kwmontreal

That could be, as I am a relatively new to skydiving (3 1/2 yrs.). See "Teflon instead of curved pin" thread in this section, as Bill has made his debut in his usual comprehesive and informative way.

Call the retailer and explain the mix up. If it is new they should be able to take it back and send you a wrist mount (plus or minus a couple of $$). If they don't its really bad customer service. Let us know what happens!! Jump Safe! KW

I pay about the about the same as you!! If I pay more, I'll scream. (same DZ and rigger). KW

This folks, is the reason my new Mirage will be arriving next week. Thanks Bill, I hope you have some free time to post more factual info in the future. KW

I agree with you that if you find a good/careing retailer that will give you that level of personal service, go for it! Being from the north east I have only listened to good things re: square 1 ( no Lisa, I am not looking for a discount!! ;-)). I started jumping on a very slim budget. I couldn't afford to dream about new gear. I was fortunate to choose an amazing DZ whos all volunter staff cared (http://www.maloneparachuteclub.com/). I ended up buying some second hand gear from other jumpers at the club, and eventually pieced together a rig for under $1000.00. I jumped that rig (vector,swift,pd190) for the last 2 seasons and am finally getting new gear delivered next week. I am happy that I went the route I did. The new container will only need to be changed when it is worn out, as I and Stuffing a 170 into it, and don't forsee that I'll be jumping a canopy small enough to warent changing the container. I had really good solid people around me, who guided me to inexpensive, SAFE equipment. For me it allowed me to continue to jump. The key is finding that someone who is knowledgable and who cares. Weather that be a retailer or your local DZ riggers/staff. Thats my 0.02 worth. Being Canadian I guess thats about 0.01 in US funds!! LOL Jump safe!! KW

As a student I jumped Mantas (290) until I got my A licence. I then put about 40 jumps on a Sharp Shooter ((240). I then went to a PD-190 as my first canopy, and put over 100 jumps on it. I only moved down to a Saber 170 when I knew I could do just about anything with the PD190. As with most good advice you will get here ...... take it slow and be conserative. Its all good.

Lets praise thoes manufactures who deserve it. There are a few who stand out like L&B (protrack), and Mirage to mention two. I always leave a review in the gear section when something like this happens. It might have some affect on the other manufactures. In the very least, it will indicate to others in our skydiving family that certain companies are "top notch"!!

I have about 170 jumps and am moving down from a PD190 to a saber 170. I did demo a Stiletto 150 and it was way to zippie for me!!! (fun up high, but a little wild on the surf). It was also my first 0-P flight. I figure I'll crawl a while before trying to sprint!! I'll be loading the Saber at 1.235 .

I had a problem with loosing the rubber buttons (set/mode). I e-mailed Mads and he just said to send it back, and he would rectify the problem. So I shipped it overseas (from Canada) and it was back within a month!!!. It also contained a nice note and some extra batteries!!! WOW a manufacture that takes the bull by the horns!! Perhaps other companies could take a lesson from L&B. I can think of one company who had a rather large recall of their reserves!!!!!!!! I hope your listening!!

I would love to get my hands on Brian's new canopy!!! I guess the secrets out!! Air lock and crossbraced, that has got be be some wing. Hats off to Brian and "Big Air Sports", it is innovative individuals like Brian who will take us to the next level!! Cheers Brian and thanks from all your "extended" family!!!

I know that this may sound silly, but, why put a pocket on the d-bag? You wear pants/shorts? Pocket on your jumpsuit, and my personal favorite, Three pockets on my packing mat. One for bands and stows, another for extra closing loops, and yet another for slinks and pullups. If you must have your pocket on the d-bag, take your main out of the bag before sewing!!! ;-))

I set my Protrack at 4500 (break off), 3000 (time to pull), 2000 (time to start thinking/doing reserve procedures). I guess everyone is different. I just figure at 2000' and under a high speed mal does not leave much time to react to and start to cut and pull. Better safe than sorry.

Pay attention goofball!! This is not nessary !!.............. I hope I an reading this wrong!!

