I firmly stand behind PD reserves. I was a little pissed about the price when I bought my reserve, but was talked into spending the extra money. I cannot express exactly how awsome this canopy is. I weigh about 205 dry and 225+ with gear and I jump a 126R. My first cutaway was a spinning diving malfunction, and I'm pretty sure I pulled my reserve in a bad position. No problem at all. I would gladly fly this canopy as a main. I even managed to swoop about 120' on landing. If you're going to do stupid shit like have a 1.8:1 wingload on your reserve go ahead and spend the extra $150 and buy a PD. If you jump high performance elipticals you WILL have a cutaway at some point and its nice to look forward to a reserve ride instead of dreading it. Blue Skies