I've got a SuperFly tarp and I can't quite make peace with my choice of suspension for it.
From day one I've been using tarp flyz fed on to the split ring at each end of the tarp. Per Brandon's instructional video I also used individual 12' tie outs on each end. This works really well, it's quite light weight, and it allows me to quickly pitch a tight tarp. Furthermore, because there is no Y in the line (with the WB method) I can slide my snake skins out onto the tie outs away from the tarp while it is deployed. The only minor complaint for the setup is that adjusting the tarp location after it is hung requires loosening and adjusting both ends at the flyz.
My observation has been that the majority of active people on the forum are using a continuous ridgeline for their tarp. So six months ago I made one with a Dutch hook on one side and a Stingerz on the other (new toys!) to see what I've been missing out on. I've used it a few times, but it has never been a satisfactory experience. I tried using it with the Dutchware, prusiks and combinations of both. It doesn't help that I've got a mental block that inhibits me from visualizing the simplest way to rig it. Even so, when using the easy-to-follow visual aids from Dutch or Dehoja, I swear it is far harder to rig or get taut than Brandon's simple alternative. Additionally, it only seems to cause a headache and roadblock at the tarp-to-RL attachment points when it comes time to roll back the snake skins.
Offhand, the main benefits to the CRL seem to be adjustability after the tarp is up. Am I missing another big selling point? I can see how Brandon's method might not work as well with tarps without the ridgeline reinforcement the SF possesses. I guess I can also see how tarp tension might slacken more with individual tie outs when the tarp gets wet.
From my perspective the score card looks like this:
- Cost - WB method
- Weight - WB method
- Speed of deployment - WB method
- Packability - WB method
- Snake Skin compatible - WB method
- Adjustability - CRL method
- Overrated Y compatible - Tie
- Reduction in wear on tarp RL - CRL method
- Consistent tension in tarp RL - CRL method
Help me HF. If the CRL is so commonly used and adored, what am I doing wrong or misunderstanding?
Thanks for any help that'll let me settle on a suspension and make peace with the decision.
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