linuxguy 0 #1 May 5, 2003 I am looking to buy My first Rig -and am going to place an ad in the wanted section as well - but I am sure most ppl don't look there. Anyways ... I have got 23 jumps, am looking to get a vortex II with a 150 main ( I am 5'3 and weight 58KG) so there is no probs with wingloading. I know that If i do find a rig with a 150sq ft main, I will not be able to jump it for a while ( but have been advised against looking for a 170sq ft) If anybody has one to sell / knows of anybody willing to sell, please let me know. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #2 May 5, 2003 If you're looking for your first rig, you might want to consider being open to other rigs. Not that there's anything wrong with wanting what you want, but there's a pretty good chance you won't have that rig forever and maybe not even very long at all. Consider getting something that fits, has the canopies that are appropriate for you and then getting into the air and getting more experience! Used gear is always a good thing to start with as it retains most of it's value at resale, and if you get it a bit dirty it doesn't ruin your dayBest of luck, and always keep your options open! "...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..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #3 May 5, 2003 Fixating on one brand of container will severly limit your options when buying used gear. At last count there were seven firms - worldwide - building containers that resemble Vortex II. They include: Vortex II, Javelin, Wings, Dolphin, Advance, Genesis and Concept. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #4 May 5, 2003 Linux, Try contacting Laurence Wichers at E.P. Skydivers in Grahamstown (My old DZ). www.epskydivers.com has contact info. Last I knew they had a couple of vortex rigs they were trying to sell (I could be wrong). Just let him know I sent you his way. To the others - I'd bet the reason he is considering a vortex II is price. Compared to other rigs they are significantly cheaper in South african rands (about R4500) whereas something like a javelin would cost R12000 + so it's not really worth it if you earn Rands. Blue skies Ian DrennanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linuxguy 0 #5 May 5, 2003 Thanks For the Link -- i will spk to hima s soon as I can. You are right about the prices, as well as me speaking to various ppl at diff drop zones + also chuteshop in Durban. One of the many selling factors for VortexII is that if I have a probem with a rig from overseas it is more of a hassle. I have heard very good things about Vortex II from many different dealers as well. BTW a brand new rig is roughly R17000-00 ( think that is custom made) I have considered Javelin and Mirage + can get the harnesses for +-$1000-00 but means that I would have to spend at least $2300-00 on a rig + shipping ?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #6 May 5, 2003 No problem, Glad I could help. I've been happy with my Vortex, but unhappy with Chute Shops service. That is made even more difficult by the fact that I no longer live in SA so if I lose stuff it makes it very difficult to get it replaced. Out of curiousity, what are the vortex II prices now anyway? Blue skies IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linuxguy 0 #7 May 6, 2003 For a brand New rig it is roughly R17000-00 to R19000-00 My Friend got an excellent deal on a 4 month old complete rig for R13000-00 ( Think it is a hornet canopy) Now that Pisa is part of aerodyne, they have stopped making hornet and heatwave canopies . I am not sure what canopies Chuteshop is Using if you buy from them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #8 May 6, 2003 wow - they sure went up from the last time I bought one. Thanks for the info. Blue skies IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puffdaddy 0 #9 May 7, 2003 The last prices I've got from them, the Vortex 11 was about R7000 plus options. Complete with options it was just over R9000. With the depreciation of the $ against the rand their rigs have become expensive." You have never lived until you've almost died, and for those who has experienced it, life has a flavour the protected would never understand" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #10 May 7, 2003 If you're considering buying a Vortex 2 because you're in South Africa... start thinking some more. It's not cheaper anymore. With the $ having fallen 25% since the threat of war first loomed, a Mirage G3 is now in the same price range as the Vortex. Do the Math. If that's not the case - what you've heard from everyone else is true. Keep your options open! tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linuxguy 0 #11 May 8, 2003 If I do Buy a new rig - Then I would deffinatley need to buy a second hand canopy, and I am guestimating that I would not get a 150sq ft canopy with low jump numbers for less than R6000-00. Do you think that is a fair guestimate ? Which canopies do you think Are best ( I would like to go for Hornet - which is semi eliptical "I think") What else would be a good canopy I would only consider semi eliptical canopies - any opinions on this ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
