Buying My First Skydiving Rig In 2023
There are debates on when you should buy your skydiving rig 
.
Some say you should consider after you get your A license. Some say you should only get if you are jumping regularly every year.
Reasons
For my case, I ordered my rig even though I only have AFF license. My reasons
- Singapore is raising GST from 8% to 9% in 2024. I want to save that 1%
- As of 2023-08, there is a shortage of reserve canopy. My rig arrival estimated to be 24 weeks. By then, I would have my A, maybe even B license
- I value my life more than the cost of a new rig
- Personal rig will be safer than rental ones
- You can go to any dropzone without worrying about rental rig availability
- Your skill should improve faster when you use the same rig
- Cheaper in the long run. Rental rig cost almost as much as the jump ticket itself. ~$40 SGD per jump
Skydiving industry problems
I approach my AFF service provider to buy my rig since they are also authorized seller for some brands.
I see the problems with the current skydiving landscape.
1st, I can’t find online detail comparison between the different brands. I am the guy who do my research before any purchase. So this is a big no-no for me.
2nd, most of the sellers are in countries with more dropzones. I don’t have any option in Singapore.
3rd, the 24 weeks wait for reserve canopy is crazy to me. As a newbie to skydiving, I think there is a supply chain problem / inefficiency.
There are more problems that I wouldn’t elaborate. I started ExtrmSport because I think I might solve some of these problems.
Designing rig
I can choose VSE (Velocity Sports Equipment) or Aerodyne. I go with VSE since it’s more “available” than Aerodyne.
The 3d rig designer works, but it’s a bit complicated.
The color scheme gave me a tough time. I don’t have much taste, but I don’t want it to look like rental rig.
Expected damage
$7,890 USD with minimal addon, comes with reserve canopy and pack job.