freelyflyn71 0 #1 June 9, 2005 I'm gonna buy a rig soon, and I would like some input from some of you tall jumpers out there! What size harness and container sizes do y'all recommend for a 6'4" 225lb beginner like myself? Also, all the different sizing combo's get a little confusing...D-6, J-7, V-2, C-19, etc. Anyone got a simple chart or website link that deciphers the various sizing charts for most of the major manufacturers so sifting through the classifieds isn't so daunting? The Braver the Bird...The Fatter the Cat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #2 June 9, 2005 I take it you are looking for used gear? The length of your torso plays a huge part in how the container fits...I am 6'4" but I have a 38" inseam, so my torso is a little more normal. I have jumped a lot of different gear and Jumpshack's Racer is the best I have found for fit, comfort, and functionality. Most container manufacturer websites have a list of the size canopies the containers take...it's just a matter of printing out those lists and comparing them to classifieds or listings on your dropzone. They all use a different method for their sizing so there really isn't an easy way consolidate to one list... For fit on used gear just ask the seller what size person the container was made for and that should provide an idea of whether or not it's close to your size. I would definitely recommend that you try anything on before you buy if at all possible. Hope this helps...Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
panzwami 0 #3 June 9, 2005 Can't really speculate as to container size, since that depends on what size your canopies are. If you are looking for help choosing the right canopy, talk to your instructors. Different manufacturers have different size notations. For Javelin, you can find harness and container sizing information from their website. I'm 6'3" and have a Javelin Odyssey with a D-19 harness. Fits like a glove. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #4 June 9, 2005 Harnesses are sized by the main lift web (MLW). Javelin uses a letter/number combo (B15, C18, D19); the number refers to MLW length, the letter refers to yoke width. Other manufacturers use just the MLW, some use the MLW and the lateral length. Here's a quick way of determining if a harness will fit you... take your height in inches, subtract your inseam in inches, then subtract 20 - the result will be close to the length of MLW that will fit you. Example - I'm 5'8" (68 inches) with a 33 inch inseam. 68 - 33 - 20 = 15; a 15" MLW fits me pretty well. Container size will depend on the size of the canopies that are being packed into it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydived19006 4 #5 June 9, 2005 I’m in the process of ordering a new Vector; I’m 6’8 and about 210 lbs. I’ve been jumping a Javelin J7 that came “off the shelf” for over 10 years; it’s never fit me right but is not uncomfortable. It is a large container, but then again I’m a fairly large guy! I currently have a Raven 3, and an Icarus Crossfire 159 (which if very lose to say the least), I started out with a PD 260 main years ago, which wasn’t a problem packing into it. If I ever get the Vector worked out, the big Javelin will be for sale if you’re interested. My main lift web on the new Vector will be 21 or 22”. I have a pants inseam of 36, but measuring tight at the top, it’s more like 38”, which makes for a bit of a long torso!Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freelyflyn71 0 #6 June 9, 2005 Thank you all for your input, every bit of info really helps! Skydived19006, I just moved to the Atlanta area from Wichita! What a change! Never visited Air Capital, but I visited Kingman a couple times, there are a few choices in dropzones down here, and I've visited all but Rome and Thomaston. It sounds like we're close to the same inseam size, but you've got me by a good 3 inches in height, 'cause I'm closer to 6'5 anyway...any chance you still got that PD 260 lyin' around? The Braver the Bird...The Fatter the Cat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freelyflyn71 0 #7 June 9, 2005 Thanks for your input, Skybytch! (I feel so dirty typing that!) I'll implement that formula in my desperate search for used gear! (pat, pat, on da doggie head!) The Braver the Bird...The Fatter the Cat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zoter 0 #8 June 9, 2005 I'm 6ft 3 and about 220 lbs without gear. I bought my first rig at about 50 jumps and had it made to fit me......I'm very glad I did that, its quite comfy and handles etc are right where they should be.....finding hire rigs that offer the same ability a is not easy! I also decided to choose a 'conservative' canopy a 215 square canopy.......whilst this was the butt of a few jokes at the time centred around flying a 'bus' ....I have learned so so much about flying it ....because...I'm not afraid to fly it ! like I prob would be with an inappropritely loaded main....ask your instructors about what size is best for you but I really believe putting some time on a slightly larger canopy will pay you back alot down the line. Also consider your riser width size and getting 'large' three rings if you are a bigger guy....sure the smaller ones are rated for alot but I have had a few really banger openings and I think over time the stress you put on your rig as a bigger guy needs to be addressed... If I had to reorder my first rig again....knowing what I do know....the only difference I would have made is in the container....I think the Mirage G3/G4 are really well engineered rigs for the bigger guys... Just my 2...take it or leave it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freelyflyn71 0 #9 June 10, 2005 Thanks for the advice! I feel the same way about the main size...I learned with a 282sqft Raven 4 and it was actually pretty quick on landings...out of 20 landings I never did have a "tiptoe" landing, although I tried various flare altitudes. Any specifics that make the Mirage stand out from other rigs for tall guys? Any advice is appreciated! The Braver the Bird...The Fatter the Cat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,483 #10 June 10, 2005 QuoteAny specifics that make the Mirage stand out from other rigs for tall guys? Any advice is appreciated! There is nothin specific towards or against any of the H/C manufacturers. I know guys our size that wear Mirage, Wings, Javelins, Vectors, Dolphins, Infinity, etc. They all tailor the Harness to your size by the measurements you send in.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydived19006 4 #11 June 14, 2005 QuoteThank you all for your input, every bit of info really helps! Skydived19006, I just moved to the Atlanta area from Wichita! What a change! Never visited Air Capital, but I visited Kingman a couple times, there are a few choices in dropzones down here, and I've visited all but Rome and Thomaston. It sounds like we're close to the same inseam size, but you've got me by a good 3 inches in height, 'cause I'm closer to 6'5 anyway...any chance you still got that PD 260 lyin' around? I sold that PD 260 10 years ago, have no idea where it may be now. Depending on how heavy you are you wouldn't want a PD260 anyway. The Saber is basically the same canopy as the PD but it's ZP. You might want to look for a Saber in the 220/230 range? I'd advise finding a good used main, as you'll want to change again in 100+ jumps. That said good used large ZP canopies are not that easy to come by. You should have paid us a visit when you were here. I know especially when a student, most want to stay with what they know. Reminds me of my kindergerten teacher, she was the BEST, then I met my first grade teacher. Turns out the kindergerten teacher was actually not so hot after all.Experience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zoter 0 #12 June 14, 2005 I was thinking mores towards the 'extra' engineering put into a Mriage G3/G4 that was done to reinforce the container.....make it field repairable by having distinct componant parts that can easily be reordered/replaced . I'm noticing as a bigger guy that I'm putting alot more general wear and tear on my container/main than others .......and I look after my equipment. I'm not at all suggesting that other rigs are not safe for bigger guys....just that based on the wear and tear I am getting.....I'd prefer a container thats well 'over' engineered . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freelyflyn71 0 #13 June 15, 2005 Once I get current down here in Georgia, I'll have to come jump w/you guys at Air Capital...I've heard good things about your DZ...probably a lot like Hazen, AR (CAPC) where I learned through static line progression...they were small w/a C-182...but a great bunch of folks! You're right about finding a good, used ZP...but maybe I'll get lucky one of these days and stumble across a good deal...they gotta be out there! The Braver the Bird...The Fatter the Cat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
