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I recently bought a FOX 225 that has 20 BASE jumps on it. I weigh about 165 lbs. Is this canopy too small for me? I have heard differing opinions about it. Some people tell me it's boderline (ie. I could probably jump a bridge like the one in potato land and be fine), whereas others tell me not such a good idea. If it is too small, then what size should I jump? 265? 285?

You make the call.

Cheers,

Bigwall

they say to add 100 to your weight... 265 is my vote for what its worth

if you search the threads it's .75 WL or your naked body +100 lbs. I am nobody to give advice, but personally I am 177 out of the shower, and a 245 unvented FOX 245 which I currently use is soon to be up for sale so I can get a "something" 285ish. Still deciding on a Flik 293 or Troll 265...

You're probably going to want something larger in the future. Also depends on what type of objects you'll be jumping mostly. I wouldn't want to jump something that wee with off a low cliff or building, and then have a tight landing spot. No way.

If you're tracking away from a high A or big wall with a large open field to land in, then you're much better off. Jumping a bridge isn't a factor on opening either if you have a 180, but a cliff, building, or antenna is.

Just points to ponder. The +100 lbs is a good general rule of thumb. So is .6-.7 wingloading.

I'm assuming that the 250 jumps listed in your profile refers to skydives, since if you had 250 BASE jumps and were still asking this question I'd wonder how you were still alive--

Based on your presumed skill levels/low jump numbers, I'd put you on a MINIMUM of a 240. Of course this also depends on the type of jumps you primarily do/will do, as well.
What type of objects do you jump, mostly? What sort of terrain are you landing in? How high above sea level do you live? All things to take into consideration.

You'd feel pretty stupid about saving all that money on your canopy when you're in traction and fiending for painkillers.

The bottom line:
How much time do you have under a parachute? Would you say you've "mastered" any particular canopy(ies) in either discipline? If you answer yes, I suggest you halt your BASE career and go make another 500-1000 jumps.

good luck,
pope

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Yes. No doubt.

I'd get a 260ish or 280ish canopy. Personally, if it was me, I'd pick the larger (280ish) size.

Ditto. 260 at a minimum -- possibly a 280.

Things to consider:

1) How stable is your weight? If you routinely weigh more than what you are now, I'd seriously consider a 280. If 165 is the most you've ever weighed, a 260 may suffice.

2) Where do you normally jump? If it's at altitude, I'd definitely go with the 280.

3) Remember, it's not where you normally land that counts, but rather where you will have to land when things go wrong. (boulder field, uneven/steep terrain, trees, etc.)

Just food for thought,

Bryan

I personally put about 75 jumps on a FOX 225 non V-tech when I was starting. (I weighed about 140 pounds) I originally bought a FOX 205 but quickly learned that was waaaaay too small. I bought and jumped the crap out of an Ace 220 that is now in the posession of the NPS, and I often felt that the canopy was too small and fast for BASE. Especially in tight situations or sub-optimal landing areas.

I'm now jumping the BlackJack 240 and I think that's just about right. I think I would be underloading a 260. I weigh about 140.

You'll be fine at the Potato bridge but you'll definitely want something bigger if you're going to be jumping anything other than the bridge or tall A's with nice wide landing areas.

"You'd feel pretty stupid about saving all that money on your canopy when you're in traction and fiending for painkillers."

I need to add this to my signature - one of the best quotes I've heard (read) in a long long time.

Yes you are correct. I actually have about 300+ skydives now. I am looking to take an FJC in Potato Land this spring. I would like to show up there with equipment that is suitable.

No I have not mastered any canopy. I currently skydive a Sabre 2 170 and the FOX 225. I have been working with a canopy coach.

As far jump locations. . . . .I plan on the Potato Bridge first then I'll be open to suggestions from other more experienced BASE jumpers.

Thanks for the info Pope.

Ps. Continuum 2 was fucking great.

Cheers,

J.P.