Newbie 0 #1 June 15, 2002 hi all - just was wondering if i could get your guys opinions on some gear im going to check out tomorrow. Im not sure if this should have gone into the gear section, but seeing as most of you guys check both, i thought i would post this here.I have 30 jumps, and did my AFF on a 240 sized canopy, subsequently downsizing to a PD (not sure which) 200, and alternating between that and a an Icarus Saffire 209.Anyhoo, im about 5ft 10, 165-170lbs unclothed (not sure what that is out the door) but i saw an add today for a Javelin J4(few years old) with a Spectre 190 (50 jumps) and a PD reserve 170 (no jumps). Complete with CYPRES (5 years old, needs new bats) a Z1 and a Protrack for about $3000 (£2200).Anyway i think this seems like a good deal and i would certainly take it to a rigger if it looks like its in good condition, but based on my dimensions and my desire to do my FS1 and some formation jumps then move into freefly, could you guys let me know what you think of this rig?Does it seem like a good price (im assured it is in excellent condition), and more importantly, when i have done some FS and want to get into FF, will the Javelin be ok?I was told today by 2 different CCI's that i should and shouldnt get this - based on the canopy size. One said i would under load it and i should be looking at a 150 or 170 MAX (which i thought was downsizing me and my ability too quickly) andf the other CCI said although i might get bored of it (i prefer very mellow canopy rides, no spirals - i like the view too much and something that will just perform well and get me to where i need to be), that it would be perfect for what i need - obviously im somewhat confused.If anyone has any good advice, as ever, i wouldgreatly appreciate it. Also, what should i look for/check when i do the initial pre-rigger inspection tomorrow?Thanks to all who can help me out! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #2 June 15, 2002 Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. You will load the canopy perfect for your number of jumps. You can figure adding about 25Lbs or so for gear putting you around 190Lbs exit weight. Thats a nice 1:1 loading which is perfect for someone with 30 jumps. Things you want to look for when you look over the rig. Check out the harness. Look it over closely and make sure it's in good shape. No cuts, stitching in good shape, no tears or excessive wear on the harness. I personally would recommend popping the reserve to check that over too. When looking at the canopies. Pay special attention to the lines. With only 50 jumps on the main they should be nice and white. Check near the connector links. Thats the spot it will show wear the most. Lay it out and check the top and bottom skins carefully for any holes or patches. On the reserve look at where the lines attach to the canopy. The lines that are knotted to the attachment point should NOT be tight. If they are pulled really tight, the canopy has been jumped before. Look over the top and bottom skins of that too. Look for the riggers signature on the Cypres and check the dates on it. Uuuummmm.....thats about all I can think of. Sounds like a good deal to me but I only have 219 jumps so I don't know shit. Make sure you have a rigger you trust check it out as well. "Here I come to save the BOOBIES!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #3 June 16, 2002 http://www.dropzone.com/safety/resources/safetychecklist/equipment.shtmlOh...you can print out this checklist too. Looks pretty complete. "Here I come to save the BOOBIES!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
conoro 0 #4 June 16, 2002 Call it 170lb 20lb of gear. A 190 sized canopy puts you at 1:1 which should be good for your experience (assuming you can stand up land your existing canopy in no wind). I've got 70 jumps and just bought a PD-170 which is 1:1 for me. I had to ignore quite a few insistent people who said I should be jumping a 135 and actually gave me hassle about the 170. The nerve! They can bite me Myabe we low timers should lie about our weight. When people ask, add 20 lb and say "190 out the door" or whatever.I got an 1995 Javelin myself and am happy with it. There's a bit of exposed bridle but it's ok. Whatever you buy get a master rigger to do a full check. Clay just posted some good advice for ya! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #5 June 17, 2002 Yup... what they said. Listen to the second CCI - a Spectre 190 will be a great first canopy for you. It will be fun enough for now yet big enough to keep you walking back to the packing area when you make the little mistakes we all make during our first couple hundred jumps; and the reserve (it's probably a PD176R) should be easy enough to land if you have to use it anytime soon.The only thing I'd add is to be pretty sure that the harness will fit your body before putting your cash down. Try it on fully packed up; if it has hip rings the center of the ring should sit close to the top of your hip bone, if it's a standard harness the center of the stitched area at the bottom of the main lift web should sit close to the top of your hip bone.If there's any way you can have a rigger look it over then jump it once or twice before making the transaction final I'd highly recommend it.pull & flare,lisa"Try not. Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda sez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
78RATS 0 #6 June 17, 2002 I have over 1200 jumps, weigh 170lbs, and I fly a Spectre 190.i can land it at night/off the DZ/backing up in the windi can have line twist all the way to the canopy and she flies straight.dont let people talk you into a smaller canopy. Follow me and we will grow old together Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
