What should my first rig be?

[Casch 0]

Hey guys, I'm 17 and I just started skydiving in August and I'm on jump #11 on my static line progression and I am researching different gear choices for when I get my license. I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions as far as a first rig. I am 248lbl but declining and I have half way decided on what to get. Right now I want to get a new infinity container and a PD saber 2 260 main, not sure about reserve yet. If you guys have any ideas about where I can get my canopies for cheap and what canopies I should get as a newbie I'd appreciate it.

Blue skies

[AggieDave 6]

First rig?

Buy Used!

You'll bif it in, get it dirty then out grow it in a 100 jumps or so. So, don't buy new, start looking around for a nice used rig (check the classifieds on this site). Also, ask your instructors what sort of canopy they think you'd be able to handle since they're the ones who have seen you pilot the canopy.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Yoshi 0]

I would say go with a different container...mirage, vector, voodoo, javlin...simply for the complete freefly frendlyness:) as far as a reserve..I have a dash m but my next will be pd.... main...well depends on your skill and so on blah blah blah:)
anyways good luck!
-yoshi

_________________________________________
this space for rent.

[pop 0]

How about used and freefly friendly!!!

7 ounce wonders, music and dogs that are not into beer

[homer 0]

I recommend a jansport and a king sized bed sheet.

CSA #699 Muff #3804

[nws01 0]

I would get a new Odyssey and get Luigis old 48 Sq. ft. Icarus Extreme VX and a big round reserve! No need for a cypres or an RSL though. Just joking.

[AggieDave 6]

The new Infinities are freefly safe.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[PhillyKev 0]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember reading something about only Wings and Javelin being TSO'd for 250lb plus. Not sure about this, but jumps to mind when I read this post.

[Casch 0]

Wholy crap, I post, go to the bathroom, and I have 2 replies already, this forum rocks! Yeah I'm not sure about getting a used container cause there aren't very many out there that fit my size, the ones at my DZ bruise the hell out of me. If I can find a comfy container with wide leg straps and a chest strap that doesn't fly up and hit me in the throat on opening like the last container I wore did (OUCH), then i will consider it.

[AggieDave 6]

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Yeah I'm not sure about getting a used container cause there aren't very many out there that fit my size,

There's big boy rigs out there, trust me, there are. You've just got to look.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[skybytch 273]

Quote

simply for the complete freefly frendlyness

I have an Infinity. Never had a problem with flaps coming open or leg straps sliding down my leg when sitflying - no bungee between the legstraps required - nor have I heard of anyone else having those problems. It's a tight, very freefly friendly rig, it's comfortable, custom delivery time is half that of some other manufacturers, it's not overpriced like some other containers and construction, materials and customer service from the manufacturer are top notch.

Casch, if you can afford new go for it. There's nothing as comfortable as a custom made harness, and it's pretty cool to put the first jump on a new main. But like Dave said, used gear is a great way to go for your first rig - leaves you more money for jumps!

If you can, wait until after you're off student status before buying though. Best way to decide which main canopy is for you is to put some demo jumps on a number of different ones.

You can find lots of good info (without opinions on which brand container/main/reserve is "best") on choosing your gear here

[moodyskydiver 0]

I know how ya feel;I'm in the same boat. I was just cleared for solos a few weeks ago and I've been researching and talkin to my JM/DZO about what would be good gear for me. I'm gonna be on student gear for awhile longer though(especially after the FUBAR jump I did this past weekend!)Right now I'm seriously considering a Mirage G3, Sabre2 and PD reserve w/a Cypres.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Amber
So what's this FUBAR jump you made? If you really don't want to mention it, that's ok, but curious minds need to know.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[AggieDave 6]

It wasn't really a fubar jump, she did a solo tracking dive and landed off the main landing area due to a slight misjudgement in the winds. Aint nuth'n that hasn't happened to someone atleast once.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Casch 0]

Ok I have only done 4 solo jumps, but is it normal to not recall actually SEEING anything during freefall? I know for newbies it is major sensory overload but it just seems odd that I don't remember seeing anything but the plane flying away (vaguely at best). I was fully conscious and going through my count and I could FEEL if I was stable or not, but I don't even remember seeing the ground or anything?

[freeflir29 0]

First of all...make sure it has a main AND reserve that open. Other than that...it doesn't really matter. Just don't buy anything too antique.

[AggieDave 6]

Sensory overload dude, happens to students sometimes. Relax and you'll get away from the overload and start really enjoying it.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[moodyskydiver 0]

Thanks for puttin it lightly, Dave. Then again, I'm my own worst critic.

As AggieD said, it was solo track jump and I thought my performance sucked.I felt really unstable(after talkin to the DZO and another coach about it we think it was probable b/c of my leg position.) Anyway, I misjudged the winds by a good lot(took the down wind leg abit too far) and landed about 75 yards or more from the main landing area out in the weeds. I already had a bum knee and my no-so-soft landing didnt improve it. I have an appointment w/a knee specialist in sports med. next week. Hopefully it'll be taken care of then.Better luck next time I guess.

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[Jimbo 0]

Quote

I would say go with a different container...mirage, vector, voodoo, javlin...simply for the complete freefly frendlyness:) as far as a reserve..I have a dash m but my next will be pd.... main...well depends on your skill and so on blah blah blah:)
anyways good luck!

Uh, the Infinity container is very freefly friendly, you can lift the entire assembled and packed container by the main flap - it does not open.

As far as that Dash-M reserve goes, it'll be a while before I buy anything from Precision again, but that's just me.

-
Jim

"Like" - The modern day comma
Good bye, my friends. You are missed.