From: belboz@frc2.frc.ri.cmu.edu (Barry Brumitt)
Newsgroups: rec.skydiving
Subject: Re: Need help on new main & reserve
Date: 15 Nov 92 19:05:08 GMT
Reply-To: belboz@frc2.frc.ri.cmu.edu (Barry  Brumitt)
Organization: Field Robotics Center, CMU

In article <83644@ut-emx.uucp> tlea@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Thomas C. Lea) writes:

   I'm fairly new at this sport with only 50 jumps.  I made the mistake 
   of asking my instructor to choose what he felt would be the best
   begginer rig.  I ended up with a Racer Elite(which I like) , a Raven 3 
   Reserve(1987), and a Glide Path Mavarone( New 248 sq ft) which I don't
   like.

An excellent choice for a beginner's rig. Though perhaps a used main
might have been better... I'm not sure your instructor told you
anything which was poor advice. Sounds safe and wise to me!

   I think both main and reserve are too big for my weight, which is
   about 175lbs.   The Mavarone is so damn slow flying, I hardly have to
   flare   on landing.

I'm not sure I agree. I think this is where you're instructor is
correct. It's about the right size for someone who just got off
Student Status... don't be in a rush to  get something quicker...
learn to sink in landings so you know how to land in tight spots...
learn to get *very* good at judging your altitide close to the
ground... and above all, keep jumping a canopy that'll *let you make
mistakes.* Because you *will*. One time, you'll flare a little late,
or your turn too low, or something, and the fact you've got 248 sq ft.
of stable canopy over your head will keep you from hurting something! 

Stick it out another 50 jumps or so, then you've could move down to
something in the quicker range, a bigger sabre (170-190), or maybe a
PD 210ish.However, in another 100 jumps, or perhaps 150, you'll want
something  smaller still (sabre 135-150, PD 190), and you'll be forced
to spend more $$. 

Stick it out 150 jumps, and you could move down to a smaller sabre, or
whatever canoyp is the thing-to-have at this point. Admittedly, it'll
be a bigger change, but you'll have better skills and judgment to
switch over to a fast canopy. Definitely a cheaper, more conservative
option. 

No need to rush getting a hot canopy -- you may pay for it in medical
bills! Or just in annoying sprained ankles! Or lack of experience with
larger 7-cells when you want to start doing demos or CRW.

   I've been wanting to sell it and get something faster but
   have not had any money, but now x-mas is coming around.   I don't feel 
   comfortable with the Raven because it seems to big and even less so 
   after hearing about the problems with sniveling.

I've used my Raven II reserve twice, and both times it was very snappy
on opening. The raven-snivvling problem only happens when they are
used as mains and wear out. ONLY if your Raven III has lots of jumps on it,
using it as a reserve may not be the wisest thing! Also, make sure
it's got the bikini slider modification. Ask your rigger.

     So I'd like some suggestions as to what would be a good combo.  I
   would like to get a swift reserve but am not sure about a main.   I
   plan on selling 1 or both depending on much I can get for them and
   if I can make up the cash difference on new canopies.  I'd
   also like to know what a good asking price would be.   

Can't help you much here... 'cept that you may want to buy a new rig
in 150 jumps or so, and having and older backup/extra riog may be just
the thing.... PD's make nice reserves though. (Can you see *my* bias?)
									
			Thanks    

   P.S.  This is my first post on the internet so let me know if there are
	   any problem via E-mail @ tlea@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu


Good luck!
Barry
C-21387.

--
Barry Brumitt                        belboz@frc2.frc.ri.cmu.edu
RI Graduate Student                  (or) bb1v@andrew.cmu.edu
Field Robotics Center                Phone: (412) 268-7144
Carnegie Mellon University           "Who is John Galt?" $ Skydive!

Boring Disclaimer: The opinions contained herein do not necessarily
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  represent those of the FRC, SCS, RI or even CMU.