LilVixen

Thanks for all the advice. As much as I'd love my own gear NOW, I have reservations about going down to a 170 so soon, and because its F111 (instead of the ZP I've been jumping) I have had some concerns about whether the canopy might be baffed out. Not to mention our season's pretty much done around here, so I wouldn't have the opportunity to get alot of experience on it before I take it south to jump in Arizona. I am hoping to maybe try it out this weekend under the watchful eyes of instructors I trust, and have a rigger look at it before I decide to buy anything. I've been told to definitely check the velcro too...that Vector's tend to wear out the velcro quickly...basically have it checked by the experts to see how much I'm going to have to invest in it... If the rig fits well, is in good shape, and the reserve gets the okay, my next question will be how much range I have canopy-wise...i.e., could I replace the 170 with a 190-200, and go down when I'm ready. I think I'd prefer ZP anyway, for lots of reasons. Wish I had the coin to buy new...maybe that lottery ticket or my NFL bets this weekend will work out.... LOL Lots to think about and I really appreciate all the advice!!! And no worries...I wouldn't even put gear on if it didn't have a Cypres!!! Any other thoughts are definitely appreciated! "Fear will make you hestitate. Hestitation will make your fear come true." - Unknown

I’m currently looking at buying my first set of gear. I went through the Canadian PFF program, have 25 jumps, weigh around 122 without gear, and have been jumping a Navigator 260 square canopy. I haven’t been standing up many of my landings on the Navigator, especially when there is no wind…no injuries, and I’d like to keep it that way. I’ve been offered a chance to buy a used lady-flown rig…about 600 jumps on the Vector container, 300 jumps on the PD 170 canopy (I don’t know exactly which PD canopy style at this point…but I will be asking after reading about the Lodi incident). My PFF instructors have differing opinions…one feels I should be looking at a 190, the other (my primary instructor) thinks I’d be fine with the 170. Both are familiar with the gear/canopy and the former owners. My question: what kinds of questions should I be asking about the gear, and how can I make the best decision? Transitioning safely to my own gear is of paramount importance to me. Thoughts/Advice? "Fear will make you hestitate. Hestitation will make your fear come true." - Unknown

I'm checking out lots of different DZ's...I'd like to get my A license by mid-summer and then travel all over to various DZ's to jump!!! NC is definitely on the list!!! I want to go to Arizona too... "Fear will make you hestitate. Hestitation will make your fear come true." - Unknown

Thanks to all of you who have said "Hi & Welcome". I'm looking forward to learning more and joining you all up there in those blue skies!!! LV "Fear will make you hestitate. Hestitation will make your fear come true." - Unknown

Yep...I was referring to a dummy ripcord pull... "Fear will make you hestitate. Hestitation will make your fear come true." - Unknown

Hey Sal...yep, Chris Day said it was 'textbook' and I think another jumpmaster said it could have been used in a training video...not bad considering my briefing on how to do it was all of 5 minutes!! I'm looking forward to trying it again...how long til this doggone snow disappears??!!!! "Fear will make you hestitate. Hestitation will make your fear come true." - Unknown

Been lurking for awhile, but thought I should finally say Hi!