whats a good first rig set up?

[Newbie 0]

well you cant get much more of an open ended question that that, but i would appreciate advice if anyone can suggest (obviously i will speak to many people at my home dz and when i go on my AFF about this, but seeing as we have this great resource here, the more the merrier right??)
So anyhoo, i know that after several hundred jumps, most students sell their gear on and get something else right? Well whats a good rig to get after AFF graduation? Im about 5ft 11, 165 lbs (about 12.5 stone), and out of all disciplines would very much like to get into freeflying above all else.
Ideally if you guys could offer any suggestions, not necessarily makes (although thats good too) but just canopy size, ZP canopies (worth looking for or not?), expected prices of good quality second hand gear for container, main and reserve etc etc. Any help to guide me on my way much appreciated!

[airdrew20012001 0]

You are right, that is a really open ended question. Here's my take: get a used rig with a used reserve and main or put a new main in it. My roomate got a killer deal on an unassebled rig, new reserve, and a used main that was the biggest thing she is going to be able to wedge into the container. That way she will be able to downsize a fair amount before she needs a new rig. Her's was a great deal and a rare one from my experience. With her, she will be able to have it potentially forever because she doesn't seem the type to eventually get into realy small, cross-braced canopies. I guess an extra piece of good advice it to take stock in the kind of person you think you are and see how that applies to your gear selection. With freeflying you want to make sure the handle is good and snug and that their is good bridle and riser protection as well.
Drewfus McDoofus

[jtval 0]

honestly ( ive been reding post way too long and my eyes hurt so i only perused this one)
but i would talk to some one(or EVERYONE) you trust and get theit opinion. thats how i decided on my rig.....(oh yea and i posted a post QUITE LIKE YOURS so you seem to be on the right trackgetting high is fun, but coming down is the best part
JT

[Remster 30]

Unless you have the money, I would strongly suggest an all used system.
You you are going to buy anything new, then it should be the container as its the only things that will be made to your measurements. If you buy a used one, make sure to try it for sizing. If you buy a new one, get the main tray sized on the small side for the canopy you'll have so if/when you decide to get a smaller one, the fit will also be good.
For the canopies, depending on how many jumps you have made, on what you have been jumping, and on what you have access to between now and your new/used rig, a 9 or 7 cell ZP in the 170 or 190 range. Maybe bigger, maybe smaller, but really, you should talk to people who know you to get a more definitive idea. F111 is fine, and usually cheaper, so it might be an options too (you may want a bigger one then).
A reserve about the same size as your main.
CYPRES: its your call if you want / can afford one.
I know someone here from Scotland was selling a Racer for real cheap a few weeks ago, but the canopies may be a bit small (cant remember now). Some people say they have too much velcro to be used for Freeflying. I say these people need to know how to maintain their containers.
Remster
Muff 914

[skybytch 273]

Based solely on your body weight and the fact that you'll be just out of AFF when buying, I'd suggest going no smaller than a 190 sq ft main and reserve - and that only if you are either jumping comparably sized mains as a student or if you're jumping big F111 mains you'll have a chance to downsize to the 190 slowly (ie several jumps on a 250ish, several jumps on a 230ish, several jumps on a 210ish...). If you can afford zp that's what I'd recommend, but if you can't all F111 canopies are available used real cheap and you can still have fun with them.
I'd also recommend used gear for your first rig. It may take some time and effort to find the containter that will fit your body and the canopies you want/need, and you may not be able to find your first choice manufacturer but you can save some serious coin and not cry quite so bad the first time you go sliding through the landing area...
In US dollars, you can expect to pay between $2000 - $4000 for a complete used rig with Cypres. Prices will vary depending on age, brand, canopy type, condition, options on the container, desperation of the seller, etc.
pull and flare,
lisa
--
I'll be in the bar... you'll find me...

[billvon 3,076]

>Im about 5ft 11, 165 lbs (about 12.5 stone), and out of all disciplines would very much
>like to get into freeflying above all else.
Here are some options, intended after you make a few jumps on a transition canopy like a 210 or a 230, and can land and manuever that competently:
All new (not recommended unless you're rich:)
VooDoo V4
Triathalon 190
Tempo 170 or PD176 reserve (note - Tempo 170 is a little bigger than 170 sq ft)
Cypres
Used:
Any 'modern' container with good pin and riser protection (i.e. don't get a used Racer SST.) Make sure it is set up with the deployment system you want, and make sure it fits. Test fit it by putting it on _with_canopies_installed_.
Any relatively modern 190-210 sq ft ZP square or mildly elliptical canopy (avoid Novas, pre-1994 Sabres)
PD, Tempo, Amigo or Precision reserve, 170-190 sq ft
Cypres
-bill von

[freefallfreak 0]

Newbie,
Listen to what Lisa says...she knows. And if you are really interested, e-mail me...she described the rig that I am gonna' sell - if I ever get off my butt and try to sell it...lol.
TripleF
"If you have something vital and it's sincere, you can communicate." Butch Trucks

[rhino 0]

That sounds like a good combination..
Blue Skies and Smooth Rides!!
http://www.aahit.com

[conoro 0]

Seconded. Search around for Lisa's posts. On the Gear forum too. She has an Infinity container so you'll see her recommending that one One thing I noticed is that an PD-170 (F1-11) and a, say, Silhouette 150 (ZP topskin, f1-11 rest) pack in to roughly the same volume. If you buy a new container that might be something to bear in mind. So you could find a used PD-190 and it would easy to downsize later.
Oh, and Billvon's right about the older Sabres. Man, do those things punch you every so often. One of the guys at our dropzone checked to see if his shoes were still on once...

[airdrew20012001 0]

The one I'm selling?
Drewfus McDoofus

[canopycudler 0]

After tons of research, I bought All used gear and a new Wings container. I found it to be cheaper to buy the "package" w/ cypres than to try to piece it together.. Tons of people are talkin ZP and F111.. do you know the difference? I rememeber when i first started jumping i heard MANY different viewpoints..but never really understood the fabric difference.. If your not sure, let us know and we'll explain.. I won't do it now to spare the long post.. hehe.. anyway.. my suggestion is if your having ANY difficulty with landings you might want to strongly consider ZP ...
Best of Luck.. hmmm.. and my ? to you is... have you thought about colors yet? and what about Jumpsuits?
Busses here don't work. I am an asshole.
...Tina