Which style hammock

**skar578** · 10-02-2007, 20:16

I am about to make my first hammock, and am wondering if I should make it Speer style or bridge style. I dont have hiking poles so it would add extra weight to carry spreader bars.

Thanks

**Just Jeff** · 10-02-2007, 20:29

If you don't have experience sewing, start with the Speer style...the bridge is more complicated, with reinforcement required in certain places, etc. A simple stitch mistake in a Speer-type isn't a problem, but could drop you on your butt if you mess it up in a bridge-style. JMHO.

Depends on your experience with a sewing machine.

**skar578** · 10-02-2007, 21:01

well, i have friends and family who can sew really well, so I would get their help. I think I will go with the Speer style cause its easier, lighter (no poles) and can work with ideas and mods I was thinking of.

**ZDP-189** · 10-02-2007, 23:06

Does nobody here make spreader-bar hammocks? They have the advantages of an asym and the technology level of a speer.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 10-02-2007, 23:47

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

If you don't have experience sewing, start with the Speer style...the bridge is more complicated, with reinforcement required in certain places, etc. A simple stitch mistake in a Speer-type isn't a problem, but could drop you on your butt if you mess it up in a bridge-style. JMHO.

Depends on your experience with a sewing machine.

actually, sewing a bridge hammock was my first sewing project ever. As far as sewing goes, I'd guess it is mostly a wash between a bridge and a Speer (I don't think that re-enforcement is needed anywhere....I reenforced the corners on my first one but experience with it doesn't suggest a real need for that, so subsequent efforts dropped that). Straight stiches anyway. JJ is right that you need to get the stiching of fabric and suspension webbing right. I've found that's a matter of being careful. But here's the thing, once you've got the bridge sewn, you're home free. Gin up some spreaders and you're done. With the Speer type you have whippings to do, optimize, adjust. Lots of discussion on the forums about that, so the issue is real.

BUT (notice the emphasis) if you don't carry poles and don't want to carry dedicated spreader bars, the bridge ain't for you. And another advantage is you have lots of experienced Speer-style hammock builders on the HF who are more than happy to help you out. We bridge builders are a small and lonely crew

Grizz