Triathlon 160 vs Spectre 150/170.......which is better?

[SSkydiver 0]

I'm looking to purchase either a Triathlon 160 or Spectre 150/170. Most of what i have been able to research on both main puts them at almost equal performance (or so it seems). Looking for information from all experienced skydivers out there on the performance of these 2 mains. Looking for peformance characteristics input for both mains and which over all is the best. I'm 190 out the door so my wingloads will be 1.1 to 1.2. Thanks ahead for any information.

[skybytch 273]

Better in what way? Performance, openings, landings, turn rate, price?

Best way to decide which is the right canopy for you as far as flying it is concerned is to jump everything you're interested in. You can call Kolla at PD and she'll gladly send you a Spectre to jump for a couple of weekends. Carolyn at Aerodyne can probably point you in the direction of a Triathlon to check out. Depending on where you jump you may even be able to find them in the sizes you're looking for at or near your home dz.

Personally, I think the Spectre is just a tiny bit more "high performance" than the Tri is - the shaping on the Spectre makes it turn a bit faster. Customer service from both manufacturers is excellent.

If you're looking at new the prices are comparable - the Tri is a bit less expensive. If you're looking for used, you can find some real good deals on used Tri's; there aren't as many used Spectre's out there in the sizes you're looking for so the prices on those seem to run higher.

[SSkydiver 0]

Quote

Better in what way? Performance, openings, landings, turn rate, price?

Best way to decide which is the right canopy for you as far as flying it is concerned is to jump everything you're interested in. You can call Kolla at PD and she'll gladly send you a Spectre to jump for a couple of weekends. Carolyn at Aerodyne can probably point you in the direction of a Triathlon to check out. Depending on where you jump you may even be able to find them in the sizes you're looking for at or near your home dz.

Personally, I think the Spectre is just a tiny bit more "high performance" than the Tri is - the shaping on the Spectre makes it turn a bit faster. Customer service from both manufacturers is excellent.

If you're looking at new the prices are comparable - the Tri is a bit less expensive. If you're looking for used, you can find some real good deals on used Tri's; there aren't as many used Spectre's out there in the sizes you're looking for so the prices on those seem to run higher.

Hey Skybytch. What i've been able to find out is that both canopies open nice and the landings seem to be comparable so i guess it comes down to turns both toggles and riser turns. I have noticed new is about the same price and used the Tri's go a little cheaper. I know the Spectre has an elliptical shape as opposed to the Tri being square so maybe thats where the turns are faster. Just trying to get all the input i can from the more experienced because once i get the Tri or Spctre, it's going to be the canopy i jump for the next several hundred jumps. I jumped the Tri 160. Although it was a fun canopy it didnt seem to have that little bit of excitement that i currently get from my Merit, but i havent jumped the Spectre but heard alot of good things about it. Thanks for the advice