Buying Gear on DZ.com - Need advice

[NewGuy2005 53]

Just posted an ad looking for a beginner rig:

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=26353&d=1

What questions would a prudent newbie ask before tossing down his hard earned money?

Thanks!!

[justinb138 0]

Quote

Just posted an ad looking for a beginner rig:

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=26353&d=1

What questions would a prudent newbie ask before tossing down his hard earned money?

Thanks!!

Talk to your local rigger, and have them look at anything before you buy it.

[DeNReN 0]

Ack laddie....use the search function...or just scroll down the next page or so....

best advise to be offered is to talk with your instructors about gear selection after you have you A lic.....then read read read....ask ask ask...then only then....start looking...and then the real questions can be asked ....and then make more jumps...and read read read.....ask ask ask...by then you may be starting to understand what you are buying....ask a few more questions...and then.............

[gweeks 1]

Here are a few questions to get you started:

Does the rig have an RSL and AAD?
-You will need both to jump at USPA dropzones until you get your A license.

How many jumps on each piece of equipment and when was each piece made?
-Always nice to know.

How heavy and how tall was the original owner?
-For sizing purposes

How long before the AAD is due for its 4 year service or its batteries have to be changed (used gear)?
-You're looking at $70-$90 for batteries and I think close to $200 for the 4 year service, so if either of those dates are coming up, it should be reflected in the price.

Is the rig free fly friendly?
-If you want to get into free flying, there are some rigs that are much safer for it. Generally these are the newer rigs with velcro-less flaps. Basically you don't want the increased wind speed to cause a pin, riser, or pilot chute to come out prematurely.

What material is the main made out of?
-There are two main types of fabric used for parachutes these days: F111 and ZP. I'd recommend a ZP canopy if you plan to keep it for a while. F111 lasts for about 700 jumps and the flare power slowly degrades over that time. ZP canopies last for thousands of jumps, have a higher resale value, and generally have a better flare.

Does the rig have a collapsable pilot chute and slider?
-These are just things that are nice to have.

Talk to your instructors about what size and type of canopy you should be jumping. Good luck

[StephZ 0]

Not to deture you ... but I think I'd wait to buy gear until you're off student status and done downsizing for a while. If you go out and get the gear you're qualified to jump at this time, you'll be board with it before you get your license. Just a though Other than that, just keep asking questions, and always ask your rigger

I am not afraid . . . I was born to do this
-Joan of Arc-
But what do I know, I'm only 19