Dollar for dollar, what is the best system to have

[Eric Wiggins]

Just wondering. Not just brand. Size, fabric, etc
and what about hybrid systems ( lindstrand + head, cameron + national etc
Chase Vehicles, too. Truck, van or trailer?

[Sky Drifters Ballooning]

Hi Eric,

There is no easy answer as to which system is the best one to have.

Here are a few things I have learned though.

Envelopes: They all fly.
Baskets: They all hold people.
Burners: Piezoelectric igniters can save a lot of money in fabric repairs...................


IMHO the best system for the money is one that is in good shape, costs the least, and is safe. I buy used as there are upon occasion great deals to be had.

My next system will likely be a new Head envelope and a used Lindstrand or Cameron bottom end.

Hope that helps.

[Dustin cantu]

lindstrand balloons haves good deals

[David Mitchell]

I'm a fan of something that will last, and last, and last. A household name means nothing but a shrunken bank account unless the product will be around for many, many years. Not to mention that a balloon that is built to fly for 700+ hours will get better fuel economy due to high-quality fabric. Ballooning is expensive enough as it is, even without a balloon that is porous and needs replacement fabric after only a handful of years in service. Want to keep people active in hot air ballooning? Quality systems that are made of the best materials available, that will save the owner money in fuel economy and repair work, is a great place to start.
I strongly believe Head Balloons is the best bang for the buck out there. The Head balloon that I fly is ten years old and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. I can't describe how happy I am with the product and I hope to get many more great years out of the system.

[xxl]

Lindstrand

[Lance Terry]

Yes lindstrand has really good fabric if you choose the diamond weave option which they owe a debt of gratitude to Aerostar for. I would like to have a diamond weave balloon again but I don't have a spare 40+ grand laying around to devote to a 90K sized new lindstrand. That is why I chose Head to build my current balloon. Best bang for the buck IMHO and they use 1.9 oz fabric which in most cases holds up really well.

[David Mitchell]

I would put Head's fabric right up there against anything else in the industry. I believe National Balloons uses the same fabric but I'm not certain on that. Head's 1.9 oz fabric rocks, plus it has a really good coating that will also outlast anything.

[Adam]

Dollar for Dollar the best option is to build it yourself. Get whatever size you want and it will be new and very cheap.

[Angus Peart]

Couldn't agree more.

[Luke Russell]

i have become a believer in kubicek balloons they are rather inexpensive (you can get a new 105 envilpoe turningvents kevlar cables and everything with flytech for 21000) they have been known to get well over 1000 hours also and thats on their ride balloons

[ben schuler]

i agree. and the polyester fabric also has a little bit higher temp rating along with the tendency to last longer

[Jeremy King]

National balloons would be my "bang for the buck" 1.9 rip stop nylon that last. I have over 600 hrs on mine. Get a 65,000 envelope for under 16,000, complete system for around 23,000. Want to know more contact me.

[Robert Thomas]

Firefly is having a sale till 9-11-09 They been around since 1972