I hope I'm making the right decision

[ladyhawke 0]

When I bought my 1997 Vector I was told it would hold a 170 main and a 160 reserve. So that is what I bought. From the beginning I've had (and packers have had) trouble getting the main to fit into the d-bag and then in to the container. I replaced the old d-bag and I'm still having problems with it. The experienced jumpers I've talked to have said my main is just too big and I should also think about the additional wear and tear on my container, so I am going to downsize to a 150. I sure hope I'm making the right decision!!! What do you think?

"It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities." - A. Dumbledore

[AggieDave 6]

Maybe.

What does Eric say? He's a very experienced jumper and instructor, which I'm sure you know.

What would your wingloading be? How current are you, etc. This is something that you should really talk to the experienced jumpers at Capital about (if you're still jumping there).

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

[ladyhawke 0]

I've talked to all the experienced jumpers at Capitol and most say I wouldn't have such a hard time packing if I had the smaller main. Eric thinks I'll be fine (I love his confidence in me) and I think I'll be fine as long as I jump when there's some wind. I'd be too intimidated at this point to jump a 150 on low or no wind days.

"It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities." - A. Dumbledore

[DougH 270]

I can't comment at all on your canopy skill, no one on here can. We don't know your background, haven't seen you fly, and haven't seen you progress.

However the fact that you a worried about this decision, and are asking about it on the internet, maybe that is telling you something.
On the flip side you sometimes need to move outside of your comfort zone to progress and grow. If your instructors trust you, put some trust in their judgement, but it is ultimately your choice.

"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall"
=P

[AggieDave 6]

Then get some demos and and start doing some hop and pops playing with your demo canopies.

I recommend PD's canopies, but that's just me.

If you wanted to stick with a 170 try demoing a Spectre 170, it packs a bit smaller, but unlike a Triathalon, it actually opens and flies really well.

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

[DeNReN 0]

Jump alot of tri's do ya dave??

[AggieDave 6]

I have. It a canopy that does everything, but does none of them well at all.

That's why I tell people to demo. I have my own opinions and have an obvious skew towards PD canopies. So demo everything that's appropriate from different manufactures.

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

[yeyo 1]

Quote

but unlike a Triathalon, it actually opens and flies really well.

HA!

HISPA #93
DS #419.5

[ladyhawke 0]

You know what, I think I'll demo some 150's to get the feel before doing anything drastic! I already know from previous demoing I love Safire 2's and Pilots!

Thanks all!

"It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities." - A. Dumbledore

[NickDG 23]

If comfortable with a 170 why not up size the container?

If it's money, then yes, you are making the wrong decision . . .

NickD

[NWFlyer 2]

Quote

I think I'll be fine as long as I jump when there's some wind. I'd be too intimidated at this point to jump a 150 on low or no wind days.

I wouldn't want to downsize if I felt this way because it would limit my ability to skydive. Winds can and do change between the time you manifest, the time you get on the plane, and the time you land. I'd rather have a canopy I'm comfortable with in all wind conditions.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[racerman 0]

Try a Firebolt from Jumpshack. Give Nancy a call/email and tell her what you're looking for.

[pashakiev 0]

Wingloading that you have right now would be interesting to have...

are we talking 0.7 to 1 or 1.3 to 1 ? ;)

Thank you

Less Bitching / More Jumping..... Please?

[darkwing 5]

Downsizing because it will be easier to pack is about the second worse reason to downsize.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[Lindsey 0]

Well, I probably should read the rest of the responses before I reply myself, but I've already started. My thoughts are, DON'T. I understand where you're coming from though. I haven't jumped in a while, and as I've thought about getting started again, I immediately realized that I'm probably not proficient enough to fly my canopy (Samurai 120). Chances are that I'd do just fine, really. More than likely I can find a good open area to land in, without obstruction, and stand up every landing, landing straight in. With a little practice I'll get my skills back.

That'd be stupid thinking on my part though. If I question my ability to fly my canopy safely at all, then I'm risking too much (me and my friends) by flying it. I bought a second rig with a larger canopy to ease back in with. My thoughts about your situation are similar. If the canopy that you're currently flying doesn't fit into the rig, then find another rig to fit the canopy into. Don't fit yourself into a smaller canopy to fit the smaller rig. That's not a smart progression, imho.

linz

--
A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail

[BIGUN 1,483]

Have you considered calling UPT(RWS) to see how long and how much it would cost to resize the main packing tray?

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[MagicGuy 0]

I have to agree with Doug, here. Knowing nothing about your canopy skill or education on canopy flight, I'd have to say that if you are nervous about it in any way, than don't do it!

Just the fact that you say that you will only jump the canopy if there is wind concerns me a little bit. IMO, you should be able to land your 170 in any kind of wind conditions before thinking about downsizing. Just judging by how you worded your post makes me think that you can't do that yet with the 170.

Anyways, good luck with whatever you choose to do. Just don't do it if it's because of money issues.. no amount of money is worth getting hurt (or worse) for.

[ladyhawke 0]

No, I didn't know you could do that.

I'm so glad I posted this question because now I'm thinking more and not just reacting to get a problem solved.

I bought my container at Skyfest last year and got a G-R-E-A-T deal!!! It fit me pretty well, better than others I'd tried but not perfect.

Maybe I should go about this in a different manner. Instead of it being a canopy issue, maybe it's a container issue. Maybe I should get measured for a container that fits me and the main and reserve I have. Maybe tho more expensive more safe. I'm thinkin maybe that's the way to go.

Does anyone know approx. how long it takes to get a Vector container made?

"It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities." - A. Dumbledore

[NickDG 23]

Now you are thinking along the right lines. I can't help but laugh at the well intentioned, but inexperienced help you've been offered here.

Go big girl, and go long . . .

NickD

[faulknerwn 38]

Don't downsize just to make packing easier. That's never a good plan! If you do want to jump different canopies - Aerodyne's RV has been parked out at Temple all week and they'll be here through the weekend with demos and such. There are also canopies out there like Triathlon 160's which are in between in size..

[skybytch 273]

I think that downsizing to make packing easier when you aren't confident that you can land the smaller canopy in no wind (much less downwind) is a really bad idea.

[EXTremeWade 0]

Triathalon, it actually opens and flies really well.

[EXTremeWade 0]

I PM'd Ya ; )

[yamtx73 0]

Quote

Triathalon, it actually opens and flies really well.

Yeah, OK. On what WL? My Tri was given to me for back pain issues...the damn thing jacked my back up more than I would have ever expected. Yes, I did pack it well. Its just a nasty canopy at times..

Wade

[packerboy 3]

A Shilouette is a very nice canopy for someone with your experience (by that I only mean jump numbers, I obviously don't know how well you fly).

If you can sometimes struggle and get a ZP 170 in there but it is tight.. then a Shilouette 170 will fit in there perfect and easy. It is a very fun canopy to fly but also is forgiving and has nice openings and a good recovery.

I would demo one of those if you are concerned about going to a 150.

Your canopy not being able to fit in your container is not a good reason to downsize IMO. In fact I think it is a really bad reason to downsize. Unless of course your instructors tell you it is OK. The most experienced instructors that is.

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In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~ Thomas Jefferson