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Best Speed Chutes

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
SKLZ Speed Chute
SKLZ
Speed Chute
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

The best speed chute to use for intense activities and sports training. Our fitness expert uses this in his gym.

Pros

The broad surface area of the chute captures just enough air to provide great resistance training without too much wind resistance. Strap is durable for heavy use. Features adjustable 2-inch belt.

Cons

Size of chute is too small to provide noticeable drag for larger and/or stronger adults.

Best Bang for the Buck
Anpopo 56" Speed Chute
Anpopo
56" Speed Chute
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Budget-friendly
Bottom Line

A great choice for those looking for a chute that is affordable and comes with a nice carrying bag.

Pros

Produces up to 33 pounds of resistance when at full running speed. The belt is well-built and comfortable. Comes with a carrying bag. The chute is made from durable material.

Cons

Does not provide much resistance for experienced runners.

KUYOU Resistance Parachute
KUYOU
Resistance Parachute
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

One of the largest speed chutes available for the lowest price, our fitness expert recommends this for advanced and stronger athletes.

Pros

At a great price, this 56-inch speed chute offers a high level of resistance. Free-motion ring attaches anywhere on the belt, allowing for diverse training exercises. Durable fabric. Velcro belt fits up to a 42-inch waist.

Cons

Not ideal for beginners because the large chute provides lots of resistance.

StillCool Chute
StillCool
Chute
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

Offering much versatility, this is one of the best speed chutes for professional-level or serious resistance training.

Pros

Unique chute design captures more air without creating too much wind resistance. Chute is easy to use in several different exercises and training regimes. Provides up to 35 pounds of resistance.

Cons

Strap lacks the ability to adjust to different body shapes and sizes.

Primed Speed Parachute
Primed
Speed Parachute
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Simple Operation
Bottom Line

This easy-to-use speed chute is lightweight and designed for tangle-free sprint training.

Pros

Constructed with a buckle that can be adjusted to fit various sizes. Releases quickly to improve the runner’s start time. Offers suitable resistance to increase strength and endurance. Comes with a carrying bag for convenient storage and transportation.

Cons

The cord may be a bit long for smaller kids to use.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
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Buying guide for Best speed chutes

For athletes who want to improve acceleration, strength, and endurance, a speed chute makes for a welcome yet inexpensive exercise accessory. Speed chutes work by trapping air behind you as you run forward, adding resistance to your movement as you increase your speed. The resistance forces you to work harder, aiding in the development of muscle as well as enhancing technique and posture.

A speed chute is a lightweight synthetic-fiber parachute of relatively small size (usually from 40 to 60 inches in diameter) attached to a harness affixed around the runner’s waist. The chute rests on the ground until the runner takes off. As the runner builds up speed, the chute inflates and creates drag, adding anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds of resistance to your run.

With a speed chute, you don’t need to wait for wind or snow or seek out hilly locations to make your workout harder. A speed chute can supplement your workout regimen and help you train specific muscles. However, not everyone needs a chute. Our buying guide can help you determine if a speed chute is for you, and we’ve included a few of our favorites for your consideration, too.

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Speed chutes improve fast-twitch muscles, which are used for explosive bursts and fatigue quickly. Slow-twitch muscles are used in endurance activities like marathons.

Key considerations

Any athlete looking to improve their strength and stamina can find use in a speed chute. A chute is of particular benefit for athletes in any sport that requires quick bursts and explosive speed, such as sprinting, football, and rugby. For middle- and long-distance runners, speed chutes can help improve mechanics and endurance; however, the chute is not meant to be used for long-distance running.

A speed chute is only effective if you’re sprinting fast enough to get it to deploy (or if you’re running on a particularly windy day). Therefore, using a chute properly requires a base level of fitness and experience. While it’s not exclusively for professionals, beginners may struggle with it.

Expert tip
Always start your speed chute workout with a warm-up and end with a cool-down to help your body transition in and out of exercise mode.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Benefits

Speed chutes are effective at improving fitness — to a degree and with some exceptions. First, speed chutes use your own strength and fitness to make you stronger and fitter; there are no weights or machines involved. That means there is a limit to how much you can improve, but it’s also not effective if you don’t put enough effort into it.

Second, speed chutes should only be one component of your exercise regimen. They aren’t meant to be used daily and should instead be incorporated into a focused fitness plan. Speed chutes can build up muscles in your quads, glutes, and calves, but like all exercises, you want to focus on other parts of the body, too, and make sure you get enough rest.

