reinhart36 0 #1 December 4, 2006 Hi all, here's the situation: I just got my A-license this year and am shopping for an inexpensive first rig (because I don't have a lot of $ mainly). I found a 1983 RW Vector V-5 that seems to be in pretty good condition. He's selling it with a Laser 7 main that is about 230 sq ft. Also there is a Swift 190 reserve installed. I spoke with the guys at relative workshop, and they can replace all the velcro, convert it to BOC deployment and make it cypress ready for about $145. All of the hardware and webbing looks like it's in good shape. I was also told that there are riggers out there that could make this rig freefly friendly with some mods. The rig is being sold for $200. I'd like the opinion of a rigger as to whether or not this would be a foolish buy? My feeling is that after all of the mods I could end up with a decent (complete) first rig for less than $800. Any thoughts about this from an experienced rigger/skydiver? I have several pictures of the rig, if that would be useful to anyone willing to help me out. Many thanks! Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beezyshaw 0 #2 December 4, 2006 If I were in a plane that caught on fire, I would jump that stuff, but beyond that, I certainly wouldn't pay any money for it. I suggest you save up your money during the winter and get something a little more modern that you will be much happier with. And if I were to own that rig, I certainly wouldn't go throw more money at it like you're considering. Sometimes the idea of owning your own gear instead of renting gets in the way of good decision making. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #3 December 4, 2006 How many jumps on the Laser? Is it a 7 cell Swift or a 5 cell? If its a 5 cell walk away from the rig. How much do you weigh? If you weight more then 170 pounds then you should probally look elsewhere also since the Swift shouldn't be loaded more then 1:1. IS the harness the right size or will it need rezised also? Very few of the local riggers will probaly be willing to put the time or effort into making the rig really freefly safe. Also it will take a Master Rigger to properly do the work since the reserve flaps need the modification done to them. If you are wanting a good rig with a CYPRES you could have one for under 1200 that is newer, already freefly capible and contains canopies that are still serviceable. Eric, Contact me via PM's or feel free to look me up at the DZ if you need some assistance in finding a suitable rig. I also might know of a container for next to nothing if you contact me.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reinhart36 0 #4 December 4, 2006 Thanks for the replies! PhreeZone: I'm sure there are hundreds of jumps on the Laser, though I don't know how many. The swift is the 5 cell with SN R3-1933, which is not included in the recall due to aifoil misshape. I weight 175 lbs, but occasionally get on body building kicks that put me up to about 200 lbs. The harness was used by a guy that is 5'10" and 180lbs. I'm 5'11" and 175, so I'd bet I could fit in the harness alright. Thanks for the feedback! Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #5 December 4, 2006 If it was me, I'd keep looking. The rig you mention is 23 - 24 yrs. There are many riggers who will not pack a reserve over 20yrs. old... me, included. Considering the money you would have to put into the rig for what you intend the rig for, you could get a better rig. I would say... keep shopping. I know, you want a rig but, patience will pay-off in the long run. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #6 December 4, 2006 A 5 cell would land completly different then anything you've ever experinced. Don't get it. I wouldn't even want to try and jump it as a main let alone as a reserve after having a mal that put me low and out of landing options. Is it the 5 cell Swift that has those crazy fly away toggle lines?Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #7 December 4, 2006 My $0.02: Like the others, I would pass on this...run rather...there's too much better out there.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #8 December 4, 2006 That rig is older than I am. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #9 December 4, 2006 QuoteIs it the 5 cell Swift that has those crazy fly away toggle lines? Yes, but I don't think they ever made a 190 5 cell, I thought it only came in one size, and that was a 176. I'm sure someone will be able to confirm that. To reinhart36: The rig is basically worth nothing. It should be given away. Sorry to tell you that, but the main probably should not be jumped, the reserve should definitely not be jumped, and the container needs modifications before jumping. if you buy it, don't pay very much more than nothing for it. 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reinhart36 0 #10 December 4, 2006 Thanks guys! I'll pass on this rig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
