Factors to Consider When Buying a Sky Diving Suit

There are several factors you will consider when you are purchasing a sky diving suit. Some have to do with aerodynamics, some have to do with cost, and some are personal preference.

Aerodynamic Factors

Aerodynamics is the most important factor to consider when buying a sky diving suit, because the aerodynamics of the suit affects the rate at which you fall out of the sky. Your suit can determine whether you drop like a rock or float like a feather, and, if you are diving with a team, can affect how well you perform with the other members.

Fabric is a matter which needs to be taken seriously into consideration, and a sky diving suit for the most part will be made of either nylon or poly-cotton. Nylon is smoother and falls faster.

You also want to consider the matter of sleeves, and tight fitting lower arm sleeves made of spandex cause a suit to fall faster because they create little friction. Loose, baggy sleeves slow your rate of descent. One option is to buy a sky diving suit with spandex sleeves, and buy loose poly-cotton sleeves that attach over the spandex ones for times when you want a slower rate of descent.

Tight fitting suits don’t create friction or drag, and you fall faster in them. Loose, baggy suits slow your rate of fall. You can also get a loose fitting sky diving suit with swoop cords that allow you to gather or release arm fabric. When it is fully released, the extra fabric acts like a wing, catching the air and providing some lift.

You can even add booties to your sky diving suit, as they increase the surface area of your suit, slowing your descent, and act like a rudder.

Cost Factors

Sky diving suits are generally quite pricy, and some people will want to purchase a used suit to save money. The suits are well-made and they last for a long time, so a used suit is a “suitable” option.

If you are looking at buying a used suit, make sure it is well made and in good condition. Check the seams to make sure they are intact. Look for tears, rips and obvious wear. Check to see if the suit has knee and seat reinforcements, which protect these areas from excessive wear. Make sure all the zippers and tabs work smoothly.

You might have a sky diving instructor check the suit over for you to make doubly sure it is safe. Once you find the right used sky diving suit, you can save a bundle over the price of a new one.

Personal Preference

There are a number of different personal preference options that are available to you when you are buying a sky diving suit. Do you prefer a V neck or a high one? Do you want knee pads? Do you want extra leg zippers, so you can open the suit up on hot days?

The most important personal preference option, of course, is color and pattern. Safety is the highest concern, and cost is a definite factor. But the “coolness” factor is important, too. That’s the factor that makes you look great as you fall from the sky. It’s the factor that makes people on the ground envy you. It’s not as important as safety, but it is important.