Wingloading, What is too much?

[Aleks2116 0]

Hi guys, just got my A class last weekend (woohoo) and starting my B-rels, so I have been looking into gear for a while now (got everything else just missing the rig). The problem is I don't know what size canopy to get. I have been looking around for a while now and I have stumbled across a second hand rig which I like that's just missing the main. The problem is it can only fit up to a 150. So I have tracked down a sabre 2 150 that will fit but I'm not sure whether the size will be too small for me to handle. My total jump weight is approximately 80kg (176lb) which will put my my wing loading at 1.17. So far I have only jumped on a silhouette 220 as a hire rig so obviously it will be a big change but I was just wondering what your opinions on this are, whether I get this rig or go for something bigger? Cheers :)

[JeffCa 0]

Have you looked at the PD sizing chart for Sabre2?

http://www.performancedesigns.com/sabre2.asp

It suggests that with your exit weight, you'd have to be an expert jumper to use it. Do you consider yourself to be an expert jumper already?

I'm lighter than you by 10kg, have more experience, and I'm using a Pilot 188. Had a downwind landing today (first down sets the pattern and screwed us over) that I wouldn't have wanted to do on a smaller canopy. I'd suggest that if it was you who was doing it on a 150, you'd be in the hospital now. I also arrived at my 188 size after slowly stepping down through sizes one-by-one, 280-260-240-220-210-190-188.

I'm passing on the same advice that was given to me. Move through the sizes one at a time, look at the manufacturer recommendations, talk to your instructors about when to move down, etc.

"So many fatalities and injuries are caused by decisions jumpers make before even getting into the aircraft. Skydiving can be safe AND fun at the same time...Honest." - Bill Booth

[Hellis 0]

Up to 150?
So that means it's a 135 normal fit rig?
And probably sized for a 120-126 reserve? You could probably get a ~140 reserve in.

Sounds ok to you?

[Aleks2116 0]

Haha and that's exactly why I asked so looks like I need to find a much bigger rig, cheers.

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

Highly suggest that you read all 22 pages of the following. Many of these drills can be helpful to you.

http://www.bigairsportz.com/pdf/bas-sizingchart.pdf

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[holie 0]

GLIDEANGLE

Highly suggest that you read all 22 pages of the following. Many of these drills can be helpful to you.

http://www.bigairsportz.com/pdf/bas-sizingchart.pdf

[havoc996 0]

Not that I am a guru compared to most on here, but I am new like you so I'm posting up. If you have a desire to remain in this sport and not be permanently disabled (After a large amount of PAIN) or dead I'd suggest you not even think about going smaller than a 180. You are talking about dropping around 80 SF of fabric in one jump. I understand the desire to get to the point of the wing loaded cross braced awesomeness that we see everytime we are at the DZ but I promise you there is NO quicker way to get to that skill level. I would assume you could ask anyone with experience at your DZ and they would tell you the same thing.

Trail mix? Oh, you mean M&M's with obstacles.

[Quagmirian 40]

Get a 210 or a 190, and really learn how to fly it to its limits. When choosing a rig, select your canopy sizes first, then find a container that matches those sizes.

As a great man once said, my opinion is worth just as much as you paid for it.

[shift 0]

Talk to your instructors, they will be your best resource.

Review the downsizing checklist posted earlier in this thread. You shouldnt downsize more than 20 sqft at a time on larger canopies, and even less on smaller canopies.

I would probably look for a container that is sized for a 190. You can fit a 210 in there. Preferably, your reserve should be as big or bigger than your main.

Edit: changed my size recommendations.

[shift 0]

Also, the downsizing checklist starts with a canopy size progression table. Basically gives you an idea of the smallest canopy you should be flying at your weight/skill level.

[riggerrob 598]

Wing-loading is too much when you cannot walk away from every landing.