Quick Chute Reefing With Tape

Reefing a parachute can slow down the opening of the canopy. Instead of opening with a "pop", a reefing ring allows the parachute to open gradually.
Check out the video from the Air Command Water Rockets website HERE

At the flying field, sometimes I'd rather not cut a spill hole in a parachute.
Reefing a parachute with masking tape allows the model to fall faster but still slower than a streamer. The parachute isn't allowed to fully open.

Before applying masking tape to a parachute, stick the tape on your pant leg and pull it off. This leaves cloth fibers on the tape making it less sticky. Repeat this three or four times. You'll see the cloth fibers left on the tape.
Now when you remove the tape it won't pull, stretch or tear the parachute.

I use two different reef positions.
1. Below The Canopy -

The tape is doubled over the shroud lines right below the edges of the parachute.







2. The Hillbilly Hat -

Tape around the chute, halfway down from the top.
Taping this way it can be harder to remove the tape.

Before anybody corrects my use of the term "Reefing" - I know - this is just what I call it.
It's simply another recovery method.