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GeordieSkydiver

Canopy size.

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Hi, I've got 80+ jumps, currently using a pd190 (rental). I weight 150lbs and I'm a 'floater'.

I'm in the market for my own system and I have a question.

What size main canopy should I go for? I've seen a 155 for sale locally, and I'm considering it, is this too small? I'm reasonable at canopy control and landing, I always hit the target and stand up, but I'm unsure about size's...

Anybody help?

Lee

Blue skies.
Lee _______________________________

In a world full of people, only some want to fly, is that not crazy?
http://www.ukskydiver.co.uk

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I'm not a big fan of starting on 150s for beginners. Even 90% of my female clients, I'll start on a 170.

But I need more details about you to give advise. But I will tell you this. Decide first what you want/need. Then go find it. Don't find something and then try to make it fit your needs 'cause it's a good deal.

Good luck. PM me if you want more specifics.

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

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Quote

DO you know haw to calculate wingloading? What would be your wingloading under the 155? Have you jumped a ZP canopy yet?



No, no and no.

I understand the theory of wingloading, but not how to work it out.

I've never jumped ZP either.

Thanks for your input so far peeps. :)
Lee _______________________________

In a world full of people, only some want to fly, is that not crazy?
http://www.ukskydiver.co.uk

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Your exit weight (body+at least 25LBS for gear)
divided by 155( square footage)

If you weighed 150 lbs, with gear you will weigh at least 175lbs.
175 divided by 155 equals 1.13 sq. lbs/1 sq. foot of canopy. Acording to the USPA that is too high of a wing loading, for your liscense. However Downsizing is done everyday by people way too early in their career. Ask an Instructor you trust about your skill level.
Also IMO>>>>>>>ZP's flare differently, Jump one of the same size canopy first . PLF

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I'm in a similar situation, and I bought a 170. Better to have something big over your head at first, is my thought. As newbies, we're more likely to get ourselves into a corner, and it's better to have lots of fabric over your head if you do.

My W/L is ~1:1. That's just fine until I can really fly my canopy and put it down wherever I want it safely under a variety of conditions.

Have you read Billvon's list? Do so. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/safety/detail_page.cgi?ID=47
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. --Douglas Adams

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Yeah a 170 will be spot on. I see your in uk so try classifieds in back of skydive mag, or www.bpa.org.uk...have ad's www.dirtdive.co.uk
rec.uk.skydiving, and the notice board at the dz's you jump at, even here on dz.com there is tonnes of used gear for sale.... Or you could even demo a 170 first, a few places in the uk have demo centres now..


Laters...




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