On Tuesday, July 22, 2014 9:40:37 AM UTC-5, Glidergeek wrote:
Let's do a little math here, if you'relike my situation you paid $1600 for that parachute. You took good care of it kept about the sun and the weather got repacked either every year or every other year. It's 20 years old and it still in good shape, If Strong says it is a good chute and as long as it stays in good shape it can be repacked. Softie and other's say ours are only good for 20 years time to buy a new one pony up $2300.



Strong says ship it to us will repack and certify it for $55. Unless you have abused yours got it wet left it in your glider on hot days in the sun let your animals **** on it you should be able to get another 10 years out of it.

I think the gist of the argument and I may be wrong, is that regardless of the environment or care in handling. The materials in the canopy still age, and by 20 years. The nylon or whatever material becomes more brittle. Testing this becomes a destructive test. Thus anyone signing one off past this generally recognized rule of thumb may not be someone to entrust your life welfare to. Then again there may be an element of salesmanship too. Strong has better insurance to stand by their product than John P Rigger
I have emailed strong. And received a reply. It is $65 to Re-certify it each time plus $70 (35 x 2) shipping to and fro. I may just want to get a more current used one and hand it to the guy with $40 and get it back next day. Or maybe the cost to continually recertify is not significant compared to the high outlay for new.
Incidentally the chute was offered with the glider I just purchased. It looks new and fooled the rigger until he pulled the log. It only just reached the 20 year mark. Otherwise it is really quite nice. It is my 1st parachute and my 1st glider too.