Different container types....

[ifics 0]

The main types of containers I see around are Mirage and Javelin (sp). I herd that Mirage has nice extra features. Is there really one company that is better then another or is a container a container? I don't know why but for some reason I am leaning towards Javelin...

[PhillyKev 0]

Don't limit yourself to what you see around. Provided you have a rigger who is experienced enough to work with other brands, check them out. Mirage, Vector, Talon, Wings, Javelin are all good products. Search through here and the gear reviews on the site, everyone has an opinion. I've never seen any clear cut advantage of any of them. Mostly comes down to styling, comfort, and price.

[skybytch 273]

Quote

Mostly comes down to styling, comfort, and price.

Yup. If you're buying new add delivery time to that list - how long you'll wait for a custom container varies from one manufacturer to another.

[genfreefly 0]

here are a couple of things to consider:
1) function:
bridal coverage (is it covered?)
main pin cover (does it stay closed when supposed to?)
reserve pin cover (does is stay closed when covered?)
riser covers (do they stay closed..?)
secondary riser covers (does the rig have them? are they needed? [i like them])

most rigs, more or less, do these things, but some better than others.

2) delivery time is a good thing to think about (as it was already said), you'll probably notice a big variance of 3-4 weeks all the way to 20-25 weeks.

3) comfort
but with this, ya never really know how a rig is going to fit until one is built for you. and in reality, most people make their new rig their 'baby', it breaks in to their body and its comfortable. so realize that as you try people's rigs on.

4) style
all the rigs look a little different, but i suggest you worry about how the rig looks AFTER you narrow it down from the 'function' factor.

5) price
you can probably find a new rig as cheap as under $1000 or all the way up to a bit over $2000.
try to make sense on your own by asking people, why is there such a big difference in price. 'do you want the 'economy' rig or the 'luxury' rig? sure they both work (more or less), but what perks are you looking for.

6) rig popularity
not that it matters so much for what rig is poplular, but its a good thing to think about for re-sale value down the road. you likely go through several rigs in your skydiving life.

7) company reputation
is the manufacturer going to take care of you if there is a problem down the road. all you want is your rig the way you want it, right? so mistakes happen (wrong color this, or whatever), so make sure your dealer and the manufacturer you choose will take care of you.

i really think that the function aspect is the most important.
most rigs nowadays will work (maybe that's a bit of an overstatement, but we'll give all the manufacturers the benefit of the doubt).
but, not all rigs are as tight with things staying closed.

my biggest thing with a rig is that i want to be able to jump out of a plane, and know that its going to stay shut until i decide to open it.

i've had good experience with Mirage over the past 7 years, and there are lots of people with positive experiences with other brands of rigs.....

good luck
max

[skymedic 0]

seems all the sponsored jumpers of Mirage never have customer service issues...but my poor GF has had nothing but horrible service from them...but then again that was when Bill was there and they have probably improved since he left.

Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....

[sducoach 0]

Marcus,

Was Bill your brother-in-law????????

Blues,

J.E.

James 4:8

[riggerrob 643]

Another factor to consider is whether your local rigger is any good at packing a particular brand.

For example: I remember a rigger telling his girlfriend that if she bought brand "R" she would have to ship it out of the province for repacks!

Hah! Hah!

[skymedic 0]

Nope...but I have had some "nice" conversations with the man.

Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....