equipment

[guest]

Is the "Vision" container considered the "Javelin" of BASE jumping?
I have already bought my pass to the 2003 Bridge Day event and need to get equipment. I think that event is good for someone to get their first jump. Is Vision as good as any other container for 1 to 12 second delays according to popular opinion? Is Velcro or pin the best according to todays popular opinion? and finally the canopy, Mojo, Ace, Blackjack
I need something dependable and on heading becauseI know I'm gonna screw up something starting out. Is all gear interchangeable?

Thanks,
Dennis

[imported_Tom Aiello]

>Is the "Vision" container considered the "Javelin" of BASE jumping?

I don't think anything is considered the "Javelin" of BASE jumping. The Vision is an old workhorse--tried, true, easy. Once upon a time, there were more Visions out there than most anything else. Nowadays, you're more likely to see Perigee II's and Reactor IV's.

>Is Vision as good as any other container for 1 to 12 second delays according to popular opinion?

Yes.

>Is Velcro or pin the best according to todays popular opinion?

I'd say that popular opinion varies on the pin v. velcro issue. You might want to search the archives for the (numerous) threads on this question. For a beginner, I'd personally recommend starting with velcro, especially with your planned range of delays (1 to 12 seconds).

>and finally the canopy, Mojo, Ace, Blackjack

>I need something dependable and on heading...

In my opinion, your heading rate will be determined 98% by other factors, and about 2% (or less) by your choice of canopy.

The Mojo is an old, dependable workhorse (like the Vision). The Ace and Blackjack are newer. If you are just looking for good starter gear, you might consider a "last generation" canopy (Mojo or FOX) that you can pick up second hand for cheap.

>Is all gear interchangeable?

That depends on who you ask. All gear is up to personal choice. I'd recommend you start simple, and relatively cheap (a used Mojo in a used Vision, for example), and figure out what your personal preferences are before throwing down more cash for top of the line, cutting edge gear.

All of my "first rig" gear advice is here:

http://www.blincmagazine.com/cms/article_307.shtml

-Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[david]

I love my Vision. The hard part is finding the guy to build you one.x(

[imported_Tom Aiello]

Shotgun Ray builds an excellent Vision copy called the Soft Cock. In some ways, it's even better than the original.

Email me if you need contact info, and I can put you in touch with him.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[imported_badenhop]

The only comment I'd have to add here, (besides the obvious, pin/velcro is NOT interchangeable, and that shrivel flaps may not match perfectly, but could be considered to be generally interchangeable from this rig to that), is that back in the "old days" it seems BASE rigs were all made with LARGE attachment rings, these days the BASE manufacturers are using SMALL attachment rings more often. Old risers with large rings will not attach to my new rigs with small rings. Boy, that's a lot of words for one litle technical point, my fingers are hammered, time to rest.......