mujie96 0 #1 September 3, 2002 What's the difference between Cordura and Parapack when choosing the material for the rig? And, seriously, how many people bought one of these as their first rig? I was going to buy used but I'm such a wierd size that I'm having a hard time finding any online, and my DZ is tiny and caters mostly to tourists so there aren't a great many people trying to unload their gear. Do I wait? Do I buy new and hide my tears after my next downwind beach landing (hopefully upwind next time)? Jess Just keep swimming...just keep swimming.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #2 September 3, 2002 I bought mine brand-new. The used stuff I saw and liked was almost as expensive as new, so I went ahead and got custom for me. It was too fast for me then, and only one size to big for the rest of my skydiving career. JP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #3 September 3, 2002 When I got my first rig, I was sooo afraid of getting it dirty (it was so pretty!) that I did a bunch of face plants! Really, I'd walk in from the landing area, rig still clean, and the front of my jumpsuit covered in dirt!! That was a Javelin made with cordura in 1997, and it still looks good. (Its had more than its share of rough landings, too!) About 2 years ago, I had my rigger give it a bath and it came out looking brand spanking new! Now, I also have a Wings container made with the parapack, (its a sweet looking rig, even prettier than my javelin) and the parapack looks even easier to maintain than the cordura. Plus you have more color and pattern options with the parapack. If you are custom ordering a new rig, get what you want. Go crazy! Have fun with it! And if you are really worried about getting it dirty, you can always scotchguard it before you rigger puts it all together for you! Just my .02.............. maura Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #4 September 3, 2002 Cordura stands up to the occasional bad landing better than Parapac; that's why the majority of student and tandem containers are built out of Cordura. Parapac looks sweet when it's new or if you always land on your feet, but the first time you go sliding through the landing area on your back (or even worse, the taxiway. Not that I've ever done that )... If you are any body shape other than "average", you'll likely have a harder time finding a used harness/container system to fit both you and the canopies you want to put in it. If that's the case, and you can afford (or at least justify the expense of) a new one, go for new. A custom harness is going to be so much more comfortable, and you'll get to pick your colors. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mountainman 0 #5 September 8, 2002 Laura and I both bought our Wings new as our first rig. I liked the idea of having something that was made just for my body. Just seems to make sense if you can afford doing that. You will NOT be disappointed by the Wings. http://www.brandonandlaura.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ducky 0 #6 September 8, 2002 I am in the exact same boat here as I stand 5'10" at a whopping 130 lbs and have finally just about decided to break down and buy a new Wings also. Getting back to the original question though parapac vs. cordura... So Cordura is tougher, but Parapac offers more color options?? kwakSometimes your the bug, sometimes your the windshield. Sometimes your the hammer sometimes your the nail. Question is Hun, Do you wanna get hammered or do you wanna get nailed????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mountainman 0 #7 September 8, 2002 Jeez Ducky...5'10" and 130#? I am 5'9" and 215. Ever seen Penn and Teller? Hahah!!http://www.brandonandlaura.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #8 September 9, 2002 QuoteSo Cordura is tougher, but Parapac offers more color options?? I don't know about number of colors, but Parapac is smoother, slicker, and shinier. It's less durable, and when it fades it's a whole lot more obvious. Most people get cordura. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #9 September 9, 2002 Patch design is only available in Parapac to my knowledge, though.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mountainman 0 #10 September 9, 2002 QuotePatch design is only available in Parapac to my knowledge, though. I am pretty sure you're right Dave. When we were checking them out last year, I believe that was the only reason the gear guy recommended the Parapack.http://www.brandonandlaura.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrHixxx 0 #11 September 9, 2002 The patch option is a parapac only option. I own one... However, you can get a split or yin/yang option in cordura and they look really cool too... I recommend cordura for a first rig (or one that is likely to take a beating: students, swooping). It is a much more resilient fabric than parapac. Cordura is thicker and more scuff-resistent. However, it is a bit easier to get dirt embedded in it, because it seems to have bigger fibers and a more pourous weave. Make sure you Scotchguard the rig with red label with a couple light coats. Hope this helps, Hixxxdeath,as men call him, ends what they call men -but beauty is more now than dying’s when Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mujie96 0 #12 September 9, 2002 CORDURA BABY! My landing skills ain't so hot......and whe I start to get it, I get kicked off the DZ because of winds anyway.... Jess Just keep swimming...just keep swimming.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ducky 0 #13 September 9, 2002 and YES I do eat alot as a matter of fact. The large quantity of beer i consume doesn't seem to help either. But heck at least I'll never have to worry bout buying to slots err airline tix kwakSometimes your the bug, sometimes your the windshield. Sometimes your the hammer sometimes your the nail. Question is Hun, Do you wanna get hammered or do you wanna get nailed????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
