ifics 0 #1 October 12, 2003 I am having trouble trying to get my hands on a used Sabre 170, I hear that this is a great canopy. Is there another 170 that would come close to it or should I hold out until I find one? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikkey 0 #2 October 12, 2003 Safire 169 is very similar--------------------------------------------------------- When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #3 October 12, 2003 Sabre2 or Sabre? Two different canopies... The Sabre is a rectangular zp nine cell, the Sabre2 is a "tapered" or "semi elliptical" zp nine cell. Have you flown either one yet? That's the only way to determine if what others say is a "great" canopy is going to be great for you. All that said, some other zp nine cells that may be suitable for a novice jumper include the Hornet, the Pilot, the Safire and the Safire 2 (go bigger that the advertised size if you go for an original Safire as the original Safire's are "size for size" smaller than the others on the market). Other "great" canopies include the Spectre, Triathlon, Omega and Omni. These are all 7 cell zp canopies. The Tri is rectangular, the others are "semi-elliptical." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #4 October 12, 2003 QuoteSafire 169 is very similar Did you know that an original Safire 169 is closer to 160 sq ft than it is to 170 sq ft if you're comparing it to a PD product? If you did know that, why would you recommend it to someone who's experience level, weight and ability you don't know? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ifics 0 #5 October 12, 2003 By the way, I have 16 jumps under my belt. I weigh 160lbs. I have flown a Sabre 170 and I liked it. I have yet to fly a Sabre2 170 though. I have flown the 170 for about 8 jumps now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #6 October 12, 2003 Look at the Lotus from Big Air Spotrz. It is similar to the Sabre2 but has airlocks. Great company, Great parachutes... Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #7 October 12, 2003 Hey there, Others have already listed a good amount of canopy types that would be good for where you are in your skydiving career now. All the companies have great demo programs (PD for example is 30 bucks for the canopy for 2 weeks, then just ship it back when you're done). It'd probably also be a good idea to be looking in the 190 range as you are most likely in the 180 range out the door (just for a while) until you get your canopy skills honed and then start moving down. I also think you'll find the Sabre2 more responsive than the original Sabre so try get you hands on that in a 190 and see if it compares to the Sabre 170. Have fun, Blue skies and good luck IanPerformance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #8 October 12, 2003 Quote16 jumps under my belt. I weigh 160lbs Talk to your instructors! They're the ones that have seen you fly your canopy and they're the ones that can really and truely help you make the decision on what type and size canopy you should fly. A VERY good rule of thumb is to stay at or below a 1:1 wingloading until you have atleast 100 jumps.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ifics 0 #9 October 12, 2003 I was going for the 170 because it is the 1:1 wingload. Maybe a bit less because I am 160lbs. I will talk to my instructors about it. Thank you all for your advice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 0 #10 October 12, 2003 QuoteI was going for the 170 because it is the 1:1 wingload. Maybe a bit less because I am 160lbs. I will talk to my instructors about it. Thank you all for your advice! Your wingloading is figured by your exit weight, not your naked on the scale at home weight. Adding 25 pounds for gear and clothing is not unusual, or unrealistic. - Jim"Like" - The modern day comma Good bye, my friends. You are missed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ifics 0 #11 October 12, 2003 Quotenot your naked on the scale at home weight OMG!! How did you know? I didn't tell anyone about that Understood, I will be in the market for a bit bigger main now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikkey 0 #12 October 12, 2003 I meant Safire2, i.e. current model. Typo...--------------------------------------------------------- When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jazzjumper 0 #13 October 13, 2003 QuoteI am having trouble trying to get my hands on a used Sabre 170, I hear that this is a great canopy. Is there another 170 that would come close to it or should I hold out until I find one? I would think demo, demo, demo. I'm 189 out of the plane. I've flown Sabre 170/150, and my Safire 149 (which is about 136 sq ft). I loved my Sabres...learned to pack them so they were quite good to me. I think that the Safire is a bit different, esp opening characteristics. At certain landing altitudes the flare can be much diff as well. If you are looking for value, Sabres are the way to go. I love my Safire but need more zoom soon. Demo stuff, Sabre is a great intermediate canopy. You can learn a lot with it, you should be able to find many on line for sale this winter. Good luck and blues skies. No matter how good she looks, someone, somewhere is sick of her shit! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kirils 1 #14 October 13, 2003 I have to disagree that the Safire is comparable to the SabreII. It dosen't have the bottom end of the SabreII. I suggest you call Ralph or Roy and see if you can get hold of a Hornet. Bang for buck it's better than the Safire or SabreII."Slow down! You are too young to be moving that fast!" Old Man Crawfish Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ypelchat 0 #15 October 14, 2003 QuoteQuoteSafire 169 is very similar Did you know that an original Safire 169 is closer to 160 sq ft than it is to 170 sq ft if you're comparing it to a PD product? If you did know that, why would you recommend it to someone who's experience level, weight and ability you don't know? The Safire2 169 and Sabre2 170 are pretty much the same. However, a Safire 169 is somewhat smaller than a Sabre2 170. Yves. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
