275RLTW

I'm in the same exact spot as you and here is what I have been doing and some advice I've received from others at the DZ: -Try out as much as you can. I've been renting at the local DZ for a while trying different containers, canopies, sizes, options, etc... This has given me a good idea to base my decisions on. Testing different canopies at boogies is a good idea as well. -Talk to the riggers. What issues do they see with different containers and canopies? What things do they have to repair and how often? Who complains about their gear and why? What gear seems to hold up to abuse well? What do they prefer to pack & why? -What does the DZ use for student gear? This gives you an idea of what is "grunt proof" and very user friendly and able to fit a broad range of people. -What do most of the jumpers in your ability at that DZ use? Are they all using the same gear because of a push from the mfg/pro shop or because it is good gear? What gear do they sell off and what do they hold onto? -What gear do you intend to use the longest? I agree with getting a new container and a used canopy. I can use a great container for years while I go through several canopies (within the container's size allowance) or change them according to my needs. -Dont be in a rush to downsize canopies. I won't regurgitate what has already been stated on here many times (a quick seach will give you tons of info). I've learned that the urge to downsize is always there. However, being able to fly a certain sized canopy on a good day and when things aren't as good are two different things with a potentially deadly outcome. I haven't gained anything that significant from downsizing that is worth dying for. -It seems that the "you get what you pay for" axiom applies to skydiving gear. I've seen almost everyone that has bought cheap gear end up getting something better very shortly afterwards. The ones that haven't aren't at the DZ very often. I know I'm not nearly qualified to talk about specific gear as I'm not experienced enough and I have no idea what YOUR needs are. The above is just some advice I've been given from others and what I've used to make better purchases. RLTW