Paracommanders, what is the going rate?

[DougH 270]

Hey every one,

I have been really interested in doing a couple of PC jumps every since I started learning the sport. For me I am drawn to check out where the sport has come from.

I see them now and then for sale, but I am not sure what the going rate would be for such equipment.

Assuming of course that the gear is safe, and in good condition, with a fair amount of life left, what is a fair price for a Mark I, complete with container, and belly wart?

Do you think it is silly that to spend the money on gear that I could only jump in select conditions, and only several times.

"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

[AggieDave 6]

There are quite a few people out there that still have their "vintage" gear and could teach you the correct proceedures for packing and malfunction drills. I've seen many of those same people that are willing to let others jump their gear.

If you were in TX there would be a few people I could send you to, I'm sure someone in the NE could point you to the right people.

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

[stratostar 5]

It really comes down to what are you willing to pay for it?

Many people think that their old crap is now worth a bunch of money, when in fact it's not.
I just got a VERY nice stylemaster HC and wart for 50 bucks. (no canopies)
That is a reasonable price for what I got.
Most of my personal rigs have been put together out of parts I got cheap.

75% of the collection we have at SWC was the DZO's and the other 25% was given to us or picked up for cheap. (shipping)

About every two years some oldtimer will show up at the DZ and drop off a pile of old crap for free just to get rid of it.

I know ripcord4 on here has had a few ad's on ebay the last few weeks.
while I personally think he is asking to much for what he has, I can't blame him for trying to get all he can out of it, because to someone out there it maybe a worth what he is asking for it.
Just to much for me to have an interest or most of the other collectors I know.

So like I said what is it worth to you to own a part of history?

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[Andy9o8 2]

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Do you think it is silly that to spend the money on gear that I could only jump in select conditions, and only several times.

If the gear's in good condition, you can jump it far more than just several times. As for "select conditions", you need to develop some round-canopy piloting skills that are not identical to piloting a square - and until then, I'd simply advise to jump at a DZ where there are enough safe "outs" to accomodate your learning curve. Also learn to spot well. Literally millions of jumps were made on Paracommanders by jumpers, like myself, who loved them.

[DougH 270]

Select conditions are most likely going to be a DZ other than my home DZ until I get the skills nailed. We have a SMALL field, surrounded by a small forest, and a 8 foot tall barb wire topped security fence.

Ripcord's ebay add was the one that caught my interest, the gear looked very nice.

"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

[Beatnik 2]

I have picked up some things for a ridiculously cheap amount. I picked up a brand new piggy from 75 that has never been jumped for $50. And was given canopies and gear for next to nothing. Then there are somethings that I am willing to pay more for just because I want them not because they are worth it.

If you only want to jump several times on some vintage gear, just find someone that will let you jump theirs. I haven't met too many people that wouldn't train and let you jump their gear.

[stratostar 5]

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Ripcord's ebay add was the one that caught my interest, the gear looked very nice.

Yes it looks to be in good shape.Just looking at photos is hard to tell how good a shape it really is, hell it could have less then ten jumps on it for all we know.
If you think you want one and the price is a fair price to you, then bid on it, if you really want to have your own rig.

Then again if you want to jump one first before buying, then you should seek out a local who has one and will let you jump it, or make you a road trip
to one of the boogies where there are PC's to jump.

If you want to come out (to the wide open space for miles around midwest) here @ Skydive Wayne County in Richmond In. there are a few jumpers who have, 1 or 2 rigs you could get trained on and jump.
Rounds are a blast to jump.

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[Beatnik 2]

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Rounds are a blast to jump.

I second that and they are so quiet as well. Of all the rigs I have and the ones I have jumped, I keep going to the PC more than the others.

[BIGUN 1,485]

PC's were $350.00 brand new (H/C, Main, reserve, all handles) so anything 50% or less that can be certified for jumping is good.

On a separate note - before you jump the PC, get with the oldest, grizzliest skydiver or former Airborne guy/girl at your DZ and overlearn; spotting, EP's from a hanging harness and most importantly - real PLF's - not that once or twice half-assed golf-clap we're good shit.

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

[Revillusion 0]

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real PLF's - not that once or twice half-assed golf-clap good shit.

I don't who ya are, that's funny.

VIRTUS JUNXIT MORS NON SEPARABIT

[JerryBaumchen 1,467]

Hi BIGUN,

When the PC came on the market in early '64 it sold for a retail price of $225.00 and it came on risers with a sleeve; R/W/B only

The entire CrossBow rig (main, reserve & h/c) sold for $525.00 at the same time.

Jerry

[BIGUN 1,485]

Hey, Jerry... But, I didn't get mine till 1981. I "think" you could still get them from the factory then, but I bought mine from someone who bought it new and had put about 5 jumps on it and bailed. It was the all black with belly wart dashboard for the alti & stopwatch. and a R/W/B main. I jumped it at the 1983 Nationals in Muskogee and folks were polking fun at me for jumping an antique. I finally caved and went to a square and my Instructor, Curly Roe made me take a transiition class - cause them squares can kill ya if you turn 'em too hard. They're wida-makers.

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