Are My Whoopies Damaged?

**Kaerous** · 12-22-2015, 08:53

I've had my WBBB XLC for about 9 months now. I'm seeing a lot of what appears to be stretching/tearing on my whoopie slings. Can anyone comment if this is normal? Should I replace them?

**MoonBear** · 12-22-2015, 09:05

New whoopies = couple bucks
Not replacing them and falling on your back = Pain
Replace them and save your a** = Priceless

lol

My vote.....Replace!

**Kaerous** · 12-22-2015, 09:15

Originally Posted by MoonBear

New whoopies = couple bucks
Not replacing them and falling on your back = Pain
Replace them and save your a** = Priceless

lol

My vote.....Replace!

My thoughts too, but I'm somewhat surprised they look this bad after ~9 months and probably 10 hangs. They're my first set so I'm assuming I've messed with them too much and not properly used them (had a lot of trouble at first).

**LuvmyBonnet** · 12-22-2015, 09:35

I don't think that would effect the grip of the whoopie sling but like others have said they are cheap. Sure beats a visit to the chiropractor.

**ksbcrocks** · 12-22-2015, 09:42

That looks completely normal to me. There's been a few threads about this and even the vendors usually hop in to say that is normal. As long as all of the strands are still in one piece, keep on hanging.

**Singingcrowsings** · 12-22-2015, 10:33

I only have my mine to, since I've never seen anyone else's hammock, and after 2 years they don't look like that. However, saying that, I'd say yours still have a bit of life in them. I'd probably replace them for the spring at least.

**zukiguy** · 12-22-2015, 10:46

Not to throw rocks but I'm kind of guessing operator error a little base on the previous comment. In essence, you hold the bury part stationary and slide the sheath back and forth to adjust (hopefully that makes sense). Some folks I've seen try and manhandle the bury (core), even pulling it in the opposite direction to adjust and that would explain the stretched fibers. I've read several threads where folks didn't like whoopies because they were "too hard to adjust" and I'd bet that a somewhat flawed technique would be a common factor in those decisions.

I added whoopies to three of my hammocks with the oldest at least 5 years and maybe 50 nights hanging ago. They look in better shape than the photos.

When in doubt, treat whoopies like a sock. If you grab the toe and pull they're hard to remove. Grab the elastic part up on the calf and ease it down...they slide right off.

**Kaerous** · 12-22-2015, 10:47

Thank you all for the replies and advice. I've been tinkering with the idea of making my own - maybe this will prove to be a nudge in that direction.

**Phantom Grappler** · 12-22-2015, 11:09

I think you are right zukiguy. Probably the adjustable end, as it exits the bury, was pulled hard at 90 degrees to line of bury and maybe like you said pulled hard 180 degrees to line of bury.
Slings in picture probably won't break, to be safe maybe replace. I use 1/8, those are probably 7/64, and ultra light hikers have used dyneema, and some are even experimenting with zingit and lashit. So 7/64 will probably work with braids out of place, and all threads intact. Good luck Kaerous.

**Singingcrowsings** · 12-22-2015, 11:13

... Just in case you were wondering, that was supposed to say, *I only have mine to compare to*

But I think zukiguy is on to something there.

Careful though, once you start doing your own splicing, you'll be looking for more and more to splice. I am now the splicing queeen! Just like all things hammock, it can be quite addictive. LOL! Good luck with you new whoopies!