What equipment helps you progress better?

[CloudOnMyTongue 0]

So there are static lines, and IAD's and AFF's. I know each one has their pro's and there cons.

My question is about equipment really. As some of you already know I've started learning on a round T-10, and that was only 2 years ago. I want to continue towards my license and I have been looking around at a couple of dropzones to do this at.

What kind of rigs are in your opinion the best for a student to learn on?

I still have very little idea about what technology is new and what has been around since WWII. Is the equipment a DZ uses a helpful way of deciding where to jump out of?

I'm also curious about the planes too, my old school (PST) uses a cessna 206, and you have to sit in the door and fight the wind in order to properly arch. Once they had a 182 and I found climbing out and hanging on so much easier.

Am I over analyzing this?
Anyways, your opinions are welcomed.

[billvon 3,100]

Rigs - doesn't matter; most rigs are now converging on a 'standard' design (BOC, ringed harness, ripcord deployed reserve, AAD and RSL options etc.)

Reserves - doesn't matter too much. Get one loaded appropriately for your experience.

Mains - get one you can learn on but not one that will scare you. Triathalons and Sabre1's are cheap nowadays, and will last you a long time - and the stuff you learn on them will let you handle faster canopies later. Assuming 20 jumps or so on rental gear from .8 to 1 to 1 loading, start off at a loading around 1:1 - then make sure you can really _fly_ that canopy before you downsize again. A dozen standups isn't the same as learning to really fly it.

[wmw999 2,577]

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What equipment helps you progress better

Money. All the rest can be had with it...

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[jumpgod 0]

wind tunnel time... if your near one.

lots of ground prep. i can't count how many AFF studs go months between jumps and don't practice until the last minute.

while in AFF, i dirtdove jumps until i was blue in the face. i even put on practice riggs and went over and over and over and over my jumps until i was "ready".

jg

"dude, where's my main?"

[jimmytavino 16]

Gear can certainly affect progression,,, perhaps, negatively,,if it is of an older vintage,,, and heavy and bulky... ( such as the T -10's you mention....).
Harness container systems, that are compatible with dual ram air canopies, that offer a range of adjustment in the harness, and that have properly utilized AAD's . will allow you the peace of mind to concentrate on your freefall and canopy learning objectives...... Seek out a place that has a good track record,, regarding the student program....
A fast climbing,,, high altitude (14,500 feet ) stable jumpship might also be an important piece of equipment ,, since it can deliver you to the threshhold of your "Freefall Classroom"..safely and quickly..
If you liked the 182 exit over the 206 exit,,,,,,, just wait til you are in the ample sized door of the De Haviland Twin Otter..... (with a big grin on your face)
Oh yes.... remember,,, We don't Jump OUT OF a door,,,, we Jump INTO a door,,,,, when we exit...... We are jumping into the door of freefall...........
So yes..... the equipment does have an impact on the speed of your learning.....

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