paraboost Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 So the story begins just before Christmas when I'm on a job and hear of a friend of work colleague who's got a paramotor & wing (Apco Fiesta II) for sale. I give the guy a call he gives me the low down: 3 - 4 years old, never been flown he's just done the hours runin in his garage and the wing is totally unused. Being a paraglider and not knowing anything about paramotoring I do a bit of research on the internet they seem like a pretty good paramotors even if you avoid anything written by superdell. I place a deposit cause I needed to sell my boat in NZ before I could really afford it and finally picked it up a couple of days ago. Yesterday I assembled it, replaced batteries etc and then on having a good look around noticed it was a 2003 model. Going from 3-4 years old to almost 10 is a pretty massive jump. I'm know totally undecided as what to do - say sod it and just get on with flying or before I use it try to return it and purchase something newer as I imagine quite a lot has changed in 10 years. So keen to hear peoples thoughts and how much they think its worth. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morgy Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 I dont know much about the walker jet.... Equipment is always changing evolving... The main thing is, is it safe reliable? Does it suit your needs? This guy has lied about the age i would asume he has lied about the hours. Get it checked by an instructor or an experienced PPG pilot. Regards Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paraboost Posted February 10, 2013 Author Share Posted February 10, 2013 I dont know much about the walker jet.... Equipment is always changing evolving... The main thing is, is it safe reliable? Does it suit your needs? This guy has lied about the age i would asume he has lied about the hours. Get it checked by an instructor or an experienced PPG pilot. Regards Mark Hi Morgy, Thanks for your feedback - From what I can see the design saftey wise hasnt changed a huge amount from the original in 2003 to the current flat top models. The hang points have been modified slightly but this would be easy enough to update. There have been numerous other updates but none that I have seen that I think would effect safety. I know if has lied about the age then maybe he should not be trusted, but the paramotor is immaculate - no scratches or remote signs of use and also I've had a good look at the wing and there is not one marking on it so am 99% sure he has genuinely never flown it. If I cant return it or do decide to keep it anyway I will take it down to my local school to get checked out as advised - cheers Morgy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel_d. Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 I had a large fiesta2 for a few years, I am 83 kilos wet. It was fine as a paraglider but a pig to launch under power. I might have got on better if it was a smaller size. I found that it would often fall to one side in low/nil wind conditions however I was using a Rad MXL at the time so the low power wouldn't have helped also. Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ganers Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 If the motor is in as good nick as you say it would be worth getting back in touch if not to return it but see if you can discount the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmer_Dave Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 2003 Walkerjet Simon would be stronger than the newer model. Simmo is probably a better motor than the newer model was fitted with. My cousin has had long service from his. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paraboost Posted February 12, 2013 Author Share Posted February 12, 2013 Thanks for the replies guys, we're sending emails back forth but I cant see I'm gonna get anywhere with this guy. He's now saying he said he last ran it 3/4 years ago and never said how old it was, so all its gonna come down to is his word against mine and sadly he already has my cash! Think I'll keep the motor and try selling the wing on Ebay to get back some of my money and chalk this up to experience of not trusting friends of friends! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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