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Not so much a camera trick as I recall though...

I just bought a brand new Safire2 169 from bigway (Gary) back in December and I've put over 50 jumps on it already...it rocks. I've also jumped a Sabre2 and a Pilot and I must say that the Safire2 is the best of the bunch. The Pilot opens softer but isn't as responsive or as much fun to fly. The Sabre2 is about equally fun to fly but doesn't open as smooth and has a lot heavier riser pressure. I am pretty sure that if you pick up that Safire2 that you won't be disappointed.

Sweet...thanks for the input. Anyone else have a similar experience with LiquidSky?

Just remember rule #56...Don't fixate on one woman. ALWAYS have a back-up.

I talked to Luis but I wanted more perspectives! And the jumpsuit isn't the reason I don't jump with you...you have 999,711 more jumps than I do and I don't want you to make me look stupid in the air! But then again I've never actually seen you on a load...Florida...PR boogie...CK...

Yeah...I've been leaning toward LiquidSky too...I was on a load in PR where pretty much the entire load was wearing their suits...obviously they're doing something right. Anyone dealt with LiquidSky and could tell me about their customer service and how long the average wait time is? And Karen...there is no way in hell you'd catch me in that monstrosity you call a jumpsuit!

I started jumping a year ago...I found a great complete used set-up that consisted of an older Javelin with a 215 Safire, 220 Raven reserve and a CYPRES with a year left on it for $1650. I was able to downsize to a Pilot 188 with the same container. After several months of jumping I decided to invest in and got a great deal on a new container and canopy (Wings Vision w/ Safire2 169). I would definitely go with used gear while you're getting into the sport and then invest in new gear once you've figured out what you like and what will suit you the best. New gear is awesome since it is custom fit and designed so that it will be all yours, but there's really no need for that when you're just starting out. Good luck with finding some gear and improving your skills...don't be in a rush...things will fall into place if you give them a chance to.

I've searched the forums but haven't found anything current in regards to freefly suits. I am looking at buying a new suit and am wondering where I can get the best deal? I need a custom fit with low drag. I have been looking at LiquidSky, Ouragan, Firefly and FliteSuit primarily...I love my RW suit from FliteSuit but it took a while to come in and I think they are going to be busy building jumpsuits for JFTC in the near future. Any first hand experiences and recommendations would be awesome.

Still $50...had one packed in December right as the cycle changed to 180 days.

Update for anyone that cares... I ordered a new reserve ripcord handle and haven't been jumping the rig...plan on getting it replaced prior to getting it back in the air (luxury of winter in the mid-atlantic and having a back up rig). Thanks to everyone that contributed advice. I'll look forward to Hackish's findings.

Hell yeah! I wish I could make the roaming DZ boogie coming up but it's a bit too far for a quick weekend trip. Delmarva has a great vibe and it's your only option for jumping in Delaware Keep your eyes out for the MAX (Mid-Atlantic Xtreme) Boogie sometime this spring/summer at Delmarva...it will definitely be EPIC! http://epicconceptions.com If you make a road trip out of it, you should check out West Point, VA too...they have a phenomenal vibe and great people too...plus a King Air that gets up almost as quick as Mullins'...

This is definitely a great program. I started skydiving in May of last year at Skydive Delmarva and actually passed through West Tennessee Skydiving on a road trip in June. Mike made me feel extremely welcome as a fresh off of AFF student with only 8 jumps and of the four jumps that I made while I was there, both a videographer and an instructor jumped with me for free on two of my jumps. It was an absolutely great experience and I will definitely come to visit again the next time I am anywhere near Memphis. As someone that has taken advantage of both the RW Concepts free coaching and jumped at West Tennessee Skydiving as a student, I must say both places were terrific. I wish that I could say the same for another dropzone that I visited while I was progressing where I found myself cast aside and struggling to get on a load, let alone find someone to jump with. I applaud the new program and particularly the fact that you are paying the coaches slot...something that I don't believe Delmarva does...the RW Concepts Crew is awesome and goes above and beyond by providing free coaching while also paying their own slot...my hat goes off to both programs for their dedication to the sport.

