From: esj@wasp.eng.ufl.edu (Eric S. Johnson)
Subject: Re: Advice for new jumpers buying gear
Reply-To: esj@wasp.eng.ufl.edu (Eric S. Johnson)
Organization: U of Florida Engineering Computing Services
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 92 03:44:33 GMT

In article <1992Oct5.193256.3745@leland.Stanford.EDU> eap@leland.Stanford.EDU (Eric Perozziello) writes:
>
>This relates to the RSL/riser failure problem, I think. One of 
>the manufacturers claimes that the microline/miniriser combination
>was more vunerable (particularly with a roll pack, full moon, etc)
>because the microlines don't absorb as much shock as std lines.
>I'm sure it can be a safe system, but may be weakening the 
>weakest link.....
>

True. Right after I posted as to how I had never heard/read about the micro
line/mini risers problem, I saw an article in the latest parachutist that
links micro lines (spectra) to mini riser failure. This is due to spectra's
resisitance to stretching, and delivering more opening shock to the risers.

Spectra is also stronger, has high abrasion/cut/tear resistance, good UV 
resistance, and high electrical resistance. Packs up smaller too. 
Ive done CRW with it too. Micro line doesn't suck. ;-)

Im still of the opinion that the real problem with minirisers 
is the minirisers themselves. If you jump them, be aware. The current
designs are just not as strong as they need to be sometimes. Also, as I have
pointed out before, there are new designs coming out which are stronger.

>We can all add to them and polish them, and maybe store them
>in the archive as gear.purchace.guidelines, or something (EJ ?)
>
>It's easy to get swayed into buying *anything* when you're new.
>This could be helpful for "first gear seekers".
>

Well, Im reluctant to produce "the" guidelines for first gear seekers.
But I will gladly put anything in the archive which is properly 
attributed.

(after rereading, I feel I should point out that I have no interest
in any gear sales, new or used. )

As a JM and a rigger I often get queried about what to buy off student 
status. New jumpers come in all shapes and sizes, and most importantly 
pocketbook sizes. 

Some want brand new gear, color coordinated down to the pullup cord.
Fine.  I explain to them that they *will* sell it for something smaller
within a year or two, and that the resale price will be about 8-1200
less then they paid for it. They don't care, they want to look cool.
Because they can afford it they sell the gear (in whole or parts)
within a yaer or so and buy new color coordinated stuff.  Thus they
provide a great market for the next type.

Some don't know what they want, but do know exactly how much they want
to spend. They have resigned to spending $1500-$2000 for all their
skydive stuff. Usually pay in plastic.  I recommend that they get used
gear, and not worry too much about color coordination.  Buy a used main
slightly oversized for their weight. Get a square or round depending on
their budget. Square/square used will be $1000-2000. Average is
$1500ish Id guess. Square/round used will be $500-1500. I often
recommend swooping up a good complete deal being sold by the previous
type. When they sell it a year or two later, they sell it to people in
the third type, and use the money from the whole rig to buy a new
main.

And then the third type. I might see this more then other net folk due
to the local demographics. The skydiver who has barely been able to
afford to get off student status, and the idea of a $1500 outlay for
used gear seems impossible for them. Renting forever can be real
expensive, besides having a baby skydiver switching gear every weekend
is not safe. For these folk you dig out the REAL old gear. The old
wonderhogs, the old racers, etc. Good safe gear, but it looks as old as
it is. Throw a 26' and a old main (but not too ratted out, this should
be the most expensive part) in it and voila - a safe used rig for
$500-1000. If taken care of, the rig/reserve will sell for as much as
they bought it for.

Do have rigger check it out. Don't fear riggers who work at your DZ
simply because they might have sales interests. No one is interested in
selling you *unsafe* gear. *Your* budget will decide how nice it looks,
how comfortable it is, and how old your main is....

Ej 

(who still owns the "lady" astra with a ragged out clipper and super
22 reserve he bought off student status. And jumps it. Into water.
Every once in a while ;-)