Vectran line characteristics

**pure_mahem** · 01-14-2008, 01:43

Curiosity has me wondering how Vectran compares to Spyder line. I currently am and have been using 2.8mm Spyder line in combination with 1 inch Polypro Straps on my set up. Seeing how I'm going to be upgrading my straps to 1 inch Polyester, I was planning on replacing the Spyder line at the same time. I thought I might upgrade to the Vectran for added tensile strength at the 3mm size. But, I don't know the knotting and holding characteristics of Vectran I have know experience with it.

So before I go and buy some expensive rope I thought I would ask how does the Vectran compare to Spyderline in it's handling characteristics? Will it hold on itself or does it slip? Is it Stiffer or more rigid, etc? Any other characteristics in comparison to Spyder Line? Should I just buy some new Spyder Line and forget about the Vectran stuff? Any help is Appreciated, Thanks!

**Tobit** · 01-14-2008, 02:03

From my sailing days, I really like Vectran. It is great for tying knots and easy to splice because it is single braid. Vectran also has quite a bit less stretch than Spyderline. Vectan also does not absorb water.

Vectran is used for some very high stress rigging on sailboats. Spyderline is nice for the price, don't get me wrong, but there's a reason sailors use it for dinghys and very small sailboats.

For me, with my experience with rigging, I'm going with Vectran on my hammock projects. The 3mm sizes weigh the same but I like working with a single braid material.

- JT

**headchange4u** · 01-14-2008, 08:26

I have some Vectran rope on my Warbonnet hammock. I really like it. Knots well.

**Dutch** · 01-14-2008, 08:52

I have never used spider line, but the vectran works great. The price is a little hard to swallow and I never want to cut any off the roll because I don't wanna run out and have to spend another $35. It holds knot as good or much better than anything else I tried. I use it with metal anchors andother devises and it is abrasive resistant. The 2000 pound breaking strength makes me feel safe.

**Cannibal** · 01-14-2008, 09:26

So who's got the best line on Vectran? Anybody know of any deals they'd like to share with us or just some good suppliers?

**Tobit** · 01-14-2008, 09:58

Originally Posted by Cannibal

So who's got the best line on Vectran? Anybody know of any deals they'd like to share with us or just some good suppliers?

I've always bought my rigging from West Marine, here's the direct link to Vectran for $0.76/foot. I've seen a couple places online for $0.72 and $0.74 but I've never bought from them. Hall Spars has it for $0.72/foot. I've never seen the brand I use (New England Ropes) available in rolls. I like the NE stuff because they treat it with something to improve abrasion resistance.

- JT

**Cannibal** · 01-14-2008, 10:00

Thanks Tobit!

**Coldspring** · 01-14-2008, 10:29

Is it just me, or does it tend to stick against treebark like a magnet? Seems like it frays pretty quickly.

**Tobit** · 01-14-2008, 10:40

Originally Posted by Coldspring

Is it just me, or does it tend to stick against treebark like a magnet? Seems like it frays pretty quickly.

Depends on the rope you are using I would suppose. As I stated above, the Vectran made by New England Ropes adds a proprietary nylon coating to the rope making it more abrasion resistive. I've never used it in a backpacking or hammock scenario before but I have abused it quite a bit on my old 30' sailboat. I don't have plans to wrap it around the tree though, I use webbing for wrapping stuff around trees that need the high tensile strength. I have some strong yet light 2mm line that I use for tarp hanging.

- JT