duke748 0 #1 June 17, 2003 I intent to do my AFF next Month. Did a lever 1 a while back , but motorcycle accident has pushed back completion. I know I'm gonna like it . So ...... What I'd really like to know is how much my own gear will cost from new and when to buy it ? , Because of my weight its unlikely I will be heading to performance canopies anytime soon so that is a factor. I will also fit with a Cypress. Bare in mind I want it all from new ! ( I just like to know whats happened to things I buy ) I weigh 200 Ibs without Rig Thx in advance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gus 1 #2 June 17, 2003 Hey Ben, New kit is more expensive in the UK than in the States, expect to pay at least £3000 for a new rig with a Cypres. Don't write off buying second-hand stuff though, especially off student status, you can find some really good stuff and save loads of money on a rig you may not keep for all that long. There are loads of gear stores online to give you ideas of costs, the only UK one I know of is Thomas Sports. Good luck with AFF, where are you going to do it? GusOutpatientsOnline.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueEyedMonster 0 #3 June 17, 2003 QuoteDon't write off buying second-hand stuff though, especially off student status, you can find some really good stuff and save loads of money on a rig you may not keep for all that long. I completely agree. I wanted all new stuff when I started, but with the help of the great people at my DZ, I found a good used rig/main/reserve that had lived its whole life in my area. My rigger and several people at the DZ were very familiar with the rig and its history. Besides, who wants to learn to pack a new canopy into a new rig. Trust me... that alone makes it worth buying a used rig! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #4 June 17, 2003 Unless you're rich I'd go with used gear. You can save thousands....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FliegendeWolf 0 #5 June 17, 2003 A simple formula for determining how much skydiving will cost you. Cost of skydiving = Income - Rent - Food - Utilities + 10%A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DYEVOUT 0 #6 June 17, 2003 Quote( I just like to know whats happened to things I buy ) New gear - nothing's happened to it. Used gear - has saved someone's life. ----------------=8^)---------------------- "I think that was the wrong tennis court." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duke748 0 #7 June 17, 2003 >New gear - nothing's happened to it. >Used gear - has saved someone's life. Nice way of puting it. I think I'm being persuaded my argument is not neccessarily right, but thats why I asked - To learn more Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivejersey 0 #8 June 17, 2003 Hey duke. Wait till you've done your AFF and got a few solo's in and your instructors have started to downsize you. I bought my first rig at around 60/70 jumps (170 Hornet) which I think is about right (even if I say so myself!). At least by then you know that your going to stay in the sport and getting to the level where the 200 sq ft canopies are beginning to feel docile enough to invest in a canopy that will last you at least a couple of hundred jumps. I bought my canopy new from South Africa and you can get a whole brand new custom designed re colours system for around £1,500 + £600 for the Cypres. I live in Jersey so we don't pay VAT on import so it will probably work out slightly more to send to UK (unless you can go and collect it!). Good luck with the AFF Dude and ride that bike safe! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #9 June 17, 2003 You definitely want to get used gear for your first couple of hundred jumps. By then you'll know enough to have an idea what size and type of container and canopy you want for the next 4-5 years. Then it makes sense to go new. Don't start new. You'll grow out of it too quickly. Conversely, if you try to go too small, too soon, you'll be even more disappointed while your ankles/legs/etc heal. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivejersey 0 #10 June 17, 2003 Way I saw it.. if I could have a new rig for £2,100 fully equipped with a Cypres then that was more or less what I would have had to spend on the second hand market. My circumstances are a little different though. Living on an island only 9 miles by 5 there isn't really a second market so I would either be spending £150 to go look at a rig that I might not like or get it new. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CornishChris 5 #11 June 17, 2003 One of the best things about the UK is the abundance of hire gear at decent rates. I have moved to Aus where there is one rig that you can hire that is a 190 that has been jumped to death. Well not literally. Anyway at nethers or Weston were I jumped the rig hire rates were OK and loads of gear around which means you are not pushed into getting a rig before you are ready and know what you want. Fly the PD210's (as they generally are) for a while until you know what you want. Ask your instructors and friends on the DZ then. You can pick up reasonable deals on new gear from Thomas Sports and also from DZ Sports - see Skydive the Mag and there is also a bit of used knocking around. Hope you enjoy it and take care. CJP CJP Gods don't kill people. People with Gods kill people Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duke748 0 #12 June 18, 2003 WHat should I be looking to pay for 2nd hand gear as a rough guestimate then Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivejersey 0 #13 June 18, 2003 How long is a piece of string? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
