How Much Should Gear Cost
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We received a few phone calls this week asking for a post regarding gear costs. As we reach the end of the season up north many newly A licensed jumpers are being turned out, and are not sure of where to turn with regards to buying their first set of gear. If you are a new Jumper and have questions on where to buy gear, the first thing I would suggest is to go to your rigger or AFF instructor. However if you are not able to get the info you require feel free to email us and we will try to help.
We have complied a brief query of what some gear should cost you and have added a link to Chuting star for reference.
Remember
* If it sounds to go to be true - it more than likely is !
* Always refer to your rigger prior to buying used gear for a complete pre buy inspection
* Ask around your DZ to see if anyone has a coupon - Many cases your rigger might have a discount they are not using.
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Financing can be expensive
Make sure you are doing research on your financing company.
* What is their APR
* Will this $3,000 rig cost you $4,500 after interest
* How will it affect your credit
With all that said below you will find the average cost for NEW gear.
some of these prices are subject to change but we have given you a good starting point.
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Your new rig -
Container - If you are going to buy each item separate you will have to start with a container. On average when buying a stock container you should expect to pay between $1,700 - $2,900 depending on the unit and its options
AAD - No matter if you believe you need one or not most DZ's are starting to make it mandatory that you have one and you have a few choices. Your AAD should run you from $999.00 to $1,200
Reserve - No need to explain why we all need a reserve and you have a few choices. Please talk with your rigger to find the best fit for not only you but your container. A reserve should cost you anywhere from $1400 - $1700 depending on the make and model
Main - With so many manufacturers, I have decided to stick with PD for this one. You can expect to pay anywhere from $2300 - $3000 give or take. Again do your research and see if any of your friends might of won a discount with in the last year that they may not be using.
* note - as a new skydiver I would recommend going used as long as your rigger checked it out. You are sure to want to down size in the near future and buying a new main might not be a good choice esp if you are jumping a lot. Also make sure you talk to someone who can correctly advise you on what size container to buy if you plan on downsizing.
Complete Rigs - If you have the money and want a one stop shop, a complete rig might just be for you. These range Base from $6,500 - $8,000. Prices can go up or down depending on if you choose a stock container and what you want to stuff it with. If you have any questions please refer to your rigger.
Helmet - If you ask me this should be your first item. No one wants to share a helmet with someone who was just sweating in it a few jumps ago. Again with many different styles and manufacturers I am going to stick with Cookie for this list. I fly cookie and love all of my helmets and I think you will to. A Cookie Fuel ( open face ) will run you Base @ $249 / Cookie G3 will run you Base @ $379 and the new G4 will run you Base @ $439 *note the new G4 is a crash rated helmet !!!!
Altimeter - This should be the second item you buy, this way you are not waiting on the guy or girl that rented it right as you go to the DZ to finish for the day. To tell you the truth this was my first purchase as the scenario above happened to me while I was a student and I just wanted to fly. I am going with an Alti-2 for this as it is the most common unit I see across DZ's from A - up. A new Alti-2 should not cost you more than $169.00 and come in many different colors to match your rig. If you are in the market for a digital please see the link i have at the bottom of the page.
Link to Chuting Star