The Process Behind Ordering a Custom Container

By Angie Aragon 

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Have you been dreaming about buying that sexy new rig?  Not sure where to start? Buying a new container is one of the most important skydiving investments you will ever make and with the variety of brands, container sizes, options, measurements, styles and colors it can be a bit overwhelming. 

I’m excited to share my recent experience of going through this process after deciding to purchase my first custom Micron Vector3 container (beer). I’ve also included some great tips and insights from Mark Procos and Kasey Summers.  Mark, General Manager of United Parachute Technologies, has worked at UPT for twenty-two years and has been an integral part of every aspect within the manufacturing process during his career. Kasey Summers, who is extremely knowledgeable and prides herself in knowing as much as possible about the equipment she sells, is gear guru of Rock Sky Market.  Kasey laughs, as she admits to being a “total gear nerd”. We hope this blog will guide you as you take on this exciting new endeavor!

THE PROCESS

Information: First you will need to decide where we will get your information.  This is hugely important because it will begin to formulate your ideology of what you need and how much it will cost.  

Google:  You will discover that when you ask Google about skydiving equipment that you will be directed to Rock Sky Market, Square One, Green Light and the like.  According to Kasey, “The big name places that have been around (are going to be the best place to start), they are the most knowledgeable and their staff is going to be the most knowledgeable because, just like reputation builds on brands, a reputation builds with the stores as well.”  The gear store adds a benefit to the end user of having constant exposure to various manufacturers, purchase orders, and experiences. This constant provides a tremendous amount of value to the end user.

Sponsored Athletes: Conversations with sponsored athletes gives you personal insight as to the pro’s and con’s of the equipment and the manufacturer.  We are the ones putting the most jumps on this equipment! Ask us why we believe in it.

Manufacturer: Proper research isn’t complete until you have spent some time on the company website.  Mark says that there has been a generation shift, “…Millennials prefer to do their research online.  We are always trying to improve our online process and experience to make it better and more user friendly”. When in doubt, you should call the manufacturer directly to get information.  In addition, most manufacturers will have representatives on the road all the time, they are a huge resource.

Rock Sky Market

Brands: There are plenty of brands to choose from when deciding which container to purchase.  You are investmenting in life saving equipment that will be customized to fit you. This decision should be based on safety, track record, the manufacturers history, customer service, reputation, and never based on price or lead time!  You’ve committed to the investment, be prepared to spend the coin and be patient for your new baby to be built.

Container Size: According to Mark, the container size should be based on the size of your reserve.  He says, “I see so many people want the tiniest container to fit the smallest main”, they consider the reserve size as an afterthought.  He continues, “We (at UPT) offer so many choices in containers sizes. You must consider the safety aspect first. Don’t base your decision of container size on where you plan to be in the future, choose what suits you now that will also allow you to downsize.”  

With low pack volume reserves, such as the Icarus World Nano, and hybrid style main canopies, you can sometimes fit up to 3 main canopy sizes into a container.  Each manufacturer will have a sizing chart available on their website where you can find the appropriate container size.

Sizing Chart Example

Options: The “form should follow the function”, Mark says.  Think safety first when choosing your options. The easiest way to fully understand your options is to get clear explanations from your dealer (gear store) or the manufacturer.  They can describe the options to you, a dealer can sometimes even demonstrate an example from within the shop. Kasey says, “Don’t be afraid of the dealer, we are the middleman who is by your side.  It is in our best interest (to make sure that) what you order is what you get.” You should research the options before placing your order. Know how each will affect the performance and fit of your container.  

Standard Options are options which all manufacturers provide (i.e. short/long risers, small/large 3 rings, back padding for comfort, pillow cutaway/reserve handles, freefly hacky).  Mark comments, “…a newer jumper should stick to the D ring for his/her first container.” These types of options are safer for the newer jumper and extremely inexpensive to change in the future.

