First Rig Questions

[jarrodh 0]

Hello All,

I got about 30 jumps now and am interested in getting a good used rig that I can put a couple hundred jumps on. Ive been looking in the classifieds and forums about tips and advice on first rigs and I think I have hit the jackpot on a potential system.

My AFF instructor has offered me his first complete rig which is a Cypres ready Vector with a Raider 220 main and a Reserve (forgot the type/size) all for only 600 bucks! I dont know how many jumps are on the container/main or what type of Vector it is (I,II,or III), but will find out soon. How many is to much on the main/container?

I seriously doubt the container is a Vector III because of the low price so I was wondering if it is worth it to get a second hand Vector II? Are they reliable containers?

Im not planning on becoming a freeflyer just this minute but within the next 100 jumps or so I think I will at least attempt to sit fly, but I have read that Vector II's need modifications in order to freefly? Are these mods easily achieved?

I know 600 bucks is a very low price for a complete system in good jumpable condition so should I simply buy it and make mods later since its such a good deal?

Any help would be awesome

P.S. I can assure that this rig is in good shape and not a piece of shit since I know my instructor wouldnt sell me an unsafe rig but I will be taking it in for a reserve repack and complete inspection anyway when I get the Cypres installed if I do buy it.

Blue Skies...

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[sundevil777 102]

We need more info to give you better feedback, pics would help.

$600 is extremely cheap. Perhaps he is selling it to you really cheap to be nice, but don't count on it. It may be that the components themselves are almost worthless, and it may really be worth even less than $600.

You should get another person's opinion of the rig BEFORE you buy it, preferably an experienced rigger, someone that isn't afraid to tell you that it is a piece of shit, even if that makes the integrity of the seller look bad.

Beware.

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[jarrodh 0]

I dont have pics...but I think Im gonna found out more about the rig before I make any decisions.

2 BITS....4 BITS....6 BITS....A DOLLAR!....ALL FOR THE GATORS....STAND UP AND HOLLER!!!!

[skybytch 273]

If the rig has a square reserve, $600 is probably a fair deal. You probably don't want a round reserve.

Here are a few things to know/think about before buying it.

- The Raider is an all-F111 nine cell. Don't load it over 1.0 (i.e. if your exit weight - body weight plus about 20 pounds for gear - is 220 or more, don't jump it). If it has more than 500 jumps on it, it will probably have very little flare.

- You "can" freefly with a Vector II. Do a search in this forum; there have been quite a few threads on that subject. Be aware that even with the modifications people have had issues freeflying with older-style Vectors. You don't want to freefly with a Vector I.

- The reserve is likely an older model. Do not load an older model reserve over 1.0. They were not designed for higher wingloadings.

If a rigger says it's airworthy and you really can't afford anything newer/more modern, that rig might be a good way to get you up in the air. I'd suggest saving up to buy a used zp main as soon as possible, though, then replace the container and reserve before you start to really get into freeflying.