apixel 0 #1 August 3, 2004 Hello all, Now that I finally did a non-tandem jump, I can safely and confidently say that I am completely hooked on this sport. While I am very far from making my own purchasing decisions, I was wondering if it would even make sense for someone like me. The equipment is expensive, and if I only end up jumping a few times a month, I could rent gear for a long time before I make up what I would spend on my own gear no? The only other thing I can think of, is that by owning my own gear, I would be consistently jumping with the same equipment, which I bet would make me more confident and able to fly better. Is that the case? I guess I would like opinions on the subject. $2000-$6000 can get you a lot of rental jumps. Is it worth buying? Thank you and Blue Skies! - Andres Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #2 August 3, 2004 Welcome to the forums! In my opinion, you should probably continue to rent gear as you are doing your initial downsizing off your student status. When you get to a size that is good for you and you are comfortable with it, I'd look into buying gear if you think you are going to stay in the sport. I can only do a few jumps a month also, but I love having my own gear.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apixel 0 #3 August 3, 2004 Thanks for the reply. That is a great point. Renting is a great way to see what type/size of gear I'd be comfortable with anyway. Of coarse, I have a gear buying disease, and just when I thought I was done buying everything I was going to buy ... skydiving comes into my life! In the meantime I did buy myself some nice goggles, because the student ones were not quite doing it for me. :-) I was also surprised how the "big fear" seemed to not be present on my level 4 jump. I was freaking out all morning before the jump, but once in the plane I was unnaturally calm. The people in the plane helped a lot with that I think. They were all really nice, said hello, wished me luck and shook my hand before heading out of the plane. It's hard to be nervous after that treatment. By the time my canopy opened though, I was almost blind with adrenaline. :-) -Andres Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeth 0 #4 August 3, 2004 Welcome! Not that I know anything, but I am also a student and have been told to get my own gear as soon as I can. At my DZ it will cost me $70 bucks for gear/slot each time I jump after student status, so that can add up really fast! Also, I was told that student gear never fits exactly right, and once I get my own rig it'll be so much more comfortable. As far as the downsizing, people have told me to buy my 1st one used, then if I want to downsize again I can get the next one new. Just what I have been told... Jeth "At 13,000 feet nothing else matters." PFRX!!!!! Team Funnel #174, Sunshine kisspass #109 My Jump Site Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robskydiv 0 #5 August 3, 2004 Hi Apixel. Welcome to our sport. My advice: Buy some gear as soon as you can in order to save money in the long run. Please buy a conservative, forgiving canopy though. Harry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
