Should I give whoopie slings another chance?

**bmwrider** · 10-29-2015, 19:41

when I first tried them, I found it difficult to loosen them after sleeping in the hammock, they become very tight, requiring a lot of fidgeting to loosen again, is there a trick to it?
I want to like them but so far I don't gotta give them another try.

Edit: do most of you prefer cinch buckles?

**Maddog5150** · 10-29-2015, 19:50

I like webbing with cinch buckles. Seems the easiest set up for me

**Trublmaker** · 10-29-2015, 19:58

I also prefer the webbing with cinch buckles, but only because they are easier for me. They are not lighter. I have not had issues with the adjustment after hanging with whoopie slings.

**SilvrSurfr** · 10-29-2015, 19:58

If it's difficult to loosen them, you're set up too tight (i.e., not long enough). I carry a couple of Amsteel continuous loops to lengthen my hammock suspension for just such an occasion.

**Wkerber** · 10-29-2015, 20:07

I used them for a while, but they seemed to be a pain with trees that were closer. Switched over to cinch buckles about a year ago. So far, easy peasy.

**Redoleary** · 10-29-2015, 20:15

I prefer UCR's to whoopies, never have any problem adjusting them.

**daneaustin3** · 10-29-2015, 20:49

I, too, prefer UCRs. Never had any issues adjusting them.

**bwhntMT** · 10-29-2015, 20:58

Funny, I started with webbing and cinch buckles and went to whoopies because they were easier than the cinch buckle in my mind. HYOH I guess. Also, I found I really like splicing and making my own whoopie slings....Also, it's just fun to say whoopie slings.

**zukiguy** · 10-29-2015, 21:08

I've got cinch buckles on one rig, whoopies on 3, and just straps (just move the MSH to adjust) on one tablecloth hammock. I've never had any problems with whoopies. The key is you can't really adjust them when they're loaded (either loosen or tighen). The only "trick" I would say to loosen them is to not try and pull the center back out of the bury. Instead, hold the center and kind of peel back the outer constrictor. It's more like trying to strip the outer sheath off of electrical cable. You can't pull the center conductor out but simply have to pull the cover off.

This whole setup is basically a set of chinese handcuffs. The harder you pull the tighter it holds. However, compressing the outer braid releases everything. Sorry, my description kind of stinks and I had no luck finding a better explanation this evening on YouTube.

**SilvrSurfr** · 10-29-2015, 22:40

I've been using whoopie slings (with Dutch Whoopie Hooks) for four years. I started out with whoopie slings and a marlin spike hitch, but the marlin spike hitch was a pain to adjust. Whoopie Hooks are much easier to work with, and a breeze to adjust (when not under tension).

Starting out, I also thought longer was better, so I had 10 ft. whoopie slings and 8 ft. straps. I now use 6 foot whoopies and 4 ft. straps. I carry a few continuous loops to extend my tree straps when necessary.

I usually like 14 to 15 feet between trees - though I'll take longer over shorter. On really short distances, I might have to forego the whoopie and just hang right off the continuous loop on my hammock (I have a couple of soft shackles for just such a contingency). However, I can never go shorter than about 12 ft. because of the length of my tarp ridgeline (11 ft.).

While whoopies have their limitations, I can't really see any superiority in other systems with straps (especially weight). I guess it is all personal preference. One thing I'm interested to test is really cold, freezing weather. While I've used whoopies with no problem in temps down to -3 *F, I just don't know if they're viable with colder temps or nasty, freezing weather.