Last, there is a mental component to using a speed chute that can’t be tested or quantified. Knowing you’re capable of achieving a certain goal when working out means you may be more confident when faced with adversity in competition. Practice breeds confidence, and confidence aids in success.

Drawbacks

Speed chutes are somewhat dependent on the fitness of the runner, the quality of the product, and the weather. Young sprinters and athletes who have not yet developed proper technique may struggle both in exercising safely and maintaining motivation. If you can’t get to a fast sprinting speed, the chute won’t catch. Lesser-quality chutes might not work as well, and users may get frustrated trying to make the chute catch. A bit of wind can aid in the process, but too much wind can be detrimental.

Location

Make sure you have enough space to use the chute. Running with a chute means you need to be more cognizant of your surroundings; you can’t just run on city streets like you normally would. You’ll be running in straight lines to maximize the chute’s effectiveness, so a football field or track is optimal.

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Caution
Do not use the chute on your dog. Pets may be great athletes, but they don’t understand how drag and resistance work and shouldn’t be attached to a speed chute under any circumstances.
STAFF
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Speed chute features

Size

The size (small, medium, large) of the chute determines the amount of wind resistance. The larger the chute, the more drag. Small chutes offer around 15 pounds of resistance, while larger ones can create up to 30 pounds of drag. Smaller chutes are optimal for individuals who weigh less than 170 pounds, while large ones are ideal for those who weigh over 210 pounds.

Position

Speed chutes always attach at the rear, but some have rotating rings that can secure to any part of the harness. This means you can run sideways or backwards, too. This is optimal for more focused training where specific movements are necessary, such as shifting laterally in football.

Belt

Because the belt wraps around your waist, and the chute pulls you back, runners can experience some discomfort. Higher-end chutes may come with a more comfortable padded belt to help minimize any pain, bruising, or discomfort.

Extras

Some speed chutes may be combined with other exercise equipment to help diversify your workout. Small hurdles, cones, or agility ladders may be included to be used in conjunction with the chute and vary your routine.

Expert tip
When running with a speed chute, choose a flat course or track so you’re able to run forward easily without attempting to navigate rough terrain.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Speed chute prices

Speed chutes are relatively cheap, and they can be cheaply made, so the price is a general indicator of quality.

Inexpensive

There are a few speed chutes available at just under $10. These may be good for those who want to try out a chute for the first time and see how it works, but they probably won’t hold up to extended use.

Mid-range

For between $10 and $20, you can find most types of chutes available in most sizes. These are of decent quality and fairly comfortable.

Expensive

Spend over $20 and you’ll find higher-quality and larger chutes. These may come with workout accessories or from a more reputable brand and include a satisfaction guarantee. You can find pairs of chutes at this price as well.

Tips

  • Create a workout regimen. Plan a training routine that incorporates the chute without having to remove it. For example, combine push-ups, sprinting, and jogging to maximize your workout.

  • Know your limits. Like any piece of exercise equipment, there is a risk of injury if you don’t know how to use it properly. Listen to you body, learn proper technique, and stretch before and after use. The speed chute may not work for you for any number of reasons, but don’t get discouraged. It’s important to know what works best for your body and your fitness goals.

  • Add an extra chute. If you feel you’ve maxed out on one chute, you can add another. Some companies offer the option of buying two at a time, and most easily hook onto another chute.

  • Don’t be creative. This is one time when life hacks or clever innovations are not advised. The speed chute should only be used in the way it’s designed. It’s useless and potentially dangerous to use the chute indoors, in a pool, or as an actual parachute.
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Precise timing and caution can lead to an exhilarating “shot out of a cannon” feel. That’s when you release the chute and lose the wind resistance while sprinting at high speed.

FAQ

Q. Is a speed chute suitable for children?

A. There is no set answer for this. Generally, a speed chute is not useful for children or teens, unless they’re already exercising at a high level and understand proper training and safety techniques. Size does play a factor as well, as some chutes may be too big for smaller children.

Expert tip
Think of running with a speed chute the same way you do interval training, alternating between low and high-impact physical activity.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Q. How much does the chute weigh?

A. Speed chutes are exceptionally lightweight, making them easy to transport and carry. Most speed chutes weigh well under one pound, and most come with a carrying bag.

Q. How much resistance does a chute provide?

A. Wind resistance is influenced by a number of factors, most of which are determined by the individual user. Your fitness, size, and speed go into determining resistance, which is why most companies feature a range (such as 10 to 40 pounds) instead of a fixed number. Of course, the bigger the chute, the more resistance.

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