Shopping for a 170 main

[jumpingjen 0]

I am a newbie and a student. I jump at Picton, Sydney Australia.
I currently have 36 jumps under my belt and am looking at buying a main. I have a rig + reserve someone is lending me but I need a main.
I have an exit weight of 180 pounds and am looking at buying a 170 main. I do not want a new main as this is my first parachute and I find new mains very difficult to pack.
I have already got some rigger friends who are willing to check out the main for me before I buy.

Apart from the people at my dz, what are my options for buying a 170 main? Are there good websites or will I get the best deal in a private sale?


And of course any other advice for this newbie.

[AggieDave 6]

Ok, I'm assuming that your instructors told you it would be a good idea to buy a 170, right?

Did they tell you about the different types of canopies? Elliptical, semi-elliptical, 7-cell, 9-cell, etc?

You might want to chat with them about those options and get a couple of ideas on exactly which canopy would be good for you.

In the mean time, check out the Classifieds (link at the top of the page).

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[nael 0]

Hi Jenny,

I jump at Picton too.

Are you sure the instructors are happy for you to jump a 170 with an exit weight of 180?

As for good second hand gear sites, you can check out the APF site which lists some second hand gear, and a good one is http://www.totalcontrol.com.au.

On a side note, I may be selling my 170 soon, gotta speak to some instructors about downsizing first though, then I can let you know, if you havent found one yet.

By the way, is this the Jenny who's dating Pauly now??

www.TerminalSports.com.auAustralia's largest skydive gear store

[Travman 6]

There is a used section on www.totalcontrol.com.au and www.apf.asn.au
You could also try sending an email out on the skarsy yahoo group.

[jumpingjen 0]

Yeah cheers, the total control website is good.
I have been asking around about what size canopy would be good for me and my instructors have okayed a 170.
I may even be looking at buying a whole rig instead of just the main. I guess it depends on what pops up.
Yeah, you have the right Jenny. You know thanks for picking me up that day over the freeway otherwise I would have had a nice walk back.

[Kramer 0]

Jen, I do not have many jumps at all, so take my advice very lightly, k?

I jumped quite a few different 170 mains in the past few months, and was quite impressed with the Pilot (by Aerodyne). I wound up buying one (it's actually a 168). So that's something to think on. It is semi-elliptical though, not that you'd be loading it up very much, but at 35 jumps it might be a little much at this point. I guess it depends on how many jumps you'll have when you actually get the canopy. Whatever. Remember, I know nothing. That's just my 2 cents.

The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!!

[bob.dino 1]

The chances of finding a second-hand Pilot in Australia are low. There aren't that many at all in the country - in fact the only one I've heard of belongs to fergs. I'm sure there's a few out in WA, as that's where TotalControl, who sell Aerodyne gear, are based.

[Kramer 0]

Quote

The chances of finding a second-hand Pilot in Australia are low.

Ya very good point. There might be some pop up in the classifieds from time to time. If you don't mind paying a lot in shipping from the US.

The FAKE KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!!

[nael 0]

shipping from the US isnt actually too bad. I had my canopy shipped to Australia from there and it cost around $100, so Jenny dont be scared to look at whats in the US too, but as always check with as many instructors as you can, different instructors often have different views so decide the ones whose views you would put more weight on.

www.TerminalSports.com.auAustralia's largest skydive gear store

[skydivefive 0]

I too am a new jumper with only 50 or so jumps. I have about the same exit weight and I jump a Triathalon 175. In terms of being in Australia, I don't know about availablility of this canopy, but I love it! It is a 7 cell, ZP canopy, and it is responsive yet forgiving. I really thought I wanted a 9 cell until I flew this one. Just wanted to put my two cents in since I was in the same situation last fall. DZ.com was a great reference for pricing and availablity of containers and canopies.

Good luck, and blue skies!

It isn't what it could be, or it what it should be, it is what it is.

[nael 0]

Not many Triathlons in Australia, but from what I have heard the Spectre is very similar.

Jenny, you'll find a lot of Sabre's, saffires, PD's and a few Spectres around. Talk to Adrian Lloyd too.

The best thing is to know what you want. Have a look around at what people are generally selling things for and learn what a good price for certain gear would be. That way, when someone tries to sell you a PD 170 with 800 jumps on it for $1500 you will know they are ripping you off!

www.TerminalSports.com.auAustralia's largest skydive gear store