I haven't ordered from these folks, but others have recommended them:

Supply Captain paracord page

As usual, you folks have given some great responses that help us understand better. I really appreciate everyone's time and effort on our behalf.

Michael

There is a "commercial" grade of 550 cord available from the same mills that produce mil-spec 550. It is made to a lesser standard and differs in the way the yarn is braided and in other ways left unspecified. Commercial 550 cord is much lower in price, is often available in a rainbow of colors and accounts for much of what is available at the retail level. To the best of my knowledge, genuine 550 cord is only available in white, od green and, I believe, black.

Absolutely right Stretch. Thanks for clearing up any confusion that may have caused.

Mil-Spec must meet min standards for the part or product made, BUT the Military usally will take the LOW BIDDER. After 20 years fighting with supply officers to get what I wanted I learned alot. When you get an Item one year that dose not mean that you will get it next year. After buying 6 BA'S for the fire department and using them for two years, when I needed to replace one , that company no longer had the contract and no longer meet Mil-Spec. But I got the units I needed buy showing the base commander and the supply officer they were saving money and trainning time on new units.