This article highlights the best parachutes for skydiving for beginners. It also illustrates the considerations you should make when purchasing one.
Skydiving is a thrilling sport that is gaining popularity amongst many thrill-seeking enthusiasts globally. According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), more than 3.3 million jumps were made in 2019 alone!
But, skydiving is not without its troubles. In 2019, every 500k jumps culminated into one fatality because of a bee sting or lightning strike.
It is important to take the safest precautions when undertaking skydiving as a sport.
In this article, we highlight the best parachutes for beginners, the best parachute brands to buy online, the top-rated parachute brands globally, and a guide on how to choose the best parachute.
Let’s dive right in.
Best Parachutes for Beginners
The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) regulates all aircraft and skydiving operations while offering all information that one should follow.
The authority also provides the necessary safety guidelines people should follow and the quality of parachutes used in skydiving to ensure optimum safety levels.
Many parachute brands and variants exist on the market.
So, identifying the right parachute can be challenging. As a beginner, here’s what to look out for when purchasing a parachute.
What are the Best Parachutes?
When choosing the ideal parachute as a beginner, ensure you identify gear that offers a complete rig for skydiving.
An all-compressive skydiving kit should have components like a canopy, a reserve canopy, a harness system, and an Automatic Activation Device (AAD).
RAM Vs Round Air Parachutes
Round parachutes are the most common types and come with a circular build. However, advancement in design has led to the development of rectangular RAM parachutes.
Round parachutes suffice as the OGs of skydiving but they also present safety issues to skydivers. A round parachute offers minimal control on where you land and offers a rough experience after you exit an aircraft.
RAM-air canopy parachutes are rectangular and offer better maneuverability. So, as a beginner, it’s more prudent to use a RAM canopy parachute as opposed to the typical round air parachute.
Sport and Specialized Skydiving Parachutes
Different types of parachutes exist with each built to suit specific needs and levels of experience. Ideally, a wingsuit flyer’s parachute differs from that of a beginner or free flyer. As a beginner, the ideal parachute is easy to use without major complications.
Size
Most skydivers opt for a parachute that offers natural progression for a canopy flight. You start with a huge and docile parachute and graduate to a smaller and speedy one. As a beginner, a tandem parachute suits you best because it offers you stability and a comfortable landing.
Best Parachutes to Buy Online
When buying a parachute online, you should consider a few things. The brand, size, make, workability, and cost of the parachute.
Many parachute brands exist online, each with specific capabilities and functions. Every brand offers different functions and is suited for specific purposes.
Depending on the quality, every parachute will cost you varying amounts of money. Advanced parachutes with more functions and capabilities cost you more than standard ones.
So, there’s no ‘best parachute’ to buy online because it all depends on your specific needs as a skydiver. The secret is to go for a skydiving parachute that offers all the essential functions for a beginner at an affordable price.
NB – As a beginner, it’s prudent to seek the opinion of an expert skydiver on the ideal skydiving parachute for you.
World's Best Parachutes
Felix Baumgartner is an Australian skydiver and one of the best in the world! During the Red Bull Stratos 2012, he stated that it is difficult to identify the best parachutes in the world.
Simply because he uses different parachutes depending on the challenges he competes in.
Felix stated that he doesn’t have a particular parachute preference because he chooses his parachutes based on the needs of his challenge.
Like most products, there’s no ‘best parachute in the world’ because each is designed to suit a skydiver’s specific needs.
So, when buying a parachute, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the functionality of the one you choose. It’s also crucial that you choose a parachute that does not stretch your wallet too far.
An affordable skydiving parachute doesn’t necessarily mean low quality. But advanced parachutes have more functions and capabilities than standard ones.
You should choose a parachute that fits your specific needs as a beginner skydiver and one that allows you to enjoy the activity comfortably and safely.
Buying Used Parachutes
I do not support beginners buying used parachutes. It is better to rent one than to buy one because most times the owners don’t disclose all the faults it comes with.
But, not all used parachutes are faulty. Some offer excellent service and can be an ideal option for beginner skydivers on a budget.
Some of the best-used parachutes to buy are those sold by expert skydivers. This is because most experts will offer all crucial information about the parachute and how best to use it.
If you buy a used parachute, remember to inquire about all the nitty-gritty about it to ensure it offers excellent levels of safety and comfort.
Also, ensure to buy a used parachute from a certified seller or skydiver. That way, you are guaranteed to get a good product that won’t fail you during your skydiving activities.
FAQ
What is the best skydiving rig?
The most ideal skydiving rig is one that comes with complete accessories and functions. It should come with the main canopy, a pilot chute, a reserve parachute, a container, lines. Straps, risers, and an automatic activation device.
How much does a good parachute cost?
A brand new parachute system will set you back a couple of thousand dollars. A standard set for beginners’ costs between $5000 and $8000. Premium brands cost more and come with more accessories and functions. Used parachutes are cheaper and cost a couple of hundred dollars depending on the make, size, and capabilities.
How do I choose a parachute?
When choosing a parachute there are a few considerations to make including your expertise, the size of the parachute, the intended use, its functions, and the cost.
Comments