StevenBooyzen

Like someone else mentioned, you wont need stills for RW. Unless your team require a photo of every point they turn hahahahaha. My setup i started off with was a Sony CX-150(with 0.75 lens) and a Drift Ghost-S. Currently im using 2 x Drift Ghost-S cams on my helmet only. When filming RW both is set on video, when filming tandems i set the one to stills and the other to video and add the external mic. I did bought a Canon dslr somewhere in between but since now i have not found a valid reason to mount it to my helmet and i doubt that i will find a reason. But its a nice addition to my camera bag along with a zoom lens to take pics at the dz.

I agree on their rigs being bulky and not as small as other rigs with same canopies in them. Also had a new Vortex 135 with 120 main and reserve in it and it was basicly as big as my wife's 190 system. The design of the rig is also very square if you look from behind, for some that might not be a problem. Fit of the rig is generally ok even if its custom ordered to your size. Overall its a not too bad rig for a first rig considering you get what you pay for. And also if its your first rig you wont know what you missing out on not wearing something else. Their webbings are also much harder than what my new Icon were on receiving it. Makes a BIG difference in comfort. If all of the above is not a issue go for it, but if you would prefer a more snug/comfy fitting rig which appear smaller go for some of the bigger names.

Trust me no wuffo gf/wife will be ok with it unless you spend same amount on her like others have said here. I once made the mistake to choose a girl above skydiving and promised myself i will never do it again. After that when i met a girl i would told her straight away what my passion is and that will not change. So then few years back i met this awesome woman who promised me she will not take my skydiving from me, (ya right thats what they all say in the beginning). So the one weekend i took her with to the dz and she did not do one but two tandems. The next time she came along again and did her 1st jump course. I didnt thought that she would carry on skydiving and was just doing it to impress me. Well i was so wrong, she's already planning on what rig she's is gonna buy when her current rig expires in 8 years. We are at the stage that she is the one complaining we dont skydive enough and we should be jumping more often. I could not have asked for a better wife(yes i did marry her) and skydiving partner. So to get back to your question, get a wife/girlfriend that is just as passionate or even more about skydiving than what you are.

Thanx riggerrob, your conclusion at the end gave me the answer on what to choose.........., cordura. I dont need something thats more durable than cordura which already is durable enough. Just thought that the ballistic would give a different look which it probably will coz of the coarser weave pattern, and i might just not like the look where i know what to expect to get on choosing cordura. There's no price difference between the cordura and the ballistic container so the cost is of no influence.

Well the topic basicly say it all. Im odering a new ICON container and there's a choice of material for the container. I've spoke to the manufacturer so what i know is what he told me; more wear resistant and ideally for student or swoop rigs. Im by far not yet in the swooping category and also not in the student category, im jumping a 120 main. What i want to know is there any other real advantage on the ballistic or should i stick to what i know, cordura. Does the ballistic have any effect on closing the main container, meaning does it close more difficult coz the ballistic perhaps doesnt have as much stretch as cordura ? Any input would be much appreciated so i can make my decision and order my new container.