Canopy for a beginner?

[Isfrael 0]

I was just wondering what wold be considered a good canopy for a beginner, I weigh around 185 (without gear), and I'm 5'9'' with a bigger build. what is a good wing loading ratio for a newbie? I've been searching the threads and archives for an answer to this question, but I'm having some trouble finding anything that really answers it. If anyone can offer their two cents, or point be in the right direction that would be awesome, thanks!

[BUBLHED 0]

Only your instructors know you and your abilities.

Generally you'll want to be at a wingloading of 1.0 to 1 or larger for your first couple hundred jumps. This equals a 210 sq ft or bigger canopy.

Don't be in too big of a hurry to go smaller, when you can get everything out of what you've got and fly the hell out of it consistently then (and only then) you can think about going smaller. Remember that if your not able to get 100% out of your 210 then how would you expect to get anything out of something smaller?

BSBD

ATTACK LIFE ! IT'S GOING TO KILL YOU ANYWAY!!!!

[erdnarob 1]

If you have 7 jumps or so, don't buy too soon your own equipment. Keep on jumping student parachutes and say at 15 jumps ask your instructor to let you try a 230 with the proper training and review. A new equipment is expensive and it's better for you to have some experience and knowledge about canopies before thinking buying one. In the meantime you will know better what kind of parachute you prefer to fly (F111 fabric or ZP fabric), 7 cells or 9 cells, loading at 1 or 1.2 lbs/square foot.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[popsjumper 2]

I would recommend an Aerodyne Triathlon for a good, all-around canopy for you. Size appropriate to your skill and wingloading as per your instructors.

I would also recommend a PD Storm.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[BIGUN 1,486]

Quote

at a wingloading of 1.0 to 1 or larger

Might be better phrased as 1.0 to 1 or less.

Edit: I know what you meant (larger canopy), but since you were referencing W/L AND talking to someone with very few jumps...

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

[BUBLHED 0]

English is my second language. My native tongue is Drunkin-eez

ATTACK LIFE ! IT'S GOING TO KILL YOU ANYWAY!!!!

[Chubba 0]

At your weight the majority of people are going to recommend a 210 or larger.

Try out a variety of designs, you will quickly find out what type you prefer. Try out different 7-cells/9-cells and definitely talk to your instructors about ZP canopies, a lot of newer jumpers respond very nicely to lightly loaded modern designs rather then going the f1-11 route.

[Kami-kaze 0]

Try Safire 2
I weighed about 145 with gear and was renting a Safie 2 180 when I was a student. kept on renting the same gear when it was available, but also tried Sabre1 170 (which I didn't like) Sabre2 150 a few times...I llke the Safire2 better so I got a Safire 2 139 (wingloading approx 1.0) at about 40 jmps. Some people made a big drama out of it, but the familiarity of the Safire2 I was flying as a student won my day.
More importantly, get professional canopy instruction.

[CMiller 1]

Quote

I would recommend an Aerodyne Triathlon for a good, all-around canopy for you. Size appropriate to your skill and wingloading as per your instructors.

I would also recommend a PD Storm.

I jump a Triathlon now, and demoed a storm. I don't really think that's a good canopy to start out with. It landed much quicker than a triathlon, and is not as easy to get the hang of flaring with. I'm 120lbs, and a 150 storm had me frightened.

[popsjumper 2]

With experience you'll come to realize that the Storm is a good canopy for young jumpers.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239