The Speed Chute ($40) is a training device designed to add additional resistance when running.  The faster the runner, the greater the resistance up to 15lbs.  The orange and black parachute uses a wide waist strap and nylon buckle.  Using it is as easy as flying a kite.

The parachute is made of two main sections of nylon.  The black portion is the actual parachute and adds noticeable resistance as the runner's speed increases.  The orange portion helps to funnel the airflow into the Speed Chute to fill it more quickly.  The waist harness is a wide nylon strap with a through-loop at one end.  There is a D-ring used to secure the parachute to the harness.  The harness is sized and secured by doubling over through the belt loop and uses hook and loop to fasten tightly.  The Speed Chute is shipped with a stout stuff sack that keeps the entire package compact and secure.  The system has been quite durable and shows no sign of snagging or tearing.

Using the Speed Chute is very much like flying a kite.  The player holds the chute in hand and runs.  Once up to speed, the parachute is dropped and fills with air.  There is noticeable resistance from the parachute.  It is easy to see how this will build explosive speed and strength in the upper legs.  If the player runs on their toes/sprints it will also build strength in the calves.  It should only be used on long flat surfaces.  Due to size and shape, it would be easy to snag the parachute on any obstacle.  The waist harness is quite large reflecting the original design target (American Football players).  Filled with air, the parachute is about 54 inches in diameter.  The strap and orange channels make it quite long.  These proportions make the product unusable by anyone less than 60" tall.  Even one of our adult testers found the harness to be very big.

Veloce produces a number of lower cost training items including cones, hurdles, ladders, reaction balls and the Speed Chute.  Retailers like Eurosport often bundle them together in training kits designed for specific purposes.  The products we have tested are of comparable quality.