nerd137 0 #1 January 6, 2005 I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I searched the forums & didn't find what I'm looking for. I'm trying to find some book or similar resource which would describe all the ins and outs of skydiving gear. I want to start learning about all the different types of gear that's available. For example(s), what are the differences in types of canopies? What about jumpsuit materials? How about helmet styles? Containers? What brands have better reputations? What issues do they have? Etc, etc. Does such a beast exist? So far, I've just been reading gear reviews here and checking out manufacturer's websites, but I still don't feel I'm getting as much information as I'd like to have. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 January 6, 2005 Honestly, you're best bet would be to show up at a DZ and ask a rigger to explain it all to you, then maybe one of the top swoopers at your DZ and then an experienced instructor, etc. The large majority of what I learned so far in skydiving came from hanging around the DZ and asking questions. As for a book that covers ALL of that, there are a couple of "skydiving handbooks" published by a couple of people on DZ.com, they both cover quite a bit but may not answer your questions fully.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #3 January 6, 2005 A comprehensive book would be a cool idea. But it would have to be maintained and edited on a regular basis, as innovation and change in this sport is ongoing. Those of us that make this our career try to keep up on all the details and changes, but I don't think I would have the time or energy to put it into the written word. You can, however, find gear "professionals" right here on DZ.com that offer free gear consultations. As a gear dealer, it is my job to educate you, the consumer to the best of my ability. There are several of us here on dz.com. Most of your questions and concerns can be addressed over the phone or via e-mail or PM. However if you have a local source at your drop zone, that is always best. Right now during the winter is the best time to soak up knowledge. Riggers and instructors are not as busy and should have time to educate you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 January 6, 2005 Quote Riggers and instructors are not as busy and should have time to educate you. Instructors and Rigger should always take the time to educate. I understand being busy during the day and sometimes even at night after the day was done, but I feel like the energy should be put forth for the students. Even if the student and the rigger/instructor has to schedule a time during the week, I think it should be covered. Of course, everything can't be covered in one session, but students don't tend to go "teach me everything now" atleast in my experience. They tend to do stuff like "hey, whats the difference in jumpsuits and matierials" after seeing different designs and materials on jumpers around the DZ. I guess I'm weird, I really really enjoy having a beer with a lowtime jumper at the end of the day and answering the questions they have...especially since it was done for me (and is still done for me).--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #5 January 6, 2005 Quote A comprehensive book would be a cool idea. But it would have to be maintained and edited on a regular basis, as innovation and change in this sport is ongoing. Pointer's Parachute Manuals for all the older gear. Anything from the mid-90's to now is not in them though. If anyone is really bored out there or just plain wants to make a lot of riggers happy it would be wonderful to have Revision 3 of PPM's Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #6 January 7, 2005 Quote A comprehensive book would be a cool idea. I thought so too. So I wrote one. Unfortunately I couldn't afford to publish it. Most of what I wrote is available in the "gear" and "safety" sections of this website. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #7 January 7, 2005 Bytch! PM me right now! We have got to talk.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Islandcool 0 #8 January 7, 2005 Can I have an autographed copy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #9 January 7, 2005 I wrote one too for the website of the club I jump with (url at the bottom... look for the Gear FAQ). If you read it you'll see it's an overview and starting point for your further learning. As such it might help you narrow down your questions to ones more suited to a rigger... anything highly detiled you'll notice it simply directs you to talk to a rigger/instructor... but it's a comprehensive starting point. Oh yeah, and you should note it's geared towards the UK jumper so may mention safty regulations which won't apply to you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #10 January 7, 2005 Pointer's Parachute Manuals for all the older gear. Anything from the mid-90's to now is not in them though. If anyone is really bored out there or just plain wants to make a lot of riggers happy it would be wonderful to have Revision 3 of PPM's >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I have asked Dan Poynter about Volume 3 a couple of times. Last time (4 years ago) Dan said that publishing on paper was obsolete, but he did not think internet publishing was mature enough. I will ask Dan again when I see him next week in Jacksonville. On another note, Sandy Reid is putting the finishing touches on an FAA textbook on rigging. .... Remind me to ask Sandy for a progress report when I see him next week in Jacksonville. Meanwhile, don't feel so "left out." The amount of internet information about rigging is absolutely outstanding! Nowadays I can get service bulletins in minutes that used to take months. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
