I am an advocate of getting every component sized correctly and working together correctly..
This means if you have a rocket zipper you don't use a wider harness and an anti zipper design,,
you find out why it was moving so fast on deployment and correct that problem..
I completely agree that drogue sizing is super important...
You're looking for the shape of an inverted "V" falling from apogee..
I like altitude,, I like descents as fast as I can get from apogee but still be controlled...
The further out the legs of the "V" are indicates a very fast decent and a very small drogue...
Good,, as long as the 2 halves aren't flailing around uncontrolled..
The further in or closed the legs of the "V" are the slower the descent and the larger the drogue..
Not good if the payload section is pointed down,, you want the payload section pointed out into clear air when it fires the main...
You don't want the payload section pointed down and fire the main directly into the path of falling rocket parts...
There's a link in your post Rich,, to a swivel,, Spro's ball bearing swivels of that type are --
#8 is a 400 lb failure rated swivel...
#10 is a 500 lb failure rated swivel...
There is a mistake in the way those are listed,, I know because I sell them,, I carry the #10 - 500 lb swivel for $5 ea,, always have..
I also carry these type of swivels,,
They are much stronger and much more expensive..
I have these in size #10-- that's listed as a 1500 lb failure rating and they're $7 ea...
I would never recommend or advocate using any of these types of swivels to carry any more load then a drogue chute can apply...
If you want to carry the rocket a heavy swivel like these are in order as they'll take the load without deforming...
This is the reason I sell swivels like these...
And again, I don't mind saying it,, the best prices around...
Teddy
Oh,,
That really heavy man rated rock climbing swivel you linked to Rich,,
I think it's a viable piece,, but cost prohibitive...
Teddy