Help and advice needed

[rifleman 70]

I realise that it's a bit early to be thinking about buying a rig given that I've only done one jump, but my financial situation means I have to start saving well in advance of the event.

My problem is that I have no idea about canopies and containers. I'm 5'10" and weigh 178 lbs, which allowing for the weight of the container would put me at around 205 lbs. I did some quick calculations and I figure I need a canopy somewhere in the region of 190 sq ft which would give a loading of about 1.06.

What I need is some suggestions as to an appropriate canopy/reserve/container combination. I know that I want a rectangular main not elliptical but beyond that I have no idea.

Any suggestions?

Atheism is a Non-Prophet Organisation

[popsjumper 2]

Yes. But you're probably not going to like my answer.

Forget the gear for now. You have much much more important things to be thinking about now.

How to jump and land yourself safely for instance.

Relax, you'll get there. It's just best to focus on the important stuff now...gear stuff will come later, yes it will.
If you want to know about gear...first learn about the gear and how it works...everything about it

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

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

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I realise that it's a bit early to be thinking about buying a rig given that I've only done one jump, but my financial situation means I have to start saving well in advance of the event.

My problem is that I have no idea about canopies and containers. I'm 5'10" and weigh 178 lbs, which allowing for the weight of the container would put me at around 205 lbs. I did some quick calculations and I figure I need a canopy somewhere in the region of 190 sq ft which would give a loading of about 1.06.

What I need is some suggestions as to an appropriate canopy/reserve/container combination. I know that I want a rectangular main not elliptical but beyond that I have no idea.

Any suggestions?

Why do you feel that you need suggestions about gear?

The first line says it all.
Start saving. The money doesn't care what brand or size of gear you buy. You'll need to save somewhere between $2k and $3K depending on a few factors.

By the time you have your license and the money saved up for the gear, you will have a much better idea of what is appropriate for you.

Then, with help from your instructors/rigger/mentor, select an appropriate sized reserve, an appropriate size and model of main (yes, not elliptical. "Square" or semi-elliptical/slightly tapered).

LAST, select a container that fits those canopies. Fitting you is also important, but harnesses can be adjusted (by the manufacturer or a master rigger) within reason.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[nigel99 589]

At this stage the most important thing you can do about gear is learn about it. Learn to pack, learn what everything does or is supposed to do. Read user manuals etc.

It is pretty shocking how little most jumpers know about equipment. As you build your knowledge it will help you make informed decisions. If reading up on gear here on dz.com then be aware that there is a fair amount of noise and it can be difficult to separate the good from the bad. The people who are known riggers are your best bet and it doesn't take too long to figure out who they are.

Other than that keep saving for gear.

Experienced jumper - someone who has made mistakes more often than I have and lived.

[davelepka 4]

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my financial situation means I have to start saving well in advance of the event.

In that case, start saving for 'gear'. As far as exactly what 'gear' means isn't important right now, no matter what you buy it's going to cost a couple thousand bucks, so just start saving.

Learning about gear in general is important, and you should learn as much as you can. Looking up manufacturers websites is one thing, but you also need to spend time with the packers and riggers who actualyl work with the gear. It's like shopping for a car, you'll learn all about the different models, colors and option packages by going to a dealer or reading brochures, which is important, but you'll learn nothing about how to operate, maintain, or repair a car, which is also important. Make sure you learn as much about the inside of the rig as you do the outside of a rig.

It sounds like you're going to be shopping for a used rig when the time comes, so what you end up with will be a combination of your skills at that time, and what's available in the used market. With that in mind, you can see how it's silly to start thinking about specific models and sizes at this point. When the time comes, then you have a look at the situation and see what looks good.

Here's a hint - when you are ready, PM 'likestojump' on this site, and see if he can help you out. He sells a ton of used gear, is a straight-up guy, and about half of his stuff leaves the US, so he's got experience with international dealing.

[drewcarp 0]

You don't NEED a wing loding of 1.06. That's the max you should have. Nothing wrong with a more lightly loaded wing and it might be nice to have a little more fabric while you are learning.

[airtwardo 7]

It's okay to dream...thinking about what you 'may' want down the road will hopefully encourage you to learn the similarities and differences in gear available & appropriate for you to eventually purchase.

You have plenty of time so don't rush into anything for a while, work on your license and obtaining the 'other' gear you need, like a jumpsuit, helmet, log-book cover, cool 200.00 shades, altitude dial thingie, buzzers and whistles, beer cooler etc.

Any particular system you would choose today, won't be the one you will end up with...listen, look, learn and then test jump several.

I know it's hard to put it off, but you will be happy you did!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[rifleman 70]

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You don't NEED a wing loding of 1.06. That's the max you should have. Nothing wrong with a more lightly loaded wing and it might be nice to have a little more fabric while you are learning.

