help a new guy out

[dickthebeast 0]

hey all,
I'm new to the sport (just got my A license a few weeks ago) and was looking to get my own gear and am completely overwhelmed. I weigh 210 and have been jumping with a Hornet 230 at my dropzone for the past few jumps with pretty good results.

I was thinking that I should get something between a 210 and 230, but wasn't sure if 210 was pushing it too far.

I am looking to do both free flying and relative work, and will probably downsize after next year onceI get a few hundred jumps in, so don't need anything that is going to last.

Here is what I have seen so far:
1. Raider 220 w/ Dolphin container
2. PD 230 w/ Dolphin (D-4) container
3. PD 230 w/ Dolphin (D-6) container
4. Vector V9. 235 Falcon249 Raven III reserve. Cypres AAD (thats all it says)
5. Falcon 215, Vector V-5 ½
6. PD 210, vector 2

I've read some things on here about gear in general, but have no clue when it comes to what brands are good in general or good for specific ttypes of flying. Thanks for all the help.

Rich

[skybytch 273]

Quote

1. Raider 220 w/ Dolphin container
2. PD 230 w/ Dolphin (D-4) container
3. PD 230 w/ Dolphin (D-6) container
4. Vector V9. 235 Falcon249 Raven III reserve. Cypres AAD (thats all it says)
5. Falcon 215, Vector V-5 ½
6. PD 210, vector 2

All the main canopies you mention here are "F111". Easier to pack than zp (like the Hornet you've been jumping) but they don't tolerate being loaded over 1.0:1 suspended weight (i.e. you on a 230). If you can afford it I'd highly recommend buying a zp main canopy (Hornet, Sabre, Triathlon, Spectre, etc.) - it will fly better, last longer and have better resale value.

I wouldn't suggest going smaller than a 230 of any type until your landings on a 230 are always excellent, not just pretty good.

The Vector containers you mention are the older Vector2. You can freefly with them with some modifications; do a search in this forum on that as it has been discussed here.

The Dolphin's you may be able to freefly with depending on their age.

[dickthebeast 0]

how can you tell if a canopy is made from F111 or Z-P?

[Fast 0]

The different models are made from different fabrics. SO by looking up the type of canopy that it is you can see what it is made of.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[Tonto 1]

Suck on it.

Go with Lisa's advice. She knows her stuff.

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[fergs 0]

Quote

hey all,
I'm new to the sport (just got my A license a few weeks ago) and was looking to get my own gear and am completely overwhelmed. I weigh 210 and have been jumping with a Hornet 230 at my dropzone for the past few jumps with pretty good results.

I was thinking that I should get something between a 210 and 230, but wasn't sure if 210 was pushing it too far.

I am looking to do both free flying and relative work, and will probably downsize after next year onceI get a few hundred jumps in, so don't need anything that is going to last.
Rich

Hey Rich,

I'm a reasonably conservative jumper, with 30 years and a few thousand jumps - but even to a relatively new skydiuver like yourself, I have no hesitation in recommending a Spectre as a main canopy - for you 190 smallest or a bit bigger. It does everything well, a few things very well, no real bad habits.

And I'd also recommend learning to psycho pack it right from the start - so your pack jobs aren't nightmares. Be aware that PD do not recommend psycho, but ask a few jumpers who pack this method and evaluate it's pro's and con's.

Blue Skies,

fergs