meatmissile 0 #1 August 18, 2002 Maybe this is a well-covered topic, but it is one that has been with me since I started skydiving. I realise that there are no clear-cut answers here, just opinions. You get some extremes in this sport. A friend of mine did over 150 jumps on his first rig, which he bought in 1999 for $20 (yes, that is not a typing error. 200 SA rands ). It was a Wonderhog harness with a Safety Star reserve and a Cruislite main. It had a front-of-leg mounted pilot chute and two reserve closing pins. The intention was to hang the canopies on the roof of his pad, but when he asked some experts if he could still jump it, and received the answer: "In theory, yes" he thought, why not? Whenever we went to a new dropzone, the old hands would come up to him and shake his hand - and get all nostalgic about "the days". Then you get the guys who must always have the latest and greatest thing. My opinion: if you have the money, sure. My stuff was new in 1995. I don't have an AAD (but I'm thinking of getting one) I have a Naro harness, Tempo 150 reserve and Bladerunner 150 main. I love my stuff. But what if there is something out there that could make it more enjoyable and safer? Should I be saving by drinking less beer? -- ZZZzzzz.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #2 August 18, 2002 QuoteShould I be saving by drinking less beer? Well...Beer is a necessity not a luxury!!!! In all seriousness...it has always been a trade off for me. I bought my first rig for $1000. It was a 1995 Dolphin container with a PD 190 main. The guy told me it had "Less than 100 jumps" on it. I would be suprised if it had 20. Very clean. A 1986 Swift 5 cell reserve with 0 jumps on it. The swift reserve scared me a bit. I knew it would work and I would live but landing a 5 cell was intimidating. So, I kept it until the first repack cycle and then bought a PD 176R for $500. I put about 90 jumps on the PD 190 until my "standard" approach was a 270 hook.... I had pretty much mastered that one so I went looking for a Stilletto. Found one right here on DZ.com for $900. Bought it and have over 100 jumps on that now and want to downsize as soon as money allows. Oh yeah....I sold that swift 5 cell for $250. I have been picking up stuff as I go along. I also got a sweet jump suit and a nice camera too. I never trade equipment for jump tickets though. I jump almost every weekend and only buy equipment when I have the extra cash. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meatmissile 0 #3 August 19, 2002 I am thinking of making my own frappe - any idea where one could get a pattern for such a thing? I still jump with a modified cycling helmet. -- ZZZzzzz.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #4 August 19, 2002 How many jumps have you made since 1995? If it is a lot (ie over 1000) then it would probably be worthwhile investing in new kit. If you just make the occasional fun jump, then why not stick with what you've got and use your money for beer? I don't own any property, drive a car that just clocked 200 000 miles, but don't think twice about investing in skydiving (gear, coaching etc.). It all depends on what you want from the sport I suppose. Will Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #5 August 19, 2002 >I am thinking of making my own frappe - any idea where >one could get a pattern for such a thing? You mean one of those silly leather hats some old-timers wear? I don't know where to find the patterns, but it should be easy enough to copy them from an existing frappe-hat. I hope you have access to a riggers loft: Sewing leather will require some serious sewing machines, I'd imagine one that is used for harness work might do the trick. Erno Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meatmissile 0 #6 August 19, 2002 QuoteHow many jumps have you made since 1995 Not that many, about 200 I guess. But I'm planning to jump a lot more frequently in future. My Blade 150 is showing signs of wear and tear. The velcro on my harness and brake-stows seem to be eating the brakelines which look like theay are made out of some silk type of material QuoteYou mean one of those silly leather hats some old-timers wear? I like those! Long live Conehead the barbituate ! -- ZZZzzzz.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
