Basejumper.com - archive

Hey All

I've been considering getting into Base for a little while now. I have just under 300 skydives, and 3 years experience.

I was hoping that I could get some advice with regards to gear.

I'm considering just getting Apex gear, but I've also heard someone mention the Blackjack canopy because of its flaring ability.

I'm interested to know what sort of recommendations other might suggest for a newbie base jumper.

Is used gear the way to go? (like with skydiving) Or would I just be better of just getting new?

Is there any ancillary gear that I might be missing...and just not think of. (Slider, Pilot chute, bridle...what wouldn't come standard with a container and canopy?)

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks.

theres a whole section on "getting into base" under articles on the home page. it has everything you just asked especially gear. read it over then ask q's that you still may have. its a pretty thorough article.
i can add that base isnt really like buying your first skydive rig. if you get the right size canopy you wont be needing to downsize or buy faster eliptical wings later on.
do your research, get good base specific modern technology gear and youll jump it till it wears out or you die. which ever comes first. j/k :-)

You forgot to add....

"or you sell it and buy a Trango." :)

P.S. To the original poster, a Trango is a terrible starter canopy for BASE. You'd be better off not even considering it until you have a good 50 jumps or so. It wears out quickly, is easy to tear if you're not careful, is more difficult to repair, and is not suited for the majority of BASE jumps.

That said, once you start jumping cliffs, you'll want your second rig to be a Trango (and your main rig to be something more universal like a Troll, Blackjack, Flik, Rock Dragon, etc.).

I'd say buy used BASE specific gear!

If you find out this sport is not for you then
you do not risk wasting as much money...

And if you love it then your second rig can be
exactly what you want, brand new, and in the
colors of your choice.

Hey Steve, why don't you contact some of the local guys? There's a few TeamFX guys pretty close to you. I can get you a contact number if you wanna ask them a few questions. Let me know.

Jim