MorfiusX

The price on the AMD is definitely better than the Intel's I've been looking at. But from the info I can find, the Core i7 2700k seems to beat the AMDs hands down. Have you compared the two? (I ask because I am getting ready to build two new rendering machines for my DZ with similar requirements mentioned)

Enjoy the beer!

Your result may not be the same as mine, but I have been jumping a XXL for a couple months now. I have noticed that the foam fits my head better and it is easier to get on and off. Overall, it just has gotten more comfortable without sacrificing fit. For reference, when I tried on the XL, I could barely get it over my jaw.

A (British) friend of mine told me when I first started "Pretend you are getting you d*ck sucked through the letter slot in a door".

At what altitude was the reserve packed? What altitude is the landing area of your DZ? Field elevation was surveyed at 650ft. (http://www.city-data.com/airports/Middletown-Regional-Hook-Field-Airport-Middletown-Ohio.html)

It may be a long shot, but try updating the firmware.

I am just s newbie as well, but wouldn't it be smarter to avoid jumping in heavy winds?

I second this. I did a tracking dive last Friday. I exited last and only stayed with the group for about 5 to 10 seconds. Though, a couple people had cameras and my lesson was that my actual body position wasn't what I thought it was. I still have an arch, my arms are swept back, and I'm not pushing hard enough with my feet/legs. At least now I know what to work on...

Here are more pics from yesterday: http://morfiusx.imgur.com/caribou#a8NCS

Ask the instructors at your DZ to help you with your canopy skills. I wasn't able to make it my DZ's course, but I will be working with the instructors there and working through the course a little a time. All of the instructors I know would be willing to help someone be a safer jumper.

My main concerns with full face helmets are fixed with the Cookie G2. The peripheral vision is excellent and the locking/hing mechanism is very secure.

I did a hop n pop from ~1800 ft using a rented rig with a student Cypress... Everything turned out fine, but got scolded a bit when I got down. Yes it was dumb, and yes I am glad I didn't end up with a two out.

Many of us in the Dayton/Cincy area jump out of Start Skydiving. I've jumped at SGC, but don't really care for it. If you need any info, let me know.

I totally understand students not using them. I also understand not having tinted goggles during dusk/low light jumps. Other than these two, I couldn't think of a safety reason not to jump with them. Your original reply made it seem like there were large number of concerns, thus I asked for you to elaborate. I usually wear tinted goggles. Now that I am using a G2, I use sunglasses under the visor. I also wear contacts, and squinting in bright light distorts my vision. I use some type of tinting on about 80% of my jumps.

Could you elaborate?

I have them on my rig, but I bought used and it wasn't a choice per se. If I was to buy a new container, I probably wouldn't get them. They are handy, but one more thing to check during gear checks. I agree that it's really just a personal preference.

I was going to mention this. Hans's price is unbeatable.

Swoopers would have to deal with two out every time they jumped. I may be new to the sport, but from what I'm aware, 30mph is pretty easy to achieve under a fully functional canopy.

Our DZ did a tunnel camp in Orlando in Feb. I hit both DeLand and ZHills while there. Both are nice places to jump. Jumping from the Sky Van was fun at DeLand, and the atmosphere at ZHills is nice.

I use a full face for FF (Cookie G2) with an Optima and a ProTrack. Both fit perfectly. I think most audibles are about the same size, and all of the L&B are close to the same size. Just put it in if it works and you like it, you don't have to spend the money on another helmet. It's mostly personal preference thing anyway.

One version of the video has the VAPA notes that summarize their argument that the citizens fourth amendment rights were violated. They argue that checkpoint procedures were not followed. The first link is the video with notes. The second link is more information. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meGJ0Wiou3U http://www.veteransagainstpoliceabuse.org/TotheBorderPatrol.aspx

I think the answer to that is pretty simple: The Constitution. As long as we are talking about a US citizen on US soil (or returning to US soil), then the constitution supersedes all laws and government regulations. "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin

I would love to... But I spent all of $1200 on my first rig. I priced a UPT container because I was having trouble finding something my size (I'm not exactly small...), $3500+ was a little pricey for a newbie... (And if your gonna buy new, might as well get all of the options )

OK, but I get to borrow your base rig...

I haven't jumped in a couple months, but have a tunnel trip planned in a few weeks. My rig has been packed and stored in my gear bag the entire time. Should I repack the main before jumping it? How much time can go by before I need to repack it before a jump?