Preamble: I started writing this about 6PM local time and it was posted immediately via dial-up :-)>
Anyhow, I did my L3 in 2001 with the usual bevy of loaned hardware/amenities/accoutrements, not the least of which was a 14' Spherachute via the transplanted-NJ-ite (to VA.)Bill Rossi. It was nicknamed the "Lucky Chute" as there had been 5 or 6 successful L3 certs and several other L3 flights it had taken a ride on. The moniker remained intact following my L3 pass.
Last season I brought my Mega Nuke out for its first EX pass. The motor was a Scott Raumberger 'tuned' APS Screamin' Demon formula that spec'ed out at an M2100, 10KN-s. While the motor was nothing short of awesome, my flight was a little less than so. I had miscalc'ed the launch rail velocity and true-to-form, that bad girl took a mild left on its way up... under hard acceleration. It flew downrange about a mile and a quarter and while drogueless at apogee, was moving pretty fast on the way down. The "Lucky Chute" took quite a hammerin and despite its injuries, (two longitudinal panel tears) the rocket touched down pretty lightly. Before Bill left for greener pastures (and better fishing), he bequeathed the injured "Lucky Chute" on me, saying that it "probably could be fixed".
(Note: 8779' altitude from a 30-40 degree trajectory at burnout. I'm bettin' the house on 10,500'.)
I made contact with Shane at Spherachutes and gave him a heads-up. (He knew this chute's rep and the sentimental value it held for many METRA flyersl.) I sent it to him May 21th and received it back from him the 29th. Repaired. Gratis. Need I say more?