I was recently granted the priviledge of testing out one of opie's 1.75mm Adjustable Structural Ridgelines.
The timing was perfect, since I was beginning to make a new hammock.
The Adjustable Structural Ridgeline is basically a longer Whoopie sling, which you can quickly and easily add to your hammock ends or suspension to adjust and set the hammock sag. It functions the same as any other structural ridgeline, but it makes the often tedious task of getting the ridgeline length just right a snap!
When I first took the ASR out of the envelope, I was very impressed by the quality of the workmanship. Everything was neat and tidy, and very well done! I was sent a grey ASR, like the one in the photo (on the scale). The weight was the same as pictured- 7g. :
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...170#post197170
I found it very easy to install by putting my Chainlink suspension loop through the loop on the ASR, then forming my Larks head as usual (my Larkshead is double wrapped).
Since I have yet to make more than one hammock out of the same fabric, or the same length, I did not have a "standard" ridgeline length to go by. It was extremely helpful to be able to simply and quickly adjust the ridgeline length, rather than tie and untie knots repeatedly to get the sag set just right. I see this as a major advantage to diy hammockers.
I ended up settling upon my ridgeline being 101". I had a fair amount of excess line leftover. I think it might be possible to make the ASR a bit shorter, and still have plenty of 'just incase' length left. I looped my excess line up around the end of the hammock, but I imagine if given enough thought, the excess could be used for some creative purpose without compromising the ridgeline in any way.
I think the adjustability would be a plus when loaning a hammock to a less experienced hammocker, or to a growing child, or whenever there might be occasion for a varying sag for individualized comfort.
In order to see if hammock setup, takedown, or stuffing would have any effect on the length I had adjusted my ridgeline to, my hammock was taken down, stuffed into a sack, and set back up 7 different times, in various weather situations, including high wind with rain.
Each time I set the hammock back up, I carefully measured the ASR to see if there was any change in the measurement. There was none.
Using a carabiner, I hung a full, 1L water bottle from the ridgeline, along with some other smaller items overnight. Not surprising, there was no effect upon the rideline.
I highly recommend opie's Adjustable Structural Ridgelines! Whether making a hammock, or adding a ridgeline to an existing hammock, the ease of installation and adjustability should take away the fuss-factor for anyone finding the ridgeline addition frustrating. The light weight of the ASR is a real plus as well!
My great thanks to opie for allowing me the opportunity to test one of his Adjustable Structural Ridgelines. It really did help to add to the fun of making my hammock! I'm definitely hooked! Anyone interested can check out his website at http://whoopieslings.com/
Perkolady
*apologies for the quality of the photos. I had to borrow daughter's new camera
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