Hi Bigfritz,
I started two years ago, ordered my own rig after 150 jumps, and received it new at 200 jumps.
Before ordering, I practised under supervision to improve my skills under canopy, and demoed several "intermediate" main canopies (progressive downsizing from Electra 230 to Electra 170, Silhouette 150, eventually a Sabre2 135) and harnesses (Atom, Javelin). You're not in a hurry. Why not demo different gears before buying one?
Laurent, autrefois sur l'ile de La Reunion
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/windsurf/skydive