New Setup

[corey.reeves 0]

Okay, If you could create a "midlevel" rig (ie something that a beginner could use but be used for more advanced flying), what would you use?

[AggieDave 6]

Interesting question, its been asked in various forms before, but never quite this direct.

---Container choice:

Something that is commonly thought as a decent rig. That would include Micron (RWS), Javelin (Sunpath), Mirage, Wings, Infinety (Velocity Sports) and similar. Those rigs also have a decent resale value, overall; however, those are the kinds of rigs that you can jump for years and be fine with proper maintance.

---Main Canopy choice:

Firstly, you buy a canopy with what you're able to safely fly NOW, not later. Period. So you as a beginner jumper you'll be looking at a canopy that you will load at 1.0:1 or even 1.1:1 tops. That's it. Don't get into thinking about loading something at 1.3, 1.4, etc until you have the experience (not what you think is the skill set, the actual experience) to jump it. You can do a search, wingloading has been discussed at length.

As for what canopy, well, I personally am a HUGE fan of the Sabre2 as the best all around canopy on the market today. You can get one as a beginner loading at 1.0:1 to 1.1:1 and put a few hundred jumps on it. During those jumps you'll learn more and more about canopy flight. Even at that wingloading as your experience grows you can even learn how to swoop on that canopy at that wingloading.

Others will most likely toss in the Spectre, Pilot, Safire2 and maybe even Triatholon. I've jumped all of those canopies and still prefer a Sabre2. However, with all of those canopies its more of a Ford vs. Chevy debate. Jump all of them and find the one you like.

---Reserves choice:

IMO there is no other choice on the market but a PD reserve. Sure they pack a bit larger, but the construction is impressive and they have a great track record. Get one that is appropiate for your weight. You want 1.0: or a bit less, really.


You can pick up all of those things used; however, do not sacrifice your canopy sizes by purchasing a rig that won't fit canopies large enough for you. Demo as many canopies as you can that are appropiate perforamance levels and sizes. Talk to everyone you can. Listen to your instructors and talk to your riggers at your DZ. Feel free to call the companies that you're looking at. Not just a dealer, but the companies. They will sit on the phone and answer you questions. They have some information on their website too.

Good luck, enjoy yourself. Remember, the slow and dedicated approach to canopy flight is the progression that will build the best swooper the fastest. It may take you longer to get to a canopy size/type that you want, but you will be a MUCH better canopy pilot when you get there. Never mind that you have a better chance of being alive and without pins and metal in your body.

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

[labrys 0]

What's "more advanced flying"?

Harness needs to fit the body.

Container needs to fit the canopies.

Canopies need to be suited to the weight and skill of the pilot.

Owned by Remi #?

[Peej 0]

That's a really good post Dave, i think that should be a sticky at the top of the forum.

Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky

[corey.reeves 0]

Dave

Awesome run down. Thanks for taking the time to go in depth on the question.

C