Bill, I know that some companies give you a choice of a 3-rings to be made of standard steel, nickel plated, or stainless steel (http://miragesys.com/product_info/about-g3/hardware.html). As I assume, the surface of polished stainles steel rings and nickel plated rings is more smooth/slippery than of those made of standard steel . In one issue of Parachutist it was said that a smooth/slippery surface of 3-rings is 'worse' than the one that provides more beneficial friction (like standard steel). Is that true? Out of these 3 options, which is the best (safest) for a 3-ring cutaway system? Are the release forces the same (assuming that all 3 sets - standard, nickel, stainless - are made the same and perfectly, according to your specs). Or it doesn't matter? Thanks, Bart