Jul 6, 2012, 9:22 PM
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help with sizing, and greeting.
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hey everyone first to start off. new at the forums, so HELLO
but now i have a quick question regarding size numbers.
okay so im just browsing chutes and rigs and gear and all that stuff.
and i always come across these size number. like for canopy size. the place im looking goes from 90-250. obviously i dont need to go that high. but is that square feet?
and as for other numbers, there is stuff like FU-110..ECT... and RU- 110
Basically im asking can everyone please explain all these number which make no sense to me.
AGAIN im just browsing to any help would be great before i decide to purchase.
Jul 7, 2012, 7:49 AM
Post #2 of 2
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Re: [devinhite] help with sizing, and greeting.
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Yes, the size is in square feet.
Canopies are usually identified by their name, and then a number, which is the size. The measuring methods vary a bit, but canopies listed as the same size are usually comparable sizes.
By happy coincidence, the size in square feet goes along with your exit weight in pounds to give a wingloading ratio. Exit weight is your entire weight ready to go out the door. You, your clothes, all your gear.
For beginners, keeping the wingload under 1:1 (one pound per square foot of canopy) is a good idea. The more heavily loaded the canopy is, the faster and more aggressive it will act.
If you are of average size, a canopy around 230-250 is a good place to start. Once you have some experience, a 170-210 is a typical choice. This is general info. Your personal choice is dependent on your skills, experience, training, location (DZ elevation plays a part in size choice) and on and on.
