Newbie Gear Buying

[IronMike 0]

I started Skydiving in December at Perris. After AFF, I had to be pro-active about what to do next. People told me about Square 1's demo program and it seemed to be the way to go for someone that was ignorant about all aspects of skydiving such as myself. I Plunked down the 3 grand and started the demo program. I had other people telling me to buy used gear and I wondered whether I made the right decision with square 1.
It didn't take long before I knew I made a good decision. I can guarantee the staff at Square 1 has saved me a broken bone or two with their advice on canopy type and size and when it is time to downsize. Yes I bought all new gear and mabye could have saved a hundred dollars off the internet but the service and advice from everyone at Square 1 has more saved me so much money in the long run. One, I love having new stuff. Two, I bought a canopy that will be easy to sell when I want (Sabre 2) and a container that will be good for smaller canopies. The staff would actually watch my landings and tell me whether they thought I was ready to downsize.
Buy stuff from your local pro-shop. I am a big fan of buying stuff off the net that does not require retail service buy for stuff that my life depends on, cost is no object. Retail Service is an understatement from what Square 1 has done for me.
Not only that, they made it easy to become addicted to this sport. I already have 147 jumps.

[lazerq3 0]

Hey man...I say if you got the Duckets to go all Brand new then go for it!!! It isnt like you bought the first thing you saw. You went through the Demo talked to expert people and you got what you wanted!!! How the hell can you go wrong with that!!! Aint great having your own gear!!jason

[soxfankam 0]

I just passed AFF two weeks ago and would like to purchase my own gear once I get my A license. As a newbie myself, I'm not even sure where to start looking at this point. I don't feel comfortable buying used gear without a little more information and experience. I think I'd like to go the demo route, too, so I can get advice, try out what's available, and buy gear that is tailored to my abilities.
Do you know any locations in northern CA (SF bay area) where I could get started?

[bbarnhouse 0]

Don't ask me cause even though i pack my own rig I can't count.
*Ask Lisa @Square aka Skybytch
It only takes a little pixie dust......

[kwmontreal 0]

I agree with you that if you find a good/careing retailer that will give you that level of personal service, go for it! Being from the north east I have only listened to good things re: square 1 ( no Lisa, I am not looking for a discount!! ;-)).
I started jumping on a very slim budget. I couldn't afford to dream about new gear. I was fortunate to choose an amazing DZ whos all volunter staff cared (http://www.maloneparachuteclub.com/). I ended up buying some second hand gear from other jumpers at the club, and eventually pieced together a rig for under $1000.00.
I jumped that rig (vector,swift,pd190) for the last 2 seasons and am finally getting new gear delivered next week. I am happy that I went the route I did. The new container will only need to be changed when it is worn out, as I and Stuffing a 170 into it, and don't forsee that I'll be jumping a canopy small enough to warent changing the container.
I had really good solid people around me, who guided me to inexpensive, SAFE equipment. For me it allowed me to continue to jump. The key is finding that someone who is knowledgable and who cares. Weather that be a retailer or your local DZ riggers/staff.
Thats my 0.02 worth. Being Canadian I guess thats about 0.01 in US funds!! LOL
Jump safe!!
KW

[skybytch 273]

Unfortunately I don't know of any other gear stores that offer a program quite like Square 1/2/3's demo programs (if I'm wrong on that, someone please let us know!).
pull and flare,
lisa