1.06 would be by wing loading at this moment in time but I'm currently about 20 lbs above my ideal weight according to my doctor and as I have a family history of type 2 diabetes I'm attempting to lose it.

Atheism is a Non-Prophet Organisation

[likestojump 3]

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You don't NEED a wing loding of 1.06. That's the max you should have. Nothing wrong with a more lightly loaded wing and it might be nice to have a little more fabric while you are learning.

1.06 would be by wing loading at this moment in time but I'm currently about 20 lbs above my ideal weight according to my doctor and as I have a family history of type 2 diabetes I'm attempting to lose it.

May I be a realist and tell you that planning based on a future weight loss is as piss poor strategy ?

[rifleman 70]

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It's okay to dream...thinking about what you 'may' want down the road will hopefully encourage you to learn the similarities and differences in gear available & appropriate for you to eventually purchase.

You have plenty of time so don't rush into anything for a while, work on your license and obtaining the 'other' gear you need, like a jumpsuit, helmet, log-book cover, cool 200.00 shades, altitude dial thingie, buzzers and whistles, beer cooler etc.

Any particular system you would choose today, won't be the one you will end up with...listen, look, learn and then test jump several.

I know it's hard to put it off, but you will be happy you did!

I've already got a jumpsuit (german army tank suit £30 with removable fleece liner for cold weather), helmet (CFC Air Protec) and goggles/shades (ESS profile NVG / ESS Ice, both ANSI 87.1 rated) and getting wrist mounted alti after christmas.

Atheism is a Non-Prophet Organisation

[rifleman 70]

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You don't NEED a wing loding of 1.06. That's the max you should have. Nothing wrong with a more lightly loaded wing and it might be nice to have a little more fabric while you are learning.

1.06 would be by wing loading at this moment in time but I'm currently about 20 lbs above my ideal weight according to my doctor and as I have a family history of type 2 diabetes I'm attempting to lose it.

May I be a realist and tell you that planning based on a future weight loss is as piss poor strategy ?

I've already lost 15 lbs in the last 2 months and should have lost the rest by january. I swim 1.5 miles twice a week and also use the wii 6 days a week.

Atheism is a Non-Prophet Organisation

[airtwardo 7]

I've already got a jumpsuit (german army tank suit £30 with removable fleece liner for cold weather)

No, what you have is a 'German Army tank suit with a removable fleece liner for cold weather'...what you will eventually need is a fancy, colorful and expensive SKYDIVING jumpsuit, and likely need it long before you need to 'own' the parachute you'll be jumping for the next couple of years or so...or not

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[likestojump 3]

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You don't NEED a wing loding of 1.06. That's the max you should have. Nothing wrong with a more lightly loaded wing and it might be nice to have a little more fabric while you are learning.

1.06 would be by wing loading at this moment in time but I'm currently about 20 lbs above my ideal weight according to my doctor and as I have a family history of type 2 diabetes I'm attempting to lose it.

May I be a realist and tell you that planning based on a future weight loss is as piss poor strategy ?

I've already lost 15 lbs in the last 2 months and should have lost the rest by january. I swim 1.5 miles twice a week and also use the wii 6 days a week.

you lost 15lbs already and need to loose 20 more ? You do know that each successfive pound is harder to loose, right ? You also know that once you get down to your target weight, it's a real mindfuck to keep at it and not get lazy ?

Hey - it's your body, not mine, I'm just a random voice of reason on the net :)

[rifleman 70]

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You don't NEED a wing loding of 1.06. That's the max you should have. Nothing wrong with a more lightly loaded wing and it might be nice to have a little more fabric while you are learning.

1.06 would be by wing loading at this moment in time but I'm currently about 20 lbs above my ideal weight according to my doctor and as I have a family history of type 2 diabetes I'm attempting to lose it.

May I be a realist and tell you that planning based on a future weight loss is as piss poor strategy ?

I've already lost 15 lbs in the last 2 months and should have lost the rest by january. I swim 1.5 miles twice a week and also use the wii 6 days a week.

you lost 15lbs already and need to loose 20 more ? You do know that each successfive pound is harder to loose, right ? You also know that once you get down to your target weight, it's a real mindfuck to keep at it and not get lazy ?

Hey - it's your body, not mine, I'm just a random voice of reason on the net :)

Half of the problem is that I got lazy in the first place. When I was in the army I ate 3500 cal a day but never went above 150 lbs in 6 years. It took a wake up call from the doctor to make me realise it. My dad, uncle and younger brother are all diabetic.

Atheism is a Non-Prophet Organisation

[billvon 3,090]

>What I need is some suggestions as to an appropriate canopy/reserve/container combination.

Whatever you think you want now will be drastically different once you finish your student training.

Start saving now, and worry about actual gear later.