xijonix

I believe it would best for you to understand how different manufacturers express the sizes of their harnesses. Javelins for example have it right in the name C-17 "C" being the yoke size and "17" (or whatever number) being the MLW. Mirage has a similar system where they list the MLW, leg straps, and Laterals respectively on the TSO tag. That being said, I am 6'2" 215lbs with a 44" chest and large thighs. My current rig is a Wings with Large yoke and MLW. I've also had Javelin C-19 and a Mirage 19/24/+.5 Hope this helps

What are the requirements for different manufacturers?

The Javelin is IMO the most comfortable fitting but I'm not a fan of their main pin flap. I prefer those used by Mirage, UPT, Wings, etc.

I had a flat spin on every one of my jumps from the time I was cleared to self-supervision until my coach jumps; Around 30 jumps. As soon as I had someone else flying with me, it just went away and thankfully stayed gone.

I have mine set up opposite than yours (small bands for locking stows and double wrapped large bands for the rest. This is on spectra lines, which are you using?

PayPal for payment. Make sure that the money is sent as "goods or Services" and that the additional 3% is factored in by the buyer. I've been scammed twice buying rigs on the the classifieds, for 5k and 3.4k. Both times I had my money back within 10 days. As long as they are verified on Paypal, then you're safe. Otherwise don't do business with them.

They are separate units. Some like the Neptune 2/3 can be used as EITHER a visual altimiter OR an audible (in ear alarm sounding) but not as both at the same time. Then there are those like the VISO and Altitron that are just visuals and those like the Solo, Optima, and Protrack that are just audible.

This all makes sense now. Thanks -J

Indeed it is.

I'm trying to attach a bungee cord to my leg straps for sitflying but the attachment points are on the outer edge of the leg strap. I'm really not familiar with their location, but I assume they would be on the inside edge. Thought?

This. While you may feel disciplined enough to let you shiny new rig sit in the closet, I promise you there will come a time when you tell yourself that you're ready when you know you're not; probably because you will tell yourself that you don't NEED to spend the money anymore since you have a rig of your own. Hell, you might get away with it once and land alright, maybe twice and you will fell that you were worrying for nothing. Eventually you will end up in a bad situation, whether it be winds, landing factors, or whatever and see just how aggressive your canopy can fly. You won't even have to worry about your reserve size, because it's the main that will do the damage this time. I'm surprised nobody brought this up yet, but I was told that the pulse is slightly more aggressive than a novice canopy which is what his qualitative experience level will be when he jumps this canopy. Even PD describes it as such: "The Pulse is a lightly elliptical nine cell canopy designed for the active intermediate to experienced "fun jumper."" Even if he losses all the weight he says he can and goes back down to 183lbs, that still puts his exit weight around 208lbs and thus would fall into PDs "Advanced" Category. If he only loses 20lbs then he would fall into the "experienced" category. Now I know he said he takes canopy courses, but shouldn't this be cause for concern as well?

I should have clarified. I ultimately did choose not to jump it and asked if I could have that main rigged to a different setup. My initial though was that it would not be suggested to someone if it wasn't safe, but like you said, it's my life and my decision which he respected. I'm Comfortable with one downsize, but two in an already bad situation just didn't sit well with me.

I do sometimes if I forget to do it before, but then the damage would on the tail of the center cell only which it is not so I don't believe that is the problem.

From what I remember, there is no real distinction between their gear just for student and those for recently licensed jumpers. They just have a wide selection of varying sized and this one in particular had a 190/150R set up.

Its a 2001 Triathlon. It still has the original lineset that is now due for a reline so I suspect it has around 600 Jumps or so. I give it a good looking over every month or so. Every stitch, every seam, every line attachment point, top skin and bottom skin I go over.

After reading the thread about the new jumper deciding on what size reserve to get, http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4509476;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread It got me thinking about some of the Rental gear I jumped and whether or not the reserve was actually appropriate. I'm about 225lbs with gear. When I was ready to jump a 190, the rig I rented had a Smart 150 reserve in it. I personally felt that the reserve was too small to be paired with that main, but assumed that the gear shop owner knew more than I did and wouldn't tell me to jump it if he felt it was not safe. I cant remember if there were any other combinations like this, but this one just keep me pondering. Has anyone else experienced rental gear with reserves that were too small and is this a common thing for rental gear?

After giving it another once-over, I managed to get some pictures. When looking at the nose of the canopy, they are all on the cell to the left of the center cell but a few feet apart.

Are you saying that you think he should be testing a 170 at around 75ish jumps with a 1.3 WL or did I miss something? Not trolling, I just usually hear people's advice on here being more conservative with their wingloading.

I never actually knew what the squares were or what they were called. I always noticed them, but just thought that had something to do with how the fabric was manufactured. The only time I've ever heard the term "ripstop" is in regards to some tape that can be used to fix small tears, but have heard that it causes a bigger problem than it fixes.

It was indeed a serious question. I take from the earlier comment they are the squares visible up close on the fabric.

How big is a ripstop square?

I have one professional patch on my canopy that was done before I purchased it. After giving it a thorough inspection this past weekend I noticed a few 0-1cm tears in various locations along the top skin. So how is one to judge when a canopy has too much damage and is not worth fixing and should "small" tears such as these be cause for concern?

Check out this thread at Chutingstar. It has a bunch of articles on what you should be thinking about when it comes to your first rig. It might be a little ways down the road for you, but it never hurts to have the information sinking in. http://www.chutingstar.com/expert-advice/skydive/buying-gear

We see everyone ask what they should buy for their first canopy with the consensus being something forgiving. But how about after that? After you already own your first rig and have no real "need" to get another canopy since you could just continue jumping the one you already own, What did you buy and why did you buy it? I personally love the Triathlon that I have. It allows me just enough room to learn some canopy control without having to up my wingloading. Taking downsizing out of the equation and having demoed some of my contenders for my next canopy, I've settled on a Pulse or a Pilot; whichever I can find first in the right size and price. Point being, I don't need another canopy because the one I have now works just fine. I do however know what I want to move to when it becomes available. So what about you?

Can anyone shoot me a picture and their experience of their W14 with a PDR 176 packed up? Ive got a Raven II in mine now and it looks overstuffed, but the PIA canopy comparison chart lists a Raven II pack volume at only 419 and the PDR 176, which sunrise lists as tight, at a pack volume of 447 cubic inches. Something doesn't seem right either with those measurements or my container. I'd appreciate any information