First new tarp for newbie -- catenary or straight ridgeline?

I'm a hammocking newbie and so far I only have the stock Hennessy tarp that came with my UL Explorer Asym. This tarp has minimal coverage, and although I've only been out in good weather so far, I can see that I'm going to need a larger tarp to make rain and wind bearable. The MacCat Standard looks nice, and it's bigger, but I'm not sure if it's big enough. And I'm wondering about the Warbonnet Edge, which is the same size as the MacCat and on sale for $75, and the larger WB Mamajamba which is only $90 on sale. At the moment I'm leaning towards the Mamajamba, which is close to the size of the $130 Hennessy silnylon hex tarp that is recommended by HH for my hammock. But the Warbonnets and the Hennessy both have a catenary ridgeline vs. the MacCat straight ridgeline. I don't know whether catenary or straight will be easier/harder to use or work better/worse than the other. Anybody have experience with both? I'm sure people must have discussed this before, so I've tried to search for it in the forums, but so far haven't had any luck finding it. Thanks in advance for your help!

the BMJ for $90 is a super value and you won't be disappointed with it, been using one for 2 1/2 years now and love it

boot

really any tarp that you are happy with is a good choice.
i use 2 different tarps depending on time of year and anticipated over night low temps.
most of the time i roll with my TadPole, ample coverage, packs up small and lite weight.
colder hangs i take my trusty Oldman Winter, it's like a silnylon condo.

if i could only have 1 it would be the Oldman Winter be cause it can do everything (coverage wise).

just do your homework and have fun.
__bob__

Thanks guys! Anybody else out there who can give me some tips (or pros/cons) for tarps with a catenary ridge line vs. a straight ridge line? Is one easier to pitch, or more versatile, than the other?

I used a MacCat deluxe for my hike this year because of the cat cuts.
I had the MacCat deluxe. I never, ever had a problem with it.
I got very proficient in pitching it in less than 3 days.

For the colder temps, I definitely want doors!!
SuperFly all the way.

.02


ps...flatline's reasonings are very similar to mine.
Just different makers of tarps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marlin

But the Warbonnets and the Hennessy both have a catenary ridgeline vs. the MacCat straight ridgeline. I don't know whether catenary or straight will be easier/harder to use or work better/worse than the other. Anybody have experience with both? I'm sure people must have discussed this before, so I've tried to search for it in the forums, but so far haven't had any luck finding it. Thanks in advance for your help!

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With straight ridgeline tarp does not have so called optimal angle wich are big + for any pitch, be it porch mode, be it storm mode. I do not have BMJ or HennHex with catenary ridgeline but have MacCat Ultra.I do not think that ridgeline to be must catenary imho.

I like a cat cut ridge line. Helps find that natural angle of your hammock suspension prime 30* slope. I find that just like the edges, a cat cut ridge make a tight pitch that much easier to lock down.

I have the WB Mamajamba and at the current price, it is a steal. Even at the regular price, I think it is one of the all around great product. It is versatile and gives excellent coverage. As for the ridge line, for a big tarp lie Mamajamba, I think having the cat design is essential.

What ever you choose, I think you will be happy with either one from our excellent choices of venders.

Happy Holidays.

Thanks, everybody! Based on your comments, I've gone ahead and ordered the BMJ from WB. Can't wait to try it out! From what I can see, it will be a good 3-season tarp for my HH, and I can always save weight and use the tiny HH asym tarp in nicer, warmer weather. Eventually I hope to get a BlackBird to pair with the BMJ, but that will be a little further down the road. Thanks again!