As you probably already know, skydiving isn’t exactly a cheap sport, especially when it comes to buying gear. So, where should you begin?
Let me start by saying that there’s no single answer to this question, and opinions vary widely. Still, we’ll try to organize things a bit and offer some recommended solutions .
Our Two Main Categories of Gear:
Buying a Rig This includes the container, reserve parachute, main canopy, and AAD (See the full post on buying a rig)
Skydive Addons Items like a jumpsuit, helmet, altimeter, and more (See the full post on buying addons)
Additionally, gear can be categorized by safety/comfort. For example, choosing an open-face or full-face helmet might be a personal preference, but safety standards will differ. On the other hand, a jumpsuit is an investment in skill progression, as it can significantly enhance your flight abilities.
Prioritizing Your Purchases:
Digital Altimeter
One of the most critical pieces of equipment when starting out is a digital altimeter. This is especially true if your drop zone doesn’t offer them for rent. A digital altimeter helps you develop more accurate landing patterns, better understand of altitudes, and can be very helpful on coming back from a long spot.
Jumpsuit
A well-fitted jumpsuit is essential for consistent flight. It’s also one of the reasons why you’ll rarely see anyone at skydiving camps, large formations, or competitions without one. If you train in a wind tunnel, it’s practical to invest in a jumpsuit that works both indoors and outdoors. Bonus: A good jumpsuit also enhances safety by preventing snagging on emergency handles.
My next question will be: How Often Do You Plan to Skydive?
If you’re considering buying a rig, keep in mind that new equipment can cost between 25K–40K NIS(or less for secondhand gear). This kind of investment only makes sense if you plan to skydive frequently. For occasional jumps, rental gear might be more cost-effective and gear sitting in the closet and loosing value also not the best idea. That said, rental fees can add up, so calculate the break-even point based on your expected jump frequency.
New or Secondhand Gear?
This depends on your situation.
For beginners, I usually recommend buying secondhand gear. Progression tends to be faster early on, and safety should take precedence over rushing to downsize to a smaller canopy. Opt for gear that you can safely use until you’re ready to purchase a rig tailored to your long-term needs. On the flip side, We don’t want to neglect the wing loading ratio. For example, if you weigh more than 80, 90, or 100 kilograms, even a 170-square-foot canopy will behave like a highly sporty canopy.
if your rig can accommodate a canopy you’ll use for years, it might be worth investing in something that fits you perfectly from the start.
Around 100 Jumps: What’s Next? Once you have about 100 jumps under your belt, you’ll likely have developed an internal sense of timing and automatic altitude awareness. At this point, consider buying a dytter (audible altimeter), especially as you explore disciplines like tracking and freefly.
Skydiving Helmet Choosing a helmet is often a matter of personal preference. It’s generally less impactful on your progression. Helmets with higher safety standards are particularly important in disciplines involving multiple skydivers in close proximity. Starting with an open-face helmet allows for greater situational awareness, which can be helpful early on.
*Hook Knife
If your rig doesn’t come with one, buying a hook knife is crucial. It’s a safety tool that’s better to have and not need than the other way around!
Final Tip: No matter what you choose to start with, prioritize safety and progress at your own pace. Skydiving is an incredible journey—make it as safe and enjoyable as possible!
More videos on the topic:
Keep in mind that the prices of equipment in your country and the frequency of jumps we do here will, of course, influence priorities.
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