jbred74

I'm finally down here at Rucker, currently in BOLC. Haven't been skydiving in almost 2 months now... so I'm dying to check out this new DZ. They still jumping? Its been getting pretty cold...

I'm a relatively new jumper/packer, jumping a Sabre2 210, and I bought the M5 sized container which is ideal for a 190. I also have intentions on being able to downsize twice and keep this container for a long time. The 210 fits just fine, but it definitely takes a little muscle to get the sucker closed. I'm also jumping a relatively new canopy with less than 50 jumps. I say if you plan on keeping this container for a while with downsizing capabilities, get the smaller one and just suck it up on the tough pack jobs. If nothing else, it will definitely make you a better packer...

Well I'm glad I was able to create a good discussion. I remember reading somewhere (probably here on DZ.com) to compare rigging and assembling/repairing gear to mechanical work on your car such as the brakes. If done improperly, brake repair/replacement/etc can cause your brakes to fail and you to go flying 70mph into a barrier. But there is no regulation stating that the brakes on your car must be maintained by a certified mechanic. I worked on and changed everything regarding my cars brakes without ever having done it before. Sure it may have taken some extra time and a lot of reading and referencing the manuals, but I did it. And my brakes work fine. But I wouldn't mind becoming a certified mechanic, trained by the professionals. Just like how I would like to become a rigger someday, to learn more about my gear and be able to pack everything on my own. But again, time and money are always an issue.

Ah... Just got mine yesterday as well! It was very exciting considering its my first rig and so far, I love it. Can't wait to get it assembled/packed and jump it this weekend...

I've got a PD Sabre2 with soft links, Smart reserve with soft links, and Mirage G4 container with D bag and collapsible pilot chute. And like I said before, I have no interest in assembling and packing the reserve and plan on leaving that totally up to my rigger. So this question is for attaching and assembling the main canopy parts.

Wow. Thanks for all the advice guys. If I do choose to assemble anything, it would ONLY be the main canopy to the main risers plus D bag and pilot chute. Nothing too special. Honestly, if I had the money, I would sign up for a riggers class to get certified and pack all my own equipment, but funds are currently a little short. And getting jumps in is a higher priority right now. And I would definitely have my rigger look over my work before heading out to the DZ. But no one answered the question about there being any special tools I may need to assemble the main canopy parts...

I hit 81 during a tracking dive and I'm 240 lbs out the door... was definitely tracking the hell out of that jump...

So my new Mirage G4 just came in the mail today, and now I have to get everything assembled. I have my reserve, main, and AAD. I'm curious how many of you guys out there assemble your own rigs and how difficult is the actual process? I only have 38 jumps under my belt, but I'm a quick learner and usually prefer to build and assemble things on my own. I plan on getting a rigger to assemble and pack the reserve, I'm just interested in doing my own main canopy assembly from the risers and D bag, to the pilot chute. Are there any special tools I may need? Or just simply follow the instructions from the container and canopy manufacturers? Thanks for any help.

After jumping the student/rental rigs, one of the biggest things I was looking for was comfort in the harness and also something freefly friendly. So I went for the Mirage G4 full of options. Final price was just about $2300. Military discount FTW! But we can't all be that lucky...

Do you know anything about the Ft Rucker Aviation School students not being allowed to skydive? My LTC down here at my school just told me today that they are pretty strict on what they let you do. I'm not trying to miss out on skydiving for 18 months...

Hey, I'll be out at Ft Rucker for atleast 18-20 months starting the end of Nov for my flight training. I saw this new DZ pop up on the dropzone locator fairly recently as when I did a search previously, the next closest DZ is close to 2 hours away. So I'm excited about coming out to jump with you guys later this year. Looks like I'll be spending more weekends jumping than I previously expected with a DZ this close. Do they plan on operating throughout the winter months?

I'm with you on this one... I haven't gotten into the whole micro brew scene yet, but have tried lots of beers. But so far, Blue Moon remains my top favorite. Drank plenty of Dos Equis when I was in Mexico. Way better than Corona, which is more like Mexico's Natty. But I'm always down for drinking some Bud light or something similar if that's the only thing around. Not big on the darker beers...

What size reserve are you using? PDR 176? One of my instructors suggested I start off with a 193 so I may end up paying extra for a new Optimum 193 for the smaller pack volume into the M5... Oh well...

According to Mirage's container sizing chart, the Safire 2 and Sabre2 are listed for about the same sizes for each container. The M5 listing a Safire 2 189 as optimal and a Sabre2 190 as optimal. So I guess if he was packing a 209, then a Sabre2 210 should also fit. As far as weight loss... I'm coming off a stress fracture in my foot from a few months ago, so just getting back into running again. I also just spoke with Jeannie at Mirage and she recommended that I stick with the M5, especially since I'll probably be downsizing rather quickly and I'll still maintain the ability to downsize to a 170 as well. Thanks for the input guys.

I'm looking into getting a used Sabre2. And considering I placed my order about 3 weeks ago, its a little late to change. My current body weight is about 205, exit weight maybe 235.