Harness Container system.
Harness container systems are like Japanese cars, they are
essentially the same. There is so much cross breeding and when a new
container comes around, its because someone is pissed at someone else.
My personal choice of containers when looking at reliability,
maintenance, spares availability, manufacturer responsiveness, and
resale value is a vector. Vector has been around so damn long that it
makes Chinese civilization look like it was born yesterday. They may not
always be the most innovative but they do have a quality product that is
relatively trouble free. The company is profit motivated. they deliver
for money. It seems that most the other companies always have issues.
How many ways can you fit webbing to the human form? When purchasing
a system you need to make sure it fits correctly. The reserve and main
should fit there containers snugly when packed. There is a tendency in
skydiving culture to cram as much material in as smallest size as
possible. This makes the container very stiff on the back. It also makes
containers extremely difficult to close leading to forcing rigs closed ,
damaging grommets and bending pins.
When considering parachute vs. container volume, consider the
environment you will generally be skydiving in. A dry hot climate will
make parachutes harder to compress. (Of course your sweating all over it
will help with the humidity question.).
Sizing the harness to your body is extremely important. Having the
correct length for your torso will make a difference to your comfort
under parachute as well as being able to find cut away and reserve
handles.
Automatic activation devices.
This is a must. If you want to become a famous skydiver and
everyone's friend, there are two ways to do it.
One way is go to jail for a long time, the other way is to bounce. ie
die , shuffle of this mortal coil, be no more, cease to be , be an ex
skydiver. This basic philosophy (Philo_love sophy- Wisdom)
is commonly exhibited by the top? movers in skydiving. It appears the
reasoning runs into such things as I can save my own life. Its only
because the DZ wants it. I am invincible, I don't care. I am in
control of the situation.
This reveals an inherent lack of intelligence. When you get
knocked unconscious when knocking your head on exit. see discussion on
helmet), get knocked out by zoomy in a poor dock or simply space
altitude awareness, the first thing your skydiving comrades will say, is
"alas I knew him well" The good thing is you will have many
new friends at your wake getting smashed. Heck someone may even get laid
in honor of your memory. Crater tours are great for wet windy days. If
your crater can be found it will be peed on.
This is what happens when you bounce, Your enemies rejoice . your
friends drink too much and get arrested for drunk driving, the Dz owner
gets sued by your hated great Aunt. the lawyer gets richer, The airport
shuts down your favorite hangout, Your skydiving buddies have to find
new places to hang. Your worldly possessions are redistributed to the
people you detest the most.
If you must kill yourself at the DZ , my personal favorite is the
hook turn. Think at the additional trauma you can create. You go in in
front of a crowd , Total strangers will enjoy the image and have a story
to tell forever. You will have lots of attention from emergency
responders and medical staff. You will have time to contemplate
your demise. Maybe you will even make friends with the hospital priest,
rabbi, other spiritual comforter. Some folks you know may actually come
and comfort you in your last hours. The pain will not be to great due to
legal drugs.
Protect your friends, annoy your enemies , stay alive.
Wear a automatic activation device.
Altimeters:
Gee we really don't need a long discussion, wear one.
Helmets:
Wear one the odds of staying alive skydiving are greater than dying,
the odds of being killed are greater than being paralyzed, The odds of
getting your head bashed in on a bad landing are really good. Reduce
your risk factor. Wear a snug fitting comfortable helmet that will
protect your head from minor impacts.
Jumpsuits:
Check out your skydiving discipline and get the jumpsuit that works
best. (Kind of obvious huh?) Every DZ has its preferences , in my
opinion go with the flow. Jumpsuits don't substitute for skydiving
skills but they so assist in regulating fall rate and looking cool.
Physical exercise and diet also assist in these endeavors. I personally
have never managed to purchase a custom built jumpsuit that has
fitted correctly. I buy off the rack, try it on ,it works for me ,
Great.
I hope this demystifies the buying process for you, perhaps it just
shows you how hard or simple it can be. Either way I will be happy to
assist in helping purchase equipment for you. Just remember I don't work
for free. I accept cash, cashiers check or visa. My wife
wont let me accept payments in sex, My company wont allow me to accept
payment in drugs and I am tone deaf so I don't take payments in rock and
roll.
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