Newbie question: to lock or stitch?

[Foxpoop]

Hello, you wondrously passionate people. I have found a new hobby quite serendipitously.

I was looking for the the best deal on Amsteel Blue (for a deer tree stand application, somewhat like ZA206 does, but different) and got a link to HF.

Well, a week or so later (an dozens of hours enjoying this forum), I am ready to jump in!

I ordered a GT UL (I'm already cool enough to use acronyms), mainly because it was $18 delivered and I can make my inevitable mistakes without breaking the bank before I upgrade (inevitable, I have an addictive personality fed by the need for more gear).
Also, my daughter is getting mad at me using her ENO SN for my experimentation with suspensions and whatnot.

Finally, my question; for the fixed eye (whoopies/dog bones), is there a consensus on fixed Brummel vs. lock stitching?
I have been using the fixed Brummel on a locked eye to hold my Treestand on the tree (5/16" Amsteel Blue). I taper the bury by pulling "3 pairs", so I do not have an abrupt transition.
If it is really better to sew, can someone help me with the last step (using the Samson PDF)? I am not sure how tight to do the knot, where to tuck it and what material to use? I am not really worried about the 5/16" for my stand (it is way overkill for just holding me up), but for little stuff like the 1/8" and 7/64", that is harder for my 42 year-old eyes to inspect, I would rather do it right and not be worried about it.

BTW, I am in my daughters ENO SN as I send this, my first post.

Here is a pic of my current suspension:
Poly strap from strapworks, rings, 1/8" Amsteel CL prusiked to rings and through the channel on hammock.

My preferred splicing tools are 18 ga copper wire, good scissors and a board that I have written inch marks on with a sharpie to keep all my bury lengths consistent without having to have a tape measure out all the time.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1350754719.579911.jpg

[fallkniven]

Welcome. I think most of us bought the GT UL as a first hammock as well. I have two, they're great.
I've actually been on a splicing spree with amsteel lately. The locked brummels alone are sufficient, a member named Opie I believe has does various stress tests and they hold up fine. Here's what I've been using to help me...
Amsteel
Shoft Shackles
more shoft shackles
Whoopie Slings
Locked Brummel
Continous Loop
Locked Brummel using one end
Splicing videos

Good Luck

[Bubba]

Either one is fine for whoopie slings. I prefer the locked brummel.

[dandeman]

locked brummel will leave you with much cleaner look and it will not "come undone" like the stitching has the potential to do. i have done both and have had the stitching fail, but I've never seen any issues at all with the brummel.
-Dan

[Foxpoop]

Perfect. Thanks do much for the replies. I like the locked Brummel, so that is good news.

I am going to mess around with the GT UL in the yard and then really dive in to the hammock threads to see what my next one will be.

I am a side/fetal sleeper, are there any absolute 'NO-GO' hammocks with that in mind?

[fallkniven]

Most can get a comfortable lay on their side in a gathered-end, but a bridge has a more flat lay.
Jrb Bmbh
Wb RR

[Foxpoop]

Most can get a comfortable lay on their side in a gathered-end, but a bridge has a more flat lay.
Jrb Bmbh
Wb RR

Thanks. One of the videos I watched on one of the spreader bar hammocks mentioned that if you slept fetal it might not be as stable?