HornyGorilla - Skydiving Culture & Marketplace

Trade vs Sell: How Canopy Swapping Works

When it's time to change canopy sizes, should you sell your old wing first or look for a trade? Learn the pros, cons, and mechanics of canopy swapping.

7 min read

gear-knowledge

Reserve vs Main Canopy: Lifespan and Replacement Guide

Main canopies wear out from sun, dirt, and use. Reserves age from compression, time, and safety ceilings. Learn when to replace both to stay safe.

gear-knowledge

Helmet, Altimeter, Audible: The Accessory Buyer's Guide

Before you buy your first rig, you need your accessories. Learn how to choose the right helmet, altimeter, and audible to stay safe and aware.

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gear-knowledge

Vectran vs HMA vs Dacron: Skydiving Line Types Compared

Understand the physics, lifespans, and performance tradeoffs between Dacron, Spectra, Vectran, and HMA canopy lines. Make an informed gear purchase.

gear-knowledge

How to Ship Skydiving Gear Safely (and Internationally)

Learn how to pack, insure, and ship skydiving containers, reserves, and AADs internationally without customs delays or explosive cargo hazards.

gear-knowledge

Selling Your Rig: How to Price Used Skydiving Gear Fairly

Discover the standard rigger formulas for depreciating skydiving containers, main canopies, reserves, and AADs to price used gear fairly.

gear-knowledge

What a Rigger Inspection Actually Checks (Inside the Loft)

Every used rig should pass a rigger check before purchase, and every reserve needs a periodic repack. Here is exactly what happens in a rigger loft when your gear is on the table.

gear-knowledge

How to Read a Canopy Line Set (and When It Needs Replacing)

A canopy line set is the only thing connecting you to a piece of nylon flying at 30 mph. Learn how to inspect Microline, Vectran, HMA, and Dacron for wear, out-of-trim conditions, and when it is time to reline.

gear-knowledge

Buying Your First Rig: The Complete Checklist for New Jumpers

Ready to stop renting and get your own gear? Avoid the common rookie traps with our complete guide on container compatibility, sizing, AAD service clocks, and buying used without getting ripped off.

gear-knowledge

Reserve Repack Cycle Explained: What 180 Days Actually Buys You

FAA regulations mandate a 180-day reserve repack cycle. Discover why this timeframe is crucial, what riggers check, and how to read your rigger's record card.

gear-knowledge

Container Sizing Demystified: Why 'Medium' Means Absolutely Nothing

A container must fit your body and your canopies. Learn why generic sizes like 'Medium' are meaningless and how to read manufacturer size charts like a pro.

gear-knowledge

AAD Lifespan Explained: Cypres vs Vigil vs M2 Service Intervals

Comparing AAD lifespan, battery replacements, and factory maintenance cycles for Cypres 2, Vigil Cuatro, and m2 AAD. Make an informed buyer's decision.