I understand that it's important to choose "real" paracord which has the three smaller cords inside and which have a variety of other uses. Without an ability to inspect the cord, I'm not sure if it's real or fake. Please let me know what you think of this: http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/item/FA3217
Other great stuff is available, at seemingly reasonable prices:
http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/subcat/179
Have I found a good source, or is there better?

Jagd,

Real USGI 550 cord will have 7 or 8 inner strands, not three.

To be safe, go with CountyComm ... http://www.countycomm.com/550cord.htm

I've purchased their cord and its legitimate...

M

I've also bought 550# from Countycomm. It's the real deal.

Regards, Vince

www.actiongear.com there stuff is real too.

Fake--- Notice it's called 520 cord and there is no description of the construction. True paracord is 7 strand which further unravels into smaller threads. There are actually a few decent commercial versions, but always insist on the 7 inner strands. Most of the cheap copies have at best 3 strands and at worse a fuzzy inner core. The cheap stuff is only good for throttling the unscrupulous sellers <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Yes,what all the others said is true, 7 innner strands is mil-spec 550lb test. There is other Mil-spec cord with less inner strands that is actually 375lb test.
One use for good strong paracord is to use it in snow covered forest areas to tie a rock or heavy object to it and throw it over dead tree branches and pull them down for a campfire. Could be a lifesaver! Often overlooked technique.
If you are in the military on a base check to see if they have a parachute loft on the base, they will give you about as much as you want and you know it is real! Cheers

Paracord has become something of a standard not so much for it's tensile strength ( many mountaineering cords being far stronger) as versatility. The inner strands become fishing line, sewing thread, snares, binding for expedient tools, bowstrings, sutures, netting to name a few. The outer core makes spendid replacement shoelaces. As complete cordage it is tough and resiliant to abrasion, rot and temperature changes. Non spec paracord belongs in the category of knock off Gucci Handbags, counterfit aircraft and automobile parts and fake Rolex watches. I'd rather have cheap cotton utility rope. At least you know what it is <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Just from that picture you cann't be sure. But the description is NOT 550 paracord, as Chris mentioned.

I had quite the same problem some time ago, except I had the so-called paracord in my hands and didn't check if it was genuine.
(see that thread )

Are the orange and maroon cord the real deal? I thought Paracord only comes in black, OD & white?

I bought the orange. It's real.

regards, VInce

One more thing about parachute cord, the 550 comes from the parachutes used in aircrew emergency, like bailout or ejection. A standard T-10 or MC-1B military paratrooper chute uses 375lb cord with 4 inner strands, it is a larger diameter chute with less stress on the cord. Both are great, excellent quality, etc. The newer freefall cutes use kevlar lines. FYI.

Thanks, good to know.

I have purchased black and orange from CountyComm and both are authentic.

Is there an Army/Navy Surplus store physically near you? If so, they will more than likely have both real and knock-off paracord. Ask which one is 550lb test strength, 7 strand nylon and they will be happy to tell you. Enough people buy the fake kind out of ignorance that they have no real motive to steer towards it.