Solving Deployment Problems There are many factors that contribute to the opening characteristics of any parachute. When selecting a canopy to jump, you determine some of the basic opening characteristics by choice of canopy design and suspension line type. For example, the actual opening shock loads transmitted to the jumper and equipment is reduced by the amount the lines stretch. Microline stretches less than Dacron line, so higher shock loads will be transmitted with Microline.
All canopies have inherent opening characteristics.
However, the actual openings you experience are heavily affected by other factors that only you can control. The opening characteristics of some canopies are more heavily influenced by these factors than others. It is imperative that you understand the remaining interrelated factors that only you can control. You must make them work for you. Attention to these factors will result in greater consistency in your canopy openings, minimizing the chances of equipment failure.