bullin82 0 #1 August 24, 2009 ok i know the difference in the look and all but is there any reason you couldnt get a reserve and use it as a main? or is there a difference structually? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,587 #2 August 24, 2009 Most reserves do not have the ring and reinforcement panel on top to keep your pilot chute and bag attached. I believe only the Raven (and maybe only older ones) does. Also, most are not made of zero-porosity fabric, so their performance can degrade over time (hundreds of jumps -- don't worry about reserve performance degradation). There are other reasons, too (there are plenty of cheap mains out that will do as well as a used reserve), but those are probably the primary ones. There's no reason why a decommissioned reserve couldn't have the panel and ring added to the top to be used as a main, but it'd be a fair amount of effort, when there are other cheap alternatives out there. BTW -- asking questions like this is exactly how you'll learn. Wendy P.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bullin82 0 #3 August 24, 2009 great thank you i was just wondering cause im throwing the ideas in my head if i should buy new custom or good used. im still thinking i will go custom lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #4 August 24, 2009 Reserves, for the most part, are similar to mains sold 15 to 20 years ago. We USED to jump mains much like reserves. Mains have progressed in materials, methods, and design to give much better performance and life. We DON'T jump mains much like reserves anymore which is why some people get hurt under landing reserves. Reserves are meant to open and save your butt. There have been some mostly minor changes (or not so minor depending on your view) to reserves but you can still buy some of the same reserves sold 20 years ago with little difference. By a 'modern' main, of appropriate size for your skills and weight. I suggest used. Pass it on when your skill level has out grown it and then buy new, custom. Buying an old OR new reserve as a main is not a cheap way to a good rig if that is what you were thinking comparing reserve prices to mains.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
