Used Gear - Reserve considerations

[AriWeil 0]

I'm just off student status and looking to purchase my first rig. After getting the seal of approval from three riggers, there is one final issue I'd like opinions about before I buy. The reserve has flown five times. I've asked the previous owner for the history behind each ride, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the integrity of the canopy. The rig had a reserve repack prior to it being put up for sale (roughly a month ago), but I was wondering if it's standard practice for riggers to really inspect the canopy closely for signs of wear or whether the canopy would show signs that the rigger could see. I'll know more details (hopefully) about the reserve rides soon, but I was hoping to get some tips as to what I should be looking for or asking. Thanks in advance.

[PhillyKev 0]

From the manual for my PD Reserve

Quote

After 40 repacks or 25 deployments have been reached, the reserve must have its permeability tested.

As long as a competent rigger checks it out and gives it their ok, I wouldn't sweat it. Just make sure to tell them your concerns.

[wmw999 2,588]

A reserve that has been dumped 5 times isn't (to my way of thinking) significantly degraded. But the price should be lower than one that's never been dumped.

However, just as you should hire your own inspector when you buy a house, you should pay for an inspection of the gear by a rigger who's working for you.

Any repack (particularly after an opening) should include a thorough inspection. It's an inspection and repack.

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)

[rigging65 0]

Reserves aren't made of glass, they don't break if used.

A few jumps on them just lets you know all the stitching is in place.

If there have been any high-speed openings on it, I'd make sure to check all the line attachments well, but it's probably just fine.

Have it checked out and GO SKYDIVE!

"...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.
For there you have been, and there you long to return..."

[riggermick 7]

Quote

I'm just off student status and looking to purchase my first rig. After getting the seal of approval from three riggers, there is one final issue I'd like opinions about before I buy. The reserve has flown five times. I've asked the previous owner for the history behind each ride, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the integrity of the canopy. The rig had a reserve repack prior to it being put up for sale (roughly a month ago), but I was wondering if it's standard practice for riggers to really inspect the canopy closely for signs of wear or whether the canopy would show signs that the rigger could see. I'll know more details (hopefully) about the reserve rides soon, but I was hoping to get some tips as to what I should be looking for or asking. Thanks in advance.

One of the reserves that I use has about 40 jumps on it, some terminal some sub-terminal.It's one of the canopies I used for live drops on the Reflex TSO program. It works like a champ, lands just fine and is in great shape. I feel VERY comfortable with it on my back. I don't think 5 jumps on the canopy that you are looking at means it is history.

Mick.

[JohnPolk 0]

At least you know that it works HuH

[dgskydive 0]

I agree with the last post. It works at least you know that!
After my first reserve ride (or right before I cut away) I realized I did not know if it really worked! The next time I bought a reserve, I jumped it as a main first. Nothing like a little piece of mind.

Dom

[sangiro 26]

Check some of the articles under "General" on this page:

http://www.dropzone.com/gear/articles/

Also check Lisa's articles in the other sections.

Safe swoops
Sangiro