Megatron

I'm looking to downsize from a 190 to a 170 main. Planning to rent a 170 rig this weekend and give it a go. Will this feel like a big change? Im currently ~205lb, the 190 loads at about 1.1 for me while the 170 would be roughly 1.3. As a student I started on a 280, then a 240, and finally the 190 which Ive been jumping for some time now. Never has downsizing come with much of a learning curve for me. As a matter of fact the improved handling and increase flare has resulted in more precise flying of the canopy and consistent stand-up landings on the 190. Please note that while the 190 is an F111 canopy, the 170 will most likely be a ZP.

it happen to me! ..sometime like my 20th jump..adjusted my student rig too tight and couldnt find my main pc handle in free fall. three quick tries...went straight for that reserve handle and pull the fuck out of it waay before the aad had a chance to do it for me.

I'm was just thinking about some of the statistics regarding safety. While skydiving seems to be relatively safe for what it is, (about 1 death per 100,000 jumps & ~30 fatalities per year) one has to wonder what percentage of consistent skydivers will eventually be killed in a skydiving related incident. First, let me define what a "consistent skydiver" is exactly: A consistent skydiving is a licensed skydiver who completes at least 5 jumps per year with no more than 2 recurrency jump required. I just made up that definition so maybe you can think of some better criteria but hopefully it will cover at least 80% of licensed skydivers (even those who dont jump very often but still keep doing it on a regular basis). Now lets select these "consistent jumpers" from a population of all USPA license holders who received their licenses in the year 1988 (20 years ago). Now of these individuals, what percentage are now dead as a result of a skydiving related incident? Does anyone know? Or at least know where I could find the data I would need to get the statistic outlined above? While from a statistical standpoint even the slight 0.001% chance you have of being killed on any given jump is outweighed by the infinite utility of life, I feel that the satisfaction derived from this sport is worth that rather small risk. However, I might be inclined to sit back and give some real hard thought about staying in the sport throughout the course of my life (which is the case at this point as I have no intention of quitting) if the mortality rate for life-long skydivers is something as high as 10%, lets say. btw, I realize that the risk is the same for every jump and does not depend on how many jumps you have previously completed or how long you've been in the sport. Still, its an interesting statistic to have.

thanks for all the input! Im still a bit partial to both. Does anyone know what the weight difference is between the two (if any) assuming similar sizing.

Im looking to get a new container (which would be my first)..did some research..and its come down between the following two models for me: The Voodoo & the Mirage G4. I just wanted to take a poll from the community and get your take on why you would choose one over the other. Please note that I intend to use the container in the following way: 1) freeflying & speed skydiving 2) wingsuiting (once I have enough jumps ~80 to go) 3) coach jumps (I intend to get a coach rating within the year) Obviously safety is my number one concern..but comfort is a close second and a small rig isnt too far behind. Ill be jumping a Saber 2-190 with it and soon downsize to a 170 but no smaller. I appreciate your input.

Hi, Im fairly new to the sport (60 jumps) and looking to buy some gear, I could use some advice as far as what to get..Im not very familiar with all the choices that are out there. I dont have alot of money to spend so Id like to invest more where it counts and go used where I can get away with it. I was thinking about getting a new custom fitted container, and going used on the main and reserve canopies. Id like to get an ADD but dont know if I could afford it..an RSL would be nice too. Im mostly into freeflying and formation at this stage so my container would have to be freefly safe and have some hip rings. Im currently comfortable with a 190 main (~1.15 WL) but I occasionally jump a 170 and will probably downsize at some point so my container would have to be able to accomidate both sizes. Id like a main canopy geared towards softer, more stable openings (larger slider??)..nothing too docile but a safe, fun ride down is my main concern..not so much performance at this stage of the game. I have no intention of swooping but front riser handles are a must. A docile reserve goes without saying I guess. Any suggestions on possible Brand/Model container and canopy combinations? Another alternative is to buy a complete system used...Ill check the classified section but if anyone has approximately what I described above please let me know...even is it's not close, I will consider buying if the price is right. Thanks for your help!!

Hey people..just wanted to say hello to everyone here, I just signed up. Ive been jumping since the spring and finally got my A-license in august..got 60 jumps so far! I love skydiving and feel like its what my life was missing. My goals at the moment are to obtain a B-license then a coach rating and eventually fly a wingsuit (which is why I got into the sport in the first place). I usually jump at skydive aggieland in college station, tx and sometimes skydive houston in waller...any locals out there?? Ive yet to buy my own gear and could use some advice which was my main motivation for finally joining so please feel free to give your input on the thread Im about to post. Thanks and blue skies!