I was in the same spot as you and bought a new chute. I was advised
that unless you're buying the used chute from a rigger, don't buy it.
It could be damaged. You'll have no way of knowing about the damage
until rigger checks it out.

I bought mine from wingsandwheels.com but there are many other on-line
places to shop. www.pia.com/silver has a lot of good information on
chutes. They also have some used chutes but they don't seem to be
significantly cheaper than a new one.

Dave
68 7ECA

Jay Moreland wrote:
I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know
nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will
be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight
is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need
to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used
parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a
professional Master rigger.

Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc
going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute?
(Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger)

Is there anything to watch out for?

Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute
to know that it is still safe?

If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the
parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will
slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the
150 knot capability?

What other considerations should I think of?