WBBB Ridgline Question

**Muskrat** · 10-25-2009, 19:21

Just received my double 1.7 and set it up in the backyard (assuming this is the typical procedure for all new WBBB owners....) and notice that the ridgline was much tighter than in Brandon's video. I'm guessing that the spacing between my trees my be a bit longer than preffered (over 20 feet? need to measure this...). The angle for the suspension lines was about 20 degrees not the suggested 30. In order for me to get 30 degrees I am going to need a ladder to anchor the webbing higher. Just wanted to get some feedback if my assumption is correct about the spacing of the trees or if I might be doing something else wrong. Also, what type of rope is the ridgline and what is the breaking strength? Just curious. Thanks.

. . . and yeah, its one heck of a daggumit hammock !

**angrysparrow** · 10-25-2009, 19:28

Originally Posted by Muskrat

Just received my double 1.7 and set it up in the backyard (assuming this is the typical procedure for all new WBBB owners....) and notice that the ridgline was much tighter than in Brandon's video. I'm guessing that the spacing between my trees my be a bit longer than preffered (over 20 feet? need to measure this...). The angle for the suspension lines was about 20 degrees not the suggested 30. In order for me to get 30 degrees I am going to need a ladder to anchor the webbing higher. Just wanted to get some feedback if my assumption is correct about the spacing of the trees or if I might be doing something else wrong. Also, what type of rope is the ridgline and what is the breaking strength? Just curious. Thanks.

. . . and yeah, its one heck of a daggumit hammock !

Your assumption about the spacing is right on, and you have correctly diagnosed the tightness as a result of the angle. The webbing just needs to be higher on the tree to increase the angle and loosen the ridgeline up a bit.

On the trail, many use the technique of lifting the webbing up on the tree with either a stick or a trekking pole. The same should be easy enough at home.

The rigeline on the Blackbird is Amsteel. I don't recall if it is 7/64" or 1/8", but they both have very high breaking strengths (1600lbs and 2500lbs, respectively). That strength is de-rated some, due to the knots that are tied in it, but it is far strong enough to carry ridgeline forces.

**Hooch** · 10-25-2009, 19:34

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

.......The rigeline on the Blackbird is Amsteel. I don't recall if it is 7/64" or 1/8".......

I'm prety sure it's 1/8", but Brandon can chime in if he sees this to clarify. Either way you go, the ridgeline is plenty strong.

**animalcontrol** · 10-25-2009, 19:36

Originally Posted by Muskrat

Just received my double 1.7 and set it up in the backyard (assuming this is the typical procedure for all new WBBB owners....) and notice that the ridgline was much tighter than in Brandon's video. I'm guessing that the spacing between my trees my be a bit longer than preffered (over 20 feet? need to measure this...). The angle for the suspension lines was about 20 degrees not the suggested 30. In order for me to get 30 degrees I am going to need a ladder to anchor the webbing higher. Just wanted to get some feedback if my assumption is correct about the spacing of the trees or if I might be doing something else wrong. Also, what type of rope is the ridgline and what is the breaking strength? Just curious. Thanks.

. . . and yeah, its one heck of a daggumit hammock !

yea, the longer the span, the higher the webbing needs to be (to loosen that ridgeline anyway). People have been know to push the webbing up the tree using a stick or trekking pole
my advice...find closer trees!

**Lorethian** · 10-25-2009, 19:36

I have a question, what is the perfect distance between the tree's for the Blackbird?

**Hooch** · 10-25-2009, 19:38

Originally Posted by Lorethian

I have a question, what is the perfect distance between the tree's for the Blackbird?

I like about 15', but that's just me.

BTW no apostrophe needed on "trees", it's plural, not posessive.

**angrysparrow** · 10-25-2009, 19:40

Originally Posted by Lorethian

I have a question, what is the perfect distance between the tree's for the Blackbird?

About 15'.

Anywhere from 13' to 18' is what I look for.

**Muskrat** · 10-25-2009, 19:54

WOW! Not even 30 minutes and soo many responses. Glad to see that I am not the only one addicted to this activity and site. I was guessing the ridgline was amsteel but since this is my first encounter with it I wasn't sure. As for the backyard, these are the only two "usable" trees that I have. Wife is not sure how the Home Owner's Association would feel if I was camped out in the front yard with the BB and the Superfly set up. My response was that I have paid our yearly fees, who cares? She didn't go for that response.

**Hooch** · 10-25-2009, 19:59

Originally Posted by Muskrat

.......the Home Owner's Association would feel if I was camped out in the front yard.......

There are few things that will make owning a home as miserable as having to abide by a homeowner's association. Just a bunch of busy bodies with nothing better to do. That's why I don't live where I have to belong to one. Live a little and go hang the night in the back yard.

**Scottybdiving** · 10-25-2009, 20:46

What would be considered a maximum (reasonable) distance between trees, assuming you don't have a step ladder handy?

H.O.A.'s are a double-edged sword. I live on 18 ac, governed only by deed restrictions.