We did think about providing a 32" Nylon chute for the Saturn 1B but it would have raised the price to about $70.00. Since Nylon chutes are readily available, we left it up to the builder to upgrade the chute to match his preference and field conditions. Since many will probably be built for display or a limited number of flights, we would have probably gotten more complaints about the higher cost.

The SLS line is a little different since they are not as price sensitive and are designed to last longer by using more durable parts. When we added the Nylon chute to the SLS Hustler, the price jumped $8.00 over the original projected price. The only complaints we have received about the Hustler are about the high price. If we had dropped back to a cheaper chute, and kept the price lowere, the primary complaints would have been about the chute.

It is a balancing act.

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Carl McLawhorn
NAR#4717 L2
semroc.com

I'd like to see an option to purchase the SLS models without a chute if it's going to save me $8. I have a tote full of nylon chutes ranging in size from 12' to the Halo chute for my L2. I don't need anymore!

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Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

Yes, a chute-less option would be a good thing, IMHO.

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Scott D. Hansen
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe - Your One Stop BAR Shoppe!
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Ye Olde Rocket Forum
WOOSH NAR Section #558

I agree, too.

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Dave, NAR # 21853 SR.

Another voice for the chute-less SLS option.....

Later,
EV

I've got a box full of plastic parachutes from kits. With the invention of the snap swivel, I keep three parachutes (stored in zip lock bags with talcum powder) in my range box...12", 18" and 24"....and one of each size as a back-up. I also have an 18" nylon chute in my range box. I fly them until they wear out and then rig up another. So, I'm more than content to have the kit arrive without a parachute. Is this a long enough desertation to say that an option to have a kit without a parachute suits me just find? That a kit without a parachute would just make my chute billow?

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Don
NAR 53455
"Carpe Diem"

This makes a lot of sense to me as a consumer. But, I'll bet it would be a major headache to kit both versions and keep them straight inventory-wise...

rraeford

The volume is so low on the SLS line, having two versions of each is not feasable. Having dealers order and stock both of each model would also be a nightmare. We think that most customers will buy the cheaper version, then a few would say the parachute was missing and we would have to send a replacement chute to honor our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

We have been looking at something like an "easy-order" button for all designs, whether we kit them or not, that would allow someone to order all the parts needed and be able to back out parts that are not needed. This would allow one to click on the SLS Javelin, for instance, and then uncheck the chute and instructions if they are not wanted. Not sure how the price would compare, because most kits already cost less than the sum of their parts. It is much easier to kit a hundred at one time than to kit them one at a time on each order!

Maybe when we get as big as the "Giants", we can offer all our kits with choice of plastic, nylon, or none and in a wide choice of colors! Sheryl said she likes the "none" option the best when it comes to chutes!

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Carl McLawhorn
NAR#4717 L2
semroc.com

You can please all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot please all the people all the time.

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Bruce S.
NAR #19730 Level 2
Vikings Rocket Society

I think this is one of those discussions we've had before (some of it seems to linger in my mind, anyway). What you have to consider is the possibility (dare I say probability) of some fool shooting the model off without a parachute, then telling everyone "That's how it was sold -- they didn't put one in the package because it doesn't really need one!" Never mind how much we know otherwise, putting at least one plastic parachute in each kit is a (relatively cheap) measure of insurance (not an absolute guarantee) against such fools. It at least demonstrates to those with authority that the model was sold with intent of recovery, and not something that was meant to crash into other objects.

Put the plastic parachutes in every standard-kit package, with an advert in the larger kits offering the nylon as a special-order "upgrade".

Here's another suggestion: A mail-in offer to exchange unopened, as-shipped plastic parachutes back to SEMROC for some credit (maybe ten parachutes for a Rawhide or Swift, or six parachutes for a Rocket Rack, or some other exchange...). As long as the parachutes are unopened and pristine, they could easily be recycled back into other kits or sold separately. One way to ensure these are unopened and pristine -- heat-seal the parachute packages at both ends, instead of using those zip-top bags. If the bag is unopened, it's reasonable to presume they're likely undamaged...

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Craig McGraw

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