How much are you really saving?

[fishbait]

We all like to save money. So you go out and buy the inexpensive hammocks that are offered by the retail outlets. But how much are you really saving. I ran the numbers for another thread earlier so here it is. I purchased a Grand Trunks Ultralight a while back and upgraded the suspension. If I were to do it again this would be the upgrade costs:

$17.55 - GT Ultra Light - Green (Expect to pay more for other colors)
$53.60 - Dutch Buckle Suspension Kit
$13.79 - KAQ Dynaglide Adjustable Ridge Line
$20.00 - MountainGoat Hammock 12x8 Ridgeline Organizer
$104.94 - Total cost before shipping

In the long run are you really saving any money by purchasing a cheap hammock and then up grading it? Although the GTUL is light, there are a couple of Cottage Vendor Hammocks that are lighter and already equiped. Just some food for thought.

[Nodust]

I started with a GTUL and did a whoopee, continuous loop, and tree strap upgrade. Didn't really save much money. But I can use that suspension for other hammocks and am DIYing one soon.

[fishbait]

I started with a GTUL and did a whoopee, continuous loop, and tree strap upgrade. Didn't really save much money. But I can use that suspension for other hammocks and am DIYing one soon.

And I've done that as well. I need longer tree straps for my Bias, so I grab a set from one of mt GTUL that had an 8' set. Still we get lured into the idea the we're saving money but we don't.

[Nodust]

And I've done that as well. I need longer tree straps for my Bias, so I grab a set from one of mt GTUL that had an 8' set. Still we get lured into the idea the we're saving money but we don't.

Yes I agree. I think most of the time we just get one piece at a time. Or that's how I did it. As I learned about suspensions and everything else I added to the hammock. Then one day the hammock got replaced but all the stuff added stayed

[pndwind]

I lot of money could be saved in that scenario by diy whoopie suspension and ridgeline.

[fishbait]

I lot of money could be saved in that scenario by diy whoopie suspension and ridgeline.

This is true, but I've destroyed to much Amsteel and Dynaglide trying to make my own. Now I just watch the PIF Subforum and get what I need there

[oldbiker]

With me, as I think most people, Its more fun to play with the cheap stuff. Your more likely to mod a $20 piece of equipment than a $200 piece. There is a satisfaction in mods and DIY projects that's just hard to beat. I have expensive equipment I don't mess with but I'm constantly piddling with the cheap stuff.

[Cranky Bear]

Just going off the prices Fishbait posted in the OP I would say compared to Dreamhammocks Freebird at a price of 75$ one is not saving by going the cheaper route. http://www.dream-hammock.com/FreeBird.html

Also if one was to then factor in a net into the cost above for a DreamHammocks Darien is 125$, so the savings may still be in favor of a DreamHammock. http://www.dream-hammock.com/Darien.html

I'm not product pushing, I have no affiliation with DH, just offering some more info to add into the equation and discussion.

[pndwind]

I purchased my daughter a GT and then proceeded to put all the goodies on it. She could care less about whoopies, I guess all that was for me. So cases are also situational.

[Fire-Bug]

With me, as I think most people, Its more fun to play with the cheap stuff. Your more likely to mod a $20 piece of equipment than a $200 piece. There is a satisfaction in mods and DIY projects that's just hard to beat. I have expensive equipment I don't mess with but I'm constantly piddling with the cheap stuff.

+1 on that! I've learned so much from researching and creating my own gear. I've also discovered things I wouldn't have, if I had purchased something pre-packaged. It's rewarding, and sometimes it breaks the costs up into more managable chunks for beginners on a budget.