Gear Help

[NlghtJumper 0]

I am a student, looking at buying a new complete rig. I am debating between the Quaser II & Z-Po [190], or the Vector III [M-Series] & Sabre 2 [190]. I only way 150 lbs, so I think the 190 will do good. I am just curious what you guys think. Which would be better, or am I looking at the wrong rig completely?

A man will do anything for the right woman,
and when that woman destroys him,
that man will become a hunk of meat with the common sense of a rodeo clown! ~ Christopher Titus

[vt1977 0]

Have you spoken to your instructors?

Vicki

[BIGUN 1,483]

You may not be looking at the wrong rig, but you're looking in the wrong place for advice. Please talk with your instructors. You may be looking at a rig that is too large or too small depending on your skill, the number of jumps, the manner in which you control your canopy, etc. etc. Those who watch you, guide you, train you are going to give you the best direction.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[NlghtJumper 0]

well, i would talk to them if they werent 7 thousand miles away. I am currently just looking and comparing seeing how i am sitting in Afghanistan with nothing better to do.

A man will do anything for the right woman,
and when that woman destroys him,
that man will become a hunk of meat with the common sense of a rodeo clown! ~ Christopher Titus

[ncfitzge 0]

Do a search on the forum on the equipment you are thinking about. This will give you a general idea on how the equipment acts for other people. Besides that, try to demo thinks before you jump them and see what you like.

#148 Sonic Scrat
"Have you ever kissed a rabbit between the eyes?" Woodpecker pulling out his pants pockets to the waitress

[BIGUN 1,483]

Quote

seeing how i am sitting in Afghanistan with nothing better to do.

Perhaps this is a discussion for you and the CSM

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[wmw999 2,587]

Here are a few articles to keep you entertained for awhile, answer some questions, and give you more questions to ask.

There are several articles about buying a first set of gear there.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[mjosparky 4]

Go to these sites and compare them all. And keep your ass down.
Sparky

Canopies

Containers

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[NlghtJumper 0]

Thanks everyone for you help! I reall apprechiate it. And most likely, if I go ask my CSM, I'll be doing push ups! LOL

A man will do anything for the right woman,
and when that woman destroys him,
that man will become a hunk of meat with the common sense of a rodeo clown! ~ Christopher Titus

[brianfry713 0]

4 jumps seems a little soon to be buying gear. It's cool to look and see what you think you'd like. Student gear will be provided during your training (AFF, S/L, or IAD). You're likely to be on much larger canopies during that time.

After that, gradually downsize as you feel comfortable using rental gear. Once you hit something you'll probably want to jump for a while (1 year or a few hundred jumps), buy a used rig. That way if you again want to downsize you can without losing as much money on the deal.

Try before you buy. You can find a good safe used rig for not too much money and that way you won't be stuck with something you're bored on or end up spending thousands of dollars for something you bought and sold in a short time.

BASE 1224, Senior Parachute Rigger, CPL ASEL IA, AGI, IGI
USPA Coach & UPT Tandem Instructor, PRO, Altimaster Field Support Representative

[tso-d_chris 0]

Quote

After that, gradually downsize as you feel comfortable using rental gear. Once you hit something you'll probably want to jump for a while (1 year or a few hundred jumps), buy a used rig. That way if you again want to downsize you can without losing as much money on the deal.

New gear sized in common sizes suitable for first or second canopies hold their resale value very well. It wouldn't take many days of jumping rental gear to spend the money you would lose by buying new and reselling later. If I sell a used, well maintained Sabre2 170 or similar canopy, it usually sells pretty easily for about $1 per jump less than my new price, and that is often selling at the lower end of market value. The demand is high. Demand is much lower for small canopies, so they don't hold their resale value as well.

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