Voodoo and Wings prices

[conoro 0]

I've noticed something as I was getting prices for rigs. When you add usual options to, say, a Wings container - hips rings, hackey, kill line etc, the difference between a Wings and a Voodoo2 is about $60. (Using Square1 prices). And a comparable Talon2 is about $10 less than a Voodoo.
I've also seen posts like "Wanted Voodoo, too expensive, so I bought a Wings." Am I missing something here? It's seems to be all a question of looks and style preference. I haven't jumped either but both are described as comfortable to wear... I'm sure it's not a question of safety.
Apart from style, the Voodoo has chest rings and a wider top. And narrow limits on reserve/main combinations. I wonder does the wider top cause problems with skydiver who don't have broad shoulders... Like me!
Just my thoughts for Sunday night Conor.

[mountainman 0]

When Laura and I were buying our rigs, the Voodoo was MUCH more expensive for us.
Perhaps it was from the discount or something, but they certainly weren't a $60 difference!!
Besides, the Wings container is awesome!!
No complaints!! JumpinDuo.com...come and sign the guestbook.

[skybytch 273]

This is true when comparing a number of different containers. We did up a comparison chart of several containers at work, listing the base price we charge and adding on some of the more popular options (hip rings, hip + chest rings, kill line p/c, hacky, pinstripes); the only thing we didn't add that we should have is stainless hardware. You'd be surprised at how total prices differ between some popular containers once you add in the options. For example, the Javelin Odyssey and Mirage G3; load them both up with hip and chest rings, stainless hardware, kill line p/c, pinstripes, hacky handle and a soft reserve ripcord and see the difference in total price.... even though the base price is exactly the same.
If you're trying to decide what container to buy and price is important to you, don't just compare base price. Put together a list of the options you know you want and get quotes based on that.
pull & flare,
lisa

[AggieDave 6]

Lisa, could you post that chart? That would be interesting to see. Of if you didn't want to actually post what your prices were, give a base number, like the lowest costing rig, set that number to zero. List each rig with the amount in dollars above the cost of that rig. i.e. Container X is the base, so it is 0 Container Z3 costs $350 more, so its number would be $350 and so on.
"Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

[cloud9 0]

Perhaps what you find is that the sale prices are quite a bit different. I know I just bought a Wings with hip rings and the new price was $930 the Voodoo was on sale at the same time for $1250. So I saved $320 a lot more then the $60 your seeing.

[JJohnson 0]

When I decided to become a fledging freeflopper and give in to the dark side, I looked at nearly every rig out there. Javelin Odessey, Mirage, VooDoo, Reflex, Wings....all were good choices. Price was NOT a determining factor in my search.
I choose the VooDoo and I will admit that part of that choice was because less people were using them than Javelins or Mirages. I think the VooDoo is the best damn looking rig on the planet and when I stacked the features up it was price competitive.
I'd buy another in a heartbeat. I would also spend the money on the Javelin or Mirage.
Not being an expert on the construction and technology of skydiving equipment, I depend on other peoples opinions.....mostly that of several riggers around the country whose brains I pick. A few manufacturers that are willing to give unbias opinions, and finally my own perverse logic.
Price however is not a prime consideration. When looking at gear that is going to save my life......that is not the time to cut costs. A sale is one thing, but I am a bit leary of gear that is supposed to be of comparable material, construction and quality yet somehow costs considerably less.
Please do not misconstrue me, I am not bashing any rig that I do not have first hand knowledge of. But I normally expect to pay a premium for quality merchandise.
JJ

[Kelly 0]

check out
http://www.rigginginnovations.com/voodoo/product_compr.htm
its a comparision chart with all different options.
http://kel197.tripod.com/skydivefriendsTRIPOD/

[conoro 0]

Yes, the sales and discount prices are what makes the prices change quite radically.
What's interesting is how the options change the price. I'd really want articulation on a new rig - with the Wings it's not that expensive, with the Voodoo it's included in the base price, with the Mirage you get nailed for that option!
Jjohnson, I guess one does expect to pay a premium for quality, but if you consider the top 6 (or whatever) manufacturers - whatever you pick I don't think you can go wrong really. I've actually noticed though that the less well known brands, like Wings and Infinity make more of an effort to keep their customers happy. Take their web sites as an example - there's way more info on the Infinity than on the Javelin.

[Engovatov 0]

>I've actually noticed though that the less well known brands, like Wings and Infinity
Wow, Infinity is less known, while Mirage made it to the big boys..
I actually thought Mirage is kinda smallish - and just decided to specialize on the premium end. Well deserved position, it seems..

[alan 1]

When you are pricing an articulated harness, make sure you know whether you are getting hip and chest rings, or just hip rings.
alan

[skybytch 273]

{quote]I actually thought Mirage is kinda smallish - and just decided to specialize on the premium end.
Marketing is a wonderful thing...
pull & flare,
lisa

[skymedic 0]

Quote

Marketing is a wonderful thing...

No shit...look at sunpath...
Cheers....vasbyt
marc
"I have no fear of falling, I just hate hitting the ground"-The Badlees...

[skybytch 273]

Quote

look at sunpath...

Yup.
I've said it before - imho every rig on the US market is a good rig. It's just a matter of how much you want to spend/how long you want to wait/what you like the look of...
pull & flare,
lisa