WBBB Why even bother with SLR?

**packeagle** · 09-27-2011, 02:37

I just made the transition from the hennesy to the blackbird for a few reasons. The issue im having is trying to understand why brandon puts a ridge line in it at all. I thought and could be wrong that a ridge line was to provide a consistent comfortable sag for the user so that less time was needed to adjust. With the WBBB i need to have considerable sag in the ridge line to even be remotely comfortable(cave pressure the issue). The SRL isn't even supporting the bug net. Now I understand that my experience in hennessy may be to blame but if i need to obtain the perfect suspension angle and the srl isn't supporting anything why have it. My thought is that if i shorten the srl to the length that the hammock is comfortable at i could use that as my benchmark rather then the bend the srl to 90° test as that is a lot of in and out of the hammock.

**^shane^** · 09-27-2011, 06:17

I attached a Nite-Ize Knot Bone to the SRL of my WBBB, wrapped three times, and shortened my SRL without detaching. More comfortable. Still have calf pressure, but it doesn't feel like it will cut my legs off during the night now.

**Lonely Raven** · 09-27-2011, 07:41

Some people put adjustable ridgelines on their Blackbirds so they can dial it in where they like. I've been thinking about doing this myself, but I'm still trying to figure out where I like it (it's only been a year, LOL).

**packeagle** · 09-27-2011, 10:10

If o shortened it up that would be the same as all the sag i have in it now?

**MAD777** · 09-27-2011, 10:36

Definitely change the SRL to an adjustable one. Set it up in the backyard or nearby park and adjust it back and forth until you find the sweet spot. Once you have found it, you can replace the adjustable SRL with a fixed one of your preferred length.

**Alamosa** · 09-27-2011, 12:01

It is really a matter of preference. I hang my hammock with the ridgeline tight so that it is holding the the bugnet up. I can flex the ridgeline, but can come nowhere near the 90* twist shown above. This gives me my most comfortable position.

**packeagle** · 09-27-2011, 12:15

Just put in a adjustable ridge line. Hope this will allow me to dial things in.

**taffy** · 09-27-2011, 13:59

my ridge line has allways been tight from day one and has never gotten any slacker, tis just hevan between two trees.

**Knotty** · 09-27-2011, 14:38

I don't know if it's just a question of hang philosophy or an actual material strength issue with the WBBB. I think Blackbird is perhaps the most innovative hammock available but have to agree with packeagle in that I don't see the sense of having a SRL that isn't supposed to be taut. To me, an SRL should allow you a range of suspension angles and that can only happen if the hammock is still comfortable even when the SRL is tight. Just my two cents and still think the Blackbird is a great hammock.

**packeagle** · 09-27-2011, 14:47

I was happy with mine now that I got the angle right but I don't want to have to play with the suspension for a few hours to get it that way every time.