I have not noticed the 3rd alarm on my ProTrack .... (knock on wood). So I would say that it is not normal. Go direct to the source and e-mail Mads Larsen (managing Dir.) at L&B. [email protected] I have dealt with him about a problem with the two buttons coming off, and he is a real honest guy . The best after service of any product I've purchased !!

A pro dytter is an easy investment to justify .... BUY..... it is to be viewed in the same light as a Cypress. It is a back-up tool only (batteries wearout, electronics fail)!! As you become more accustomed to jumping, you will find it easier to "multi-task". Keeping altitude awareness should be one of your primary concerns (as you now know). We have all gone low ..... we just don't make a habbit of it!! ;-))

It goes without saying (maybe not!!) that taking the precaution of protecting your melon should be automatic. Being Canadian it is kind of funny the way we here "its our right to choose", and and a bunch of other expressions that have to do with freedom issues (I don't want to sound like I am American bashing!!). I have 3 DZs close to me and I choose to jump in the USA for several reasons. One of thoes reasons being that sport jumping in the USA has much less gouvernmental regulatory tampering. Yes you do have the right to choose to wear, or not to wear a helmet, BUT, be aware that if too many people are not making intelligent choices for themselves, WILL lead to more regulations. Even if we come to beat up each other on this point, ...... I hope that we can continue to do so for a long time to come . This would mean that you haven't wacked your melon and are healthy. There are no certanties in life (other than taxes and death), but it is possible to cheat on both. (note to the Revenue Canada, I am up to date!!) Your chances of remaining healthy are much improved by a helmet! PERIOD !! Talk about beating the perverbal dead horse!!

Hi John, Why give up when you have won the major battle. Sounds like you would be an excellent addition to any DZ. Its a shame "WE" skydivers have to work for a living!! If we could only control the weather !! *** Take part in your DZ's safety day !! *** Blue skies & sofe landings!

I also wear glasses and have taken the same route as yourself. Two years ago I ordered some goggles from Sportrx.com (g-103 model), and am loving it!! They are great but take a little getting used to. Kinda like when you get a new perscription (BUT they are great!). I wear an Nvertigo helmet and they don't bug me at all, unlike thoes Kroops over the glasses monstrosity. Get some perscription sportrx goggles and enjoy!!

I personally took the slow road. I went from a Manta, to a Sharp Shooter, to a PD190 and then to a Saber 170 (loaded at 1.25). I am real happy I progressed and learned to handel each canopy. I have seen way to many people rush to be "in". Take your time ...... perhaps buy a "used" rig with a 190. Put a 150-200 jumps on it and learn to be a competant and safe canopy pilot. Buy new next time around!! You can then purchase a new container to fit say a Saber 170 (tight) and use it to progress down to as low as a Stilletto 135 if you wish. The worst thing you can do is rush!! Go to a nice stable canopy and learn how to fly (stalls, front/rear riser work ...... ect). Have you ever thought you may need to control and land your canopy with only the risers? Conserative is safe !! Blue skies and soft landings.

I have my new rig coming in a couple and I have yet to purchase a reserve. On Mirage's web site they give "tight" and "moderate" as as ratings for different reserves (M3). I know comfort is secondary to safety, but, on the other hand I don't want to spend all this money and feel as though I have a 4 x 4 post straped to my back!! I am already packing the main tightly? I would appreciate some help/opinions here. PD160R or PD143R?? Thanks KW

I can't say enough about this DZ!! Three years ago I visited three DZ's to see where I wanted to start my new hobby. The first two DZ's were not very friendly and were just to impersonal and very buisness like. I ended up in Malone one Sunday afternoon and stayed for five hours!! The people are amazing and down to earth. They are all there because of their love of the sport. I have since jumped at other DZ's, but few can come close to the atmosphere of Malone. It also happens to be one of the least expensive DZ's and at the same time, one of the safest. I chose to remain jumping in Malone for their quality. Quality equipment, Quality training, and last but not least ...... QUALITY PEOPLE !! My new hobby three years ago is now devoloping into a passion. I attribute that to all the regulars and club members who make this DZ special!! Thanks to you all!!