question about new and used gear

[superman0710 0]

is it better to get a new container and a used canopy or vice versa?

i'd actually prefer to get all new gear, but if it comes down to getting used gear, i'd like to make an informed decision.

[NWFlyer 2]

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/safety/detail_page.cgi?ID=43

Start with this article. Answered a lot of the questions that I had when I was starting to look for gear, including some thoughts on your question.

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/safety/detail_page.cgi?ID=46
This one also has some good info.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[Travman 6]

As a student I bought a used container/main/reserve/aad

From what I was told, chances are you will downsize from your first canopy quicker than you will from your second. You will also loose less money on selling used equipment if you have kept it in good order.

[diablopilot 2]

If I were gonna buy a NEW/USED set up, I'd try to get the container new. That way it will be custom fit for you.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[Peej 0]

Hey bro,

This is kind of my standard answer to these type of questions. At this stage you shouldn't be thinking about gear but focusing on getting your A-license and at least 50 jumps under your belt.

By then you'll be able to buy gear that will last you a long time. The gear you purchase right off student status is going to be huge, somewhere in the 200 sq ft range and your skills will outgrow that size canopy very quickly.

When you're ready i'd suggest buying all second hand gear. The skydiving industry in the USA is huge and the amount of gear moving around at any one time is enormous. There's a very good chance that you'll find gear that fits you perfectly.

The reason i say buy 2nd hand is that the potential to land on your butt and really get your gear dirty is enormous. Hell, with nearly 300 dives and learning to swoop i still don't stand up all my landings! Plus if you find gear that's in good nick and ask your rigger to give it a wash chances are it'll come back looking new. Mine did.

Ask yourself what would you rather have, brand spanking new gear and a lot less cash to jump or gear that looks new and loads of cash left over to really learn how to fly it.

Hope this helps.
peace
PJ

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