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  1. #1
    New Member BudgetEngineer's Avatar
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    Cuben Fiber Tarp vs Plastic Dropcloth

    From what I can see, Cuben fiber is little more that mylar that has been reinforced with Spectra threads. How would this pricey material compare to using a 1-2 mil plastic dropcloth as a tarp? What advantages does cuben fiber have?

  2. #2
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    i am by no means an expert on tarps,but consider this.. both will shed rain ..the plastic drop cloth in the range of 1-2mil in a slight breeze would tear apart fast .. a tarp arox. 8 X11 foot is 88 sq foot of sail area, that'll generate a suprising force . others will probably have other aspects for you to consider

  3. #3
    Senior Member WV's Avatar
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    Much lighter, much stronger, packs smaller, but you're right that plastic is much cheaper, and not a bad option if you're young and strong and on a tight budget. However, I'd suggest 4 or 6 mil poly with Gorilla tape reinforcements. The old string tied around a pebble or an acorn works well, too. Poly also makes a good prototype if you're designing a DIY cuben tarp.
    Pics and more info than you really want on my "Cubenist Manifesto" thread.

  4. #4
    Senior Member animalcontrol's Avatar
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    how bout an anology...
    cuben fiber compares to 1-2mil plastic as kevlar compares to aluminum foil.

    get it?
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  5. #5
    Senior Member Dblcorona's Avatar
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    Yup, try sailing with 2mil plastic. Won't last long. Cuben was designed as sail material.
    "We don't stop hiking because we grow old,
    we grow old because we stop hiking."

    -- Finis Mitchell,

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