New Gear Prices

[Frikndivn 0]

I recently was surfing the gear manufacturers and dealers web site looking for a new rig. I was blown away. I had no idea. I know skydiving is expensive because I went through AFF this last year, but I never looked into the equipment. All the containers are beginning to look the same. Are the expensive ones really work the extra money?
I really want to get my own equipment but my financial situation isn't the best right now. I am wondering if anyone out there can tell me what is REALLY the best deal out there.
I am beginning to wonder if I didn't get over my head with this sport.

[skybytch 273]

Yup, new gear is incredibly expensive - how much is your life worth? . But! You don't really NEED all new equipment... you can save at least US$1000 and probably more than that by going all used for your first rig. Check out the classifieds here on dropzone.com to get an idea of what used equipment is going for.
pull and flare,
lisa
--
What would Scooby Doo?

[scottbre 0]

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I am beginning to wonder if I didn't get over my head with this sport.

You have no idea. "Let the rabbits wear glasses. . . "

[PhreeZone 20]

First off... on your first rig get something used that is in good condition. Unless you get advanced gear that will maim you with one wrong move, you will be happy with your first canopy for only about 100 jumps and then ready to get something different. A good used, low jump number rig (Main,reserve and Container) can be found for about (2200-2400). Toss on an AAD if wanted for another 800 new. Compare that to a new rig that is $6500+.....
The container is sized for the canopys. A big canopy will not fit in a Small container, and a small canopy will not work in a big rig. You need matching parts.
Canopy size is based on weight, body type and experience under canopy. Having canopy coaching is a needed activity IMHO.
AAD's are something that you alone need to make the choice about.
I want to touch the sky, I want to fly so high ~ Sonique

[Frikndivn 0]

I would consider used canopies but I am not sure about a used container. I really got bruised bad as a student because the harness didn't fit me.
People have recommended around a 170 based on my size. What size reserve should I have? Some say bigger, some say slightly smaller.
I am really worried about the container. My student rig fit like crap and the flaps came open. I really need to do my homework before I make such a big $$$ decision.

[SBS 0]

"Compare that to a new rig that is $6500+....."
Mind you that that includes the solid gold 3-rings and articulation.
:-)
Steve

[scottbre 0]

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Mind you that that includes the solid gold 3-rings and articulation.

Coun't pay me to jump with gold 3-rings...
"Let the rabbits wear glasses. . . "

[skybytch 273]

$6500+ for a new rig? Where are you buying gear, phree? I can put together a complete, custom new rig with harness rings, kill line p/c, Cypres and PD canopies for under $4400...
Don't buy a used container without knowing your harness size... what is your height, weight and inseam? With that I can figure out roughly what size you'll need. And don't worry, student gear is always uncomfortable.
Base your reserve size on your body weight - for your first rig don't buy one that is smaller in square feet than you weigh in pounds. A little bit bigger isn't a bad idea though...
pull and flare,
lisa
--
What would Scooby Doo?

[PhreeZone 20]

You can find a used container to fit almost any body size if you look around. The main numbers you need to have before you start looking around is what size Main Lift Web you will need. I've seen numbers like 14 on really tiny girls to 23 inchs on some umm.... not into working out skydivers. I'm about 6'2", 170 pounds and have a 19 inch Lift web. A call to any major dealer can get you an estimate on your MLW sizing.(I perfer Square1 and SkyKat )
As for canopy sizing, How much do you weigh and how in shape are you? Could you run out a landing for 30 or 40 feet on a on wind day or would that put you at risk of injury?
As for a reserve, is at 650 feet, after a really bad situation the time to try and put a new, smaller, faster canopy into the backyard of a house since the spot sucked and a thousand other things that went wrong? Or would you perfer something slightly larger and more predictible?
I want to touch the sky, I want to fly so high ~ Sonique

[Watcher 0]

If you know what size yoke (the collar size) and how long the Main Lift Webbing should be, you can really get exactly what you want. Example. 6'0'' Medium build guy ussually needs something around a 17 in to 18 in MLW, with a C (useing Sunpaths std) Yoke size. While a small 5'2 female is prob going to need something closer to a 14-15 in MLW with a A or B (typically A) yoke size. As long as the harness is appropiatly sized buying a used container can save you sooo much. My first rig was a Mirage G3 m05 with a 210 reserve, all that for 900 on Ebay, amazing deal. My Second rig (current) is a Javelin NJ with a PD 113R that i found on rec dot for 1250, Fits perfectly and agian saved me a tidy sum best used for jumping every single weekend. Plus if i get it alittle dirty im not AS pissed off. Add my New Nitron 120 for 900, and a Brand new Expert Cypres for 850 my rig cost me 3000, when new would have cost me 5000+, its worth it, thats like 100 jumps you now get. Plus the 900 i got for reselling my Mirage 6 months later.
Jonathan Bartlett
D-24876

[Geoff 0]

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I am not sure about a used container

Hardly any experienced jumpers will recommend you get a brand new container for your first rig. Sure, you'll need to make sure it fits OK, but it only has to be roughly right.

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What size reserve should I have?

About the same as your main for a first rig.

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My student rig fit like crap and the flaps came open.

That shouldn't happen on any modern rig, though the main flap coming undone on a ripcord student rig isn't that big of a deal. Get some local advice on anything you're considering buying.

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I really need to do my homework before I make such a big $$$ decision.

You sure do.

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[PhreeZone 20]

I know.... I ment to hit $5500.
But actually at MSRP...
CrossBraced canopys are 2200+
Custom Ringed, tye-dyed containers are 1800+
Reserve is like 1000+
Cypres is like 1200 by Airtec's Pricing.
I'm counting 6000 fairly easly.
But.... most gear dealers sell for way less then MSRP.
I want to touch the sky, I want to fly so high ~ Sonique

[airdrew20012001 0]

Not to trumpet Lisa's horn but I got a basically new setup (sweat javelin, pdr 126, stilletto 135, kill line, fully articulated, blah blah blah) for about $2800. It is all but brand new, the main and reserve have never been jumped and the rig had less than 50 on it. I put it together last night, looks fresh out the box never jumped if you ask me.
My first rig was a used POS racer I got for a grand complete in '95. I would reccomend that you go used to start as well. Heck, I have a used rig (infinity, firelite 215, fits a main up to 400 cubic inches (ie 190ish zp, bigger f-111) I would let go of for $900. Put a new main in it, you're set for about 2k.
Don't sweat it, save your first new gear purchase for when you have settled your gear size to the point where you can do as I have and get stuff that could last you the rest of your skydiving days.

[Frikndivn 0]

The fit is a concern but I also want a freefly safe rig. I am not really into freeflying but my friends told me to get a container that can handle it. Can you find used freefly friendly containers? Most of the used rigs I have seen are scary.