BethUK 0 #1 August 23, 2003 Hey Everyone, as a recently qualified A licence I am being encouraged to get my own gear, except I don't even know what I want or what there is! Any advise, also taking in to account im a university student with not that much money! Whats the best way to go about it? Build gear up slowly or buy in one go? Thanks in advance!!------------------------------------------------------------ "This isn't flying...it's falling with style!" Buzz Lightyear - Toystory 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #2 August 23, 2003 Doing it all in one go.. gets you jumping on your own gear(kit)... BUT can be very expensive. You can buy Used Gear(kit) or buy new.. or a combination. Just talk to your mates about what would be appropriate...check the listings of gear for sale here... and on other websites such as Square1 or SkyKat or Western Parachute Sales. Plenty of people will be glad to help. Just be sure to make sure the stuff is in good condition.. have a rigger check out the equipment BEFORE you buy. Amazon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
betzilla 56 #3 August 23, 2003 There's nothing wrong with renting good gear for a while, until you decide what you want. When you have decided, you can find some incredible used gear deals out there. If you can buy it all in one go you'll be much more satisfied, because you'll be able to jump it right away.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyer299 0 #4 August 23, 2003 If you are really ready to get your own gear, look into used first. Some people say to only buy used for the first time. Unless you are very rich, I think used is a good way to go. Look around in the classified ads for a lightly used set of gear that has the kind of gear you are looking for. The most important thing you need to look at is the Size and Type of your canopy. Get with your instructors before you start looking to see if you should be looking at 150, 170, 210, etc. You should be aiming for 1.0ish wing loading. But do not take any advice as to what size or kind you should get from use Internet folks. Your instructors need to be apart of that. Once you know what you are looking for, look around and stick to the size you are looking for. Avoid the temptation of, "I was told I should get a 170, but there is a great deal on this 150." I bought a used Infinity Container and put a new Spectre in it, and love the setup. I of course think Infinity is the best way to go, but then it again it is what I own. There are a lot of other good things out there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BethUK 0 #5 August 24, 2003 Thanks for the advice (everyone!)! I will certainly discuss used gear with my instructors, I think I will take my time over the canopy and start off getting essentials like a suit and helmet etc! Ta guys ------------------------------------------------------------ "This isn't flying...it's falling with style!" Buzz Lightyear - Toystory 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #6 August 24, 2003 Take your time and look for used gear.People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aero04 0 #7 August 26, 2003 QuoteTake your time and look for used gear. I second that. Shop around. Buying a rig is like buying a car. You don't buy the first one you see. I did that, and regret it every day. Used gear is the way to go on a first rig IMHO. It would suck to go out and buy a brand new spiffy container and biff one landing and get it all dirty. Granted you can wash it, but still.... You also save a buttload of $$ that can be used on more jumps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BethUK 0 #8 August 26, 2003 Yeah thats a good point, so what kinda prices can I get a used complete system for? Hopefully going to jump in the next couple weeks so will get talking to my instructors then about what I should aim for! Thanks! Beth------------------------------------------------------------ "This isn't flying...it's falling with style!" Buzz Lightyear - Toystory 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vt1977 0 #9 August 26, 2003 Hi Beth, I see that you are in the UK in which case I suggest that you look for used gear in the following places: BPA website – has a classified section uk.rec.skydiving newsgroup often has adverts or you could post a “wanted” Other possibilities are to look in the BPA Skydive Mag which has a classifieds section and there is a fair amount of used gear for sale every issue. You could also call Maddy at DZ Sports (Hinton) or Rob Colpus at The Kit Store (Headcorn) – both numbers will be in the mag. Both will happily offer you advice on kit and will have a range of used kit in stock. Also keep an eye out for adverts on your DZ notice board. Obviously, you should seek advice from instructors who know you and your abilities before buying and you should also ensure that any piece of kit you are looking at with a view to buying is checked out by a rigger before you part with any cash. I hope that helps – if you need any more info on any of this (phone numbers, websites etc. which I haven’t included above) then please feel free to PM me and I’ll try to help. Vicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #10 August 26, 2003 QuoteYou could also call Maddy at DZ Sports (Hinton) or Rob Colpus at The Kit Store (Headcorn) – both numbers will be in the mag. Both will happily offer you advice on kit and will have a range of used kit in stock. Also keep an eye out for adverts on your DZ notice board. John Curtis is also another very experience rigger / dealer who may be able to help (he's at Langar).Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
