Why all the tarp suspension gadgets?

[opie]

Ok I'm new around here, and I know it's cool to always be trying to build a better mousetrap(tarp suspension), but sometimes I just don't understand why so much effort (or fear?) about knots or replacing them with so many gadgets, which sometimes are more complicated to use and heavy, rather than simple, effective(or already proven) and adjustable knots, especially when dealing with the tarp suspension.

I think the most simple and obvious answer has been overlooked...

Why not?

The incandescent light bulb works and has for years... Now we have LED, CF, sodium, mercury vapor etc.

Its not about a fear of knots, its about speeding up set-up and tear down of camp, IMO.

Not to mention new things are cool, especially one off, hand made right here in the US stuff. You are still free to tie knots if you so desire.

[Hawk-eye]

I think the most simple and obvious answer has been overlooked...

Why not?

The incandescent light bulb works and has for years... Now we have LED, CF, sodium, mercury vapor etc.

Its not about a fear of knots, its about speeding up set-up and tear down of camp, IMO.

Not to mention new things are cool, especially one off, hand made right here in the US stuff. You are still free to tie knots if you so desire.

... well said!

[gavinar]

I find it takes me about a 3rd of the time to set up with my dutch hook/tarp flyz than it does tying knots, not to mention its much easier to undo without having to try to take out knots that may have bound.

Just my 2 cents.

[Bomber]

Love that Dutch gear

[bchboy1206]

Gadgets are easier for me, less of a learning curve less prone to failure.

Love my knot bones....

[hippofeet]

I like new stuff. Even when I am thrilled with a setup...I change my setup. When I am working too much, and lack time, I mess with my setup. I don't really look at it as a problem, I don't even kick myself when I mess up a good setup and figure it out at 8:30 making camp. My mind spins. Its just how it is.

[guySmiley]

My thinking exactly until I bought some newfangled dyneema cord for my ridgeline tieouts.

This is how my thinking went:

1. Saw the tiny, little, titanium DutchHooks. What a great idea at a great price. Gotta have 'em. Might as well buy the guyline from him as well since I needed it anyway.

2. discover that my knots don't work so well on cordage that's so slippery and thin.

3. buy the Dutch Flies.

Now I don't get to tie knots... Fortunately, the there's very little weight gain in the hardware.

That's why.

Ok I'm new around here, and I know it's cool to always be trying to build a better mousetrap(tarp suspension), but sometimes I just don't understand why so much effort (or fear?) about knots or replacing them with so many gadgets, which sometimes are more complicated to use and heavy, rather than simple, effective(or already proven) and adjustable knots, especially when dealing with the tarp suspension.
Here's an example of a method which I have been using for a couple years after first learning this guy's method, which I found to be very quick, effective, adjustable and keep's me in practice of some good versatile knots.
Check it out here:
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Any comments as to pros and cons would be appreciated.

[Catavarie]

1. Because I'm a gadget addict...there is no AA equivalent for me.

2. Because Glow Rope looks cool at night.

3. Because Figure 9's are almost idiot proof, and as a sometimes almost idiot I can attest to that.

4. Because fiddling with gear is cathartic and relaxing to me.

5. Because it gets me outside for much needed fresh air.

6. Because I wanna.

7. Because I said so. (As a parent had to throw that one in there. )

[JohnSawyer]

I don't do much cold weather camping. But I do knots... Only because I like them... I have some gadgetry, but knots are fun.

The other scout dads think I'm a little nuts, but then I taught the den leader 3 knots to teach his cub scouts a few weeks ago...

[Dutch]

Sometimes hardware makes sense. I can get a lighter suspension with a Dutch biner, continuous loop, 4 foot strap, whoopie sling than a person can with a 6 foot strap, marlin spike hitch and whoopie sling. Plus i get all the convenience and security of the biner. At .2 grams a Dutch hook is lighter than making a knot and oh so easy. On rope cinch buckles are a cinch to use, i have them on my HH and I love them. I wish I made them.

I have always used knots in the past and when I thru'd I tied that HH knot every night.

For tarp suspension the hardware can be so light and small it just makes sense. I can tie quick release knots but sometimes they release on their own. A little piece of titanium is not something i am going to even notice. A Dutch hook is as light as it gets. A tarp flyz is just 2 grams. If I become so much of a gram weenie that I'm not going to carry 2 grams then I have to add that to the list of obsessions that me and my counselor have to go over. He already seems overwhelmed with my present list. I sometimes worry about him.