False. I believe squares are (slightly)more reliable. Only problem with
squares is that an untrained jumper can hurt/kill themselves landing one.
Square parachutes accelerate when turning(think glider without pitch
control) hence turning low to the ground and impacting while the parachute
is descending is the issue. I believe there are two companies selling
square pilot rigs: Paraphenalia and Rigging Innovations. Rigging
Innovations has two versions one is a standard square reserve for
experienced jumpers or folks willing to get training and the other has a
detuned square that still gets better descent rates than rounds. I don't
work for either company but being an exskydiver I use(well wear) a square
parachute. They are more expensive by probably $700-$1,200. take good
care of them and they should last more than 20 years...
At 12:20 05 December 2008, wrote:
What is this about round vs ram/square? I thought it was generally
accepted that ram/square give more control and lower descent rates,
but are less suitable for glider emergency chutes because they work
reliably only if you are the right way up etc. when you pull them.

Whereas it used to be said that round ones may give no or less control
and a higher descent rate (for a given area), and you may get broken
ankles, but they are better life savers because they deploy more
quickly and reliably when used by untrained glider pilots in emergency
when you may deploy them in far from the best attitude.

True, false, or what?

Chris N.