Almost done!!!

[blackbishop351]

I weighed the BlackCat tonight on the scale at the post office. Came in at 13.6 oz. without tie-out lines.

I still have a LITTLE bit of stitching to finish, plus seam sealing, so those aren't included in the weight. I can't imagine they'll add much, though. I expect it'll end up around 13.8 oz., the same weight as Brian's Deluxe model.

Not bad, considering the BlackCat is a foot longer and two feet wider than the Deluxe. Of course, I didn't use the really nice grosgrain trim or the Kevlar corner reinforcements that Brian does, either. But I'm happy with it!

[jellyfish]

I have gone back in time 10 years to see your setup. Very nice.

[blackbishop351]

I have gone back in time 10 years to see your setup. Very nice.

Egads, this brings back memories. Yeah, this was the first tarp I ever made. Out of at least 30. I think I gave this one away to someone....

[jellyfish]

I should have put cat cuts on my ridgeline. Next time, when I make my hex tarp, I am doing it.

[blackbishop351]

I should have put cat cuts on my ridgeline. Next time, when I make my hex tarp, I am doing it.

IMO it's not necessary. I've done both and not seen any real difference in weight or pitch.

I have a worry in the back of my mind about the cat cut actually weakening the ridge seam's ability to handle tension, honestly. I'm sure someone has done definitive work on that by now, though.

[jellyfish]

Interesting theory.

But it looks so cool!

[slugbait]

My first tarp had a cat cut ridgeline. It was unintentional- due to a cutting mistake. I found I didn't like it because it reduced head room under the tarp ( I'm 5'3" and can't reach up very high to pitch the tarp higher). My next tarp has a straight ridgeline and I'm happy with it.

[jellyfish]

My first tarp had a cat cut ridgeline. It was unintentional- due to a cutting mistake. I found I didn't like it because it reduced head room under the tarp ( I'm 5'3" and can't reach up very high to pitch the tarp higher). My next tarp has a straight ridgeline and I'm happy with it.

That is a good point!

Convenience vs looks
Space vs looks
Strength vs looks

Seems like the hot appearance has too many downsides. Alas