set. I have been looking at a 170 Sabre or Sabre2 for a first canopy. (Exit weight in full gear will be just about 170lbs) Any other canopies I should be considering? Anything bad about a Sabre for a beginner? Also what should I look out for when buying a used canopy. (Our rigger already said she will inspect it for me) All advice appreciated. Thanks, Brian The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnny1488 1 #2 October 28, 2003 www.icaruscanopies.com www.performancedesigns.com read. read. read! A sabre2 or safire2 would be a good choice. Read about a lot of canopies and know why you would or would not want to fly them. Inform yourself about everything you can. Listening to someone else's ideas is ok, but forming your own based on knowledge you've aquired is much better. C'mon, become a canopy junkie like me! hahaha *crack dealer laugh* Johnny --"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!" Mike Rome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #3 October 28, 2003 Thank is my goal. Thanks for the advice. I hope to narrow it down to 2 or 3 canopies then put hardcore research into it. Thanks B The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psuCory 0 #4 October 28, 2003 Talk to your instructor(s) as they have seen you land while we (random people on a message board) have not. Their insight into your flying skills, as well as their experience as skydivers canopy-pilots, is an invaluable tool of which you should take full advantage! With that, and the limited information you provided >>> What did you jump in your student training? If it was a 288 Manta... progressing directly to a Sabre2 170 is probably (likely, or even definatly) too big a jump! However, if you finished your student program off of something like a Sabre/Sabre2/Saphire/Saphire2 (a 9 cell, performance oriented ZP canopy) in the 190ish size - at your given exit weight this would be between a 0.9 and 1.1 wing loading - ... with the training that is expected in a program that puts you under such a canopy (i.e. canopy coaching that was integral to the program, not just a quick one liner about "flare here, then here"). Then, and only then, would it be advisable to buy a canopy of a Sabre(2)/Saphire(2)/Lotus as your first main. To reiterate: 1) Talk to your Instructor(s)/Dzo/and like knowlegable jumpers around you (not random people - like me - on a message board) 2) Manta 288 to Sabre 170 = BAD 3) see point #1 again! 4) be safe 5) see point #1 again! 6) have fun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #5 October 28, 2003 My instructor recommended a Sabre 170 for a first canopy. My canopy control has been good and I have been standing up my landings since jump 2. I was mainly looking for a similar class of canopy to widen my search for a used canopy. I am leaning toward a Sabre/Sabre2 because they seem readily available and I have heard good things about them. I have been jumping on a student 215 and we (coach and I) have lined up a sabre 190 for me to use after my last coach jump. Since I will be loading the 170 at almost exactly 1:1, she feels that it will be fine. I trust her 100% she has not steered me wrong in any way. It seems that the Sabres and Safires are a good starting point to begin my research. Thanks Cory The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psuCory 0 #6 October 28, 2003 Cool However... Other considerations are: PD Spectre (a 7 cell canopy that is quite a performer) - Great canopy. Many experienced pilots LOVE the Spectre (great openings! and a great canopy to learn under) PISA Hornet (no longer in production) similar to a Saber2 (at half the cost) but you have to find it used. and again... always refer to point #1 (ask those who know how you fly) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #7 October 28, 2003 or Aerodyn Pilot Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #8 October 28, 2003 One point on Safires (original, not Safire2) - they are measured differently than PD canopies. A Safire 169 is closer to a Sabre 150 than it is to a Sabre 170. Best way to figure out which canopy is the right one for you is to demo, demo, demo. Since you're already pretty postive what main canopy size you'll end up with (you're getting good advice from your instructor, imho), you may want to go ahead and get your container/reserve/Cypres now and wait to buy your main until you've had a chance to fly every canopy you are interested in. Good luck, stay safe, practice braked turns. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #9 October 28, 2003 Lisa, I bought my cypress, and this weekend I picke up my container (Javelin) and reserve. I have two offers to use a Sabre 170 for free. (one is from a nice person on this board) I think I will try the Sabre for a few jumps until the weather gets too cold up here and then buy over the winter. Now who has a Safire they will lend me The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #10 October 28, 2003 Contact Kolla at PD and see if she can get you a Sabre2 170 to demo before it gets too cold. Will you be jumping over the winter? If not, you may want to plan on jumping a (rented, borrowed) 190 for your first few jumps next spring, then go to your new 170. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian425 0 #11 October 28, 2003 I have a Sabre 190 set up to use for my first few jumps off student status. I figure it's best to move down in increments. By the way, what is something nice to do for someone who lends you a canopy to use? (Beer is a given) B The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #12 October 28, 2003 QuoteBy the way, what is something nice to do for someone who lends you a canopy to use? (Beer is a given) It depends on the person, I've loaned out my canopy to other jumpers before, infact while I'm in a demoing process a fellow jumper at my DZ is borrowing my Heatwave. What do I expect in return? Nothing. Nothing at all. Its just nice to help someone out who needs the help. I guess my point is, that person probably isn't looking for any sort of payment or gift or anything for letting you borrow his/her canopy. Some beer, as you stated, would probably be perfect.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
