Square Chutes...

Paul,

When you ask this question, keep in mind that there are two components
to what you get: the harness/container, and the chute itself. In the
skydiving world they are rarely manufactured by the same company, and
I'm nervous about those that are. That's like the same company making
the glider and trailer.

The harness/container, obviously, is what you see and feel most of the
time, and largely determines your cockpit comfort. This is important!
If you don't care what kind of parachute you have (round/square), get
the container that provides the most comfort, then get a square chute
if you're smart, a round if you're not. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

If you are stuck on round chutes, choose your container first (for
confort), chute second. If you want to be square, do a little more
shopping around on the container to ensure compatability.

Full disclosu I use a Rigging Innovations Sport Aviator, and the
owners of the company are long-time friends of mine. The Sport Aviator
is not the most comfortable emergency rig I've worn (it's designed
more for airbatic pilots), but the total quality package is very good,
and the comfort is good enough.

~ted/2NO