jumpinjackflsh

+1, agreed.... The main thing I was looking for was whether or not it would be advantageous and aka, worth it. Thanks for the feedback, essentially, and I'm not surprised I need to hit relative work and all my basic skills evenly as opposed to getting hyper-focussed on one area.... Highly appreciated

Thanks JC, Appreciate the lengthy reply, definitely what I was looking for. Re relative work and the rest, they are definitely my focus as I move forward to become an accomplished skydiver. Re solo tracking dives, etc... I certainly will not make that my primary effort. Apologies for giving that impression. Proper technique, docking, turns, etc... are my number one focus on fun jumps and will be for some time, well, all the time, lol. However, I was just curious, if the tracking suit, would add to my abilities regarding future wingsuit flight. Re coached freefly, fs, etc.... I'm totally on board. I got some tunnel time years ago at Perris with Patrick (may he rest in peace) and it actually did a world of wonder for my control, etc... Even though I had only 30 jumps when showing up there. Thanks again for your response, Jack

Ok gang, first things first I'll say this. I'm safe, I listen, and I follow prescribed info, from not only the USPA but even more so, those in the know.... I'm working on my goals and objectives for 2013 in the air and i'm looking at getting in at least another 150 skydives as now that my kids are grown and I'm single, no barriers to being at the dz most weekends. That said I'm at 75 jumps now... I will be at / over 200 before attempting a wing suit, and will of course do a FJC with a qualified mentor / outfit. That said, tracking dives for some odd reason are amongst my favorites and from the beginning when tracking, I thought of wing suit. So, after all that background, my question to you all is, should I spend a few hundred on a tracking suit, and have it for awhile prior to moving to a wing suit? Is there any benefit to that? Of course I'm assuming I'll enjoy given higher performance tracking, etc.... Thanks ahead of time for all your thoughts, much appreciated... Jack

Looks like a unix geek to me!

Without a doubt! 42 all the way!

+1 ROFLMAO... The eighties were hell on me! lol, dying, good point... I tend to get em mixed up. Damn glad I lived through it, though many times I can't believe it.

This is an awesome question... Coke, Skydiving, Love... All the same effect with different levels of danger. Number one effect? Directly after having some? You want some more. You read about it, study it, watch videos about it, and do it every chance you get. The moment you are done doing it? Your next thought is about the next time that you do it. It makes you feel supremely powerful, lights up all your endorphins, and you feel empty when you don't have it. My advice? Avoid it like the plague. It's ten times more dangerous than skydiving and unlike the other two, you are guaranteed to lose more than you bargained for in the process. Lastly, the other two won't land you in the slammer. Now, for the stage? Grint your teeth a lot and tighten your jaws like your in pain, but with a smile. Act like a jackass, basically proving to everyone around you how supremely powerful, intelligent and amazing you are. It will, ruin everything in your life, in time. Even the most strong willed people succumb to it eventually. Blues, Jack

I've been lurking here for months, while pouring through my SIM and digesting everything I can. I was off seven years with a total of 68 skydives. I have to agree with Dave here. Upon returning I drove to Skydive Chicago (i'm in STL) and dropped off my rig for a re-line, repack and complete air-worthiness verification. I have an old, albeit pristine Vector II with a Strong ZPO 190 and a PD 190 reserve. I have to say, SDC handled everything well, along with making me sit through a refresher course and jumping with an instructor to verify I could maneuver and jump in control. In my previous jumps in STL at Quantum in Sullivan and Archway in Vandalia I had the pleasure of being taught by some amazing people, jumping on a few big ways and got some tunnel time in Perris Valley back in the day. Even with all this experience for a newbie, I'd still list myself as a beginner/newbie and will continue to until I hit at least 500-700 skydives. Read the forums, speak with your instructors, keep your mouth closed and ears open. So many amazing people out here will help you out if you only help yourself and display some humility. Anyway, back to the 190. Strong only made them for a limited time, they fly like a Sabre 2 (i'm told) and I love mine. The re-line made it's flight characteristics even more aggressive, it takes VERY little toggle input to maneuver and frankly I was more than a little anxious on approach and landing, wandering if I should've jumped rental in the 210 to 220 range. I've made four skydives in the last month, stood them all up and getting reacquainted with my gear is proving to be enjoyable. However, I respect the fact that my chute is, what was once termed high performance and I'm getting set up to do a canopy course in early 2013 so that I can gain the necessary skills to be a good canopy pilot. I can honestly say, with the performance I've experienced on the 190, I don't see myself downsizing at least for another 250-300 skydives. The risk isn't worth the reward. I've learned that risk from listening and watching. Too many people to this day, getting broken and/or dying under perfectly good canopies that they either aren't qualified to jump and/or simply because shit just seems to happen. I'm 5'8", 180 pounds, exit weight around 210. A 190 really is, more than exciting, good speed on approach, etc... I'd also like to shout out to all the wise ones here and say thanks, so much for your consistent input, sharing of experiences and love of the sport. Don't stop, people do listen (if not all) and the information is priceless. Just my 2 cents, fwiw from a newbie. Also, search the forums here for Brian Germaine's canopy downsizing chart. It's pretty clear on what makes sense for all of us, at every level. Jack