Evaluating a Rigger

[Andrewwhyte 1]

Although who taught them is something to notice, I would be careful about putting to much weight on that. I am regularly dealing with the results of the worst rigger I have ever seen (now out of the industry). He was taught by Sandy Reid, who happens to be the guy my current rigger (Rigger Rob) did his Masters under. I am sure Sandy did as much to instill attention to detail and ethical practices in one guy as the other; it just didn't take.
If you want the best in the North-West just drive on up the road to Pitt Meadows and see Rob. Ya I know it's three hours with the border, but it's a good excuse to spend the weekend. Of course if you are still in Atlanta the drive is longer.

[marinho 0]

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Good looks Gus, don't forget good looks

I can't wait to check out your new portable facility at the WFFC!

What's up Nick?!? I think I got the good looking thing too, so thanks God I'm fine!

So you're going to Rantoul!!! Want to do some work?? I hope so...
We were invited to be the rigging services at SkyFest and everybody there will have a chance to look our mobile facility for the first time! After Skyfest, I'm driving straight to WFFC. I'll problably have one day of just sitting and relax!PM and tell me your plans!!!
I wish you here, I have 25 more rigs to go and all kind of repairs and production going on. I'll talk to you next week.
Cheers,

hmmm...is that fancy-dancy bar tacker gonna make it into the mobile loft?

Hi jumper03,
I'm sorry, but I already hijacked this forum! But the answer is yes! Are you coming to our boogie this weekend??? I hope so!!!!
I never had the beer you promised.

Gus Marinho

[NWFlyer 2]

I'm happy with my current rigger in the Northwest (and that exchange rate in Canada would kill me, but if I find myself needing a rigger up there, I'll keep your recommendation in mind!). I asked the question because the "surprises during repack" thread brought up some questions by another poster about trusting a rigger... and this seemed like an interesting question to think about.

Also, I found myself needing a rigger on the east coast after my recent cutaway. I went with Mike Gruwell at Chuting Star based on reputation/recommendations and I've been extremely happy with the service I've received throughout the whole process (thanks, Mike!). It's been more complicated than my typical repack since it's involved replacing lost/damaged pieces of my gear, and given that everything got dunked in salt water, the gear needed a particularly thorough inspection, and Mike's been great to deal with throughout, even with trying to manage all this over the phone.

But given that's not my "home" area and that I wasn't able to meet with him in person, I had to trust the recommendations. I actually think recommendations/reputation are probably one of the best ways to choose a rigger.

I just figured this thread could get some good dialogue going. I've heard some people say they'd never work with a rigger that they know will pencil pack, others don't care. I'm curious what people's criteria are.

[riggerrob 643]

To quote Dirty Harry: "A man has got to know his limitations."

For example, my FAA Master Rigger license may allow me to replace ribs or entire cells in ram-air canopies, but I freely admit that the little Latina ladies at Strong Enterprises, Performance Designs, etc. can do the job far quicker and far neater than I ever will.

[popsjumper 2]

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To quote Dirty Harry: "A man has got to know his limitations."

For example, my FAA Master Rigger license may allow me to replace ribs or entire cells in ram-air canopies, but I freely admit that the little Latina ladies at Strong Enterprises, Performance Designs, etc. can do the job far quicker and far neater than I ever will.

This is one sign of a rigger that can be trusted.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[teason 0]

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I freely admit that the little Latina ladies at Strong Enterprises, Performance Designs, etc. can do the job far quicker and far neater than I ever will.

LOL! I often tell jumpers that if they want to know how good a manufacturer is, check out the production facility. If riggers are sewing, walk out!
There are very few riggers out there with decades of comercial sewing experience. (like Al from Flying High etc.)
I've learnt more from the "little latina ladies" about sewing than most riggers know.

...and the more I know, the more I know there is stuff I don't know. Stay away from riggers who know it all.

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

[riggerrob 643]

That's purdy!
Could I get one with a Celtic cross?
Could you throw in all the fancy knotwork for free?
Hee!
Hee!

[teason 0]

Sorry, I can only make rigs that look like bugs

Jeez, a good thing I didn't show you what I did with the back pad! It rolled many an eye!

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

[mjosparky 4]

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...and the more I know, the more I know there is stuff I don't know. Stay away from riggers who know it all.

I would say that just about covers it. A good rigger will say "I don't know" or "I can't do that" but will know where to look for the answer or know where to go to get it done.

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[livendive 8]

I think it boils down to evaluating their professionalism, knowledge, intelligence, humility, and interest in rigging. The two riggers I trust to touch my gear without me watching meet these criteria and then some...they're smart and they actually enjoy rigging.

As for the "need a repack at a boogie" example, it'd depend on where I was. I'd probably just pack it myself (for transport purposes only), and then drink.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)