Are all 42" pilot chutes the same? Do some create more drag than others (all things being equal outside the pilot chute brands). If they are different, do you think there are some 38" pilot chutes that are simular 42" pilot chutes from a different manufacturer? I'm seriously questioning how much pilot chute sizes really matter (within reason) as much as people think. Now, I'm not saying jump a 32" pilot chute on a 250ft stowed jump. But I would question this: would it be okay to jump this 42" brand x pilot chute on a 1 second delay 350 ft jump instead of this 46" brand y pilot chute. Or maybe there is a 38" pilot chute from brand z that works better than the brand x one.

Some people seem to be so sure that they must jump this pilot chute that is 4" bigger or 4" smaller than that pilot chute. I mean with all different factors (ie: Vented or not, ZP or F111, amount of tape sewn on pilot chute, mesh material, etc, etc...) it seems to me like there is more to consider than just size.

I think it would be good to some results of scientific testing of pilot chutes. What about the gear manufactures out there, maybe they would be interested in funding such a project.

BSBD