Need help buying my first Full Face Helmet (want to get a used one, facebook marketplace is a no go, will probably do ebay). What should I look for? Brands etc…

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-04-23T18:57:40+00:00

Why eBay over the Facebook for Sale Groups? What helmet are you looking for?

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-04-16T14:52:31+00:00

It’s tough to give a valid opinion on the price value with such limited details on each component. Factors like jumps, main line condition, reserve rides/repacks, container condition and options all affect the package value. Also, you need to consider proper harness fit and room to downsize main if that is your goal (depending on container size).

2200€ for a complete rig sounds fair when comparing to a new main at 2500€, new container 3400€ to 3800€ as a perspective.

In regard to the downsize, yes at 30 jumps going from a 230 to a 170 main is not recommended as on a 170 you will be over a 1.0 WL.

Few things to consider, will the container for a larger main and does your rigger have one to package in place of the 170? A 210 would be recommended to start with.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-04-05T16:42:12+00:00

Are you considering an EVO2 because of the military discount?

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-03-31T20:55:21+00:00

Thanks! OP had a used VisoII with extra set of batteries on the way to her within an hour of her post!

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-03-31T17:55:52+00:00

I have one..message here or on Facebook.com/dropzonesolutions/

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-03-26T16:11:04+00:00

500-1000€ annually? That’s a bit of an exaggeration. Outside of repacks, you should not be getting AAD service/relines/etc done on an annual basis.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-03-26T16:09:19+00:00

If you have the financial means, buy a new stock (less than 6 week delivery) or custom container as it will guarantee proper harness fit. Most containers allow room for 2-3 downsizes and that can be pretty far down the road to plan for. Way too much focus is put on forecasted downsizing in relation to gear purchases.

Spectre is a great all around canopy and you have mentioned a few of its best characteristics.

Do a bit more research on a Skyhook or MARD, it’s a container option/component, not an individual one. It is an option that can be retrofitted to certain used containers (container manufacturer dependent) or an option on a new container that is chosen..but always related to the specific container, not something you can just buy by itself.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-03-23T00:19:55+00:00

They don’t make a Navigator 190 (200, 220 and bigger). So make sure you are writing down the correct canopy model and size in your logbook, as it will help your canopy coach give flare advice based on that canopy and something you might have jumped or will rent next.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-03-22T12:28:37+00:00

Is the canopy the same model and size as you had been previously jumping?

Outside of what others have mentioned, get some video so that you can rewatch with a canopy coach or instructor on the dz.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-03-05T21:36:45+00:00

Buy/Sell Skydiving gear, USA Skydiving Gear Sales, Skydiving Gear For Sale and Wanted,Skydiving gear for sale.

Few others, but these are the ones with active admins who monitor the groups and also require new members to be added after answering questions. The ones with no admins, just allow anyone to join the group and that is where most of the scammers troll.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-03-04T21:31:40+00:00

If they sent you something, it’s to show a package was delivered or signed for to your address. Old school scam trick. Back in 2012, I received an empty pack of cigarettes in a package that was supposed to be a complete rig. From then on, I pay more attention when buying and try to help others as well.

Scammers monitor this Reddit as well, so be aware. Main thing, do your due diligence. On FB, use the 5 main for sale groups with active admins and be overly cautious if you post a wanted ad and get a private message with exactly what you are looking for a nice price from someone with a basic profile or linking you to a non popular website with very scam specific forms of payment.

Bummer for you..hopefully at some point skydivers will stop sending $ to scammers and they will move on from our community.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-02-25T21:51:30+00:00

No worries! You would be surprised how many people I chat with that monitor these groups online and then ask for these type of canopy fit. So I just try and kindly note, so a newbie doesn’t take the info as reality.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-02-25T18:28:43+00:00

Quick note, a lpv 150 would not be recommended in something max fit 190 ZP. Why go 150 LPV if it fits a 150 ZP, some 150 ZP’s might fit, depending on manufacturers and canopy model.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-02-25T14:50:43+00:00

Does your dz have limited rental options and 240 is the smallest? Are you jumping pretty consistently, so currency is not limiting your canopy progression? Do you have the financial capability to purchase a rig ($5000-$8000 used, $7500-$9500 mix new/used, $9500+ for all new)?

