Brief:
This is a review of Giant Leap Rocketry's 48" Spherachute PLUS+. The Spherachute PLUS+ is "a true hemispherical panel chute. ULTRA HIGH QUALITY high drag design." This product is exclusively available through Giant Leap.

Construction:
Here are the specifications, right off of Giant Leap's website:

• Tight, high density stitch, made to last!
• 400# test shrouds!
• Spill hole to reduce sway and drift.
• Strong ripstop nylon.
• Sharp contrasting 2-color design.
• Tried and proven!
• 1000# swivel already attached!
• Each chute comes with its own carrying case.

Here are some of my observations:

• There are eight 36" shroud lines
• The shroud lines are 1/8" circular nylon with inside cords (as best as I can tell)
• The shroud lines are stitched 3" up into the canopy
• The spill hole is 3" in diameter

Although some of the specifications are somewhat qualitative (How tight is tight? How strong is strong?), I have no doubt that this chute is sturdy enough for the typical rocket. On the other hand, it is not as strong as ones with tubular nylon sewn over the canopy.

So to frame my rating, here are some quick comparisons off Giant Leap's site:

This is not an exhaustive comparison, but it shows that the Spherachute is a mid range product, maybe not as durable as the chutes with over-the-canopy construction but better than the budget chute. Like the higher end products, it comes with a swivel and has a more efficient form factor than just a round chute.

Then, as I was writing this review, I referenced an article entitled "The Great Parachute Drift Off" written by Bruce Kilby (High Power Rocketry, December 1988). Bruce analyzed and tested 38 chutes from 9 manufacturers. To quote his conclusions: "If price were no object, most of us would probably use the best, the strongest, and the most attractive 'chutes available....However, all the 'chutes tested passed the 50 MPH shock test. All the 'chutes can support your rocket for a gentle landing, and all the 'chutes tested have about the same drift rate. For the majority of flights the cheapest 'chute will work just as well as the most expensive 'chute tested."

This conclusion fits my experience and leads to my rating. I generally don't consider the cost in a 'technical' rating, but in this case I feel you have to.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
To date I have flown this chute in my NCR Archer (recovery weight ~49oz) and my Upscale BLU-97B Cluster Bomb (a lighter 37oz rocket but has foamboard fins). The Archer deployed at apogee and the Cluster Bomb is light for this sized chute. I know these flights don't represent a 'stress test' for this product but I can only report the data I have.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
This is a nice looking and sturdy parachute that is a good value for the money. It packs well and suits my needs well. I like that a 1000lb swivel is included.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5