About FR3
My name is Steve Riegel and I operate Front Range Rocket Recovery (FR3) as a way to share my passion for cool parachutes. I believe that the recovery phase is an integral part of the rocketry experience, not an afterthought. With this in mind, I craft parachutes to provide your special bird with that extra bit of bling to make each flight all the more memorable.
FR3 chutes are characterized by a high level of fit and finish with 100% flat felled seams and rolled hems to present a smooth, clean canopy and provide extra strength. I use 1.1 oz ripstop nylon and 200 lb braided Spectra for the suspension lines. Both of these reduce weight and bulk on my packed chutes. I've rolled a 6' canopy into a 3" x 6" bundle.
I offer designs and patterns with high gore counts and lots of in-gore piecing. This, coupled with the seam finishing, drives my labor costs. I know I'm more expensive than other vendors for chutes of similar diameters. I think you'll appreciate the quality of my offerings as worth the extra expense. If I don't have a pattern template made, feel free to ask about additional design work. I am happy to explore options.
I am NAR Level 2 certified, an Air Force veteran, and a one-person shop. I started FR3 as a way to support my own rocketry pursuits after receiving positive feedback on chutes I'd sewn for several of my rockets.
Details of my methods and materials can be found in Apogee Component's Peak of Flight newsletter #491: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Peak-of-Flight/Newsletter491
I do not share customer information with third parties.
FR3 chutes are characterized by a high level of fit and finish with 100% flat felled seams and rolled hems to present a smooth, clean canopy and provide extra strength. I use 1.1 oz ripstop nylon and 200 lb braided Spectra for the suspension lines. Both of these reduce weight and bulk on my packed chutes. I've rolled a 6' canopy into a 3" x 6" bundle.
I offer designs and patterns with high gore counts and lots of in-gore piecing. This, coupled with the seam finishing, drives my labor costs. I know I'm more expensive than other vendors for chutes of similar diameters. I think you'll appreciate the quality of my offerings as worth the extra expense. If I don't have a pattern template made, feel free to ask about additional design work. I am happy to explore options.
I am NAR Level 2 certified, an Air Force veteran, and a one-person shop. I started FR3 as a way to support my own rocketry pursuits after receiving positive feedback on chutes I'd sewn for several of my rockets.
Details of my methods and materials can be found in Apogee Component's Peak of Flight newsletter #491: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Peak-of-Flight/Newsletter491
I do not share customer information with third parties.