(09/06/08) This is just a brief review to add to Dick's review below.

Click to Enlarge

Received some RocketChutes.com Parachutes and even though they may be like (or at least similar) other rip-stop nylon 'chutes, these caught my attention:

Here's what they say:

• High quality model rocket parachutes
• A wide selection of ripstop nylon colors
• Braided nylon shroud lines
• Reinforced stitched edging
• Embroidery services to aid in recovery
• Discounted prices and fast delivery
• Sizes from 12"-48" for low and mid power rocketry

Here's what I say:

• Same (the stitching is top notch) and CHECK OUT THE TIE-DYE !!!!! Too, cool!

I have one that has embroidered "rocketreviews.com" as well. I didn't think of this as a big deal, but their website highlights how having your name and phone number embroidered might get your rocket (or at least your 'chute) back. That's a good thing, right?

I love the looks of my rocketchutes.com Tie Dye parachutes. They have other nylon parachutes as well, but the Tie Dye caught my eye!

I have flown several of the 'chutes. Below is the 24" Tie Dye parachute that was used in my Madcow Scooter™.

I give these parachutes an OVERALL rating of 5 points. I would recommend them to others.

Brief:
I bought 12" and 18" rip-stop nylon parachutes in both the new 'Toucan/American Eagle' tie-dye and camo patterns. I received them just in time for NARAM-50. Far out, man! You can get them in many solid colors also and can even have them embroidered. Other sizes include 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 inches.

Construction:
These are well built little chutes. They have 6 braided nylon shroud lines (actually three looped to adjacent corners) that are firmly sewn to the canopy. The shroud line length is equal to the diameter of the canopy. The nylon is reasonably light but seems suitable for up to the max available diameter. The tie-dye chute's edges were hemmed but the camouflage chutes are the one style whose edges are hot-cut. I haven't flown them nearly enough to tell how the latter will hold up.

Recovery:
On all of these, I attached them to a snap-swivel. I flew them collectively about a half dozen times at NARAM-50. What can I say? They worked fine and just as importantly looked awesome. The tie-dye chutes are the only ones I've ever had that anyone took notice of (at least in these smaller sizes).

Summary:
I wanted these unique patterns/colors and only checked the prices against my normal source of small chutes. The RocketChutes were just a tad less expensive and are constructed at least as well. I highly recommend these chutes. And, how can you resist that tie-dye pattern?

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5