Buying first rig

[Scoop 0]

Hi everyone! I have started my AFF training and am hooked! I obviously dont intend to rent equipment forever so at what point do you recommend getting my first rig?

I pretty much know what I want from gear reviews and speaking to others (although havent tried it personally) and know that there will be a delay for manufacture and delivery. Would it be OK to get my own gear before gaining A licence? The only problem I see is ive only used a ripcord to date.

[Chrisky 0]

Now where did that first rig faq sticky go?

Did you do a search on "first rig" in this forum? (see rules...)

Did you read this article?

Here's my advice why to wait...
Read the linked threads, not just my posts, they will give you a good rundown...

The mind is like a parachute - it only works once it's open.
From the edge you just see more.
... Not every Swooper hooks & not every Hooker swoops ...

[Scoop 0]

hehe, cheers!
Still like to know what you would think of this....

A nice infinity container with a 210 main. (im 195pounds). I felt that this was a sensible route. Not too aggressive and if & when I felt I needed it, I could always get a smaller canopy. (despite the cost! )

[Chrisky 0]

Well, what do your instructors say? Whatever people tell you here, we don't know you and all have different frames of reference.

I think, though, that it's a wise choice for a beginners rig. It will put you under a wing loaded at ~0.93:1 (sqft/lbs), which is ok at your jump numbers.

The mind is like a parachute - it only works once it's open.
From the edge you just see more.
... Not every Swooper hooks & not every Hooker swoops ...

[damion75 0]

Quote

I think, though, that it's a wise choice for a beginners rig. It will put you under a wing loaded at ~0.93:1 (sqft/lbs), which is ok at your jump numbers.

I dont want to be a know it all or a canopy Nazi, but at 195lbs body weight (which is probably what someone on AFF is discussing) comes to more like 215-220lbs exit weight. That gives a wingloading of 1.05 psf... not far off mine... and on nearly 200 jumps I still find my Spectre 'exciting' at that wingloading in nil winds!

Even on the old square Sabre that might be a little much at the moment. My friend of a similar size got a 230 and he has 40 jumps...

Other than bringing this out I don't think I am going to hand out any advice other than go big!! You may not think it looks cool, but neither does falling over or using crutches!!

Blue skies and good luck looking for that perfect rig!!

***************

Not one shred of evidence supports the theory that life is serious - look at the platypus.

[Scoop 0]

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I dont want to be a know it all or a canopy Nazi, but at 195lbs body weight (which is probably what someone on AFF is discussing) comes to more like 215-220lbs exit weight. That gives a wingloading of 1.05 psf... not far off mine... and on nearly 200 jumps I still find my Spectre 'exciting' at that wingloading in nil winds!
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Yep - your right. 195 is my body weight not exit weight. I will have a chat with instructors as they will have seen a variety of canopies/students in their time. See what they have to say.

Thanks guys!!
('exciting' is good but crutches or wheelchair? hmm. Im in no rush!)

[Unstable 8]

Hmmm, here is my rant. You KNOW in your heart whether or not your going to be a skydiver or not. From your post and your excitment, I'm guessing this is going to be a great journey for you. As you progress in your jumping career, you find your own likes and dislikes, and you will form your own habits and styles - many of this on your first 200 jumps. Since you are still learning and growing then, My advice for you would be to save the extra $$ and buy your first rig used. (plus, you may decide to downsize after your first 30-300 jumps). Buy used, see what you like and what you really want from this sport, THEN blow the bank and buy new.

Blue skies,

=========Shaun ==========

[dustin19d 0]

At what point do I get my first rig.


Definately after you complete AFF.
find out what size works for you and go for it!

[nightjumps 1]

Welcome to skydiving.

The advice you are getting is in your best interest. Unless you a just a trust fund titty sucker, the speed of your decisions can be costly, unsafe and cost you more than dollars.

For now, 1) focus on completing the AFF program. You have a lot to do. 2) Next step is to work on your "A" License - still more to do. 3) While you are doing this begin your education on gear.

1. Get you a paragear catalog - you'd be surprosed how much you will learn on the throne while reading this.
2. Read Lisa's article on buying gear.
3. Read Billvon's list of tips & tricks about canopy control prior to downsizing.

Enthusiasm is a good thing. In this sport, controlled enthusiasm is even better.

Finally, finish up your profile.

[Casquito 0]

I'm fairly fresh with only 70 or so jumps, but here's what I did (am doing). My DZ has a great shop (SQ1) with a demo program that lets you try out gear as much as you want for as long as you want before you buy. The caveat is you have to buy a new rig from them and put some cash down (1000+). That gives you unlimited jumps for 50-100 a month (or free if you put down 4k). The reason I did it was to try out a ton of different canopies and rigs before I plunked down thousands of $ to buy. It's hard to try all the stuff out there and it's impossible to know if you like it if you don't fly it. I think the program's great and I've been using it to the fullest. I've downsized from a 210 off AFF to 150 now, which would have been difficult or expensive if I had bought gear initially. At this point I'll probably order a rig soon since I don't think going below 150 anytime soon is a great idea.
As an aside, don't be too eager to downsize and think hard about it before you do. I usually pull a little high and play with the canopy to learn how it flies (flat turns, front/rear risers, stalling it into a ball of shiznit, etc) and really concentrate on good landings and accuracy. Having gone down a few sizes in a relatively short period of time, I can attest to the fact that the tolerance for pilot error goes down dramatically and exponentially as the canopy size decreases. Just my 2 cents...
Check out ebay too if you're set on buying. A buddy of mine bought an Infinity with a PD? 150 and reserve but no AAD for 2500. ONE jump on it.... what a steal. Guess the poor sap's wife didn't like him jumping out of planes.

Peace

J