We are available by phone and email and chat …   Our public showroom is available by appointment…
CURRENT DELIVERY TIMES :          
Stock Rigs 3 weeks …     Custom Rigs 8-12 weeks …
Stock Parts 1 week …     Custom Parts 2-3 weeks …
Repairs 4-6 weeks …

* These delivery times require a completed order form and order confirmation.

Customer Support & Sales
386-740-9222
Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm EST

FAQ : Buying A Used Mirage

How To Determine If It Will Fit You & Your Canopies

This page is set up specifically to assist you with determining if a used Mirage in the field will fit you (harness) and your canopies (container).  

Also, we often have select overstock or slightly used display containers that have been marked down to used gear prices !  You can find them at the bottom of each of our stock pages under the Harness & Containers menu.


 

For a used Mirage in the field:

1.  Get a photo of the TSO label from the seller.  On most Mirages it is on the back side of the pocket that holds the packing data card.  The label will have the following information:

  • Serial #
  • Date of Manufacture
  • Container Model
  • Container Size
  • Harness Size (these are the numbers written across the top of the label):

Harness Size On Label

 

 

 

 

 

Main Lift Web  /  Leg Pads  /  Stabilizer  /  Yoke Ext (if applicable)  /  Stagger (if applicable)

  • Click image to enlarge
  • Quick conversion charts are located at the bottom of this page.  If you need to quick reference the common height for a harness – use the main lift web chart.

 

2.  Use our Container Sizing Guide to confirm that your canopies will fit.   Canopies not listed on the chart can be packed if they meet the criteria under ‘Quick Tips’ at the top of that page.

3.  Use our Harness Sizing Calculator to determine if the harness will fit you.  If you need further assistance, submit the form and select ‘this is for my used rig harness resize’ under Order Type.

 

Height and weight comparison is not enough to determine if the harness will fit you correctly;  people carry their weight differently in their legs, hips, belly and chest.
You need your measurements.  

  • Main Lift Web : This can be adjusted to your size.
    • We adjust in 1/2 inch increments (1.27 cm).
    • We recommend adjusting any MLW that is 1 inch (2.54 cm) or more from your correct size.
    • Unisyn Hip & Chest Rings – least expensive to adjust
    • Hip Rings – more expensive to adjust
    • No Rings – most expensive to adjust
    • Direct Diagonal (DD)
      • If the label says DD after the harness size then it has a direct diagonal.  Example: 15DD
      • A direct diagonal raises where the leg pads attach on the hip.  This is for short people in larger rigs; it helps keep the leg pads from sliding down the leg.
      • Direct diagonal adjustments are priced as leg strap replacements.  The pads may or may not need to be adjusted at the same time.
  • Leg Pads : These can be adjusted to your size.  The straps (webbing) will usually have to be adjusted as well.
    • We adjust in 1 inch increments (2.54 cm)
    • You do not have to adjust if all of the following are true:
      • You are sitting on the pads (not the straps)
      • You can tighten them until they are snug
      • You have at least 6″ of tail (webbing) to tuck in
  • Stabilizer (waist) : This cannot be adjusted.
    • The stabilizers determine how tight the rig is against your lower back.
    • Stabilizers are sized in 1/2 inch increments (1.27 cm)
    • +- 1/2 inch from your size is usually acceptable.  Each increment is similar to loosening or tightening your belt one notch.
    • More than 1/2 inch from your correct size is not desirable.  The rig will be too tight or too loose against your back.
    • Our sit-fly belly band can be used to help pull a rig tighter against your lower back.  It won’t fix a very loose rig, but it often solves the problem with a slightly loose rig.
  • Yoke Extension : This cannot be adjusted.
    • If the label does not say EXT then it has a standard yoke.
    • Yoke extensions adjust the fit over the shoulders
    • Yokes are sized in 1 inch (2.54 cm) increments
    • A standard yoke is usually acceptable for a person that needs a -1 yoke.
    • A -1 yoke is usually not desirable for a person that needs a standard yoke because the 3 rings will sit high on the shoulder and the chest strap may be too high.
    • A standard yoke may be acceptable for a person measuring a +1 yoke if:  a) They like a snug fit and/or  b) The rig has a larger yoke (M5 and larger) and/or  c) Their measurements barely put them into a +1 yoke.
  • Stagger : This can be adjusted.
    • If the label does not say STGR then it does not have a stagger
    • A stagger lowers where the leg pads attach on the hip.  Usually for tall people, it removes the ‘wedgie’ feeling of leg straps pulling up too high on the hip.
    • Staggers are sized in 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) increments
    • Stagger adjustments are priced as leg strap replacements.  The pads may or may not need to be adjusted at the same time.