Distinct Options are options which are differ in style between manufacturers.  Each manufacturer does it a little differently (i.e. the MARD system, contoured/narrow leg pads, articulation style/fitting).  It was after having worked at the UPT factory in Deland during the winter of 2018 that I fully committed to the brand. I witnessed the manufacturing process, the quality control, their superb customer service and the dedication of their long term staff.  Learning how Bill Booth revolutionized skydiving by introducing innovations such as the Hand Deployment System, 3 Ring Release System, Skyhook, Collins Lanyard, SIGMA Tandem System, along with many others made me appreciate the company’s role in making skydiving safer for all.

Side note:  UPT offers factory tours at 2pm, M-Th.  Contact for info 386.736.7589   

Measurements: Most manufacturers will provide a detailed description explaining the measurements they require for a new order.  You can find this on their website plus some of them will even provide a video. If you are doing this yourself (quite possibly in a trailer on the dz, after sunset load, with beers in hand) then you might end up making a few assumptions and/or errors.  Remember that regardless of how silly a measurement request may seem, that each manufacturer has a formula which creates a human form of the container by using those measurements. Many times an outlier within the order form will flag an error.  

I would highly recommend getting measured by someone at a gear store.  Kasey says, “If your container ends up coming in with an incorrect fit then we will back you up in getting it fixed”  You can also get a representative of the company to do your measurements, such as a tour rep at a boogie.  

Styles & Colors: This is the fun part!!  Most manufacturers have design applications on their websites which make it easy to design your container and allow you to see the way it will look before you place the order.  A few things to take into consideration is that the colors as seen on the design program will vary from the finished product. To get an actual representation of the color and fabric you can go into most gear stores to view manufacturer swatches.  You can always get assistance when choosing colors from the gear store based on their experience in seeing equipment age. For example, “Neon colors would fade quickly if the jumper mostly jumps in the desert”, Mark says.

Once you have decided which container you will buy, print out the order form and start choosing all the specifics.  The order form is a good checklist to use as you do your research and ask questions.  Once your equipment is delivered, make sure to try it on before turning it over to your rigger.  Make sure that it fits, pay close attention to how it feels around the shoulders and that the yoke isn’t restrictive to your head movement, make sure you are comfortable with handle placement.  The leg pads should slight overlap when you tighten them and the hip rings should sit comfortably on your waist to allow the full range of motion of your legs. It is at this point in time that you would need to return it if it doesn’t fit properly.  Keep in mind that a new rig is like a new pair of hiking boots, it will feel snug at first and become more comfortable as you break it in.  

When you turn it over to your rigger ask for them to put a Scotch Guard layer on it to protect it from dust and stains.  If you’ve never done this before DON’T go at it alone, consult with someone who has experience as you can cause more harm than good.

Once you get your container back it’s time for the final test, try it on again, focusing on the same items as listed above.  It might fit a bit different once it’s got a couple parachutes in it! If all is good, then you might want to consider taking your new baby on a date, buying it dinner, and cuddling with it for a night.  Enjoy!!

2019 Course Schedule:

COACH – Ready to register? Click here!

Skydive Chicago: Jul 24-27

Skydive Chicago: Sep 5-8 WSLN: All women

Skydive Chicago: Sep 26-28

Skydive Perris: Oct 3-6 WSLN: All women

Skydive Perris: Oct 11-13

TANDEM – Ready to register? Click here!

Skydive Chicago: Aug 5-8

Skydive Chicago: Sep 12-15

Skydive Perris: Oct 17-20

Skydive Perris: Nov 11-14

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Skydive Chicago: Aug 5-11

Skydive Perris: Nov 18-24

About the Author:  Angie Aragon is a Coach & Tandem USPA Examiner with 6K+ jumps.  Her home base is Skydive Perris & Skydive Chicago.  She is the Course Director for the WSLN.

When it comes to skydiving products, buy from the best! UPT Vector, Icarus World, and Larsen & Brusgaard.