chester 0 #1 September 19, 2003 what do you think of a hornet 170 for a first rig I`m5`10" 205lbs and i`m new in the sport, on my way to get my solo. J-S ---- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #2 September 19, 2003 Is 205 lbs your exit weight or your naked weight? I know some canopy nazis will claim that a 170 is too aggresive as a first canopy even if your exit weight is 205 (and I might agree with them without ever seeing your landings). But for sure, a 170 is way too aggresive if 205 is your naked weight. I'm no canopy nazi, but we need to build canopy skills before we start flying fairly highly loaded canopies. My naked weight is about 200 lbs and my first canopy was a Triathlon 220 (though I did successfully fly a rental Spectre 210 before that). A more experienced skydiver noticed me during my recent downsizing last weekend (I just started flying my Crossfire2 139) and here's what he said to me "You look good out there, just don't fuck up". And the same thing can be said for anyone of us. "Don't fuck under any canopy, regardless if we think we are ready for it". I hope this makes sense ... Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blahr 0 #3 September 19, 2003 I'd say (my newbie opinion) that main is too small for your first if you weigh 205 lbs. and have 6 jumps. That would put your exit weight somewhere around 235 and give you a wing loading of nearly 1.4 Think about a Sabre2 (9 cell) or Spectre (7 cell) at around 230 sq ft. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrisky 2 #4 September 19, 2003 If you don't want to waste money, wait a while before you buy until you have the necessary skills. I really recommend not buying a rig until one has about 40-60 jumps and a little experience in what he wants/needs.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 ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #5 September 19, 2003 I'd say a 170 anything would be a bit aggressive for a first canopy if your body weight is 205 - that translates into a wingloading of around 1.3:1. Without knowing anything about you except your weight and number of jumps I'd recommend no smaller than a 210 for your first main, and a 230 would in my opinion be a better choice. But I've never seen you land a parachute. Have you talked about canopy sizing with your instructors? They are in a far better position to advise you on canopy sizing than anyone here - they've seen your landings. It's usually best if you wait until you are off student status and have had a chance to fly a few different canopies and sizes before buying. What canopy type and size are you using for your student jumps? Does your dz have rental gear available in sizes smaller than the student gear so you can downsize slowly and safely? Don't rush into buying your own rig. You'll be happier with what you get in the long term if you wait - in the meantime ask a lot of questions of knowledgable jumpers, listen around the bonfire, read everything related to the subject that you can find, and if at all possible fly before you buy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kitof1976 0 #6 September 19, 2003 I am also a newbie and I can tell you that a wingloading of 1.3 with a 170 is probably not a good idea. If you only have 6 jumps, I assume that you have not yet jumped anything sub 200 square feet as most of students canopies are big ones. Don't set your mind on a canopy size based on what the average seem to be for a guy your size with average experience. And take it from a newbie who experienced it. A 1.37 wingloading hauls ass when you are new to the sport. I now have a 1.23 wingloading and it feels just right for my experience and abilities. Go easy, take your time, keep your "cahones" and you ego out of the way and go with what you feel you can safely handle. Instructors can be good judges of what would be a good size for your abilities... but the bottom line is that you are the one that will be landing the canopy. Definitely fly different sizes canopy before you set you mind on one. The key is to be honest with the self evaluation of your abilities. "We see the world just the way we are... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCR10480 0 #7 September 20, 2003 Just to reiterate what everyone else is correct in saying. Stay with a canopy in the 200+ category. The object of the game is to do it more than once...don't expect your experience to keep pace with your balls. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcd308 0 #8 September 20, 2003 Rent for a while, or buy used and big. A 1.3 WL with 6 jumps definitely puts you into the bold skydivers camp. As you have probably heard, there are old skydivers and bold skydivers, but not very many old, bold skydivers. And most of the skydivers you see who appear to be old and bold are actually not all that bold - they are just that damn good at it. Brent ---------------------------------- www.jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chester 0 #9 September 25, 2003 thank for your answer I will try different size starting by the saber 210 of one of mi freind and it is for sale to so.I think with all the info you all gave to me this size will be better for me. J-S ---- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darrenspooner 0 #10 September 26, 2003 I bought a Hornet 150 when I had done about 50 jumps. I load it to 1.25. Its fantastic, flies and handles like a dream and surfs like you wouldn't believe. Only thing is, it opens hard as hell. Tried loads of things but its very eratic. I'd test jump if you can. I decided I will change my canopy next year and looking at a Paratec Faqtor. I would reiterate what everyone is saying on here though, don't downsize too much too early. I had a stepping stone to 150 via a 170 and rented a 190 for a while. My current canopy is great, but with my limited experience (now 100 jumps) I know I'm walking a tightrope and have to be very careful and very safe. If you buy a 200+ canopy it will be easy enough to sell once you are ready to move on. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
