Blackbird XLC with HG cuben fiber or mamajamba??

**brohawk** · 05-27-2014, 18:58

Purchased first hammock Blackbird XLC. Looked through some other post with standard blackbird models but trying to find tarp selection for XLC. Narrowed down to Warbonnet mamajamba or spending the coin and going right to HG cuben fiber standard. Likes, dislikes anyone run these exact combinations?

**silentorpheus** · 05-27-2014, 19:28

Either tarp is a great piece of gear, with pros and cons.

The MJ is a good size, and a good value. Should work just fine with your BB, and give you plenty of coverage. But it's clearly heavier than the HG - by almost 3x. That may be a deal breaker for you, it not matter to you at all, or it may be a compromise you're willing to make. Though for an extra $20 (and +5 oz) you can get the Superfly (a MJ with doors) - something to consider.

The HG is also a great tarp, with good coverage - though slightly smaller overall than the MJ - 8'6" wide as opposed to 10'. You save 9oz of weight, but you pay over $100 more for that benefit. But you get the benefit of having a cool tarp, that's super light, made with cutting edge materials.

Both are extremely well made, both should last you a long time if you take care of them, and both of them should keep their resale value pretty well if you ever decide to upgrade or change setups. it just comes down to what's important, and what you can live with or without.

For example - I have a Superfly. I take it backpacking. I could get the same size and shape, and save at least 10oz, if I were to grab a HG Winter Palace … but I'd rather deal with the 10 oz then spend $400. I'd rather put that money into other areas of my setup. Maybe If I someday find myself with a surplus of cash with nothing else on my wish list, I might get one … but in the meantime, what I have works for me, and I'm content.

Not sure if that helps. Technically I don't have either of the two tarps that you're asking about, so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt.

**silentorpheus** · 05-27-2014, 19:29

Oh, and welcome to the Forums!

**brohawk** · 05-27-2014, 19:48

Thanks for your input. I actually made some money when I sold my Tarptent and am trying to cut some weight. I think I am leaning towards the cuben fiber and be done with it.

**silentorpheus** · 05-27-2014, 20:06

Originally Posted by brohawk

Thanks for your input. I actually made some money when I sold my Tarptent and am trying to cut some weight. I think I am leaning towards the cuben fiber and be done with it.

Makes sense - if you got it, then why not. HG tarps are great: even though I don't own one, I've had the chance to check out plenty up close. Great craftsmanship, and if there's ever a problem, they'll help you out. There are actually a few listed in the For Sale forum right now - one regular without doors, one with doors. Both look to be decent deals. Good luck!

**brohawk** · 05-27-2014, 20:09

Very new at this. Where would I find the for sale forum or area?

**silentorpheus** · 05-27-2014, 20:20

There's two currently for sale:

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-hex-tarp-11ft

and

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...arp-with-doors

Make sure to read and familiarize yourself with the rules of the marketplace section before you participate:

FOR SALE FORUM RULES

Use your best judgement when buying on the forums. Plus side is you can save yourself a little money, and there's little to no wait. Downside is that you can never really know what you're going to get until it shows up - as always, Caveat emptor.