I've been using a Nylamesh chute now for a couple of high power events, on perhaps a dozen H and I flights up to about 2,600 ft. I like them. The float nicely, and of course there are no tangled cords anymore. That's the main reason I got them--tangled cords.
I also started using the streamers as well. I attach a long shock cord, then the streamer, then the chute.
I don't use the chute bag (don't trust that I can get the chute out of it), or use the bag built into the streamer. Instead, I've learned to lay out the chute with the mesh stretched out away from the peak of the chute. Then I dump the cord onto the mesh, then I roll the mesh up taking streamer into it as it rolls. Once it's rolled up, I continue to wrap the streamer around the bundle to make a smooth package of the right length and width to slide easily but fill my tube. This arrangement pops out unfurls in a straight line every time, without drama.
The streamer makes it easier to track in the sky, though it also makes it sail further in the wind, so keep that in mind.
Improvements I'd like to see?
1. I do wish there was a wider selection of sizes. I use a 36" on the StrongARM + payload bay I've been using for flight testing the AltimeterTwo. A 30" or 32" would be a better fit to reduce the amount of walking required. But 36" gives a soft landing--the AltimeterTwo reports a fairly consistent descent rate of 11MPH, which is just on the gentle side of perfect.
2. I'd *really* like a version that was all Coast Guard Orange, even the mesh. That seems to be the color that stands out in the sky to me the most. I am going to take all of my chutes soon and soak them in dye as soon as I can get some from Michael's. I hope they have a color like that.
Overall, I like the Nylamesh!
--John Beans, Jolly Logic
