New vs. Used for first rig

parashootist

Recently completed a FJC and am looking into getting my first rig so I can stay current at the Perrine which is nearby. I'd love to save some cash and buy used but since this gear essentially saves your life each time I'm considering going new for peace of mind. Is it worth it to go new or should I buy something used for my first setup?

Thanks!

TomAiello

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

Did you happen to take the Snake River BASE course? I don't recognize your username, but it's new, so I can't say if I know you.

If so, you can just borrow gear (without limit) to jump the Perrine and stay current.

If not and you need to buy gear, my advice is to buy a cheap used rig if you're only going to jump the Perrine. That way you can bang out a bunch of jumps (and potentially thrash your gear with beginner mistakes like water and tree landings) and then order new gear for next year, when you (a) have hopefully had a chance to demo a bunch of different rigs (BASEgear.net has demos from several manufacturers on site in Twin Falls), and (b) are through the early phases of your BASE jumping when you'll be much harder on gear.

Note that I'm only giving that advice for Perrine Bridge jumps. If you want to jump more technical stuff soon, then my advice would be different.

Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
Snake River BASE Academy

parashootist

Re: [TomAiello] New vs. Used for first rig

Tom, thanks so much for the reply. I did my course with Miles since a friend had taken his course in the past and thus that's the one I knew about!

I think for the foreseeable future I will be jumping the bridge only. I come from a paragliding/speed flying background so this sport has a fair bit of new skills for me to develop. I felt like I progressed well during the course and look forward to continuing that progression.

Thanks again for the advice, from my lurking here it seems you're a great resource.

See you at the bridge!

hjumper33

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

Nothing at all wrong with most used gear. There’s a ton of people that get into this sport and they get out quickly. I didn’t buy new gear until I was in the sport for several years. If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting it yourself, have your mentor help you out. Stay away from stuff stored near car batteries, multiple salt water landings, or owned by Australians.

parashootist

Re: [hjumper33] New vs. Used for first rig

hjumper33 wrote: Stay away from stuff stored near car batteries, multiple salt water landings, or owned by Australians.
hahaha, funny thing is I was offered a Flik by an Australian but it has a claimed 220 jumps on it. New lines and one patch. I think I'd like to go with something someone bought and then didn't end up using much.

I think I'd be okay inspecting it. While a very different sport, it's still similar enough to paragliding that I think I'd be able to notice glaring defects. I suppose the main issue is that I'd likely be buying sight unseen online.

Is age much of a factor for containers? I was offered a 2014 Blackjack with under 20 jumps but the container is a 2000 Perigee Pro sized to fit me. (the container I want but that's pretty old)

Skez

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

What if u buy new and its faulty theres no forced rigorous checks etc in base jumping like skydiving gear...u roll the dice with half these dodgy managacters out there lol..your the test pilot .....ps I'm not being serious but fuck buying new expensive as shit just to jump that pussies bridge....a raven would he overkill Haha

GOON AN JUICE

parashootist

Re: [Skez] New vs. Used for first rig

Skez wrote: What if u buy new and its faulty theres no forced rigorous checks etc in base jumping like skydiving gear...u roll the dice with half these dodgy managacters out there lol..your the test pilot .....ps I'm not being serious but fuck buying new expensive as shit just to jump that pussies bridge....a raven would he overkill Haha
Haha I love how jumping the bridge is considered pretty tame when it's something like .001% (probably less) will ever do. You're right though that a piece of used kit has likely proven that it works.

I don't intend to jump the bridge solely forever but until I'm more competent/confident in the sport, that's the plan. Someday I'll hit spots in Moab for sure. Already guessing the height of every antenna I see and pondering their suitability for jumping.

Looks like used is the way to go!

So if an 18 year old container appears to be in physically good condition, is there any reason it shouldn't be good to go? I'd imagine a perigee pro is likely over built.

Heat

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

Have you considered the Rook by Apex BASE? A lot of bang for the buck.