Actually...National Guard and Reserve are welcome to attend the Black & Gold Competition... Must be Active duty, National Guard or Reserves for November 8-11,2008. Orders must be in hand and NOT WEEKEND DUTY. You can find more info at their website: http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/goldenknights/Webpage2005_content.html You should definitely look into it next year...it is an amazing event!

I ended up taking the rig along and jumped it a couple times after I had some riggers take a look at it and determined that pull force is within limits and didn't notice any signs that the pin might break...still here and didn't take a reserve ride so who knows what would've happened... Not planning on jumping it again until I replace the pin on the next reserve repack. Thanks for the advice and suggestions. Blue skies!

Flite Suit...you won't be disappointed.

I bought a comp body suit by flite suit last August and have absolutely loved it...it has articulated knees and booties that kick ass. I bought it after seeing another one at the DZ and I think the quality is better than I've seen on any other jumpsuit. It is a bit expensive but you definitely get a quality built suit.

Yeah, I had it out of the flap for the pic to make the bend visible. I'm thinking that I will just order a new one and replace it with my next re-pack in a couple months... from what I can tell and gather there shouldn't be any huge risk of jumping it between now and then though? I'll have a rigger check it out to get their opinion first hand...was just trying to see if I should haul it along this weekend or not.

I have a Javelin J4 container that I just had my rigger swap a CYPRES in last month and I noticed that the reserve closing pin was slightly bent somewhere in the process. I have attached a couple of pictures to try to show the pin and the slight bend. I am wondering if this would be airworthy or not? I don't see anything that would impede the pin if the ripcord was pulled but I definitely don't want to take a chance with this. I am planning on taking this rig to Florida this weekend as my back-up rig and I'm wondering if it is even worth hauling along?

I'm heading down from Maryland...planning on hitting Lake Wales for their CASA for at least a day or two. Then maybe Z-hills and Sebastian? You going with anyone else from X-Keys? I know a couple people from up there...

I learned how to skydive at Delmarva after checking out all of the DZs in the area. They had the best value and their instructors are second to none. Even though other DZs are closer to home, I will always call Delmarva my home DZ...the people are some of the best around and will always make you feel like family. Additionally, the safety and professionalism of the instructors and staff is top notch...there is simply no better place to learn how to skydive in the mid-Atlantic. Whether doing a tandem, progressing as a student, or fun jumping, head to Delmarva and you won't be dissappointed!

Is SSM going to be open after Christmas and through New Years? I am probably going to be in Dallas and San Antonio after Christmas and I'm looking for the best place to jump...any suggestions?

I just bought a new wings vision with all the options...cut in laterals, articulation and foam are all awesome! You definitely won't regret adding them on!

Sounds like a great time...can't afford to go home for Thanksgiving, might as well skydive! Count me in!

I stopped by Skydive Smoky Mountains on a road trip and was immediately welcomed and made to feel at home. I was only able to get one jump in but the views of the mountains were absolutely amazing. All of the instructors were very professional and helpful in making me feel comfortable away from my home DZ. I would highly recommend Skydive Smoky Mountains to anyone considering making a tandem jump or going through an AFF course as the instructors will be able to provide personalized and dedicated instruction throughout the program. Also, the accessibility of the DZ (just a mile away from the interstate) makes it a must stop for any experienced jumper. Great place w/ great people!

I was taking a road trip from Maryland to Arkansas and stopped by West Tennessee Skydiving for the better part of a day. I was welcomed immediately and felt like part of the family. The King Air climbed to 14,500 feet in about 10 minutes which was a welcome change from enduring a 30 minute climb in a cessna to only 10-12k feet. I loved everything about WTS, they had a huge packing area and air-conditioned classrooms along with bathrooms, showers, and camping areas...even a pool for the kids! The paved runway is also great for new jumpers to be able to identify the DZ. My only complaint is that WTS isn't closer to home! Anyone passing within 200 miles of Memphis needs to check out WTS, it doesn't get any better!