davevans

I did my AFF there after doing two tandems. Even before I started AFF everyone talked to me like I had been coming there for years. Had a great instructor through AFF and never felt stupid asking questions, and trust me there were/are a lot of them. Had the same instructor all the way through AFF, so you really got to know their teaching technique. Now even after AFF everyone still helps me improve my skills. They always still take the time point out what I can do to improve, but in a constructive way. Now that they have a PAC or Otter, you can get a lot of jumps in a day. Just an all around great vibe and people.

Yeah I actually live about 15 mins from both sunshine factory and sunrise. Going in there to check everything out and get fitted. I'm leaning more towards the spacer foam for comfort, but don't know if I'm making a stupid mistake passing on the stainless

Yes, can only choose 1. I live northeast of tampa and will mainly be jumping at skydive tampa or skydive city. May jump up north when I go to visit the fam in PA, but mainly down here. I'm about an hour away from the beaches.

I am coming off AFF and was lucky enough to obtain one of the 50% wings coupons and would like everyone's advice on my final option choice. Its my first rig, but I do intend to keep it a while. Its an articulated rig and I'm trying to decide between the basic (not deluxe) stainless steel upgrade or the spacer foam back and leg pads. How comfortable are the standard pads, or is the $150 upgrade cost worth it. I can only do one or the other due to budget, and have not had enough exposure/experience to determine which is the better way to go. TIA, Dave