I have no desire to start a flame war and this is not directed at any particular post but I see this description being used a lot by both people new to the forums and those who have been around for a while. Yeah I've even used it myself. I have been prompted to wonder... what is that we mean by that. I'm not sure I know. For me I guess it is price. What does it mean to others?
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
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Yes, that is a vague term.
I would tend to agree with you that it's defined by price. i.e. Cheaper hammocks that are not made as well or with all the features of the more expensive models, but that allow someone to try out hammocks without breaking the bank to do it. The starter hammocks may even be used for a long period of time, depending on the model and the user.
There is a lot of gray area in this, though, since people have different cost-considerations. I think that 'starter hammock' might be a sliding scale for each individual, based on their funds and their interest in hammocks in general.
“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
I think any hammock can be entry level. It all depends on one's budget.
“Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it." -Terry Pratchett
I think it might be about price as well. For folks just dipping their toes into the water, they want to see if it's suited to them before they start on the long, (possibly never endingOriginally Posted by Ramblinrev
) road down hammock gear lane.
My 'first' hammock was a Traveler UL; $19.99. Cheap piece of junk, but it sure got me hooked!
First 'camping' hammock was a HH Explorer.
It's just been one after another since then.
So yeah, I'm voting for price being the major factor when people are trying to make the decision. Unless, they are smart enough to come here first.
Trust nobody!
My starter hammock was about price... very simple hammock just to see if I could sleep all night in it... So, like the rest of you,,, HOOKED...
are we talking hammocks, or whitewater kayaks? hehe.
entry level is misleading word for hammock, because there is not really an increase in skill required for any one hammock. sure, there is the proverbial 'learning curve,' but its probably the same with any hammock. Actually, for some cheaper 'entry level' hammocks the learning curve may be higher, because they come with inadequate suspension systems and no ridgelines.
i only reccommend buying a cheapo if you are really concerned about whether or not you will like the hammock. other than that, get a nice one to begin with.
ut ohyou said a paddling word
the very first ever hammock I slept in was the one from Sportsmans Guide. Forgot to mention that hammock probably cost 20.00 if you were a member
Not a good night as it was one of my worst ever nights of sleeping.
Last edited by Ewker; 06-19-2009 at 13:20.
'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.” ― Mark Twain
Who cares about showers, gourmet food, using flush toilets. Just keep on walking and being away from it all.
There are times that the only way you can do something is to do it alone.
seems like there is enough interest that a manufacturer could market a "starter" hammock. I know there are already cheap hammocks out there, but as said, it's not always about price but more about the learning curve.
If someone offered something cheap and simple, maybe throw in a pad and then actually marketed it as a 'starter' I bet they'd sale a ton. Of course, then the modifications begin and you're on the road to endless tinkering.
Then again, there are already endless cheap and simple options available, you just have to actually READ. Just what we need, more products marketed towards the lazy and dumb
Live by the sword, die by the arrow
You can't just leave us hanging (pardon the pun) like this. Was it because of the hammock or the source, or something else?
Edit: I left out my add to the conversation. I do believe features will also play a good part in "entry level". I have spent many many nights hanging without a tarp, or ridgeline, or bugnet. Entry level for me, is a piece of fabric with string. Sportsmans guide sold a Hobo Hammock (2 for $11). Now that was "entry level", and funny enough, my daughter has no problem sleeping in one.
Last edited by Fig; 06-19-2009 at 13:12. Reason: Work interrupted my thoughts.
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