I've used static lines for 40 years that connect the D ring on the parachute to the factory provided connection in the ship. Could make a difference if you bang your head going out or can't find the D ring (happened to me once sky diving).

The idea came from flying fighters in the 60's and 70's that had what was called a "zero delay lanyard" that connected the D ring on the chute to the ejection seat. This lanyard was connected before take off and removed above a couple thousand feet, and then reconnected before landing. You didn't want the chute opening immediately at high altitude or high air speeds.

The length of mine is half a wing span, with the nylon strapping layered together and contained by rubber bands. See pics at:
http://karlstriedieck.com/Parachute_Lanyard.pdf

Make sure the tube your D ring cable runs through is securely sewn to the harness so that an out-of-alignment yank by the lanyard doesn't rip it loose..

Karl Striedieck karls at uplink.net