Apr 27, 2005, 5:20 PM
Post #1 of 16
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1st New Container
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As many people are, I'm new to the sport skydiving. I'm a military free-fall guy and am just starting to get into doing it for fun. I'm looking for my first new container, but which one . . . the buzz is Mirage or Javelin, but there are lower priced rigs that are great too. Where do I get the most bang for my buck in safety, durability, comfort, and being jumper friendly ... Thanks
You'll get many, many opinions on which is the "best". None of them will likely help you make up your mind. When I was ready to buy new gear, I went to an instructor at my DZ, and she helped me out by asking a few people if we could look at their gear. We took 3 of the most popularly used in our region and laid them side by side by side. I looked at the way they looked, the way they felt, the way they were constructed, how the riser flaps were, the tuck tabs, the reserve pin cover, the main flap, the bridle exposure cover, the AAD window, and many things. Having them all next to each other made it very easy to see what I did and did not like or prefer in a rig. I'd highly suggest you doing something of this nature. Not only are you making an informed decision, but you'll also gather some 'testimonials' from those owners. They'll be honest and say "yeah, I really like such and such because I notice when I'm doing so and so, it does this...before I had an X and I didn't like how it did this." You'll get more examples of reasons why they like or don't like something instead of just opinions or one word responses with a container name. Hope this helps. Best of luck.
Also, if you have a rigger you trust, ask his/her advice. They can give you an opinion just based on what they have to go through with packing it - that may affect your decision. I know my rigger has stated before "I hate packing X rigs, they are so hard because of such and such." I added that to my decision making process a little. Really, it comes down to what features you like, what you think LOOKS good, and your price range.
Tonto (D 515)
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Apr 28, 2005, 7:28 AM
Post #11 of 16
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I'm not a big fan of the "Buy your rig for the rigger" brigade, but that may be because I travel quite a bit, and have dealt with different riggers. My rigs outlast my riggers.
Very true, but if you're on the fence between two choices and one might be known for being a huge pain and that is the only differing factor....could be worth someconsideration. You know, something about not ticking off your rigger!
Tonto (D 515)
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Apr 28, 2005, 7:45 AM
Post #13 of 16
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Lisa's post was spot on for me as wells as personal advice she gave. Due to my body size and shape (very much like a fire plug or bowling pin, depends on the angle you look from ) I had to buy new gear. I was fortunate enough to receive good personal advice from my instructor (Ed Pawlowski), my rigger (Kieth), Ryan at Action Air, Jason (the fellar that got me into sport) and of course from Lisa.
Being new to sport I sought advice from those I trusted most, I can only suggest you do the same.
Apr 28, 2005, 2:15 PM
Post #15 of 16
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Re: [SkydiveNFlorida] 1st New Container
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They did, however they no longer do. It was a hell of a discount too . . . 50% off container and 15% off options, but unfortunately I was in "the sandbox" when they had it going on.
They did, however they no longer do. It was a hell of a discount too . . . 50% off container and 15% off options, but unfortunately I was in "the sandbox" when they had it going on.
Wow, sorry to hear that:( Sounds like it was a heck of a deal!!
I think any of the newer rigs are good rigs. It really depends on what you like the looks of, and what features you need/want. I don't like pop tops. I don't like the undertucking flap of the Javelin, either. I think riser protection and flaps are really important (i'm sure you agree!) I think they Vector is a nice rig and I would seriously consider it because of the skyhook. I like Mirage, too, but i'd have to look into it since a lot of people seem to complain about wrinkles since the cutter for the cypres has been moved. I'm not a huge fan of the look of wings and infinities, but many are. It is up to you!
) I had to buy new gear. I was fortunate enough to receive good personal advice from my instructor (Ed Pawlowski), my rigger (Kieth), Ryan at Action Air, Jason (the fellar that got me into sport) and of course from Lisa. 
