bertusgeert 1 #1 February 21, 2008 I'm just getting back into jumping (63jumps) from four years of on and off jumping. did 7 jumps at Deland in Dec, with a 200 for the last four. (I don't recall which container/main right now, but their containers are all the same, maybe someone can enlighten me). Looking at the Gear section, I am thinking i should probably get a 170-190 for the next 100 or so jumps. Am I right/wrong? With freeflying in mind, what container/main should I be looking for? Are there any guides out there? Thanks --------------------------------------------- As jy dom is moet jy bloei! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #2 February 21, 2008 You'll be looking for a wingload of about 1.0 use that to calculate the size of main you should be looking for, also that's the absolute minimum size of reserve you want. To calculate wingload, take your weigt in lbs + about 25-30 lbs for the rig, helmet, clothes, lead if any to calculate your exit weight (or go stand on a scale fully kitted up) and divide that by the square footage, so 200 lbs exit weight on a 170 would be a wingload of 1.2 which is not recommenden until 200 jumps or so. Also, only go smaller than your current 200 sqft if you're totally comfortable on it, can do zero wind landings on it etc, look up BillVon's list to see if you're ready to downsize. Freefly proof, all currently manufactured rigs are, some older ones are not, notable vector 2, but your best bet is to either ask a rigger or your instructor, failing that ask here about a specific model. ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bertusgeert 1 #3 February 21, 2008 Great, thanks. I currently weigh 190lbs. W/ 20- 30lbs of gear a 1:1 would be 220sq.ft. I've flown a 190 for +/- 25 jumps when I used to jump more. Thus, to keep it safe, I'm ideally looking for a 200sq.ft. and no less? --------------------------------------------- As jy dom is moet jy bloei! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #4 February 21, 2008 For the main yeah, for a reserve I'd look for 220sqft or bigger if you can, as esp. older models do not land well when loaded over 1.0. ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
F-Bomb 0 #5 February 22, 2008 I am looking for the same size, aprox. Most of the rigs I see for sale in the classifieds have smaller reserves than mains. Why is that? I guess if the container will allow you could buy a 200 or 210 main with say a 170 res and then buy a bigger reserve. Then maybe sell the smaller reserve to make up some of the cost. But it seems unlikely that the container will fit the larger reserve given the smaller size it once held. Am I totally off base here? Keep in mind I am a student. Feel free to flame on. I have been wondering for a while now why someone would want their reserve to be smaller than their main. I would think I would want the extra size for safety. b"On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero" Tyler Durden Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #6 February 22, 2008 If you find a container you are interested in buying, you can find out the serial number (or at the very least, the model number and date of manufacture) from the seller. That information will allow you to contact the manufacturer and find out what size main and reserve canopies the container can accommodate safely. You could take a seller's word for it, but it's probably a good idea to validate that information with the manufacturer before buying it to make sure that it will accept the canopy size that you want."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
