Michael, I get your point however like many others
I hope that I will never have to use my parachute and
if I do I will take my chances. The only thing that
I want from it is that it works so how do I judge that?
I look at one of the most sucessful canopies there
is and think to myself, OK that works I want that one.
In my case it is the same canopy that is pressed into
the headbox of every MB ejector seat, an Irvin conical,
an identical canopy to the one in my pack. I am sure
that other canopies are just as good but to my way
of thinking, as I never intend to test it I will go
with something that will save my life even though I
am stupid enough not to get any training in it's use.
How do I know the canopy works, take a look at this.

http://www.joe-ks.com/Multi_Media/HarrierEjection.htm

The pilot was a tad unlucky, he broke his ankle when
he landed on his aircraft. I know that the actions
of the seat contribute but just look at the rate of
descent when the seat clears the cockpit. The seat
was actually outside it's required sucess envelope
but still the canopy deployed and saved the pilots
life.

At 19:30 07 April 2005, Michael wrote:
Thanks for that.

You're welcome.

It would seem therefore that the standard
conical chute is the only choice for the majority
of
glider pilots on the grounds that it is likely that
we will only ever use it if we have to.

If by that you mean that you won't train to use your
emergency
equipment, then you are correct. Stick with the round.
Just don't be
surprised if it lands you in the hospital. Remember
- those maximum
loadings are based on a fit man in his 20's wearing
boots with ankle
support. For a middle aged man wearing tennis shoes,
they really ought
to be reduced by 30% or so. Not so the weights on
squares - they are,
if anything, conservative if you know how to land one.

I am firmly of the opinion that people who jump out
of perfectly serviceable aeroplanes are .........how
can I put it.......... lacking in some way. :-)

As opposed to the spectacular good sense exhibited
by those who fly
airplanes that don't even have engines
Glass houses, stones, etc.

Michael