Help Blackbird owners - suspension question

[MAD777]

So, I've decided to get off the ground and go for a Warbonnet Blackbird.

Now I have to decide between the two options for the suspension and having no experience with hammocks, I need help. The options are adjustable webbing suspension with 2 tri-rings on each end, or, the lines/tree straps with one tri-ring & amsteel blue line. Then I've read some some vague reference to garda rings(?) in relation to Blackbirds, huh?

Now, please keep in mine that I don't even know what the above options are all about, due to both a lack of details on Brandons website and my lack of experience.

I think the tree straps with 2 tri-rings are nearly like a double ring belt: just cinch it up, done deal. But, if that's the case, there's a 4 oz weight penalty for that convenience.

I haven't a clue how the garda rings work, except that they are lighter. Of course I would pick the lighter option, unless that means tying complicated knots (repetitiously to make adjustments) like the Hennesy style knots.

So what is the real difference between the two options beside the weight? Is the savings worth any loss of convenience?

Signed,
Very Confused

[Chris.Biomed]

With the adjustable webbing suspension you have a hassle free, fast and easy setup. If it needs to be adjusted then you only have to pull on the webbing at the tri-rings or un-clip the carabiner and raise/lower to desired location on the tree, in other words: Lovely, Fantastic, Wonderfully easy! The 4 oz penalty really is nothing when you compare it to untying a knot in the middle of the pitch black night.

Check out Shug when he hangs up his hammock (it starts after 1 min 55 seconds) to get a better idea of the whole thing.




*Edit* the video shows Shug's DIY hammock which uses roughly the same suspension system as found on the BB


.

[Quoddy]

Another vote for webbing. I added cinch buckles to the webbing on my Speer, but the triangular rings on the BB are almost as fast. The setup is so much faster that a couple of ounces can't make up for it. A loop, or two, around the tree, clip into the carabiner, adjust the webbing in the rings, tie a security loop... Done.

[NorseAmerican]

Go with the straps and triangle rings. Get the biners. Set up is so fast, tenters are still fumbling with polls while you will be lounging.

I like to wrap fully around the tree once, though on larger trees, just guide strap around and clip with the biner. Once both ends are set, adjust so you have 28-30 degree down angle to hammock. Make sure to do a slipery half hitch behind ring buckle unless you want to end up on the ground. Most folks hang the foot end a bit higher than head end. Watch Sugs vidio on the Warbonnet site.

I should have PM'd you, as I was in Boynton this am and could have brought my BB.

[HappyCamper]

Another vote for straps and triangles. You won't regret it.

[Shug]

Yeah .... straps and triangle doo-dads. Fast and easy and more time for staring at the piney woods.....
Have fun.

[Gordzilla]

The garda hitch (not rings) is esentially the same deal as the straps and rings option, but for rope instead. you still need to add the rings or biners to use this method. I don't think this will save weight.
The options that Brandon offers are:
Option #1 adjustable straps with rings(which you nailed with the belt analogy). It is a single piece of long strap that you adjust just like the belt idea.(remember to add a half or slippery hitch to hold it from sliding) it has a loop on the end that goes to the tree that you hook a carabiner onto. run it around the tree and hook it back to itself, done. faster than fast, great for quick adjustments after set up if required, slightly heavier.

option #2 is basically what hennessy offers. a legth of rope and some "tree straps" These are short straps that go around the tree to protect it instead of just tying the rope around it which can dig in pretty good sometimes.
run strap around tree, tie rope to strap. done. More time consuming, a bit more work to adjust after set up if required, slightly lighter

I also vote for straps and rings.
***** for the sake of clarification, any time "RINGS" is mentioned in regards to the ones brandon supplies, it should be noted that they are the "triangle doo-dads." (thanks Shug) not round rings******

[MAD777]

Well, it's abundantly clear what my choice will be .. adjustable straps with triangular doo-dads!

Thanks for all your knowledge and experience!

[lori]

I guess I'm not "getting it" but I don't see the difference between the two options. I have the Blackbird with the line/straps and when I see descriptions of the strap option the function appears to be exactly the same as what I have. Put the end around a tree, clip with biner, adjust at the rings, tie a half hitch, done. I never adjust or touch the line.

[Gordzilla]

Then it is not you who is not getting it, but I.
I was under the impression that the line/straps option used no biners or rings. I believed it to be simply a piece of rope attached to the end of the hammock that you tied to the tree strap using knots or hitches, exactly the way you would with a stock hennessy suspension. My bad then, and apologies for any misunderstandings.