Choosing Your First Reserve Canopy

Every few weeks someone finishes their student progression and asks the same question at the shop counter: "what reserve should I actually buy?" There's no single right answer, but there is a right way to think about it.

Size before brand

Get your reserve sized correctly for your exit weight and canopy first — a reputable brand in the wrong size is worse than a lesser-known one sized properly. We size every reserve against your logged exit weight including gear, not your body weight alone.

Packing volume vs. descent rate

Compact reserves pack smaller but often trade off a slightly faster descent rate. For most weekend jumpers this trade-off is barely noticeable; for competition or wingsuit jumpers packing volume usually wins. Ask what discipline you'll be doing most before optimizing for either.

Repack cycles and cost of ownership

A reserve is not a one-time cost — factor in repack intervals (typically every 180 days depending on your national authority) and rigger fees over the life of the canopy. Cheaper up front doesn't always mean cheaper to own.

Buy from someone who'll still answer the phone in a year

This sounds obvious, but it's the most common regret we hear from jumpers who bought secondhand off a forum with no local support. A shop that knows your logbook and your local rigger is worth more than a small discount.

Browse our current reserve selection in the gear shop, or get in touch via the contact page if you want a sizing recommendation first.