For decades, audible altimeters have communicated with skydivers using a remarkably sophisticated language:
BEEP. BEEP BEEP. BEEEEEEEEEP.
And somehow, we've all learned to understand it. Three short beeps? Probably breakoff. One long beep? Hopefully you know what that one means. A weird sound you've never heard before? Well, that's a problem for Future You.
But audible altitude awareness is changing. The latest generation of skydiving electronics is moving beyond simple tones and alarms and into something much more intuitive: spoken altitude information. Yes, the Voice Audible Altimeter Madness has officially begun. Skydivers can now have an actual voice inside their helmet announcing altitude, providing jump-specific information, and in some cases communicating information from other devices in an integrated ecosystem.
There is a conversation that happens at almost every drop zone, but rarely out loud. A skydiver walks in after weeks, or even months, away from the sport. They smile, catch up with friends, check the weather, and start putting on their gear.
On the outside, everything looks normal. On the inside, they're wondering: "Why am I so nervous?" Or even worse… "Do I even like skydiving anymore?"
If you've ever had those thoughts, you're not alone. In fact, I would argue that nearly every experienced skydiver has experienced them at some point. The difference is that most don't talk about it because there's an unspoken expectation that experience should eliminate fear. It doesn't.
Colton Reynolds (best damn packer ever) at the 2026 Fitz Boogie. Photo by Ann Durand (Tandem & AFF Instructor).
Fear Doesn't Disappear, It Changes When we're students, our fear is obvious. We're afraid of leaving the airplane. We're afraid of making mistakes. We're afraid of the unknown. As we gain experience, those fears evolve. We become more comfortable with freefall and canopy flight, but we also gain something else: perspective.
Check back here for special deals from skydiving gear manufacturers and ChutingStar throughout the year!
Discounts usually are a rare thing in skydiving, and even more rare in the current supply shortage climate. We're focusing on making sure we have available items in stock and shipped to you by the time you need it for your next jump. Currently, ChutingStar has the following sales and ways to save listed below.
Here's the rundown on current deals:
Save on 2024 & 2025 Skydiver Manuals
Demo KISS Helmets For Sale At Steep Discount
Flat Broke Skydiver Deals
Discounted stock of all PittZ Freefly Suits & Pants
GoPro Camera Discounts
UPT Stock Containers
30% off the base price of any In-Stock Wings Container
PD Europe Used Canopy Sale
Save on EVO2 + RUSH Reserve Package
Top 11 Ways To Save $$$ @ ChutingStar!
Deal Details
Here are the links to more info and the ordering process for these deals from ChutingStar:
There comes a point in many skydivers' careers when they begin looking for a way to give back to the sport. For some, that path leads to coaching, AFF instruction, rigging, or organizing events. For others, it leads to one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in skydiving: becoming a Tandem Instructor.
The decision to become a Tandem Instructor is not one to take lightly. You are taking responsibility for introducing thousands of people to the sport while carrying the weight of their trust, safety, and often one of the most important experiences of their lives.
More Than Just Taking People for a Ride Many outside the sport assume tandem instructors simply strap someone to their chest and jump out of an airplane. The reality is far different.
Tandem Instructor Ann Durand over Skydive Atlanta. Photo by Gary Schaffer.Continue reading →
It's time to boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie! And the ChutingStar Crew will be out there with you at drop zones all over the US, providing all the support and goods you could ask for.
The one and only Laura Bales is packing up the van with demos from Freefall Data Systems, LB Altimeters, Cookie Helmets, Alti-2, and many more. Laura is available for container, canopy and jumpsuit orders as she'll be able to measure you up and walk you through the ordering process for any of your custom gear needs, including the helmet sizing kit for the Tonfly TFX Full Face Helmet.
The m2 AAD has a 15.5-year lifetime, and does not require factory maintenance service during that time.
The unit can be inspected by your rigger annually. Info on that inspection is in the m2 manual at this link and in the photo below.
Still, there are scenarios where an m2 does need to go back to the manufacturer for inspection, repair or service due to an error message, damage to the unit or the like.
Some error codes can be resolved, so first read the manual from this link for more info. ChutingStar also carries common replacement parts for the m2 at this link, which can be installed by your rigger.
Aerodyne released Service Bulletin SB300426 on April 30, 2026, which mandates the AAD cutter placement move to above the reserve pilot chute on its Icon harness/containers. This is a mandatory service bulletin from the manufacturer that is required before the next jump.
Need an AAD during the time your unit is in for maintenance? Or just one to get you by until you can save for a new AAD, or find a great deal on a used one?
ChutingStar has 11 CYPRES 2 Changeable units available for rental at just over $2 a day!
Here's the scoop on how the rental CYPRES unit program works:
UPT has stock Vector sport rigs available if you're looking for a container faster than the current custom turnaround times. These never last long, so here are the details below (as of February 6, 2026).
Click Read More below to see the full article. Click on the production forms to enlarge to see more details on each container. Contact ChutingStar to confirm availability, get help with sizing, get final pricing and to place an order.
