When to use a tarp tensioner

[dkurfiss]

I am trying to figure out when I need to use a tarp tensioner and when I do not. I think if I am using any kind of nylon tarp then I need tensioner because it will stretch over night. If I am using polyester tarp, then I do not. So tell me if I have this right please.

Kelty Noah 12 x12 - polyester taffeta material = no tensioner needed
Hennessey Rip-stop polyester = no tensioner needed
BCUSA 10x10 - ◾70D 1.9 oz ripstop nylon = needs tensioner

Also, is there any reason I would not want to use a tensioner with a polyester material tarp?

Cuban fiber? Do it need a tensioner? I don't have one of these yet but it is the next item on my bucket list

[Shug]

My tarps all have some sort of tensioner on my guylines. Even my cuben.
Depending on the trees...when I get in the hammock the trees give a bit thus some tarp sag. The tensioners help with this. I do like a tight tarp for the most part.
Shug

[Bammacker]

Many say no need for tensioners with Cuben fiber, but I always have.

[GoatHanger]

I think they would help with any tarp to help prevent tearing also. Like a shock absorber. Sometimes the wind gets angry.

[dkurfiss]

My tarps all have some sort of tensioner on my guylines. Even my cuben.
Depending on the trees...when I get in the hammock the trees give a bit thus some tarp sag. The tensioners help with this. I do like a tight tarp for the most part.
Shug

Thanks Shug. Guess this answers my question on if putting a tensioner on has any down side.

[dkurfiss]

Many say no need for tensioners with Cuben fiber, but I always have.

Thanks so much for the feedback

[dkurfiss]

I think they would help with any tarp to help prevent tearing also. Like a shock absorber. Sometimes the wind gets angry.

Excellent thought. Thank you for the feedback

[SilvrSurfr]

I use tarp tensioners only with silnylon. They just don't do anything for cuben fiber or polyester. I don't buy that a little bit of shock cord is going to keep big bad Mr. Wind from blowing my house down. The stakes will come out of the ground first if it's that windy.

[GoatHanger]

Not if you put the stakes in correctly, in firm or frozen ground. They can be very difficult to remove with even with leverage at times.

All of my guy lines have shock cord integrated, so they'll always be used "needed" or not, simply because it's more work to take them off and on, rather than just ignore them.

[Mountain Gout]

Matter of taste really... I have no use for them right now.. I check before I turn in.. Most times I just reset the stake, ( titanium shepard).. slept through some very good storms without issues ...If I camped more in zero degree weather, I might consider, never been an issue..