new gear, starting from scratch

[darrenspooner 0]

I've been jumping a rig that's made up from lots of other bits. Good fun, but now I can afford a new rig. Done 100 jumps, last 30 on a Hornet 150. Spanker openings but the surfing and handling is fantastic. Didn't want to go any smaller or more radical at this stage, but want something that fits nicely and handles as good, preferably with more gonad-friendly openings. Don't know where to start. By the way, I'm 13.5 stone fully loaded, which wing loads me to 1.25:1

Any ideas on the dream rig if money were no object?***Don't have sex with retarded dwarfs - its not big or clever

[AggieDave 6]

Take a look at PD's Sabre2.

It flies fairly similar to a Hornet but the opens are very nice.

As for containers, its about hard to go wrong with the major rig manufacture's gear available today. Wings, Vector III, Mirage G3&G4, Infinity...Take a look around your DZ and see what others are jumping, that's a plus since the local Riggers know how to pack them already.

For the money, I'd go for a Wings or an Infinity (I have a Wings, have put about 400 jumps on it and love it).

Vector III can have a Skyhook, which IMHO is very very useful.

Mirage...good rigs, good company, too expensive.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[darrenspooner 0]

been reading lots of posts about Sabre 2s diving on opening.

I also like the look of Paratec's 'next' container. Anywone had experience of this? Someone, a very experienced chap. has one on my DZ

[AggieDave 6]

The first generation Sabre2s did dive and turn on opening (generally), but that was only the first 100 or so they produced, that has been corrected. I've seen a lot of Sabre2s flown around DZs here and I've jumped 4 or 5 different Sabre2s of various sizes and with wingloadings from 1.3:1 to 1.7:1 and haven't had any sort of problems or seen any sort of problems with diving openings.

Of course, it is semi-elliptical and if you're not even in the harness, you might find some turning during opening. DZs even use Sabre2s as the "intermediate student" canopies, at light wingloadings of course, but they do fine there also.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[CanuckInUSA 0]

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been reading lots of posts about Sabre 2s diving on opening.

It's not as bad as you think. Sure my old Sabre2 170 would often dive on me, but I was able to control it by steering my rear risers and hardly ever had line twists let alone a malfunction (I'm still waiting for my first reserve ride). My diving problems were likely a result of my packing (I'm not the neatest packer) and body positioning. Also, in ten jumps this weekend on my brand spanking new Crossfire2 (which I absolutely love), I only had one opening (my last one of the weekend) which would be considered opening on heading. So there's a good chance that I need to try and correct my packing and body positioning and that bad habits might have been carried over from the Sabre2 to the Crossfire2.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[darrenspooner 0]

Thanks for that. I will endeavor to demo the Sabre2.

Does anyone have any experience of the new Aerodyne canopies?

[brits17 0]

if you like your hornet but not the openings... have you thought about just putting a pocket slider on it? it will slow it down quite reasonably and a rigger should be able to put one on for you. might save you some $$$ instead of going for a brand new sabre2 whether you get a brand new one or keep the one you're currently jumping. however you stated that money is not an issue, then check out some demo's before you buy. icarus safire2's or a sabre2 are good canopies to start with.

_______________________
aerialkinetics.com

[skybytch 273]

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Does anyone have any experience of the new Aerodyne canopies?

Do a search in this forum and in Gen'l Skydiving. I know at least a couple of people have jumped the Pilot and the Vision and posted their impressions.

[Chrisky 2]

I've been jumping a "next" for about 60-70 jumps this year, its a very good container, safe for all aspects of modern flight. I had already made my decision back then on ordering a Javelin (which didn't work out in the end but that's a different story) and moved to Canada now, which is why i got a Wings. Had i still been in Germany, i'd have ordered a Next.
They are quality rigs, comfy and quite cost effective.

I got me a Paratec Faqtor, which is an excellent canopy, a bit more agile than the Sabre2, but very forgiving. I LOVE it.
If you're also in the market for a Reserve, check out their Speed 2000, ti's made from a new material (stronger+ smaller packing). Mine is 135 sqft and packs smaller than the PD 126 (My Main is 120).

You might want to give them a call for a demo, or go to Spa in Belgium for a weekend, they do have a demo rig there and one of Paratecs demo team is at the DZ often. Just check with both and he wight bring you whatever size/container combo you'd like to try.

From my experience, they have a very good customer serve, good delivery times (My canopy arrived in 4 weeks, custom) and quality products.

The mind is like a parachute - it only works once it's open.
From the edge you just see more.
... Not every Swooper hooks & not every Hooker swoops ...

[diablopilot 2]

Check out the "Fusion" from Precision Aerodynamics. It's a 9 cell canopy in the same catagoty of performanc/design as that hornet. Beautiful openings.

As for a container, a whole bunch out there avaliable. I happen to think highly of the Infinty. Nice rig, good price.

PM me for more info if you like.

(Edit: the early morning brain fart)

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[rigging65 0]

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Check out the "Fusion" from Performance Designs. It's a 9 cell canopy in the same catagoty of performanc/design as that hornet. Beautiful openings.

He meant Precision Aerodynamics....did have his coffee yet this AM.

"...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..."

[skymedic 0]

I have about 15 jumps on a sabre 2 and about 70 some jumps on a hornet. my hornet always opened fine....the sabre 2 on the other hand kicked my ass EVERY TIME!!!! I hated that canopy for that. I tryed everything to slow it down and nothing worked.....YMMV

Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....

[Chrisky 2]

Oh, and the openings are just right. quick, yet gentle, but not hard.
Just to add to my praise...

The mind is like a parachute - it only works once it's open.
From the edge you just see more.
... Not every Swooper hooks & not every Hooker swoops ...

[darkwing 5]

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I have about 15 jumps on a sabre 2 and about 70 some jumps on a hornet. my hornet always opened fine....the sabre 2 on the other hand kicked my ass EVERY TIME!!!! I hated that canopy for that. I tryed everything to slow it down and nothing worked.....YMMV

What did PD say about the ass kicking? It sure isn't a design feature for the Sabre 2.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History