skycop

I've jumped a Dolphin my whole career. I like the rig for it's value. Colors are not a big deal to me. With that said, many peeps at my DZ have purchased WINGS containers. The new Dolphins are free-fly friendly. I've got two rigs, both Dolphins, one old style with velcro tabs and no riser protection. one new, with full riser protection. If you want the cheapest and colors aren't a big deal, go with the Dolphin. For a little more $$'s and more color choices, go with WINGS. Both are good values for your hard earned $$'s IMHO "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I've had my Sapphire for 5 yrs. Other than sticking a couple of times on the way to altitude, it's been fine. i bought it used from a military special forces guy, I'm sure he abused it, but it still works great! Like any other piece of equipment, make sure you cross check it on the way to altitude and you'll be fine! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Well, I have small hands and feet.................. Girls, do the math............. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Amen, EVERYONE (including me) on here needs to take a step back and put things into perspective!! Sometimes we all get our priorities fucked up! The next few weeks and months will test us all. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I'm with ya bro!! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Keep your head down and KICK ASS!! Good Luck! Semper Fi! (even though I'm an Air Force guy) P.S. I spent Sept. 01-Oct. 02 kidnapped by Uncle Sam, I may be joining you shortly....AGAIN! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I believe it was HER that started this (I think) in another thread, so lighten up!.............it's still a valid suggestion though. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I think a naked packing video could fund many things............Just a thought. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

umm.... I'd like to order some cookies please.......... "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

They put itty bitty bottles in MRE's (Meal, Ready to Eat combat rations) it even makes that shit taste good. Although they have gotten a bit tastier (did I spell that right) over the years. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Well by gosh we would'nt want to make anybody mad! Let's just give em' a big hug (not with nuclear arms though) and build them some self esteem! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

It may be sad, but it's also reality. The same reality that kept the peace for 60yrs. MAD never became reality (thank god). "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

PLANNING........this is PLANNING. The military has to play out the doomsday scenarios in order to be ready for all possible outcomes. War is a dirty business, nothing clean about it. One has to be ready for the unexpected. We informed(through back channels) Iraq in 91 that we reserved the right to use nukes if they decided to use chemicals or bio weapons. There's nothing new here, so everyone don't get your panties in a bunch! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I did that once in a glider in Denmark, what a HOOT!! It's kinda like being shot off a carrier deck! I was told they were using an old 455 cubic inch Oldsmobile engine to power the winch. After they disconnect the cable it just floats down. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I'd also say we are very good at inflicting necessary casualties! Obviously violence is a last resort, but when you decide to use it, it has to be used in an overwelming manner to show the enemy the futility of continuing to resist. That's reality "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Hello and welcome!! Come on over to the levee and i'll buy ya a beer! Blue Skies "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

It's the unnecessary part dude! Those bombs prevented many more casualties than they caused. There was another thread that addressed this issue. It boils down to the equivalence thing again. The fate of the entire world was at stake then, it took decisive, NECESSARY action. Andy, we need to do a jump together! After that we can drink beer and argue! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I see alot of the moral equivalence argument by anti-war types here. There is no comparison between the U.S. and the Iraq human rights record!! Anyone who compares the two lives in a dream world! We go out of our way, historically speaking, WAY out of our way to avoid unnecessary casualties That my friends is a FACT. I believe in the leadership shown by this administration, anyone who doesn't think we are fighting for our very survival is wrong. This war, should it happen will not be easy, there are many variables and the outcome is anything but certain. But I believe it is necessary for the stability of the whole world. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

Give me a break!!! Ya da ya da ya da!! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I'd go with minimum 170, a 150 may put you into a bad situation. 100-200 jumps on a 170-190 will teach you how to control your canopy with a larger margin for error. Remember, it only takes ONE lapse in judgement for a trip to the hospital or worse. I'm a 7-cell kinda guy, I'd go with the Spectre. Triathlon's are good canopies too, and they pack a little easier. IMHO Blue Skies "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

As far as training requirements go, for officers they are fairly high. Other than becoming a fully certified ninja, the possibility always exists that someone could disarm me in any number of ways. Surprise, physical strength, unfluence of drugs etc... We train for all those possiblilties, the average civilian conceal carry training is poor in my opinion, 16 hours or less from my experience. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

The issue is weapons retention. In a physical fight, I'm spending almost as much energy keeping the bad guy off my sidearm, as I am trying to end the fight. This is the main reason I discourage people from carrying mace, any weapon you have can be used AGAINST you. The average citizen concealed carry holder doesn't get into nearly as many physical altercations as I do. The 1/3 number are officers who are engaged in violent confrontations. There is a gun at every call I go on, MINE! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

That is entirely incorrect! 1/3 of all cops killed by firearms are killed by their own weapons. The numbers vary from year to year but the 1/3 figure remains fairly constant. I believe in concealed carry but, with strict training requirements. It sounds funny but I rarely carry while I'm not working. Mainly because it's a pain in the ass and in most situations I won't be able to use the weapon anyway. A professional witness beats a gunfight in most situations. Another reason is, and I'm agreeing with Andy (go figure) here, I refuse to live my life in fear. I work in an inner-city area, and live in the outskirts. I don't like to walk around constantly thinking someone's gonna get me. I'm aware and cautious but not paraniod like some people I know. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

I always start my speeches this way, when asked to describe the feeling of jumping. "It's kinda like having sex, and being in a train wreck............ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I'm married, so i NEVER have sex, but I really dig train wrecks!! That's why I skydive!" That seems to get their attention and break the ice at the same time. I don't know your marital status, so wing it!! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..................................................BOOGIE..BOOGIE.. BOOGIE..... Chicka BOOM! There I feel better!! "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!"