I've seen many times (and been told many times) that 550 cord should not be used for suspension, but I believe I've seen people using zing-it. Zing-it's specs are in the same category as 550 cord, so I don't understand.
Can anyone fill me in on why zing-it is better, or am I confused?
Also, I realize that zing-it and amsteel DON'T stretch (much) and that paracord does, but is this inherently "weaker"? If 550 cord is doubled/quadrupled up, shouldn't it be just as strong as amsteel?
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=33923Originally Posted by GrumpyTom
Zing-it doesn't stretch.
Zing-It is made from dyneema (no stretch), and paracord is made from nylon (lots of stretch). Stretch is not ideal for a hammock suspension.
Truly, Zing-It is not advisable for hammock suspensions. The strength rating simply isn't high enough for a reasonable safety margin.
If you *really* want to go that light, Dynaglide is probably the best choice. But Amsteel in 7/64" diameter is a safer choice still.
“I think that when the lies are all told and forgot the truth will be there yet. It dont move about from place to place and it dont change from time to time. You cant corrupt it any more than you can salt salt.” - Cormac McCarthy
This is absolutely not accurate or advisable. Use dynaglide or amsteel 7/64 as sparrow mentioned. Paracord has no place whatsoever in hammock suspensions.
Please explain how that is not accurate...
I BELIEVE everyone and will not use paracordI'm just trying to understand the WHY of it (facts). I understand that stretching is bed as it changes the lie overnight... but that doesn't mean it isn't SAFE.
It's not neccessarily unsafe unless you have non military issue 550, the civilian stuff does not neccessarily rated to 550 #'s. The main issue is you can end up on the ground from how much it stretchesPlease explain how that is not accurate...
I BELIEVE everyone and will not use paracord
Explanation - I've tried it and failed miserably in my early hammock days, like two years ago actually. I have since wised up to the wonders of dyneema (amsteel). Just don't do it. Make a pretty bracelet out of your paracord and let that be it. It's just not good stuff.
Zing-it won't stretch. 550 will.
EDIT: Yeah, what they said.
Last edited by Syb; 02-27-2012 at 14:48. Reason: Damn Mac is running slow :(
Syb
Enjoy the elevation
Paracord makes your buttocks meet the ground and will break after using it several times as a suspension.
The reason that it's not recommended (aside from the stretch factor) is that you want something in the 10x your weight break strength range. Most folks average 150 to 200 lbs, and Amsteel Blue 7/16" is rated to 1,600 lbs--1/8" to 2,500 lbs. That gives a comfortable safety margin.
The reason you want that safety margin is because it isn't just your weight acting on the suspension; any movement in the hammock increases the dynamic forces on the suspension. I'm not a physics or math guy, so I can't give you the exact equations, but it makes sense. Figure you have a beer can. If you just put thirty pounds (number drawn out of certain orifices; don't quote me on this) on top of the can, it's likely to take the weight. Now, if you drop that weight down on top of the can from a couple inches above it, it's likely to crush the can.
The other reason is stretch. You don't want to find out just how much nylon stretches--especially when wet--by winding up over some sharp object on the ground and ripping your hammock fabric. Not fun at 3 AM when you're miles from the trail head.
Anyway, those are the reasons. Theoretically, you could use any line rated to about 10x your weight. Amsteel just happens to be the most commonly available and lightest weight.
Edit: What pgibson said, too.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks