2. Most of my jumps have been on an Infinity container so I'm very partial to those. I've got a little bit of time on a Javelin and I didn't love it. I don't like the unique closing sequence. My question here is, what other containers out there are similar to Infinity in style and packing? Is Javelin the only oddball?

Well, the Infinity's closing loop is on bottom flap. You go bottom to top, top to right, right to left and close.

The Javelin had a "tounge" (for the lack of a better word and/or understanding) that had the loop on it coming from the top of the packing tray. Under the reserve. The tounge had to be pulled over the bag, then through the same sequence (bottom, top, left, right).

4. I've got no reserve experience so I'm basically flying blind here. Anything I should be aware of in this area?

Skydivers with averaege testosterone levels want to down-size.

I do plan on following Germain's general guidelines. A 190 would be loaded around 1:1 for me. As my skills (presumably) advance I would expect to work down to a 170 within the same container.

I appreciate your input but I'm not completely clear on the takaway. Is it that the Javelin allows more flexibility when downsizing compared to the Infinity design?

Thanks!

What's the cutoff year for "modern?"

I know there are freefly issues with older rigs unless they've since been modified. What would be the hurdle DOM for me to get over?

Thanks!

...focus my attention on being cool in freefall, not under canopy.

Coming in for a ridiculously soft, easy landing is very cool. Being able to do that even when you are making an off-landing in someone's yard or whatever is very cool.

That is a horrible generalization to pass on to a newbie. So very much wrong with that.

What's the cutoff year for "modern?"

It's reality.

I'd much rather see some one get a rig that can accomodate what's likely to happen than get a less tolerant rig, be short on funds so they don't buy a smaller rig when they run out of closing loop, and have their smaller main fall out in the plane (seen that in person, it's a little scary) or on their way out (seeing a main fall out in the plane is scary because I've seen pictures of skydiver sized holes in the side of planes and "exciting" videos with plane + main entanglements).

Lots of us start out with the impression that we'll never jump small parachutes, "hook turn" (that's crazy!) or BASE jump (that's even more insane) and later find out that we were wrong. Preparation for something that's likely (but really not necessary) is a fine idea especially when it doesn't cost any more.

I'd also much rather see some one get a rig with a safe sized main now that'll accomodate two sizes smaller than a parachute one or more sizes smaller than conservative because the rig they want will only go one size smaller or a rig that starts out on the small size which has them delegating to packers who won't be quite as attentive to things like frayed steering lines as an owner packing their own rig.

The Javelin had a "tounge" (for the lack of a better word and/or understanding) that had the loop on it coming from the top of the packing tray. Under the reserve. The tounge had to be pulled over the bag, then through the same sequence (bottom, top, left, right).

All Javelins are like that. Most Wings are almost like that too - the tongue is fixed at the top too, but there is an option to fit the loop on the bottom flap. Its one more hole to pull the loop through, but on the other hand you can fit a larger span of canopies in the container and still have enough force on the loop/pin. I rather fit a larger range of canopies.

If you put the pullup cord through the loop before starting to pack or bag and either hold the pullup cord up or stick it under the reserve pilot cap, its just as easy putting the bag in the container.

I have a slight aversion to the hybrid construction of the Pulse. It's not a deal breaker, but it's on my mind.

The hybrid style has gotten some mixed reviews from what I've seen. As with anything, some people love it and others do not.

My experience with it has been fine, but from what I can tell the point of debate has to do with it's longevity. Once again, it's not a deal breaker but this is just something that's on my mind.

I'll talk to my rigger about the Pilot and Safire2 as well. I'm sure he'll also have thoughts on the Pulse.

Thank you for your input.

My experience with it has been fine, but from what I can tell the point of debate has to do with it's longevity

Anyone who tells you hybrid construction has 'longevity' issues is full of shit.

First and foremost, you're not going to jump your first canopy long enough to worry about longevity.

.

Eveyone on here is espousing the virtues of slow downsizing and then we commonly see this from the same people

So I'm looking to buy my first rig and I've read every article I could find on the subject. My research has answered most of my questions but also brought up some new ones. Here's what I've been able to piece together so far but I'd like to see if there's anything I'm missing.

Now I know that the first post will likely be "Ask your instructors/rigger." Trust me, I will before making any purchases, but I've got to stat somewhere.

That being said, here's where I'm at:

1. I'm definitely buying used. I'm not sure how long I'll be jumping my initial setup and I'd also like to learn how to clean/maintain gear on a less expensive used setup.

2. I'm looking for a container that will fit a 170-190 9 cell canopy. Most of my jumps have been on an Infinity container so I'm very partial to those. I've got a little bit of time on a Javelin and I didn't love it. I don't like the unique closing sequence. My question here is, what other containers out there are similar to Infinity in style and packing? Is Javelin the only oddball?

3. As far as a main goes, I've jumped Pulse, Spectre, Sabre. I'm comfortable with all of them but prefer the 9-cell Sabre out of the three. Are there any other canopies out there that would fly similarly to the Sabre?

4. I've got no reserve experience so I'm basically flying blind here. Anything I should be aware of in this area?

5. No experience with AADs aside from turning them on at the start of the day. I've familiarized myself with the difference models, maintenence schedules, etc.

+1, thanks for summarizing it for me.

DZOs, and they wouldn't buy 1000's of Navigators if they didn't stand up to the test of time.

As stated before, my goal isn't to downsize very quickly.....my focus will be on landing larger canopies accurately, not landing smaller canopies more quickly.

It's reality.

I'd much rather see some one get a rig that can accomodate what's likely to happen than get a less tolerant rig, be short on funds so they don't buy a smaller rig when they run out of closing loop, and have their smaller main fall out in the plane (seen that in person, it's a little scary) or on their way out (seeing a main fall out in the plane is scary because I've seen pictures of skydiver sized holes in the side of planes and "exciting" videos with plane + main entanglements).

I'd also much rather see some one get a rig with a safe sized main now that'll accomodate two sizes smaller than a parachute one or more sizes smaller than conservative because the rig they want will only go one size smaller or a rig that starts out on the small size which has them delegating to packers who won't be quite as attentive to things like frayed steering lines as an owner packing their own rig.

If they have to buy a new canopy AND harness, maybe they won't be downsizing quite so quickly, presumably becoming a better canopy pilot with their current (larger) canopy

The reason we locate the closing loop on the bottom flap instead of a tab at the base of the reserve container is for the security of the main pin cover flap.

Javelin containers often have to be modified when the canopy gets smaller.

Never heard this before. Got more detail?

Isn't that a matter of how the cover flap is designed? Ie Wings style main protection doesn't seem to suffer as the canopy gets smaller (at least within reasonable limits)....

I think it might be that as was mentioned before, the fit of the main closing flap is affected by the closing loop length when the closing loop is attached to the bottom of the tray/reserve wall. Modifications to improve the security of the flap might be desired to improve a badly fitting main cover flap.