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gofastrlbrown

What size Main???

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I am just finishing student status. I am 5'9" and weigh 165 pounds and was wandering what size main to start with. I have decent canopy control, but was wandering what body weight to chute sixe ratio I should be looking for. Is a 190 too small, or do I need to look for a 210. Please help!
GOFAST
It is strange, the more I practice, the better I get!

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That's always the debate on your first rig ;)

A couple of personal opinion ramblings.

If your instructor let you jump the 190, chances are they felt like you could handle it.

It's not uncommon to have to PLF when you're new. Dont let anyone tell you different, we ALL did it.

It's hard to really master stand up landing on student status since you generally change gear rather rapidly at first.

Consider this, if you order a new container and it will take 10+ weeks to arrive, you will likely be jumping during that time, improving your skill.

In my opinion, I think that a 190 is just about right for you, numbers wise. As long as you feel comfortable jumping it, and your instructor thinks you can handle it, get the 190.

________________________________________
I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

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Remember also that most containers will easily/safely hold 2-3 sizes of canopies. As long as you don't buy a container that the 210 fits "loosely" in, you'll have no problem putting a 190 main and possibly even a 170 (depending on container and canopies, etc) in it. That way you'll only have to change main canopies, and if you buy them used you can likely sell the larger one for close to what you paid for it if you don't put that many jumps on it. The container manufacturer or your rigger can tell you what size range of canopies will fit into whatever container you're interested in.

I've downsized twice in the container I got right after I got my license and all 3 have been within the canopy range the manufacturer recommended.

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I started with a 280 for my FJC. At about 20 jumps I got to fly a sabre 210. Jumped that about 20 jumps then went down to a 170. This is a very agressive downsize and I'm not sure I'd let anyone but your instructor give you such a recommendation.

Part of the trick is how naturally you adapt to each canopy. I've been fortunate enough to have the time and interest to study the technical ends and go through canopy coaching. Now after about 15 jumps on the 170 I'm starting to feel comfortable with it. I believe I'll be staying at this size for a long time. One other thing that really helped me was doing multiple hop & pops at full altitude.

For everyone it's a matter of being comfortable, challenging yourself but most importantly safely enjoying yourself.

-Michael

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