Claytor "correct knot" vs. ring/buckles question

**urbansix** · 05-13-2008, 13:36

This question may overlap with Billybob58's question below, and maybe needs to go in the suspension systems forum.

I understand the necessity of going to 1" polypro or polyester webbing, but why is everyone (seemingly) switching to cinch buckles or rings? Is it just convenience, setup speed and adjustability? Or is there an inherent flaw in the "correct knot" as suggested for the Claytor hammocks? Is slippage an issue that warrants addressing with an adjustable system? Simply the desire to customize? Some other factor I may be missing?

I have the poly webbing courtesy of tiedown straps. I was going to pre-order a bunch of the parts while waiting for the hammock to arrive, but am now wondering why complicate the issue if it simple works. It's not going to get that much use. According to my calculations, a buckle or ring set up with 6' of 1" webbing ea. side will be the same weight or more than the 12' of 1" webbing, so nothing gained there.

**angrysparrow** · 05-13-2008, 13:45

Originally Posted by urbansix

Is it just convenience, setup speed and adjustability? Or is there an inherent flaw in the "correct knot" as suggested for the Claytor hammocks? Is slippage an issue that warrants addressing with an adjustable system? Simply the desire to customize? Some other factor I may be missing?

You aren't missing anything at all. There is no problem with using knots for hanging the hammock.

Most suspension modifications are done out of desire to improve the function or versatility, not to correct a design flaw.

**neo** · 05-13-2008, 14:10

Originally Posted by urbansix

This question may overlap with Billybob58's question below, and maybe needs to go in the suspension systems forum.

I understand the necessity of going to 1" polypro or polyester webbing, but why is everyone (seemingly) switching to cinch buckles or rings? Is it just convenience, setup speed and adjustability? Or is there an inherent flaw in the "correct knot" as suggested for the Claytor hammocks? Is slippage an issue that warrants addressing with an adjustable system? Simply the desire to customize? Some other factor I may be missing?

I have the poly webbing courtesy of tiedown straps. I was going to pre-order a bunch of the parts while waiting for the hammock to arrive, but am now wondering why complicate the issue if it simple works. It's not going to get that much use. According to my calculations, a buckle or ring set up with 6' of 1" webbing ea. side will be the same weight or more than the 12' of 1" webbing, so nothing gained there.

i prefer the ring buckle set up

neo

**FanaticFringer** · 05-13-2008, 14:50

Cinch buckles rule.

**canoebie** · 05-13-2008, 16:10

I love cinch buckles. I used to own a 60 second tent. Now I have a 60 second hammock. When I have groups to take care of that extra time and less hassle means a lot to me. I don't want to mess with knots.

**ringtail-THFKAfood** · 05-13-2008, 16:20

Tri-Glides rule

**BillyBob58** · 05-13-2008, 16:50

Originally Posted by urbansix

................ Is it just convenience, setup speed and adjustability?

Yes, IMO. I have used both. CBs are great, but the basic Claytor set up seems to work just fine. I'd say it is significantly more convenient than the HH rope and webbing, for ex. Though that is fine also, just takes a few more minutes and is more time needed if you need to readjust.

Or is there an inherent flaw in the "correct knot" as suggested for the Claytor hammocks? .

Nope. None that is apparent. I do worry about the webbing on webbing causing the material to melt, thus weakening it. But surely if this was a problem, TC would be hearing from folks who have suffered a fall. I have e-mailed him re: some of these concerns but have not heard back from him yet.

Is slippage an issue that warrants addressing with an adjustable system? Simply the desire to customize? Some other factor I may be missing?

No slippage for me or mine. My 205 lb son used his this weekend ( mine is changed to CBs and wider webbing) and had zero slippage. And if there was any stretch, it was not enough of a factor to cause any trouble. ( I'm sure there was some- rope and hammock- since neither of us had slept in them before.)

I have the poly webbing courtesy of tiedown straps. I was going to pre-order a bunch of the parts while waiting for the hammock to arrive, but am now wondering why complicate the issue if it simple works.

That has been the attitude my son is taking. He is happy with it, but we both realize water may be an issue and we have to test for that with appropriate drip lines. I doubted the strength,that is the main reason I wanted to change. Plus ther CBs give automatic protection from water wicking/running down the line. But once I ascertain they are reliably strong, and if I can control the water, I may switch back. They are certainly the lightest option, though changing to some spiderline and tree huggers might be even lighter, and surely stronger. Though a slight PITA compared to other systems.

**Miguel** · 05-13-2008, 20:20

Originally Posted by FanaticFringer

Cinch buckles rule.

Right on Bro!

**tight-wad** · 05-13-2008, 20:58

Rings rule.

"... and one ring to bind them all ..."

Fantastic! story. If you've never read the trilogy "Lord of the Rings" then you need to pack it on your next trip. Wonderful, fun story.

**Hoppy** · 05-13-2008, 22:11

Nope. None that is apparent. I do worry about the webbing on webbing causing the material to melt, thus weakening it. But surely if this was a problem, TC would be hearing from folks who have suffered a fall. I have e-mailed him re: some of these concerns but have not heard back from him yet.

I ditched the stock webbing that I got with the JH.
I was going to sew a loop on one end of the new webbing. Put the webbing thru the end of the hammock, back thru the loop and tie off to the tree using a wrap. Seems simple enough, but is there a chance that the webbing going thru the loop will cause weakening ?