brabzzz

If I were to get an ASTRA, i have only one question. What the hell would happen if (heaven forbid) it 'cut'? Most DZ's have a box of (well a few...) CYPRES cutters - but what about the ASTRA? Does it use the CYPRES ones or is it a pain in the ass process to get an ASTRA one. If thats the case, do they have a shelf life - as in i'd carry one just in case i did a low reserve (one again - heaven forbid) pull but it fires and needed a new cutter)? --------------------------------------- Ex-University of Bristol Skydiving Club www.skydivebristoluni.com

Right, even before you lot replied (and thanks for replying!), upon proof-reading the uploaded message the answer was clear. The 190. If 'youre not sure, you ain't ready!' springs to mind... That leaves a final question: Sabre2 or Spectre? I havn't yet jumped either (and test jump options here are very limited). What would I learn most from? I'll have dive loops on the risers to eventually help eek out whatever i can from it - but what will give me more at the far end of its envelope (even if it is lame compared to the

Hi, before I even ask - yes i will test jump the club 170 (a Merit I think) and have/will continue to ask instructors! Basically, I'm after new gear, and am looking at a 170 or 190 Spectre. I'd load that at about 1.08 and 1.2 respectively assuming total sd-only gear weighs 25 ontop of my 180 clothed. It would be my first canopy (and rig for that matter). I'm going against the adage old of buying used first as finding some to fit me is a nightmare (in the UK) and I'm hoping to keep it for years (currently as a student, I'm looking at about 100 jumps/yr so I won't be downsizing rapidly for ages). I've jumped 290's, 230's, 210's and 190's if I remember rightly over 50 jumps. I can stand up the PD ZP 210/190 in the UK all the time, though the 190 gave me a few problems in Gap (far higher elevation DZ). I've heard the Spectre is a nice, relatively forgiving canopy. I might be able to test jump a 190, but certainly not a 170. Is there such a performance difference that would yell NO to the 170? Will the 170 be an unforgiving b*****d at 1.2? I'm certain I'd be okay immediately with the 190, but if there is no drastic difference the 170 (flown carefully and played with up high up) would offer more long term potential. All I'm concerned with is approach speed to judge the flare as I certainly won't more than touch the toggles if at all possible on finals! My other 'line' of thought is to get something more 'fun' at 190 - and had a Sabre2 recommended as 'sweet' - something that I could learn tonnes from before moving down a size to 170 - and then 'across' to another class of main (stiletto?). It's probably BS long term planning, but I'm not minted, certainly want to be safe and really want to resist downsizing to a level where a f*** up would really hurt regardless of my skill at the time. Is something I've babbled about yelling NO to the 170 as a first canopy? Regards, options mind f***ed Mike. --------------------------------------- Ex-University of Bristol Skydiving Club www.skydivebristoluni.com