Thanks for the article Bill. When I was looking around for my first rig several months ago I was constantly trying to seek information like you've provided, and am very grateful to those instructors who took the time to help me. I weigh 77kg without gear and had been told that I was particulary good under canopy and thus should look for a 150 main (saber or the like). Going from a 240 student boat to a 150 seemed like a huge step down so I opted for a 170 main with a 180 reserve. My point is that it is up to every jumper (esspecially new ones) to ultimatly make their own decisions regarding their life; advice from informed, experianced and well intentioned jumpers is invaluable- but the final choice is up to each person who must live with any consequences of their actions. If people don't do their own research ( as well as seeking advice) when buying equipment as important as a parachute, then what the hell are they doing jumping out of planes?