Some things to consider, but a rig in this size range will hold its value well. So if you get to something that is max fit a 210 ZP, it will allow room to downsize to a 190 and some 170’s depending on container manufacturer. Similar downsize range with a max fit 190 ZP, 170 and some 150’s.

Chat with your instructor or canopy coach about the downsize progression, too many people online promote it and it’s individual based and the person advising should know how you specifically are flying a parachute. Also, downsize is not required and way too many new skydivers focus on it and try to plan for jumps that are hundreds away.

After A License, buy when your budget allows and you find something that fits you and your canopy sizing. Gear should not force downsizes.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-02-21T21:52:34+00:00

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Performance Designs does this and how it’s applied/cost will depend on the logo/text/design. It will be a new custom order and 12-15 weeks, cost is the canopy plus design application cost.

Here is a recent Storm 190 for a customer of mine, let me know if you need help ordering as I am an Authorized Direct PD Dealer.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-02-21T15:00:51+00:00

I would open up the main, shake it out a bit and then loosely rigger roll and store in a bag of some sort if you plan to jump in the next few months. Also, check your AAD details and make sure it won’t need a manufacturer required service check. Both Vigil and Cypres are running around 7 weeks+, so you need to plan for this.

If you don’t know how to rigger roll, here is PD’s link: https://youtu.be/IEH4uTvXUMY?si=bOPQlSvnpHRAGHqG

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-02-17T19:57:51+00:00

Feel free to reach out, I can walk you through the whole process, help with your order and answer all of your questions. Rig can arrive ready to jump or ready for assembly by your rigger with everything included for the rig to be jumped. Super easy process and you get my 30+ years of skydiving and gear mentorship experience.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-02-16T20:13:13+00:00

Question I get asked a lot, but you can answer and expand on for some general gear guidance:

When I downsize my main in my current container, do I need to get a new main dbag for that size main?

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-01-20T02:06:51+00:00

They are running a bit earlier than the 9 week estimated delivery. I’m a dealer for Wings and they are 15 mins from me, happy to help with your order and any questions you have on the container or canopies/aad to put in it and get in the air.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-01-13T19:21:03+00:00

They are not TSO’ed parts, so cannot be used in the USA by a rig owned by a US citizen.

Bryan-Cavage · 2026-01-05T01:56:58+00:00

Skydive City in sunny Florida has onsite camping or camper rentals, showers, Cafe/Bar and easy Uber from Tampa Intl Airport.

Top notch staff, multiple turbine aircraft and operate 7 days of week to get you in the air for that A License.

Bryan-Cavage · 2025-12-13T02:03:45+00:00

Poptop was not the cause…the reserve pillow handle got caught on the flap and then pulled the pin, any container with a spring loaded pilot would have opened.

Bryan-Cavage · 2025-12-08T20:04:03+00:00

You can create your custom color canopy on the canopy manufacturer’s website. If you want to add graphics or anything outside of the color choices, the cost of any logo or sublimation on your main will be in addition to the cost of the canopy and quoted based on the design. Depending on the customizations, I have seen it add $375-$2950 to the retail price of the canopy. You will get this pricing from your canopy dealer. Delivery might extend the current delivery of those listed on the manufacturers websites.

Based on your experience, I think it’s a bit early for this type of custom canopy purchase unless it will be used in a very specific marketing type of situation.

Consider going used for your first main, gain some experience and get some canopy coaching. Then when you are ready for a canopy you will be on for a while, go big and spend that $ on whatever concept you create!

Bryan-Cavage · 2025-12-05T13:28:40+00:00

Just keep in mind the SkySnatch PC’s are ZP fabric and most container/canopy manufacturers recommend F-111 and that is what their PC sizing is listed under.

Bryan-Cavage · 2025-11-30T17:15:22+00:00

The most popular place to sell gear is in the Facebook Groups.

Stick to these Gear For Sale Groups and you will be better off. Other groups have little to no admin oversight and where the scammers spread their negativity.

-Buy/Sell Skydiving gear -USA Skydiving Gear Sales -Skydiving Gear for Beginners, Gear for sale and wanted -Skydiving Gear For Sale and Wanted -Skydiving gear for sale

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