Isfjorden B.A.S.E.

parashootist

Re: [Heat] New vs. Used for first rig

Heat wrote: Have you considered the Rook by Apex BASE? A lot of bang for the buck.
I've looked at it. It's about the same price as a blackjack and a gargoyle or similar container. Definitely competitively priced but still about a grand more than the used rigs I'm looking at.

Dadsy

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

I think a grand is worth the 18 year difference

NEVER TRADE THE THRILLS OF LIVING WITH THE SECURITY OF EXISTENCE

parashootist

Re: [Dadsy] New vs. Used for first rig

Dadsy wrote: I think a grand is worth the 18 year difference
Yea that setup that was offered to me was a 2014 blackjack 260zp with 18 jumps and a 2000 perigee pro for $1650. The canopy is what I want but the container is definitely old.

Skez

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

I've seen a parachute as old as 40 years still in good condition ..then theres shit used by an "Australian" that's only few years old and fucked ....Haha but yeh common sense here hey..like think about that bloke that used old shitty risers and learnt the hard way...

GOON AN JUICE

parashootist

Re: [Skez] New vs. Used for first rig

Skez wrote: I've seen a parachute as old as 40 years still in good condition ..then theres shit used by an "Australian" that's only few years old and fucked ....Haha but yeh common sense here hey..like think about that bloke that used old shitty risers and learnt the hard way...
Yea, I don't want to learn anything in this sport the hard way!

BodeyM

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

If you pick up that rig, you could definitely still pick up another newer used container for under a grand.

parashootist

Re: [BodeyM] New vs. Used for first rig

BodeyM wrote: If you pick up that rig, you could definitely still pick up another newer used container for under a grand.
Yea, there's a fairly new Blacksheep Talus for $600obo, could be a good deal.

JDS

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

parashootist wrote: Tom, thanks so much for the reply. I did my course with Miles ...

Why don't you ask Miles D????
He would be the one to ask... he probably has a rig to sell you.

Huckleberry

bluhdow

Re: [Heat] New vs. Used for first rig

Rooks are in short supply these days. Building them as fast as we can but they move quickly.

Not sure what size you’re after but we’ve got a couple of stock 280s moving through production now. $2,700 gets you a full kit, brand new, built to your measurements.

Used gear will be cheaper, just be sure to have a qualified rigger or manufacturer check it out. Most used gear can benefit from a little tune up between owners.

#1816

parashootist

Re: [bluhdow] New vs. Used for first rig

bluhdow wrote: Rooks are in short supply these days. Building them as fast as we can but they move quickly.

Not sure what size you’re after but we’ve got a couple of stock 280s moving through production now. $2,700 gets you a full kit, brand new, built to your measurements.

Used gear will be cheaper, just be sure to have a qualified rigger or manufacturer check it out. Most used gear can benefit from a little tune up between owners.
I'd be looking for a 260, any of those in the queue?

TomAiello

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

parashootist wrote: bluhdow wrote: Rooks are in short supply these days. Building them as fast as we can but they move quickly.

Not sure what size you’re after but we’ve got a couple of stock 280s moving through production now. $2,700 gets you a full kit, brand new, built to your measurements.

Used gear will be cheaper, just be sure to have a qualified rigger or manufacturer check it out. Most used gear can benefit from a little tune up between owners.
I'd be looking for a 260, any of those in the queue?
There might actually be one in stock in Twin Falls, but I'm just getting back into town after three weeks in California, so I don't know for sure. Check with John at BASEgear.net.

Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
Snake River BASE Academy

TomAiello

Re: [parashootist] New vs. Used for first rig

parashootist wrote: Is age much of a factor for containers? I was offered a 2014 Blackjack with under 20 jumps but the container is a 2000 Perigee Pro sized to fit me. (the container I want but that's pretty old)
The effective service life of a container is almost infinite, if it's treated well. Honestly, I think that sounds like a really good set up at a good price.

If you just want the BJ but have to buy the whole system, shoot me a PM. I'll buy the Pro from you (or work out some kind of trade for another container, if you want).

Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
Snake River BASE Academy