Canopy or container?

[Dagny 0]

Here's my not-so-hypothetical question...

I've been trying to work out getting my own gear for a while now after realizing the financial implications and limitations of rental gear. Thanks to the incredible generosity of good friends I have now acquired a racer container (very air-worthy, but not FF friendly) and a monarch 155. In your opinion, and with limited funds, which should be my next purchase?

I am not ready to jump the 155 based on my currency and wingloading. Yet. Soon I will be, but for now I would feel more comfortable on a 170.

As for the racer, I am really looking forward to getting it packed and jumping more regularly. I'm not a FFer so that's not a real problem. Yet. Soon, I want to start learning to sit and stand in the air so I can jump with my friends, but for now, it's all good.

Given this situation, would it be better to buy a 170 main to get me current again and until I'm ready for the monarch or buy a custom container to replace the racer and just demo 170's until I'm ready to downsize? I won't have the money for both.

Thanks for the advice!

Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic.
-Salvador Dali

[skytash 0]

It depends on whether the 170 will fit the racer properly. Check with a local rigger (NOTE: I AM NOT A RIGGER!)

In general I would always recommend spending money on a custom container rather than a new canopy. Having a properly fitted container makes jumping a lot more comfortable and FF safer too.

I'd go for the container and demo canopies.

tash

Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is a special occasion. Avril Sloe

[councilman24 37]

First, if you got them separately are we sure the 155 even fits in the Racer, let alone a 170. (too big OR too small) Do you know? Also I see no mention of a reserve. If there's a reserve, is it the right size for you? Also do you want/require an AAD?

I'd hold off buying a custom container until you have some more experience and know what you want. If you can put together an airworthy rig that's all the more money for jumping. In 24 years of jumping I've bought two custom containers. One the 3rd year and one the 17th year. The rest have been used or stock on the shelf.

And the Monarch's I've known haven't been so great. Others like them. But it may not compare to what your demo'ing. You may decide it's not for you.

A used 170 9-cell zp main might be as cheap as $300-400 (original sabre). A custom container may be $1200 up. They may not be mutually exclusive.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[Dagny 0]

I have a PD160 reserve, not yet in the container. As for an AAD, I just don't have the money for it, so I'm going to pass on it for now.

Assuming the main canopies will fit the container, I'm kind of leaning toward buying a 170. With everything so expensive and me being so financially impaired, I'm trying to decided which will be the best purchase for now.

Mostly, I want to jump my own gear so I can afford to get in the air more often. I'd like to get into RW, but find myself doing a lot of solos. Ultimately, I want to improve my belly skills, but without the gear...well, I had to make a choice, keep skydiving and suck it up and buy gear or say that it was fun while it lasted and move on. I'd prefer to keep jumping.

Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic.
-Salvador Dali

[wmw999 2,588]

As long as both canopies fit in the Racer, I think you're making the right decision. Jumping is better than not jumping. An older 170 shouldn't be that hard to find, and it should be even easier to sell, since so many people do exactly what you're doing.

Solo jumps when you're trying to do RW suck after a very short time. You might want to make sure that manifest knows when you're jumping, so that if anyone comes in wanting to jump with low-timers or looking for a load, you're first on the list. Then BE AVAILABLE, even if it means getting off the load you were already solo on.

And if you're doing a 2-way with another newbie, dirt-dive the whole dive in real time -- including docking, and breaking off and tracking. Don't do that quick 'point point point' crap, think instead about how you're going to move your body, and how long it feel like doing. That's what the dirt dive is for.

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)

[Nightingale 0]

find out how much it will cost you to rent only a 170 canopy for your jumps. It might be cheaper than buying one and then selling it in a few jumps.

Otherwise, get a used 170 canopy that has a high resale value, like a spectre, so you won't lose much money when you outgrow it.

[SkydiveNFlorida 0]

Missy, z-hills rents canopies for the day. You could just jump there until you're ready to downsize. I know you have a friend in that area:) I think it's like 15$/day or something, and that's pretty cheap and worth it if you make 3-4+ jumps in a day. I would go that route, if you think you'll be current and ready for the 155 in a few months. Otherwise, order a 170, sell the monarch, and just play with that for a good while:)

jmo. Take advantage of the Sunshine Factory!
Angela.

[GravityGirl 0]

PM me about the cypres. I have a customer with one that will time out in a year. You would have to put some money into it, but it might suit your needs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!