 

4.  Use our Price List to look up any costs you may need to incur.  Harness adjustments are in the Repairs section.  Parts are in the Replacement Parts section.

5.  When sending a Mirage to us for repairs or adjustments, use the Repair Form.

* Be aware that fabric becomes more difficult to take apart and put back together again as it ages.  Take this into consideration if planning major alterations on an old rig.

 

IMPORTANT:

  • Ask the seller if any adjustments, modifications, or repairs have been done.  If yes, was the work done by Mirage Systems?
  • Ask the seller if all of the parts are genuine Mirage parts.

Mirage containers have been designed and tested with Mirage parts only.  Use of components not manufactured by Mirage Systems is not recommended for mains and not authorized for reserves.

  • Containers should come with:
    • Main Pilot Chute
    • Main Deployment Bag
    • Main Risers & Toggles
    • Main Cutaway Handle
    • Reserve Pilot Chute
    • Reserve Freebag
    • Reserve Toggles
    • Reserve Ripcord
    • RSL Lanyard (if applicable)
  • Have the rig inspected by your rigger.
  • Read the Mirage Owner’s Manual.

Limited Life Components

The components of any device tend to wear out after repeated use, and the fabric materials in your Mirage are no exception.  Experience has proven that some fabric components are subject to more wear than others and need to be inspected frequently, and replaced periodically.  These items are considered to be Limited Life Components.

The following Limited Life Components should be checked often and replaced periodically.  The service life of these components is a recommendation based upon experience:

  • Main and Reserve Closing Loops – Replace when frayed.  If in doubt, replace.
  • Main Risers – Type 17 main risers should be replaced every 200 to 400 jumps.  Type 8 risers should be replaced every 300 – 500 jumps.  All Risers: check the Type IIA fabric loops often since they can be easily damaged and are subject to accelerated wear.  Replace risers if Type IIA loops are frayed, or if webbing is damaged.
  • Main Pilot Chute – Replace every 200 to 400 jumps or sooner if damaged or excessively worn.  Handles should not be replaced.
  • Main Deployment Bag – Replace every 300 to 500 jumps or sooner if damaged or excessively worn.
  • Spandex Main Pilot Chute Pouch – Replace when torn or excessively worn.
  • Harness Leg Straps and Chest Strap – Replace when frayed or damaged, or if slipping excessively through hardware adjusters.
  • Reserve Deployment Bag Safety Stow – replace if nylon covering of shock cord is frayed, or if rubber strands inside break.

Note

Mirage Systems, Inc. does not repair, manufacture parts, or maintain patterns for Mirage harness and container systems made prior to May of 1998 by “Sky Supplies, Inc.” or “The Annex, Inc.”.  Mirage replacement parts are not compatible with the assemblies made by “Sky Supplies, Inc.” or “The Annex.  Use of new parts made by Mirage Systems, Inc. in the Sky Supplies assemblies is not authorized.

Reference Tools

Reference Tool : Main Lift Web Measurement
Reference Tool : Leg Pad Measurement
Reference Tool : Stabilizer Measurement
Reference Tool : Yoke Measurement
Reference Tool : Common Yoke Adjustments