Speer Pad Extender

**cosmicmiami** · 10-24-2010, 14:43

Looking for a plan for a ripoff of the Speer Segmented Pad Extender. Looks as if the SPE has been discontinued on the site. I read Just Jeff's page on his DIY SPE. He mentions that his wasn't as functional as the original. He also mentioned something about spandex being used in the original.

Anybody have any detailed pics of the SPE? Or better yet, anybody have one they aren't using? I'll gladly pay postage to and from so I can see what I need to do to DIY.

Thanks.

**forgueam** · 10-24-2010, 14:53

Here are the pictures from when I made mine a couple of weeks ago: http://forgue.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Ho...14269335_2kxVu

I ended up using spandex (lycra) on the back to keep things tight. It works well, but the spandex is rather heavy in my opinion. If weight is an issue for you, then you may be better served with the elastic straps that Jeff used.

**Cutter** · 10-24-2010, 21:08

Thank you. I was wishing to make one myself for my ENO.

cutter

**cosmicmiami** · 10-25-2010, 07:21

Are the wings attached to the main body? In the picture it looks like it is just an overlay.

**forgueam** · 10-25-2010, 07:33

Originally Posted by cosmicmiami

Are the wings attached to the main body? In the picture it looks like it is just an overlay.

No, they aren't attached to the main sleeve body. Basically, there is a tube connecting the two wings to each other. I can slide this tube over the sleeping pad when I want the wings or remove it if I don't think I need the wings.

On my last trip I used both a self-inflating pad and a Gossamer Gear ThinLight, so I used the main sleeve (the part with the spandex) to hold those two pads together, then I slid on the wings attachment for draft protection.

I can take some more pictures if that doesn't make sense. This was on of my first DIY projects, so it probably could have been done better. I think if I were to do it again I might add some velcro tabs or snaps to the sides of the main sleeve and the wings. That way I would still have the modularity of being able to remove the wings if I don't see the need for them.

**Cutter** · 10-26-2010, 22:01

maybe a dumb question, but what are your dimensions?

what are the length of your wings?

making some tomorrow. thanks

cutter

**forgueam** · 10-26-2010, 22:12

The main sleeve is about 60" (whatever the bolt size was).

For the wings, I followed the dimensions from Jeff... 18.5" wide by 59" long and sewn into a tube with shock cord to tighten up the ends.

**Cutter** · 10-27-2010, 10:04

Forgueam,
thanks for the help. I hope to get them completed today.

cutter

**forgueam** · 10-27-2010, 10:11

Originally Posted by Cutter

thanks for the help. I hope to get them completed today.

No worries, glad I could be of assistance. If you need me to take any more detailed pictures just let me know. Good luck!

**Cutter** · 10-27-2010, 21:48

f,
thanks for the help. after seeing yours again, I need to throw mine in the trash. I am slowly getting the sewing thing. Long way to go.

Here is my attempt at the SPE. It is cheap wally world fabric I've had for a while. It is for a shorter person. The wings velcro on. I do not have the closed cell foam to put in the wings, so they are just hanging there. I tried individual elastic pieces, but it fitted improperly when I started sewing it. It is a bit loose, which I plan to correct on the next one.

oh well,

cutter